Back in 2014 I got to see Rise Against play at the House of Blues in Boston, which was amazing, and just recently I went to see grandson and K. Flay perform together.
I think these are my two favorite concerts I’ve been to, and the key factor seems to be the energy between the crowd and the band. It’s a thing that’s kinda hard to express in words, but for me that’s definitely what makes a concert go from good to great. It doesn’t need to be a high-energy thing necessarily, either: one of the best moments from grandson’s set was actually a really somber, lower energy song that he came down onto the floor to perform, and you could just tell that everyone was really invested in that moment.
What about you all? What takes a concert to the next level for you?
Loop earplugs, mostly. They’re a game changer.
Energy, presence and the performers just being totally locked in. My favourite gigs, off the top of my head, have been Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Explosions in the Sky, and Too Many Zooz. Each act went on stage knowing exactly what kind of mood they wanted to create and the crowd was totally there for it too. It all coalesced into something intoxicating.
Aaaagh, having even medicare earplugs is honestly a lifesaver for concerts. I love love love the energy of the crowds and seeing a band but i already have mild tinnitus. Don’t need no more of it.