What do you like in a live performance?

[borateen]

I don't go to a concert just to hear the songs played. If I just wanted to hear the songs, I'd listen to the CD. I like being entertained if I'm spending (sometimes) gobs of money to see a concert. I like to hear songs I wouldn't normally hear the group/performer sing. I want the performer to interact with the audience a bit. Granted, that's a bit difficult to do if you're playing in a big stadium or amphitheater, but it's doable.

Right now I'm listening to a live show by Mike Doughty (lead singer of Soul Coughing) and it's great. It sounds like it's in a club or similarly small venue, so it's easier to just sit and talk with the audience, but you can tell he's having fun, and so is the audience. He's telling stories, talking about songs, interacting...I feel he's giving the crowd their money's worth.

People I've found are excellent live performers are:

Harry Connick, Jr.
Self
Incubus
Mike Doughty
Better Than Ezra
Cowboy Mouth (one of the most frenzied shows I've ever seen)

How do YOU get your money's worth from a concert? What do you expect/want from a performer? Who falls in this category for you?

[jessecuster3]

I don't normally care about audience chit-chat, I want to hear the songs I love, but embellished or changed in a way.


I want longer solos, more jams, and when they play my favorite song I hope it will last 10 minutes. However, there is a very fine line between a tight cohesive jam and "noodling", I hate "noodlers".

Fun random covers are great also. I had never heard of the Dresden Dolls before I saw them. While I liked the first few songs I heard, it was their cover Black Sabbath's War Pigs, immediately followed by a cover of Britney Spears' Hit Me one More Time that cemented how great they were.


I guess I just look for something really unique. I saw the Eels a few years ago, they opened with some Missy Elliot song and then never even played one of my favorites, their biggest hit Novocaine For Your Soul, the show ended and the lights came up, but about half the crowd hadnt left yet. The drummer came on stage and began pounding out the beginning of Novocaine For Your Soul, the audience remaining began singing it along with him and at its conclusion the rest of the band came back out and performed 3 more songs. Above and beyond what I could have ever asked for.

[borateen]

I don't normally care about audience chit-chat, I want to hear the songs I love, but embellished or changed in a way.


I want longer solos, more jams, and when they play my favorite song I hope it will last 10 minutes. However, there is a very fine line between a tight cohesive jam and "noodling", I hate "noodlers".

Fun random covers are great also. I had never heard of the Dresden Dolls before I saw them. While I liked the first few songs I heard, it was their cover Black Sabbath's War Pigs, immediately followed by a cover of Britney Spears' Hit Me one More Time that cemented how great they were.


I guess I just look for something really unique. I saw the Eels a few years ago, they opened with some Missy Elliot song and then never even played one of my favorites, their biggest hit Novocaine For Your Soul, the show ended and the lights came up, but about half the crowd hadnt left yet. The drummer came on stage and began pounding out the beginning of Novocaine For Your Soul, the audience remaining began singing it along with him and at its conclusion the rest of the band came back out and performed 3 more songs. Above and beyond what I could have ever asked for.

See, all that sounds awesome. I don't understand people who go to concerts and expect to hear the songs from the CDs played exactly like they sound on the CD. What's the point? To say you saw them live?

Chit chat works extremely well for an intimate setting such as a small club or even smaller. It's more intimate. But for big shows, yeah, the chit chat doesn't work.

[elheffe]

I go to a lot of live shows. Sometimes it's to see someone I haven't heard before but heard good things about. Sometimes I go to see or hear the artist play my favorite songs of theirs. By going to shows I'm supporting bands and music I like.
For whatever reason, it's always interesting to see someone live. It shows a insight into the performer. Sometimes a live show will make me change my mind about a song I didn't like until I heard it live. You will meet people with the same musical taste as you.
9 times out of 10, I'd rather see a concert then watch whatever's on TV that night.

[borateen]

I go to a lot of live shows. Sometimes it's to see someone I haven't heard before but heard good things about. Sometimes I go to see or hear the artist play my favorite songs of theirs. By going to shows I'm supporting bands and music I like.
For whatever reason, it's always interesting to see someone live. It shows a insight into the performer. Sometimes a live show will make me change my mind about a song I didn't like until I heard it live. You will meet people with the same musical taste as you.
9 times out of 10, I'd rather see a concert then watch whatever's on TV that night.

All good reasons. I totally forgot about the band support aspect. Before having kids, there were only a couple of bands that I would HAVE to see every time they were in town (Better than Ezra and Self being the two primary ones), and it while they give some truly outstanding performances, I'm there to support them. I'll also try and pick up a sticker or t-shirt or something to also throw some money their way.

[DennyK]

If I'm going to see a band in concert, I'd prefer to see the original line-up, but that's not always possible. I like to hear my favorite songs, but when one goes to see their favorite band, it's pretty likely they like so many songs that there's no chance the band will actually wind up playing all the songs you want to hear. I also like to be suprised and hear the band/artist do a cover version of somebody else's song, I've always enjoyed that. Finally, I'd like to hear one song of said band/artist that is going to be on their next album. With that being the case, I've never been disappointed when I went to see Cheap Trick or Joe Satriani in concert.

[Dan Apodaca]

I like it when it feels like there's sincerity in the performance. I'm not really interested in the guys who "put on a show", and try to make a big spectacle of themselves. I just want to see someone expressing themselves through music, in a way that they can't otherwise.

[Ilash]

Well, looking at the Who's Live at Leeds as the ultimate blueprint for what great live music should sound like, here's some pointers on what makes a great live performance:

1) You can't usually can't reproduce what was done in the studio so don't even try.

2) Replace the subtlety that can be found in a studio performance with the sort of immediacy and energy that can only be found in a live version.

3) Stage banter is great but try and keep it witty and entertaining.

4) Jamming is generally much more acceptable in a live setting than a studio one but keep them interesting damnit. Use the My Generation jam off of Leeds for a good example of this.

5) SING! I know this sounds obvious but all too often the singing really hurts the overall performance of a song in concert (yes, I'm talking to you Mr Jagger - well sometimes anyway). I understand that it's difficult to reproduce a great studio vocal in a live performance but that's no excuse for phoning it in.

6) Sloppiness could be fun but the true great live bands are tight enough that the various msuicians in a band can follow one another, no matter what tangent they go off on.

7) As far as radically different takes on the studio version goes, well there are two instances when I think that this is best done. A) See note number 2 above and B) if the new take on the song is a valid alternate cut that doesn't lose the meaning of the original (Magic Bus being a good example of this).

And of course when it comes to live music with visuals putting on a good show is a must (as in not just standing around in one spot) but the visual aspects should preferably not negatively affect the actual performance.

[Dan Apodaca]

1) You can't usually can't reproduce what was done in the studio so don't even try.

Radiohead's live performances seem to indicate otherwise.

[Cody H]

Besides energy, a raucous crowd, and little bit of interaction with the audience, I'm a sucker for unexpected covers.

[Ilash]

Radiohead's live performances seem to indicate otherwise.

Crap, you've got me there. Of course I've always found Radiohead too "intellectual" and too mopey to really be a contender as a live band, professional and intense as they may well be. Mind you, the mopiness has put me off the band in general. They can clearly write some fine melodies (see especially the ballads on The Bends and most of OK Computer) but there's only so much whining that I can take.

[Ilash]

I like it when it feels like there's sincerity in the performance. I'm not really interested in the guys who "put on a show", and try to make a big spectacle of themselves. I just want to see someone expressing themselves through music, in a way that they can't otherwise.

And now here's where I dissagree with you. Well okay, of course sincerity is tremendously important but truly don't think a performance can get by on that alone. Case in point: I was watching Leno last night and he had Gomez on and well, let's just say that their performance didn't make me want to rush out and look into any of their stuff. Sure enough, the lead singer looked REAL sincere - eyes closed with a constipated expression and everything - but other than that the performance was beyond irredeemable. I honestly could not find one thing to like about the song: the melody was hardly even there, the rythm section was clumsy and sluggish, the guitar playing was done in that boring, random strumming style that I hate oh so much. Was it sincere? Yeah, probably but that don't make it any good.

[Ilash]

Also, I have just thought of one or two other things that I look for in a live performance. A selection of hits is great but I like some deeper cuts too - and yeah, some covers are nice too. And, specifically with bands at least, I like my live performances to be energetic.

Speaking of which, I do think that most of my points above refer more to a band performance than just a guy/ girl and a guitar. In this case, interaction with the audience is a must and here personality plays a pretty big part. This setup is also by its very nature pretty intimate so emotional resonance (which can just as easily be fun and inviting as brutally honest and anguished!) and a strong performance are a must.

[clayholio]

Besides energy, a raucous crowd, and little bit of interaction with the audience, I'm a sucker for unexpected covers.
I also love the random cover songs. Usually, I'd say that a band will have a hard time replicating their live performances in a studio (and not the other way around), so I consider a concert to be the natural habitat for music. Albums rarely match the energy and intensity of a good live performance.

Also, it's fun to listen to a good band in a really big room with an enthusiastic audience on the hugest sound system ever.

[twilight]

I like to see a lot of energy and talking with the crowd and audience participation gets a thumbs up from me.

[Voncaster]

I like to be entertained. There is any number of routs a band can take in a live performance and still have it be a great experience. Here are two of my favorite live performers to illustrate my point:

Pearl Jam
Unique setlists at every show. LONG shows with two or three encores. Very stripped down stage presence. No video monitors or lazers or flames. Just the band and the music. Probably my favorite live band.

Merilyn Manson
King of theatrics. Costume changes, smoke, video, ear-bleeding volume, hyped crowd members...its too much to take in all at once...which I would guess is the idea. Manson's setlists are scripted, and the shows are somewhat short, but I almost always feel I get my monies worth during the spectacle.

I think generally its easier to have a good show at small venue, but big arena's are capapble of putting on good shows too.

One of my pet peeves of live shows is when bands devote too much time to their new material. Its okay to hear the new stuff, and thats why the band is on tour, but don't neglect old favorites or past albums all toghether. A careful balance is what I like for shows – not all new stuff, but not all old stuff either...a good mix.

[howyadoin]

In the words of the Godfathers - I want everything, and I want it now.

[the film freak]

I like to see a lot of energy and talking with the crowd and audience participation gets a thumbs up from me.

I'm not big on stage banter. Little goes a long way. I paid to hear you play music not chat about whatever is on your mind.

[howyadoin]

I'm not big on stage banter. Little goes a long way. I paid to hear you play music not chat about whatever is on your mind.I'd say it depends on specifically what you have to say. But generally, brevity is good. Especially in a big arena show, where people can only make out half of what you're saying anyway.

[the film freak]

I'd say it depends on specifically what you have to say. But generally, brevity is good. Especially in a big arena show, where people can only make out half of what you're saying anyway.

It's good if you want to keep things lively between songs. But once you get into long stories about the story behind the song or whatever then it gets kind of tedious. And yeah most of the time they can't hear you.

[the film freak]

Crap, you've got me there. Of course I've always found Radiohead too "intellectual" and too mopey to really be a contender as a live band, professional and intense as they may well be. Mind you, the mopiness has put me off the band in general. They can clearly write some fine melodies (see especially the ballads on The Bends and most of OK Computer) but there's only so much whining that I can take.

Have you seen them live? And watching them on TV doesn't count.

[redlantern2051]

For me, the master of the live show is Chris Isaak.

Plays his hits, is a laugh, tells a funny story, but always backs it up with a good joke and then straight back to the song. There may be bigger stars, but this guy knows how to please an audience. And when he comes in his mirror-suit for the encore it's awesome!!!

I am not a big fan of long instrumentals BTW. I can see they are good, but I personally get bored.

[Ilash]

Have you seen them live? And watching them on TV doesn't count.

Yeah, it's just a case of seeing them on TV or hearing some live stuff but then I've never actually been to a live concert seeing as how none of the bands that I would really like to see have ever come to this country - or at least not since I've been interested in their music. All of my comments were regarding live albums or, better yet, DVDs.

[the film freak]

Yeah, it's just a case of seeing them on TV or hearing some live stuff but then I've never actually been to a live concert seeing as how none of the bands that I would really like to see have ever come to this country - or at least not since I've been interested in their music. All of my comments were regarding live albums or, better yet, DVDs.

That's unfortunate. Going to a show is a different experience. A recording can only capture so much. Even a live recording. Live recordings lack context. It's like listening to a party behind a closed doors. It's a whole lot more fun when you're there.

I've seen Radiohead twice and I have to say they are one of those rare bands that sound better then the CD. They are a lot more energetic live and more willing to fiddle how the song is played. There's songs that I didn't quite love on the CDs that won me over when I heard them play live.

[DonC]

I like to be entertained. There is any number of routs a band can take in a live performance and still have it be a great experience. Here are two of my favorite live performers to illustrate my point:

Pearl Jam
Unique setlists at every show. LONG shows with two or three encores. Very stripped down stage presence. No video monitors or lazers or flames. Just the band and the music. Probably my favorite live band.


I'd avoid their current tour if you don't like lasers. Still, a great concert.

As for me, I'd like to see a good show. It's kind of hard for me to describe what that is, though, because it varies from band to band. For Iron Maiden, for example, I want to see a big, epic show. I'm not saying bring out Eddie for every song, but make it large. Maiden is an arena-rock type of band. Fill that arena. Less banter and more music. And for god's sake, don't do that dumbass thing where you split the audience in half and see which side can yell the loudest. I hate that.

On the other end of the spectrum is a band like Overkill. They play small clubs so it's more intimate. Banter away with the crowd. Tell that story about how you called a guy a cunt for saying metal was so 1980s. Stuff like that goes over better in a small setting. Also, get down there and shake some hands; maybe throw in a stage dive. The point is, you're right on top of the audience, use that.

[scratchie]

Radiohead's live performances seem to indicate otherwise.Certainly there are plenty of bands out there who can reproduce their studio performances, with or without backing tapes or extra musicians.

The key is, bands like Radiohead take their studio performances as a starting point, and then head for the stratosphere. They are, IMO, one of the best "big" bands out there right now (and I do mean "out there") and the way they'll take a song like "Everything in its Right Place" and extend it with a five-minute feedback-and-tape-loops jam at the end is exactly what the essence of live performance should be. Like, say, Pink Floyd, they're capable of reproducing what they do in the studio, but unlike Pink Floyd, they're not content to leave it at that.

[howyadoin]

I've seen Radiohead twice and I have to say they are one of those rare bands that sound better then the CD. They are a lot more energetic live and more willing to fiddle how the song is played.I'll second that. I saw them in a bar in 97, and it was almost mind-blowing how trippy and psychedelic they were. Definitely a very powerful experience.

[Dan Apodaca]

Certainly there are plenty of bands out there who can reproduce their studio performances, with or without backing tapes or extra musicians.

The key is, bands like Radiohead take their studio performances as a starting point, and then head for the stratosphere. They are, IMO, one of the best "big" bands out there right now (and I do mean "out there") and the way they'll take a song like "Everything in its Right Place" and extend it with a five-minute feedback-and-tape-loops jam at the end is exactly what the essence of live performance should be. Like, say, Pink Floyd, they're capable of reproducing what they do in the studio, but unlike Pink Floyd, they're not content to leave it at that.

I know these posts are frowned upon, but I agree with everything you say, here.

[scratchie]

One thing I'm not sure has been mentioned yet;

When I see an artist with an extensive back catalog, I'd like to be surprised. I'd like to see them pull out something a little bit obscure. I understand that they're probably going to play the hits, and I understand that they're probably going to want to play a lot of new material. But for someone with a lot of material to pull from, if I don't see at least one song that make me say "Wow, I wasn't expecting that!", I'm a little disappointed.

Two examples of this are David Bowie and Peter Gabriel. Although both of them put on great shows overall, with top-notch musicianship and plenty of spectacle, in the end, I walked away a little disappointed (I've seen Bowie once and Gabriel twice, although the most recent of those three shows was about 20 years ago).

In Bowie's case, the only "obscure" old songs he did were the exact same ones he did on his "Stage" live album (one or two songs from "Low"). In Gabriel's case, the second time I saw him (three years after the first), the songs he did that weren't off his current album were virtually identical at both shows. Both of those guys have enough material that they should have been able to throw a dart at a songlist or something and pick ONE slightly-obscure older number to please the hardcore fans.

As a counter-example, although I've never seen him live, a few years ago I picked up a handful of Elton John bootlegs from the 70s. I noticed that in each case, he would open the show with a big hit, and follow it up with an obscure album track. As the kids say, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

[Voncaster]

I'd avoid their current tour if you don't like lasers. Still, a great concert.

I went to the second St.Paul show. It was devoid of any lazers as far as I can remember.

To your point about metal shows...I totally agree. Metal shows are great fun when they're big and over the top.

[DonC]

I went to the second St.Paul show. It was devoid of any lazers as far as I can remember.


Their Cleveland show had lasers. I was thinking, "What the fuck...?" 'cause Pearl Jam is known for just going out on stage and playing. No theatrics or anything.

[Shellhead]

I don't do the big arena shows anymore, because the sound quality is usually disappointing, too loud and not good enough. However, when I saw Pink Floyd in '87, they had exceptional sound quality... it was like there were high quality speakers everywhere, for an amazing distribution of beautiful sound. That was a good arena show in general, with a great light show, big screen videos and even a "flying bed" to distract from the fact that the musicians themselves weren't doing anything except just playing their instruments well. That concert would have been perfect except for surprise intermission after somebody took a fatal fall from the upper deck.

Instead, the Red Elvises reliably deliver what I consider the best possible live performance. They play a small venue, small enough that you can see the faces of everybody on stage from almost anywhere in the club. They are exceptional and versatile musicians, who rotate from instrument to instrument during every set. During the drum "solo", the whole band grabs sticks and goes to work on the drum kit together, which is both funny and amazing. Besides, surf rock mixed with russian influences just rocks in terms of live music.

The Red Elvises also do some good audience interaction on certain songs, like the song where the band sings "We're gonna rock this joint" and then the audience sings "We're gonna roll this joint." They say funny things between songs, and between sets, they go out in the audience and socialize with the fans. One time I was talking with Oleg during the intermission when he asked me about the World Series (a baseball game was on the screen over the bar). I told him that the two best American or Canadian teams play and they call it the "World" Series, and he thought that was pretty funny. Not as funny as watching him play an absurdly over-sized bass like this:

http://www.redelvises.com/photos0502/suzieOlegBelly.jpg

One other thing that I like to see at a live show is something spontaneous and memorable. I will never forget seeing Courtney Love performing at Twisted Christmas in the mid-90's. She sang well, but she was out of control between songs, destroying one of the artificial Christmas trees on stage and then dragging around a piece of it during the next song. She said some pretty messed up things, too, talking about how she used to wet her pants in grade school.

[Ilash]

That's unfortunate. Going to a show is a different experience. A recording can only capture so much. Even a live recording. Live recordings lack context. It's like listening to a party behind a closed doors. It's a whole lot more fun when you're there.

I've seen Radiohead twice and I have to say they are one of those rare bands that sound better then the CD. They are a lot more energetic live and more willing to fiddle how the song is played. There's songs that I didn't quite love on the CDs that won me over when I heard them play live.

Yeah, I would imagine that is the case. I have heard music played live mind you, just not an actual "rock concert".

[Night]

I tend to have a better time with small unknowns than the big names as far as live shows go.

1. A real live performance. If I want a studio version, I'll buy a CD. I want alternate versions of some songs, maybe an acoustic here and there. I’ll make a note here that I’ve seen Blue Man Group put on a real live performance without having live tracks.

2. Decent timing. Not expecting a studio performance (see #1) but at least have some sense of timing, especially on your own songs. Sure mistakes and miscues are bound to happen, but they shouldn’t be the norm if you’re a professional.

3. Sound Quality. I want it loud enough to hear over the person next to me. However, if you're going to do loud, have the equipment to back it up. Get the mix right.

4. A good sense of humor. This can turn a bad event into an amusing story to tell others. Also if you add a little humor to you banter it gets the audience involved.

5. Good Climate. If the outside climate is bad seek an indoor venue if you can possibly do it. People aren’t going to want to jump up and down a lot in 100 degree 100% humidity weather. It’ll affect the bands performance as well.

6. Energy, Energy, Energy. Shows live or die by it.

[howyadoin]

Yeah, I would imagine that is the case. I have heard music played live mind you, just not an actual "rock concert".Damn, man. You need to move.

[the film freak]

One thing I'm not sure has been mentioned yet;

When I see an artist with an extensive back catalog, I'd like to be surprised. I'd like to see them pull out something a little bit obscure. I understand that they're probably going to play the hits, and I understand that they're probably going to want to play a lot of new material. But for someone with a lot of material to pull from, if I don't see at least one song that make me say "Wow, I wasn't expecting that!", I'm a little disappointed.

Two examples of this are David Bowie and Peter Gabriel. Although both of them put on great shows overall, with top-notch musicianship and plenty of spectacle, in the end, I walked away a little disappointed (I've seen Bowie once and Gabriel twice, although the most recent of those three shows was about 20 years ago).

In Bowie's case, the only "obscure" old songs he did were the exact same ones he did on his "Stage" live album (one or two songs from "Low"). In Gabriel's case, the second time I saw him (three years after the first), the songs he did that weren't off his current album were virtually identical at both shows. Both of those guys have enough material that they should have been able to throw a dart at a songlist or something and pick ONE slightly-obscure older number to please the hardcore fans.

As a counter-example, although I've never seen him live, a few years ago I picked up a handful of Elton John bootlegs from the 70s. I noticed that in each case, he would open the show with a big hit, and follow it up with an obscure album track. As the kids say, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Yeah a number of my favorite live bands don't have a regular setlist. Another cool thing about Radiohead might I add.

Yo La Tengo have a large song catalog but also do a lot of covers. So it's always fun to see them live. I keep missing their infamous Channakah shows.

[scratchie]

Yeah a number of my favorite live bands don't have a regular setlist. Another cool thing about Radiohead might I add. That's always the best, but I don't expect that of every touring act. A lot of performers feel more comfortable with a standard "show" that they put on every night, and if that allows them to put on the best performance, more power to them. I just don't want to see the "new album + the same four old songs" every time I see them.


Yo La Tengo have a large song catalog but also do a lot of covers. So it's always fun to see them live. I keep missing their infamous Channakah shows.I just started listening to a lot of these guys (with my typical knack for being 10-20 years behind the times). I really wanted to go see them last week but then wound up getting a gig of my own that night.

[Ayo]

Punk shows:

-please introduce yourself and outroduce yourself. There are at least five bands on the bill, give me a break.

-please make sure that I can hear your vocals. Because most of the time, it's all sndSKMLffnK:Nd;!!!!!!!

-You don't need to soundcheck for twenty minutes. Seriously.

-Keep it short. There are at least five bands on the bill, give me a break.

-the rest is up to the crowd, fuck the band.

For the crowd:

-pushing, shoving is okay in the pit/up front but intentionally shoving the people who are on the side and in the back is just showing your jock side. For the record, none of those people think you're "punk." They think you're a Republican.

-Giving me dirty looks or trying to make fun of me because I clapped for a band doesn't make you more punk than me; it shows me that you're a sheep who can't appreciate anything besides "name-brand punk." Sometimes opening bands are good. Get off my back, loser.




Rap shows:

-do not let your friends rap. They can support your vocals, but rapping alongside you for every word is awful. This is hip hop, not barbershop.

-DJs should do something.

-do not change the chorus of your song to "when I say ___ you say____." I will not play along, that's dumb.

-do not instruct me to put my hands up. If you want people to throw their hands up, try being good. I remember at the Aesop Rock record release show last year, when Cage's set started, as soon as his intro music played and Cage took the stage, the whole crowd threw their hands up. That's called "respect." If you cannot command respect without asking for it, you cannot have any.

-Most of the time, you are manipulating pre-recorded music. Therefore, you must find other ways to improvise. Unexpected samples are a good way to do this. RJD2, DJ Eclipse, DJ Big Wiz, Ant, Cut Chemist and DJ Nu-Mark are good at this.

-Don't just stand there. At least be a little animated if standing in place is your schtick. MF DOOM stood in place for his entire set when I saw him. But he has a magnetic personality, a stage presence. He gestures, his vocal tone is animated...there's ways to not be boring.

-Don't add MORE curse words to your songs when you perform live. Try some English. I'll lend you a thesaurus if you need it.

-Make fun of the asses in the front row. Most of the time, they deserve it.

-Do not insult the soundman. I mean, they work their asses off and they do the best they can. Fuck you, rapper; all you have to do is rap. He has to listen to a whole night of your bullshit. No attitudes in general. I saw a half-decent underground rap/rock show that was RUINED when the rapper-lady insulted the soundman. My friend and I were there the whole night and that soundman had to listen to some of the WORST music...and then get insulted by some arrogant ass rapper. Disgusting.






All in all: I like live music, and it gets better and more fun as time goes on. Certain things are annoying, but it gives us something to make fun of on the way home.