My top ten favourite shows of 2024 in no particular order, except for the first one. That was definitely my favourite of the year.
Again, like last year, I didn't get out to as many shows as I would have liked to, but it was better than 2023. Money being an issue held me back, but the shows I did see were damn good and a lot of fun. Not many club shows this year, hopefully more in 2025.
Without further ado, my list of faves for 2024. all shows in Edmonton unless specified.
* Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at Rogers Place November 19th.
A spiritual experience to be sure. A three hour plus show of awesomeness.
* Robert Plant with Alison Kraus at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 11th
So awesome to see Plant and Krauss perform outdoors on a beautiful summer night. Hearing Plant belt out some re imagined classic Led Zeppelin on the hill was amazing.
* Metallica at Commonwealth Stadium August 25th
The second night of two sold out shows with 55,000 Metallica fans. Both nights were a lot of fun, but this one extra special as I ended up winning Snake Pit Passes for this show. Being in the middle of the stage watching Metallica up and close was a very cool experience.
* The Rolling Stones at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver July 5th
It had been 30 years since I had last seen The Stones in concert, and who knows if I will get another chance. But then I said that 30 years ago too. So good to see Mick, Keith and Ronnie put on a spectacular show.
* Metallica at Commonwealth Stadium August 23rd
The first night of the Metallica weekend takeover was awesome too. With two great bands opening Mammoth WVH and Pantera.
* Trans-Canada Highwaymen at Pure in the Yellowhead Casino March 8th
A super group made up from Canadian musicians Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness), Steven Page (ex Barenaked Ladies member), Chris Murphy (Sloan) and Craig Northey( Odds). Each member doing some songs from their respective bands and some cover songs of old 60-70's classic FM radio songs. A really fun show.
* Boy Golden at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 11th
A musician from Winnipeg that I just recently discovered and am really digging him and his band. Getting to see him play one of the side stages at the folk festival was amazing. He had the audience on the hill up and moving through out his whole set.
* Dave Hause at The Buck October 12th
Always great to see Philadelphia singer-songwriter play live. At the time I wasn't really connecting with his last album, but seeing him perform the songs live and hear the crowd singing along has changed my mind. another great show by Dave.
* Violent Femmes at the Winspear Centre May 8th
It had been 24 years since I last saw the Violent Femmes, so I was excited about seeing them again. This show was the band performing their first two albums in their entirety and then some classics after. A great show.
* Booker T Jones at the Edmonton Blues Festival
So cool to see the legendary Book T of Booker T & The MG's fame. This show was A Stax Revue and a Journey Thru Soul, Blues and R&B. An hour plus of classic songs.
Ok, maybe they are in order of faves. Regardless, a great year of live music. Hoping in 2025 I can afford to get out to more shows and hopefully more club shows that aren't quite as expensive. All and all a fun year. Good times!!!
