December 17, 2023

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The concert year has come to a close for me and it's time to reflect back on the Top Ten concerts that I saw over the past twelve months.  Looking back, I have attended sixty-five shows that have included well over one hundred different artists.  These ones stick out over the others. 

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10.  Duran Duran, Pittsburgh PPG Paints Arena.  These Rock and Roll Hall of Famers still feature four out of the five original band members.  They still look and sound fantastic.  They play the hits and even throw in a couple of deep cuts.

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9.  Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald, Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater,

I have seen the Doobies and I have also seen Michael McDonald solo, however I have never seen the two together.  This past summer that changed and I'm glad I got to hear the full Doobie Brothers catalog.  The only negative is that Tom Johnston wasn't there as he was recovering from surgery. 

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8. Depeche Mode, Cleveland, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse,   Another band I got to check off my bucket list.  The Martin Gore and Dave Gahan brought a high energy show and the band sounded great!  I just can't get enough.

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7.  Steve Miller Band, Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, It was my first time seeing Steve Miller and he did not disappoint!  All of the hits, great band, perfect summer evening.  What an experience.  The man just turned 80 and you wouldn't even know it. 

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6.  John Mellencamp, Playhouse Square, Cleveland  Even though the crowd was a little unruly at the start of the show and John had to put a few people in their place and once even got escorted out, this was a fantastic show.  He told a few stories about the origins of some songs, and his band was on top of their game.  Just a great night of heartland rock and roll.

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5.  Ann Wilson, MGM Center Stage, Northfield  One of the best voices in rock and roll proved once again why she is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  She effortlessly sings with power and emotion.  Her new songs with her new band, Tripsitter fit in great with the classic Heart tunes.

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4.  Peter Gabriel, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland  I saw Peter Gabriel thirty years ago and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen.  This time out, I had to see if his voice still held up and was he still as artistic and dramatic as he was in the past?  The answer is YES.  Although the setlist could have flowed together a little better, overall it was just an incredible show by a living legend.

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3.  Foo Fighters, Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus  Foo Fighter are one of my favorite bands.  This was the first time that I have  seen them since the passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins.  It was a very emotional show for Dave and the band as it was for many in the audience, including me.  The Foos are one of the best rock band out there and they always but on a great show. 

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2.  Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks, Ohio Stadium, Columbus  Two legends on one stage in the same night.  Yes please.  Stevie hit the stage first and filled up her 75 minute set with solo hits, a few cover songs and of course some Fleetwood Mac tunes.  Billy even came out to duet on "Stop Dragging My Heart Around."  Billy Joel then tore the place down and even did "Hang On Sloopy" in the middle of his set.   Just outstanding.

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1.  Taylor Swift, Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati  I took my daughters to see Taylor Swift years ago for the Red tour when she was just going into pop music.  This year I was fortunate to get to take my oldest daughter to see her now that she is a global superstar.  I am not the biggest Swifty, but I have to admit, the woman knows how to put on a show and entertain 60,000 people and act like it's in an intimate setting.  The production, the props, the staging is all top notch.  Taylor deserves all the flowers she has been given this year.

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That's it!  My Top Ten.  I wonder who will make it in 2024.  Some shows that I'm looing forward to already include Sammy Hagar, Red Hot Chili Peppers, KK's Priest, Judas Priest, Bryan Adams and Blackberry Smoke.

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