I’m almost afraid to do the math and figure out how many shows and bands I’ve seen this year. I know that my time spent at local venues easily trumps my time spent at home but at least I can say I am truly living the dream! With so many shows this year, picking my top five was damn near impossible but here’s my best stab at it–
5- AFI at First Avenue
Okay- full disclosure- this wasn’t an absolutely jaw dropping performance but it was more the fact that after worshiping this band for years, I finally got to see them. Seeing Davey Havok perform live was absolutely amazing and, yes, I’m still going to marry him. Sometimes nostalgia is all you need in order to make a show turn into the best show of the year and that’s exactly what this one did. Being able to scream along to those songs I used to blast in my room during my angsty teenage years was beyond amazing.
4- Grant Hart at The Hook & Ladder Theater
Grant Hart was, and always will be a legend. As a founding member of Husker Du, Grant truly made a name for himself not just locally, but worldwide. With his health failing him, there was a celebration of life held for Grant just a couple of weeks before his passing. I will always remember the feeling in the room as Grant performed for, what would end up being, the last time. The way the music community came together to celebrate this man was one of the most beautiful moments I experienced all year. His last words in the microphone were “We’ll see you a bit further down the trail.” The beauty of that statement will stick with me for life and may even be worthy of a tattoo in the near future.
3- Billy Joel at Target Field
As much as I like to pretend I’m this hardcore metal-head, there’s no denying my love for Billy Joel. As an avid piano player, I idolize the guy and being able to see him live was a life changing experience. There wasn’t a mosh pit and no broken bones to count but the way he played hit after hit was more than enough excitement to keep this show in my top five of the year.
2- Gwar at First Avenue
First off, Gwar is always amazing live. Having seen them four times this year and over thirty times in my lifetime, I can say with certainty that their November show at First Avenue was the best one I’ve ever been to. It seemed like there was more blood than ever before and the crowd, although small in size, was mighty in energy. I could go see this band every night of my life and not get bored with it. The theatrics and fast-paced music always make for a good time and, yes, my car seats are still stained red from this show in particular.
1- Dillinger Four at Triple Rock
Not only was this my favorite show of the year, it was also the most devastating show of my life to date. It was the last show to ever be held at The Triple Rock Social Club which had become my home away from home. As a place for the misfits and punks, The Triple Rock always welcomed me with open arms no matter how happy, sad, mad, or even drunk I was. Being able to see Dillinger Four (the guitarist and his wife were the owners of the legendary venue) play the last note that will ever ring through the speakers in that venue was enough to make me tear up. With my brother and good friend Jessica (who happens to be a writer/photographer for TCM) by my side, we walked out of The Triple Rock for the last time. Although there were plenty of tears on the walk back to the car, that was a hell of a show to close out a hell of a venue with and that experience will forever be in my mind.
