During a recent conversation with a customer about music I mentioned that I had recently been to see Pearl Jam in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. We then got onto the topic of the best concerts we have ever been to. While I can’t decide on a particular order to place these concerts here are my top five.
Some of these bands I’ve seen more than once so it’s hard to differentiate between each concert.
The Foo Fighters, Rock en Seine festival, Paris 2011 & Tennents Vital festival, Belfast 2012
Unquestionably my favorite band and the second time I seen the Foos I went with one of my best friends, we drove for about four hours to get to the gig, I had a couple of beers but we were sober for the whole thing and we rocked our hearts out for a three hour gig then made the long journey home afterwards. An unforgettable night.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The 02, Dublin 2011 & Croke Park, Dublin 2012
The first time I seen the Chilis I went with the same guy I went to the foo fighters concert with. The second I went with my dad and brother as a Father’s Day gift. Each time I seen them they were electric, what a gig. Such energy and enthusiasm from these guys after all those years, the kind of band you have to see live.
Vampire Weekend, Oxegen festival, Kildare 2010
A rainy summers day did not dampen the spirits of this indie rock outfit. This show stands out from all the other artists I seen that weekend and have seen since. Unfortunately they have not returned to Ireland since. A relatively new band at the time of the show they had only released their second album, since then they have released one more. Absolutely a band you have to listen to.
Imagine Dragons, The Olympia, Dublin 2013
According to their bio the imagine dragons are an alternative pop band, and listening to their album you could say that. But after this gig with just over 1000 people I would say they are a bit more rockier than they get credit for because these guys were phenomenal they absolutely blew the roof off of the minute Olympia theater. My favorite thing about this gig was how much they would jam and improvise, and for me this is what made such a remarkable show.
U2, Croke Park, Dublin 2005 & 2009
Each time I seen U2 in concert they were amazing. The first time my Dad took me and the second time I went with my whole family so I have great memories of these concerts. U2 are one of those bands with countless classic songs so when you hear some of these ballads live there is a certain awe to it.
So that’s it. My top five concerts, although I’ve actually included eight. I would love to hear what you guys think in the comments section. Tell me about the best concert you’ve ever been to. Dan.
Daniel Phillips 