Happy National Concert Day! Or was it yesterday? Either way, I hope you all have a show to go to tonight to celebrate!
I’ve been to many shows over the years living in New York City, but so far, only five have totally mesmerized me and kind of left me with a serious case of PCD (Post-Concert Depression) even years later. At shows, I am either two things: A) So caught up in what’s going on onstage that I’m either staring intently, unable to move (or shedding a few tears during the important songs) or B) Trying to find a space to move around and let loose. Mostly A, though. 😉
Seeing a band you spend hours listening to in your bedroom gives you such a rush, and it reminds me that there is an entire world out there of others who connect to the same songs I do but on different levels, which is what music is supposed to be about. I love observing my surroundings at a show and seeing other fans engaging with the band, rather than just attending just to be a part of some scene.
The next five shows have been carefully handpicked from my collection of ticket stubs. They made me cry, laugh, hope, dream, wish, smile, and most of all, feel something. I hope you all have memories of shows that have done just that and more for you.
5. Echosmith – Marlin Room at Webster Hall – 11.14.14
– I had been following Echosmith ever since they graced my home of BUZZNET in late May 2013. Seeing them live, (to a sold out crowd, no less) was so inspiring and I am so proud of how far they have come. I’ll never forget how respectful that crowd was and how much I missed being a kid who just wanted to witness live music for the first time.
4. LIGHTS – Irving Plaza – 10.29.14
– This was the second time I saw LIGHTS and it was definitely the best. She has a way of reeling me in and helping me learn about myself through her music. She’s such a delight to see live with a bubbling personality that could kill even the grumpiest of crowd goers. It’s all about the lyrics with her and how she tells little background stories about the songs is one of my favorite things about seeing her live.
3. Broods – Irving Plaza – 3.25.15
– Seeing Broods was a rather spiritual experience. I think I lost myself completely during “Evergreen” and haven’t fully come down yet. I hope I never do. See them live for yourself and you’ll know what I mean. It was also the night that I purchased the domain for this site so to say I was feeling all the feels is an understatement. 🙂
2. The xx – Radio City Music Hall – 9.23.13
– Talk about spiritual experiences! I got so spoiled at this show, with Radio City’s plush red velvet seating and fantastic stage view, I felt like it was the 2000 MTV VMA’s, only much calmer and classier. I cannot express my love for this London trio. The lighting, the effects, everything was so top notch. I don’t think I can ever compare their shows to any other band’s.
1. Garbage – Webster Hall – 5.22.12
– The moment I snagged a ticket to see my favorite band in all of existence back in 2012, I couldn’t contain myself. I was so close to the stage that I’m pretty sure Shirley Manson could have wiped my happy tears away. I will never be able to put into words how seeing them live for the first time made me feel. Garbage changed everything for me as a 14 year-old awkward loner. Their song, “The Trick Is To Keep Breathing,” was a game changer back then, as it is today, and hearing that one live utterly shattered me and glued me back together. I owe it all to Ms. Manson and I am counting down the days until they announce a 20th Anniversary show date in NY.
