So, I’ve been to hundreds of shows and seen hundreds and hundreds of bands play. While some might think that’s crazy, I think it’s very cool that I’ve been able to follow my passion so closely for so many years.
However, even after all the late nights in loud venues and sweltering days at summer festivals I’ve spent listening to live music, there’s still some bands that I just haven’t really seen yet. I think about these bands…my proverbial “bucket list”….in my head all the time, and get very, VERY excited when I get to check something off. So, I figured I’d jot down some bucket list shows so I don’t forget any of them. Plus, this gives me a list, and if you know anything about me, you know that crossing things off of a list is very satisfying to me. 🙂
These are my (mostly) realistic bucket list shows – shows that could actually happen – that are spinning around in my head. You’ll note an interesting trend – most of them are on the rock to hard rock end of the spectrum, while I listen to nearly 100% metal at this stage in my life. I think the reason for this is that believe it or not, I have seen most every band touring at this point, so these are mostly older bands that I listened to earlier in my life (before I got into the harder music) that I have always liked but never been able to see live. Here it goes!
Green Day
I’ll start with an easy one. I’ve always wanted to see BJA and the gang tear up a venue, and to this day haven’t been able to. Thanks to his brief rehab stint earlier this year, the tickets we bought for a show in Chicago were rendered useless, so they go back on the list.
System of a Down
I’ve heard mixed reviews of the SOAD shows, and several people that know they are on my bucket list have told me that it’s not worth it. However, I’m an “experience everything once” kind of guy, and hearing old favorites from a band that got me interested in harder music in high school is too hard for me to pass up. I have to hear Serj screaming DISORDER at some point in my life.
Killswitch Engage (with Jesse)
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve seen KSE 5 or 6 times, and they are one of my favorite bands. However, I have ALWAYS wished that I could see them with the original singer (even though I loved Howard Jones). The impossible happened last year, as Adam D and Jesse hooked up for an album under the name Times of Grace, and then ultimately Jesse ended up joining KSE after Howard left. Now they are out touring, and I can’t WAIT to catch a show. CHECK!!
Tool
I am not that big of a Tool fan. There, I said it. I have a friend from Cincinnati that would slap me if I said that in front of him. However, Keenan and gang are legends, and I certainly don’t doubt their ability and influence on music. I think a big reason I’ve never been able to relate that well to their music is that I’ve never seen a live show. Not sure how I’ve missed them all these years, but somehow I have. A live show would give me the opportunity to tell if they really just aren’t my thing, or if I just relate to bands so much better after I see them live (which I know to be true to an extent).
Muse
I am a huge Muse fan, and I’ve heard from several people that they put on one of the best shows ever. I think seeing them live would be the chance of a lifetime, as they don’t play incredibly often in the US. Maybe download one year? 🙂 CHECK!!
Sixx: A.M.
Sixx has repeatedly said this is never going to happen, but I still think there is a chance. They are getting wildly popular, and have some truly great songs. Life is Beautiful is a bit of a theme song for me, and catching it live is definitely on my list.
Breaking Benjamin
This is about as unrealistic as I get on this list. They have been one of my favorites since I was a kid, and I still sing Polyamorous in the shower about twice a week. (Hope you enjoy that mental picture). Lead singer Benjamin Burnley is currently in what seems to me like an 8th grade girl temper tantrum fight with his other two bandmates over some royalties and thus they have split “permanently”. I put quotes around permanently because I think its stupid and I hope its not true. Usually in these scenarios, bands read my blog, change their ways, and do what I say. I’m looking at you Breaking Benjamin.
Shaman’s Harvest
I saw Shaman’s Harvest at Rock on the Range in 2010, and they COMPLETELY blew me away. I absolutely loved it. They have had a CD on the cusp of release for over a year now, and my anticipation is boiling. I can’t wait. Heres hoping they tour with that new album!
Aranda
One of my favorite bands, but I’ve only been able to catch them at huge festivals where they play 5 songs on a tiny side stage. Would love to see them headline a small venue and play a full set.
Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl and gang put on a hell of a show. How many more times can I watch them live at Wembley on Palladia? I just want to see it for myself.
O.A.R.
This band takes me back to a time of my life where I made a lot of bad decisions. It was a great time of my life. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to see this band live for 15 years.