Concerts

After a summer of intense concert-going, I decided I would take stock of all the concerts to which I've ever been.

My first "real" concert ever was Foo Fighters, when i was about 14. It was awesome.
Here is a hopefully comprehensive list, and if I've been more than once, it's noted. In no particular order:
Fleetwood Mac, OAR (2), Jack Johnson (2), Michelle Branch, Pat McGee Band (2), Dave Matthews Band (8), Counting Crows, Live, John Mayer (3), Third Day, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Eric Clapton, Ben Folds (2), Rufus Wainwright, Sarah McLachlan, Maroon 5 (soon to be 2), Ruben Studdard, Coldplay, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Madonna, Jamie Cullum, James Blunt, James Morrison, Ari Hest, The Decemberists, Keane, Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, and Justin Timberlake

What's also cool is that I have kept track of opening bands, and it has been interesting to see how some of them have REALLY exploded:
Matt Nathanson, Ani DiFranco, Stereophonics, Norah Jones, NERD, Queens of the Stone Age
, The Fray, James Ritter, Mat Kearney, Colbie Caillat

I also went to Live 8, which included Kaiser Chiefs, Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Will Smith, Def Leopard, DMB, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, Keith Urban, Jay Z, Destiny's Child, Linkin Park, Stevie Wonder, and Toby Keith

If I had to make a Top 5 list (which is actually pretty hard), I think I would have to divide it by "quality concerts" and "fun concerts." Not that quality concerts can't be fun, but I think there are definitely times when I have a really FUN time and there are times when I leave thinking I saw an awesome musical performance.
By quality:
1) Fleetwood Mac
2) Paul McCartney
3) Billy Joel
4) DMB
5) Justin Timberlake

By fun factor (which is also probably heavily linked with the fact that in all these cases I was either with a large group of people or with one or two really awesome crazy friends):
1) Justin Timberlake
2) DMB
3) Ben Folds
4) Jamie Cullum
5) Live 8

THE single greatest "moment" at any concert I've ever been to was when Will Smith did the Fresh Prince theme song IN Philly at Live 8 and a million people were singing along. It was unbelievable.

Remaining concerts that I really really want to see: Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Aerosmith, and the Rolling Stones. I would also see DMB and Justin Timberlake again, any day of the week.
And this Sunday I'm going to Farm Aid, which includes Counting Crows, Dave and Tim, Willie Nelson, John Mellancamp, Neil Young, Allman Brothers, and Guster. I am pumped. Like woh.

I love concerts, they're honestly one of my favorite things to do. Thankfully I live in a city which is conducive to this hobby. Sweet.