A look at the Top 10 (ish) favorite Atlanta concerts of 2011
Having the opportunity to attend 40-plus shows in 2011 is something I view as a privilege. All of the downloaded songs on the planet can’t compare with a live concert, from the second the lights snap off to the final encore.
As with any list, it’s tough narrowing anything you love down to just a few. This one, of my favorite 10 concerts of 2011, could just as easily included Cyndi Lauper at Cobb Energy Center, Paul Simon at Chastain, Keith Urban at Gwinnett Arena, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae at the Fox or yes, even the NKOTBSB reunion at Philips – a blast of a show that perfectly targeted its demographic.
So now that I’ve shown you mine, it’s time for you to share your favorite shows of the year in the comments section. As always, let’s please keep the discussion about music and play nice.
Sade's first tour in a decade was mesmerizing. Photo: Kevin Mazur
1. Sade
July at Philips Arena
It took a decade for Sade to return to the stage, and her captivating two-night stand at Philips proved her vintage perfection. The woman exudes class, further demonstrated in a stage show that shimmered with sleek production tricks. And then there is that buttery smooth voice, a sensual instrument that cradled her catalog of jazzy pop tunes, from “Your Love is King” to the ubiquitous “Smooth Operator.” At times seductive and gently playful, Sade simply soared.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/07/13/sade-captivates-with-sensuous-show/
2. O.M.D.
March at The Loft at Center Stage
It didn’t matter that Andy McCluskey only had about eight feet of space to flail around in at the cozy Loft – the O.M.D. frontman utilized every inch and, along with fellow original Paul Humphreys, took fans on a nostalgic journey. The New Wave faves stormed through their sumptuous ‘80s hits – “Telsa Girls,” “So In Love,” “Dreaming” – cheerfully played the obligatory “If You Leave,” and added some of the excellent new tunes from 2010’s “History of Modern,” the band’s first new material since 1986…and also the last time it toured the U.S. Is it time for an encore yet?
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/03/15/o-m-d-deftly-blends-nostalgia-with-new-at-loft-show/
Duran Duran's John Taylor (left) and Simon LeBon dazzled at an intimate Center Stage show. Photo: Robb Cohen
3. Duran Duran
April at Center Stage
With the spring release of its 13th album, “All You Need is Now,” Duran Duran proved that it’s still capable of constructing awesomely layered pop songs, fueled by John Taylor’s racing bass lines and singer Simon LeBon’s distinctive phrasing. At this intimate Center Stage gig – which sold out in minutes – the band (with originals Roger Taylor on drums and Nick Rhodes on keyboards) unleashed a solid set list that was both musically crisp and playfully loose, a sweaty combination of reminiscing and celebrating the new. Their October return at Chastain Park wasn’t quite as visceral, but this powerhouse showing was tough to top.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/04/05/duran-duran-robust-and-rugged-at-center-stage-concert/
4. Lady Gaga
April at Gwinnett Arena
Her Gaga-ness has forged a lucrative career by being outrageous, but the most memorable moments of her “Monster’s Ball” stop in Gwinnett were when she unveiled a stripped, dance-free version of “Born This Way” and debuted the Elton John-like “You and I,” her gutsiest song to date. Sure, there were dancers and costumes and inflatables throughout the show – and a lot of preaching about being yourself — but Gaga’s strongest asset is her scorching voice. How about an album of piano ballads next, Lady G?
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/04/19/lady-gaga-proves-shes-no-wannabe/
5. Jay Z and Kanye West
October at Philips Arena
The rap titans kicked off their “Watch the Throne” tour with a pair of nearly sold out shows, a multimedia feast and enough songs to satisfy even the whiniest fan. This shared outing was to hip-hop fans what the joint tours of Elton John and Billy Joel have been to middle-aged suburbanites: Bliss. In a show both exhausting and entertaining, Hova and Yeezy zipped through their arsenal together and separately, proving their unlikely compatibility.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/10/29/jay-zkanye-west-exhaust-and-entertain-at-tour-kickoff/
Coldplay guitarist Jonny Buckland (left) and Chris Martin helped usher in the return of Music Midtown. Photo: Max Blau
6. Coldplay
September at Piedmont Park (Music Midtown)
The return of Music Midtown was capped by a band that has morphed into a stellar live act. Chris Martin was an amusing sight, bopping from his graffiti-sprayed piano to the mic stand to scooping up an acoustic guitar. Coldplay’s set – one of its few since a triumphant Glastonbury — was laced with lasers, frenetic lighting and songs ranging from the anthemic “Viva La Vida” to the mellow “Yellow” and funky new “Hurts Like Heaven.” Yes, the word funky was just used to describe a Coldplay song. Hopefully the band’s Atlanta return – July 2 at Philips Arena – will be this crisp.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/09/25/coldplay-honors-r-e-m-at-music-midtown/
7. Patti Lupone
May at Symphony Hall
The Broadway spitfire paired with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for her “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda” show, and despite it being a scripted affair, the saucy Lupone injected plenty of wry humor and personal details to keep the show lively. Not that there is any fear of slumping during a Lupone performance. Who could do anything but gape in amazement when she razzle-dazzled her way through “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade”? But the most memorable moment of the show came at the end, when Lupone sang, a capella and unmiked, “A Hundred Years From Today,” from the 1933 Broadway show, “Blackbirds.” Chilling and gorgeous.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/05/28/patti-lupone-soars-despite-sniffles/
Regardless of criticism, Jon Bon Jovi is one of rock's most enduring and entertaining frontmen. Photo: Raymond Hagans
8. Bon Jovi
May at Philips Arena
Yeah, yeah, yeah, so they’re soulless, middling rockers with a frontman ready to preen for anything from an Advil commercial to a high-end fashion magazine. But frankly, the Bon Jovi criticisms are not only tiresome, but silly. Watch this band – steered by the indefatigable Jon Bon Jovi – work a crowd, exhaust themselves into a puddle of sweat onstage, and guide 20,000 fans through 30 years of hits and then talk to me.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/05/15/bon-jovi-sweaty-energetic-people-pleasing-rockers/
9. Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith
July at Chastain Park Ampthitheatre
For longtime followers of Grant and Smith, the idea of the two old friends sharing a stage for the first time in 20 years was nirvana. And live, the pair’s easy rapport with each other was palpable. During an evening of horrific heat, Grant, who graciously accepted a glass of white wine from a concertgoer, and the eternally handsome Smith glided through songs together (“Stay for Awhile,” “Find a Way,” “Lead Me On,” “Faithless Heart”) and performed their own hits-filled sets. It was a soothing, comfortable music experience during the most uncomfortable weather.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/07/30/amy-grant-and-michael-w-smith-share-their-music-friendship/
10. (tie) Brian Wilson
August at Chastain Park Ampthitheatre
It’s true that Brian Wilson can look a bit vacant onstage and often sings his most famous songs with a clipped delivery. But that really didn’t diminish the inherent prettiness and sweet melodies of so many of his songs, such as “When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)”, “Don’t Worry Baby” and the gorgeously complex “God Only Knows.” The reason these songs still sound phenomenal is because Wilson is backed by an amazing nine-piece band capable of playing the surf’s-up froth of “California Girls” as easily as recreating the sweeping harmonies of “Heroes and Villains.”
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/08/04/brian-wilson-anchors-night-of-perfectly-executed-nostalgia/
Roger Daltrey
Roger Daltrey wallops his way through The Who's "Tommy," played in its entirety. Photo: Robb Cohen
September at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
On a tour designed to showcase “Tommy,” The Who’s acclaimed rock opera, Daltrey and his thundering band – including Pete Townshend’s younger brother Simon on guitar – whipped through some of the most famous songs in rock history with sleek muscularity. Daltrey’s voice sounded robust throughout the show, whether on “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” or, post-“Tommy” performance, “Behind Blue Eyes.” Always a pleasure to see a legend still enjoying himself.
Original review: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/2011/09/16/roger-daltrey-band-electrify-with-resurrected-tommy/
Follow me on Twitter @ajclifestyle
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
134 comments Add your comment
Scott
December 28th, 2011
7:14 pm
Alice Cooper at Cobb Energy and Aussie Pink Floyd at the Fox.
Karen
December 28th, 2011
7:14 pm
None of the above – Incubus at Verizon Wireless – totally rocked!
queen
December 28th, 2011
8:24 pm
Mary J Blige…enough said
Mrsbanks72
December 28th, 2011
8:46 pm
Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton & Doug E Fresh @ Chastain!!! Summer Block Party was an amazing show!
brock
December 28th, 2011
8:50 pm
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy at the Fox was my favorite. Tedeschi Trucks Band at Chastain was first runner-up. Furthur at the Fox comes in third. Liked Daltrey too.
STICKY
December 28th, 2011
8:57 pm
1) EDDIE MONEY AT WILD BILL’S!
Joe
December 28th, 2011
8:58 pm
It’s sad and depressing to read about the decline of movie box office takes and then read this drivel about a bunch of garbage music. This country is in a total cultural vacuum of suck.
Duran Duran? Bon Jovi? These were just-above-mediocre bands when at their peaks, and somehow, 20+ years later, they are still among the best acts around?
What I would give to be able to go back and see the Allman Brothers, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix or Marvin Gaye in the early 70’s. Seems like most of the greatness has all been used up.
STICKY
December 28th, 2011
8:58 pm
2) BUBBA SPARXXX AT DIAMOND DAVE’S
brock
December 28th, 2011
9:01 pm
I also appreciate the AJC doing concert reviews this year, as it seems like a lost art.
Melissa, pls check your links, the last 3 (the only ones I checked) go nowhere.
Nona
December 28th, 2011
9:01 pm
What Joe said.
Gresham Brown
December 28th, 2011
9:04 pm
Hey Joe, where you going with that gun in your hand?
jimmy h
December 28th, 2011
9:12 pm
Guster @ Tabernacle, Ben Harper @ Tabernacle, The Wall@Phillips….
Candle
December 28th, 2011
9:13 pm
Foster the People at the Masquerade or Tom Petty at Phillips.
brock
December 28th, 2011
9:15 pm
Joe, Duane Allman, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Jimi are all dead, sadly. But you’re not (apparently). Who DID you see?
Falcon Josh
December 28th, 2011
9:28 pm
Well said Joe!
KOOL
December 28th, 2011
9:37 pm
Guns n Roses at Phillips Arena in November = best concert I’ve attended. Ever.
Axl Rose killed it that night.
Barry
December 28th, 2011
9:43 pm
Foo Fighters at the Gwinnett Center blew ‘em all away. Phenomenal show.
Jim
December 28th, 2011
10:00 pm
Keith Urban at Gwinnett Arena with Jake Owen as opening act. Not sure how your missed this one. If you have ever seen Keith live, he is an incredible performer who puts on a full blown show of 2 1/2 hours. He plays his last song with as much energy as his first!
Geoff
December 28th, 2011
10:06 pm
FOO Fighters in Gwinnett, Erasure at Center Stage, Duran Duran at Chastain, B52s at Turner Field after Braves game(kidding) It was terrible.
Biff Pocoroba
December 28th, 2011
10:07 pm
Mumford and Sons at the Fox.
no no no
December 28th, 2011
10:18 pm
SEPULTURA !!!!
and DOWN !!!
TEXAS
December 28th, 2011
10:26 pm
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
Melissa Ruggieri
December 28th, 2011
10:29 pm
Brock – thanks for the heads-up about the links. Not sure why they weren’t working, but they should be now!
Jim – Keith Urban just missed my list, too. I did see that show and he is a terrific live performer and underrated musician.
Atlantan
December 28th, 2011
10:34 pm
@Melissa – you must’ve missed Mumford & Sons at The Fox in June. They were awesome – one of the best concerts I’ve been to in years. They were engaging with the audience, sounded better live than recorded – even their new stuff sounded great. I can’t wait to see them again.
Karen
December 28th, 2011
10:41 pm
Sugarland at Philips in Oct.
J.Bebe
December 28th, 2011
10:45 pm
Foo Fighters at Gwinnett by far the best. One of the best shows I’ve ever been to and I’ve been going to concerts since 81. A really talented group of musicians who truly love to play music. They started on time and played for almost three hours. I’ll take that over a 20 minute guitar solo any day.
A look at the Top 10 (ish) favorite Atlanta concerts of 2011 | Atlanta … | Celeb Oasis
December 28th, 2011
11:00 pm
[...] from: A look at the Top 10 (ish) favorite Atlanta concerts of 2011 | Atlanta … This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged designed, duran-duran, lines-and, simon, [...]
bigdawg
December 28th, 2011
11:18 pm
Further at the FOX Theater, and Todd Rundgren at Center Stage!
bigdawg
December 28th, 2011
11:21 pm
BTW, Further got no ink in the AJC…no photos, no story – they weren’t even listed in the concert calendar for April 3. EPIC FAIL by our parochial fishwrap!
Gary B.
December 28th, 2011
11:34 pm
Ledisi at Atlanta Symphony Hall
LM
December 28th, 2011
11:47 pm
I realize Butch Walker isn’t Top 40 like a lot of these artists, but he is insanely amazing live. He and the Black Widows put on a spectacular show in October.
Joe's Wright
December 29th, 2011
12:34 am
Joe is right – are things really this bad that Duran Duran, OMD, and Roger Daltrey make the AJC’s best concerts of the year list in 2011? Just call the list – “Best Concerts I Got Free Passes to that weren’t half-bad” and it will be an accurate list.
Joe's an idiot
December 29th, 2011
12:38 am
Joe, Do a little research and see how many tour and album sales Bon Jovi has. Look at all the hits.
Allman Brothers??? YAWN
Austin
December 29th, 2011
12:53 am
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Philips – Billboard named them one of the top touring concerts of the decade.
Reba and The Band Perry at Gwinnett – I mean, it’s freakin Reba! And the Band Perry, while I’m not a fan, turned out 10,000 people for their solo concert at the state fair.
Walter
December 29th, 2011
1:08 am
Come on now, King of Leon, Band of Horses, Last show before the Dallas meltdown, Epic
Melissa Ruggieri
December 29th, 2011
1:15 am
Joe – you’re welcome to post your own picks for the best shows you saw here this year.
Atlantan — unfortunately, I was out of town for Mumford, so I did indeed miss what I heard from many people was a great show.
Tee Hee
December 29th, 2011
1:19 am
I don’t even know where to start. So you are saying that out of all the amazing shows in the ATL in the last year that Bon Jovi, Amy Grant, OMD, Duran Duran and Brian Wilson top your list? What are you, like 60 years old?! Try checking out a shows at Variety, Tab, Smith’s or Masquerade or better yet, ask your kids what they liked last year. zzzzz
Chuck
December 29th, 2011
2:49 am
Brian Wilson at Chastain was hands down the best. When you combine quality of material with musicianship of the band, there currently isn’t a finer band on the planet!
Other great shows in no particular order:
Roger Daltrey, Billy Joe Shaver at Smith’s, NRBQ(Terry Adams and three ‘new’ guys)at Smith’s, Uriah Heep at Variety Playhouse,Todd Rundgren at Centerstage, Furthur at The Fox, Tony Bennett at The Fox(they finally got him away from dang Chastain), Janelle Monae at The Fox, Susan Cowsill Band at Eddie’s Attic(technically end of 2010).
Here’s hoping that we get my favorite two acts I saw away from Atlanta this year, Paul McCartney-Wrigley Field and Buffalo Springfield-Oakland Fox, in town this year…and for McCartney, in a suitable venue this time.
TS
December 29th, 2011
3:10 am
Hey Melissa,
I was wondering why Taylor Swift wasn’t included on this list. Just curious. Thanks!
Elle
December 29th, 2011
3:23 am
Steely Dan @ Chastain <3, Cake @ Center Stage
Crude
December 29th, 2011
3:51 am
Guns N’ Roses at Philips Arena. One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. MUCH better than their original lineup in 1987, when they were banned from the Omni/Atlanta. I was at that concert too.
Jeff Sexton
December 29th, 2011
5:11 am
The only ATL concert I went to this year – and actually, the ONLY concert I went to this year: Toby Keith with Eric Church, October at Lakewood. First time I heard Keith’s current hit “Red Solo Cup”, and I stand by what I said to my wife during that song: STUPIDEST song you’ve ever heard – and that is EXACTLY what makes it perhaps one of the GREATEST.
shaggy
December 29th, 2011
6:24 am
Joe is right.
The difference in the greats he named and this “best of 2011″ list is those greats were players, honed their craft to excellence. This list is made up of “performers” whose craft is looks and show; the music is secondary. The music scene of today is largely made up of hollow “performers”, because that is what their vacant fans support and call music. Sure, right…I’m gonna run out an lay out cash for that gaga crap. I would rather beat my fingers with a hammer.
“Joe’s an Idiot”:
If you yawn at Duane Allman’s playing in the early 70’s and think Non Bovi is better, you probably take your pet rock out, and play with it regularly. You are beyond help.
'tertnmnt2012
December 29th, 2011
6:57 am
The reviewer highlighted only some of the ‘real’ talent that appeared in Atl as opposed to….nuff said!
CC
December 29th, 2011
7:04 am
Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow @ Aaron’s or Lakewood whatever it’s called today. Besides this time he didn’t get into a fight at Waffle House afterwards.
Craig
December 29th, 2011
7:35 am
Tony Bennett @ the Fox theatre. Lush sound and EXCELLENT vocals even if he is 85 years old. Ive been to 60-70 concerts in my lifetime and he stands out as one of the best.
Elle
December 29th, 2011
7:35 am
Incognito and Mesa at Cobb Energy Center. Fantastic show!!
KeepDreaming
December 29th, 2011
7:55 am
Roger Waters performing the Wall live at Philips was pretty amazing!!
Jim Adams
December 29th, 2011
8:22 am
Josh Ritter at the Variety!
Granite
December 29th, 2011
8:27 am
Here are my killer shows not on the list (in no particular order):
1) Ray Davies at CenterStage
2) Trombone Shorty at CenterStage
3) Ian MacLagan at Smith’s
Leslie
December 29th, 2011
8:35 am
The Decemberists win hands down as best show of the year.
GMStovall
December 29th, 2011
8:38 am
Grace Potter n Nocturnals at Chastain, you just had to be there!!!
RH
December 29th, 2011
8:56 am
have to agree big time with Sade, also my #1 pic. not just her voice, but her presence, the music/band, the lighting/staging— the whole deal. John Legend opening was also not too shabby.
after that it was death cab and arcade fire, both at Verizon. happy new year everyone. RH
Carmelo
December 29th, 2011
8:57 am
Come on now. Janet Jackson at the Fox and Jill Scott at Chastain.
CC
December 29th, 2011
9:08 am
Alice Cooper at Cobb Energy. Amazing show EVERY TIME!!
ATLfan7
December 29th, 2011
9:08 am
@Austin: gotta agree about Reba and The Band Perry…awesome show!!
Sade is great, but the rest of the list is terrible.
TD
December 29th, 2011
9:20 am
Widepsread Panic at the Fox Theatre!
T.Spack
December 29th, 2011
9:22 am
ROADHAWGS reunion with Blackberry Smoke at Wild Bill’s, Southern Rock IS NOT dead, you just have to find it where you can!!!!!
ACE
December 29th, 2011
9:31 am
The Flaming Lips @ Tabernacle 1st Night They played the entire Soft Bulletin album. AMAZING
BAM
December 29th, 2011
9:32 am
All Nonsense.
Country entertainer of the year, Taylor Swift, had a Broadway production quality show at Philips Arena. Not attended by wacked out, bottom feeders.
ACE
December 29th, 2011
9:34 am
Melissa-The Flaming Lips are a band FYI
dark30
December 29th, 2011
9:38 am
Thank you for mentioning OMD, that was the most fun I’ve had at a show in a while.
LOVE OLD SKOOL MUSIC MYSELF
December 29th, 2011
9:53 am
Joe & Shaggy, most music today is garbage, I still love the old guys & girls & old music. It had more meaning & respect. I like some rap, most old skool, Country, Gospel, a little new skool & what they call elevator music. LOL!! The music was also nice back in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s, but everyone is different & likes different music, that’s why God didn’t make us all look alike, act alike or like the same stuff. Just think how boring this world would be if he did. Happy New Year everyone!!
LOVE OLD SKOOL MUSIC MYSELF
December 29th, 2011
9:55 am
Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention, the price of tickets are extremely expensive so I would rather buy the concert on dvd, that way I can look at it over & over again & it’s a lot cheaper so I can afford gas & food.
TG
December 29th, 2011
9:57 am
Um, Jeffery Osborne killed it at the Fox, along with Peabo and Lenny Williams.
Ashleigh
December 29th, 2011
9:58 am
Chris Brown’s in October was amazing. He pretty much performed EVERY single he’s ever had, which is quite a lot if you think about it.
Pat G.
December 29th, 2011
10:04 am
I assume Melissa isn’t a country music fan. Toby Keith, Eric Church and Keith Urban were all great concerts for those of us who do like country. I know lots of people that love Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts, too. They were all here this year.
Sharon
December 29th, 2011
10:13 am
Loved, loved the Coldplay show – no matter what people say about them, they kill it live. I heard so many say they were only interested in seeing the Black Keys (who were also an amazing show), and left Music Midtown saying “okay, so Coldplay is good live”. I also rocked it out at My Morning Jacket at Verizon Amp – what a great place to see a concert! Always have to throw in the greatness of the annual Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ show as well, this year at the Tabernacle.
TRESA
December 29th, 2011
10:19 am
EARTH WIND AND FIRE AT CHASTAIN PARK,,,,
k@atl
December 29th, 2011
10:19 am
Avengesevenfold, Seether, Alter Bridge @ Verizon Amp rocked!! and last but not leaset KORN @ Wild Bill in NOV!!!!!!awesome!!!
Chocolate Doll
December 29th, 2011
10:20 am
The Summer Nlock Party with Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, and Doug E. Fresh at Chastain Amphitheater. Hands down the best concert this year!!!!
Chocolate Doll
December 29th, 2011
10:20 am
I meant the “Summer Block Party”…oops
Test Tube Tommy
December 29th, 2011
10:21 am
Genitorturers!!
Alexis
December 29th, 2011
10:21 am
I think in my opinion Mindless Behavior at the Fox Theater should have been on this list. Even though i didnt go, they deserve to be on here.
Kim
December 29th, 2011
10:27 am
My favs:
Bon Jovi (my 6th concert of his) and the NKOTBSB reunion was the best!
A look at the Top 10 (ish) favorite Atlanta concerts of 2011 – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Coldplay
December 29th, 2011
10:27 am
[...] the original: A look at the Top 10 (ish) favorite Atlanta concerts of 2011 – Atlanta Journal Constitution (b… Related Posts:#7: Love You Like A Love Song Love You Like A Love Song Selena Gomez & The Scene | [...]
JJ
December 29th, 2011
10:34 am
Without a doubt the Sade concert was the best concert I have ever been to in my life. Classy, innovative production. She was worth the wait.
callingbs
December 29th, 2011
10:39 am
The Band Perry at Atlantic Station…
Grobanite
December 29th, 2011
10:46 am
Josh Groban at Gwinnett Arena!!!
W
December 29th, 2011
10:47 am
Did you see Phish at Verizon?
Night 1 was good and night 2 was epic because of the storm…
They aren’t everyones cup of tea but its hard to deny they have more talent than any other band that played in Atl this year.
mark
December 29th, 2011
10:48 am
Phish @ verizon, streamed to my front porch. 2 nights, 2 phat shows. No lines at the beer vendor or lines at the bathroom. The driveway scene could not be beat. Shakedown street was in full affect. 20plus years and still groovin and shakin.
mark
December 29th, 2011
10:49 am
hay W, I was not there, but i saw you!
Kathryn
December 29th, 2011
10:50 am
Bassnectar.
Glen Pridgen
December 29th, 2011
10:53 am
My favorite shows of the year, Foo Fighters, Zac Brown, Sonia Leigh, Avett Brothers, Josh Ritter, Guns N’ Roses, Taylor Swift and Alice Cooper. That’s my list. Granite, Although Ray Davies bored me to tears Trombone Shorty was awesome…but i missed the first half of the show so it’s my T’bone isn’t on my list.
B
December 29th, 2011
11:04 am
Meh….this list is not good…maybe 2 out of the top 10 deserve to be there…this town is becoming a drag if this is the top concerts of the year…
wow
December 29th, 2011
11:06 am
Deadmau5, Bassnectar, Skrillex, M83, Thrice etc….you should look into music not just playing at major venues.
Slayer Rules
December 29th, 2011
11:07 am
Danzig and DevilDriver at Center Stage, by far the best show I saw this year. Danzig still sounds incredible and DevilDriver is always a must see.
Also, Hank 3 at Masquerade, can’t have much more fun than at a Hank 3 show.
JimmyZ
December 29th, 2011
11:09 am
I know the whole “Jesus music doesn’t count” thing might have kicked in, but Third Day absolutely rocked when they played Alpharetta. So did Newsboys when they played the Fish festival in Cobb last summer.
MyPatootie
December 29th, 2011
11:25 am
Obviously a writer who belongs to the “Simon Cowell Fan Club of I Don’t Like Country Music”! Not even one. Give me a break! Especially with several top country performers from GA and even Atlanta. Ever hear of SugarLand?
TG
December 29th, 2011
11:25 am
No, JimmyZ, there is no “Jesus music doesn’t count” thing. A good concert is a good concert, period.
Melissa Ruggieri
December 29th, 2011
11:28 am
Tee Hee — I am not, in fact, 60, nor do I have kids (not that having them would make a difference in my coverage). But keep in mind that I work for a mainstream daily newspaper, not some cutting-edge music magazine, so the shows I attend tend to be ones that attract the largest number of people. Since you mention the Variety, Masquerade, Smith’s, etc., what were some of your favorite shows there this year?
Chuck — I saw McCartney at Wrigley as well. Excellent, as always. Wish he’d play Atlanta again.
T.S. — Sadly, I was out of town the weekend Taylor Swift played here. I saw her last tour, though, and thought it was a lot of fun…though the hair flipping got a little distracting!
otrfan
December 29th, 2011
11:54 am
Over the Rhine at Variety Playhouse. They always put their hearts and souls into their shows, not like so many other acts. Karin gives 110% and her voice is unlike no other.
shewalli
December 29th, 2011
11:58 am
Lonnie Liston Smith and Brian Jackson
Jazzy
December 29th, 2011
11:59 am
Charlie Wilson………HANDS DOWN. WHo came up with list.
Melissa Ruggieri
December 29th, 2011
12:03 pm
JimmyZ – I’ve got Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith on the list – Jesus music counts!
Richee
December 29th, 2011
12:06 pm
Foo at the Gwinnett and Florence at the Fox. Florence is even better live then on her albums.
Veruca Salr
December 29th, 2011
12:07 pm
PHISH @ VZWAMP in June was amazing. Also Bassnectar/Pretty Lights @ VZWAMP in October.
These groups put on the total package and are known for their live performances. Bassnectar and Pretty Lights don’t even sell their albums. They give them away for free because for them it’s all about the live concert experience. Can anyone on this Top 10 list make that same claim? No. And I don’t think I even need to defend Phish’s place on a list of best concerts of the year…
brian
December 29th, 2011
12:10 pm
Where is Cudi at Verizon and Katyy Perry at Gwinnett? Both amazing shows and Lill Wayne at Lakewood was alright and I agree doesn’t deserve to be on the list.
jofjonesboro
December 29th, 2011
12:13 pm
Jackie Evancho at Symphony Hall with the ASO in August (another event ignored by this site).
jj
bloggirl
December 29th, 2011
12:17 pm
Charlie Wilson at Chastain-where is the diversity in this group!!!!
Grateful Hiker
December 29th, 2011
12:27 pm
Further at the Fox, and, yes, Alice Cooper and his amazing band, which included Steve Hunter and the “dangerously beautiful” Orianthi!
JNWILLIAMS
December 29th, 2011
12:28 pm
Only went to two concerts this year and both were freebies thanks to sports radio.
I am glad to see no one put BB King at Chastain on their best list. That show was lousy. I agree with the fans of the GNR show at Philips. Even though I had to leave mid-way through the show after midnight, I really enjoyed it. Axl sounded perfect.
John
December 29th, 2011
12:41 pm
The Monkees at Chastain in June was pretty awesome.
John
December 29th, 2011
12:41 pm
The Monkee’s at Chastain in June was pretty awesome.
JCB30338
December 29th, 2011
1:06 pm
Wilco and Nick Lowe at Cobb Energy Center was my fave.
DC
December 29th, 2011
1:17 pm
Dream Theater – Tabernacle – any time they play is one of the best live shows of the year
parrothead
December 29th, 2011
1:41 pm
I always love Jimmy Buffett’s annual stop at Lakewood…Always a great time. Kid Rocks show was good too
Greg
December 29th, 2011
1:44 pm
Dolly Parton at Verizon!!!
Buckhead Bulldog
December 29th, 2011
1:50 pm
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy at the Fox tops my list, with Foo Fighters with Social Distortion at Gwinnett a close 2nd.
Yim Yames
December 29th, 2011
1:55 pm
My Morning Jacket with Neko Case at Verizon Amphitheater was by far the best show of the year.
Tracy Brown
December 29th, 2011
3:07 pm
Great list, Melissa! My favs this year were Sade at Philips, Charlie Wilson at Chastain and Sugarland at Philips. And Alexis, I saw Mindless Behavior at the Fox. Great show if you’re a tween, and I’ll leave it at that… Summer Block Party at Chastain would top my list, too, mostly thanks to Doug E. Fresh!
JoBeth
December 29th, 2011
3:55 pm
Keith Urban at the Gwinnett. If you want to get your money’s worth, see Keith.
Mason
December 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Amon Amarth! They put on the best show this fall at the Masq. it was amazing. It’s too bad death metal with never make the top 10, and lady gaga, the leading cause of ear cancer is at number 4…….
LG
December 29th, 2011
4:33 pm
WIDESPREAD PANIC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
FURTHUR – Fox Theater
FMFats
December 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Wilco and Nick Lowe was a terrific night. Paul Simon at Gwinnett Arena earlier this month was special. Jim White at Grocery on Home was great, as were Ben Sollee, Jolie Holland, and Ruthie Foster.. I loved Abigail Washburn and the Wood Brothers at the Variety, too, as well as long tall Marcia Ball. Trombone Shorty was so fine at the Blind Willie Fest in Thomson we went back to see him at Center Stage a week later.
SHERRI
December 29th, 2011
5:50 pm
KEITH URBAN GWINNETT CENTER-AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
just the truth
December 29th, 2011
9:13 pm
I was at the 2nd Sade concert. What a great show. Just class.
Catnip Cokhead
December 29th, 2011
9:55 pm
Bon Jovi should have been #1 on the list… then Def Leppard at Aarons at #2 followed by GNR show at Phillips for #3….. Enough said
Jon D
December 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
Well, I guess it’s not popular enough for some, but AtlantaFest was really great this year. Casting Crowns, Switchfoot (even in the driving rain), Tenth Avenue North, David Crowder Band, mercyme and late night acoustic stage Andrew Peterson (absolutely amazing performance). All of these were great shows and the music really meant something.
Stan
December 29th, 2011
11:36 pm
Every act on this list would sound right at home on a PBS fundraising special, and therein lies the problem. Yawn. What happened to music critics who called out the pablum dumped on us by overbearing media conglomerates and challenged readers and listeners to discover and appreciate something more?
KEO
December 30th, 2011
12:03 am
The truth is everybody is right – we have amazing music here – there are no rights or wrongs so to try to make a list is just silly. I saw numerous shows out of the AJC’s top 10 as well as many not listed; Emmy Lou Harris at the Botanical Gardens was classic, James Taylor at Chastain, all the way to Cheap Trip rocking it at Buckhead Theater last night…so much music, so little time!
Cheryl
December 30th, 2011
12:51 am
Keith Urban has to be in the Top 10. He’s an amazing performer, like Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora rolled into one person. How many entertainers are both lead singer and lead guitarist?
robert
December 30th, 2011
1:27 am
Duran Duran deserves to be in the top 10. The show at Center Stage was incredible. The guys put on a sweat filled love fest and rocked the house that night.
Jay
December 30th, 2011
1:28 am
Lizz Wright at The Play House and Steely Dan at Chastain.
Beverly P Hunt
December 30th, 2011
6:12 am
Keith Urban at Gwinnett 08/04 & 08/05 were excellent. KU always puts on a power-packed show and is very involved with the audience who reciprocates. My Hubby & I came from FL to see Keith and turned on 2 friends to his music – they truly were impressed. Keith is a guitar wizard, a spirited showman, brilliant lyricist, beautiful vocals, etc. His music inspires, heals & resonates. If you have not seen Keith, please do — you will not be disappointed.
Carlaruth
December 30th, 2011
11:40 am
k.d. lang, Colin Hay, Loud & Rich (Loudon Wainwright III and Richard Thompson) at Variety Playhouse, Flaming Lips at the Tabernacle, Foo Fighters & Paul Simon at Gwinnett and Tom Jones at Cobb. How about Best & Worst Opening Bands? Best: Mariachi El Bronx for the Lips, and Social Distortion & Joy Formidable for the Foo. Worst: Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger for the Lips and The Wild Feathers for Paul Simon.
Ned
January 1st, 2012
7:51 pm
Roger Waters performing the Wall at Philips blows all of these shows out of the water on sheer theratrics.
Dali
January 2nd, 2012
5:14 pm
Black Lips at Southern Comfort.
Uptown
January 2nd, 2012
5:28 pm
Sade and Watch The Throne should be tied for #1, followed by Jill Scott and Ledisi!
Corey
January 2nd, 2012
5:43 pm
I waited for 10 years to see Sade again and she was incredible, as usual. I could see her perform 100 times and never get tired of her. And the Watch The Throne concert was amazing.
Christo
January 2nd, 2012
6:11 pm
While it obviously impossible to rate the top concerts without having seen them all, I agree the acts here are a bit dated and conservative. No doubt this reflects your taste, no problem with that.
But I’ll trade any good band at the Variety or Cobb Energy or Eddie’s for any of the silly arena acts. Dan Bern, Andrew Bird, Eels, Wilco were my favorites.
Dwayne
January 2nd, 2012
8:27 pm
MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly New Years Day 2011 at the Fox was one of the best shows ever!
Bobo is Not the Problem
January 3rd, 2012
9:35 am
It is amusing how people have such strong opinions on a subjective topic like music. How can you argue there’s a “best” music?
Anyhoo, 2011 was a fun year for me and concerts. Never went to many because of dislike for crowds, traffic, and ticket prices. However, got divorced and got out of the house! I didn’t see anybody mention any of the shows I went to! Here are the shows I went to, and a few questions:
Def Leppard / Heart – fun old-school show at Lakewood, delayed about an hour by rain and lightning
Train / Maroon 5 – two of my favorite bands in one show at Verizon, wow! Train was especially compelling in the way they interacted with the audience and did a few fun covers
Journey / Foreigner – another fun old-school show at Lakewood. Wish Journey would play some songs off their 2001 album “Arrival”. It’s my favorite, and I grew up in the 70s with these guys.
Rain – this long-running Beatles tribute band puts on a very nice show. Cobb Energy Center. Lotsa fun.
Abbey Road Live! – saw this Beatles tribute band twice at Variety Playhouse. They put on a fun show and you can dance in front of the stage. Had a blast!
Cake – they put on a fun NYE show at the Fox, but it didn’t start until 11!!! I thought it would start earlier and end at midnight. The ’show’ started at 9 but had a 2-HOUR opening act of circus/acrobate type stuff, not very good. If the concert started earlier, it would’ve been better. By the time they started, you were worn down from waiting for them. We left at 12:45 a.m. to beat the drunks; not sure how long they played. I would love to see these guys again at Chastain, Lakewood or Verizon. Would love to hear with others thought about this show.
Goo Goo Dolls – had tix but had to sell them when I went out of town. How was this show?
Taylor Swift – had tix to the July show but could not go when it was moved to October and had to sell the tix.
Melissa Ruggieri
January 4th, 2012
11:59 am
Bobo – you are so correct. People could spend months arguing about the “best” anything when it comes to entertainment. But that’s why I explicitly called these my “favorite” shows of the year – not necessarily the best, because everyone has a different opinion on the “best” of anything!
Cheers,
Melissa