2019 and the Shows Within
As we close out 2019 in a couple weeks, everyone is reminiscing over their favorite movies, favorite shows and favorite music of not only the last year but the last decade. I’m no different, but what is different for me is this decade is my first in the radio biz. I started my internship right in this building in the summer of 2011 and knew then I wanted to work right here.
Over the last 9 years or so I’ve gotten to see some fantastic live shows, and some less than stellar ones too. This year I got to check 3 of my favorite 90’s bands off my bucket list when Bush, Live and Our Lady Peace came to Meadow Brook Ampitheater this past summer. When you see a band that has over a decade worth of work you always run the risk they’ll leave some of your favorite songs out of the setlist but it felt like all three bands understood exactly what we were there for and didn’t stray too far into the deeper cuts and they all sounded fantastic live.
Of course there were more good shows this year I got to attend than just the one. This year was my first time getting to see the Dropkick Murphys when they also played the Masonic Temple Theater with Clutch and I was an instant fan. There are so many members to the band and the mood in the room is so fun it hard not to bounce and sing along with the punk rock beer chanties they bring to bear. I showed up to catch Clutch for the second time ever and stumbled away with a new favorite band.
Massive Attack celebrating their most famous record, Mezzanine at the Masonic was a mind blowing experience as well. The visuals and video that thread a story rooted in the political landscape of today while using the performance of a record released 20 years ago was the most moving thing I think I’ve ever seen and I ended up getting chills multiple times even though I’ve been listening to these songs for decades. It was my favorite show this year and probably in my top 3 of all time.
The coming year has some fantastic shows too! I’m looking forward to Green Day and Weezer at Comerica this summer. Two bands I’ve gotten to see on different occasions seperately but paired this time with Fall Out Boy, a band I’ve yet to see live. Plus I’ll have opportunities to cross both They Might Be Giants and the Silversun Pickups off my concert bucket list so 2020 is looking pretty good for live music as far as I’m concerned.
