A picture as Metallica takes the stage at Ford Field.

Once again, I asked and you guys answered. I took to my socials the other day and asked the simple question, what was the best concert of the year?

Some of you didn’t understand the question and gave me answers from shows you’d seen years ago, but most of you were on the money with you picks, and one in particular. We’ll get into that in a second, but first, let’s take a look back on some of the WRIF shows that took place throughout the year.

I’m keeping this list closed to out-of-town shows, but you guys picked some there too. Powertrip was mentioned a few times. KISS outside of Detroit, different festivals and whatnot as well. We’ll just keep this list Detroit centric. There were a lot of great shows to pick from right here in the Motor City.

Of course, Pine Knob was once again hoping with many shows, especially the second half of the summer with all sorts of WRIF shows. I think one week I was there three times. It seemed like every night there was a different rock show. Shows at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater, Ford Field, even the new District 142 down in Wyandotte.

Ok, time to name the shows you guys picked as some of your favorites. This is in no particular order, although the last concert on the list was the overwhelming pick as the best of the year.

Any guesses? Here we go…..

  • Godsmack/ Staind at Pine Knob

    Noting like a great summer concert on a beautiful night at the Knob. That’s what that show was!

    Godsmack, Staind and Mix Master Mike Rule The Night At Pine Knob
  • Shinedown/Papa Roach/ Spiritbox at Pine knob

    Mid-September found us at Pine Knob again with Shinedown. A favorite of many also.

    Shinedown Rocks Pine Knob With Papa Roach And Spiritbox – Photos
  • Alice cooper/ rob zombie at pink knob

    The freaks were out for the Freaks on Parade show on September 5th at Pine Knob. Throw in Ministry and Filter and you’ve got a great rock show!

    Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper Rock Pine Knob – Pictures

    Another cool thing from that show was the Alice Cooper signing the day before at Rock City Music in Livonia.

    Alice Cooper Signs Copies Of “Road” For Fans At Rock City Music Company In Livonia
  • KISS and the LCA

    Could we have seen KISS for the last time? Their End Of The Road tour came through town playing Little Caesars in October. Check out picture from the show, as well as pictures from their pre-show performance on the LCA concourse. One of the highlights of the year for me.

    KISS Rocks Detroit On Stage And On The Little Caesars Concourse
  • avatar at the royal oak music theater

    I love this band, live they’re even better! Their latest album is one of my faves of the entire year.

    Avatar Rolled into Royal Oak and Left its Mark on the City
  • jelly roll at pine knob

    Personally, I didn’t get to this show, but people raved about it! Some said it was the fullest they’d ever seen Pine Knob.

    Jelly Roll Talks About His Connections To Detroit Rock City “I Feel Like I’m A Michigander At Heart”
  • Greta van fleet at the LCA

    I was surprised at how good these guys have become live, and how many people packed the LCA to see them. Unreal show!

    Pictures From Greta Van Fleet’s Sold Out LCA Show
  • Riff Fest at Pine knob

    September 23rd WRIF took over Pine Knob for RIFF Fest. From the parking lot, to backstage, we were all over the place! I Prevail, Bad Omens, Rival Sons and many more. Another great RIFF Fest is in the books!

    Behind-The-Scenes Pictures from Riff Fest 2023
  • Halestorm and Collective Soul at Arts, Beats and Eats

    This show was so good for a few reasons. First off, it was perfect weather for an outdoor show. Secondly, everybody had a great time. Finally, Halestorm is so good!!

    Lzzy Hale Discusses A Threesome Song She Never Wanted To Record With Halestorm
  • ghost and amon amarth

    I LOVED this show! A dreary, wet, rainy night in mid-August was perfect for a GHOST show!

    A Rainy Night In Detroit Provides The Perfect Backdrop For Ghost And Amon Amarth At Pine Knob

     

  • metallica at ford field

    This one was the overwhelming fan favorite. It’s hard to top Metallica, let alone two nights of ‘Tallica in a stadium! I could post fifty comments about that show from you guys, but these guys dominated the comments.

    The Weekend Wrap Up With Metallica In Detroit

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