Grateful Dead Music Forum

Just got back from the weekend in Portland, and I saw two amazing shows, so I figured I'd share.

First (and I know plenty of you will poo-poo this one), but I saw Springsteen and he is still one of the best if not the best live performer to have ever lived. His shows, whether you like the music or not, are epic and incredible to behold. He played for 2 1/2 hrs and didn't let up. He actually played Lost In the Flood, off his first album and it was beautiful. Every performer could learn from attending one of his shows. He played a lot of lead guitar, too, and since he already had 2 lead players, it was great to see him cut loose.

The next night at the Crystal Ballroom was X! The original punk band, with all four original members on their 31st anniversary tour! They played for 2 hours, 10 minutes and didn't miss a beat. John Doe still plays excellent bass and Billy Zoom looks like he could play guitar in his sleep. He was all over it, fast and furious and the sold-out crowd raged. It was the best way to end a spring break week, with two exceptional shows. I encourage anyone to check them out if they come near you!

bruce is great live, had the opportunity to see him a while back...


I know I might get hated for this, but EOTO had an amazing show at the georgia theatre in athens with Michael Kang. Played three hours straight, and went wayy past two (rarely happens at ga theatre). The band before them, Novelist, were also really good. Overall great show.
Anyone else got some shows they want to comment about?

Great to hear about Bruce. I love me some Bruce. He seems like a very polarizing music guy--people either love him or hate him. Very little middle ground for some reason.

Growing up in NJ, I hated him by default (teen rebellion!). But towards the end of my time in NJ, I really came to appreciate his stuff and in the past 10 years or so, I've come to discover how truly awesome Bruce is.

Excellent amyjared! Thanks for sharing.

(I have no idea who X is--I've never been a punk fan)

I have to admit, he's got some really catchy tunes that I would listen to on classic rock radio. Gets a little bit old cuz he is really overplayed...

I must say I loved the Seeger sessions that he did. It upped my respect for the man immensely. He had a great band in there and he has pretty good chops on an acoustic. His voice fits in the folk music style as well.

I'm sure at least some of you have the CD he put out as a result of that session. Yay or Nay?

amyjared wrote: I saw Springsteen and he is still one of the best if not the best live performer to have ever lived

....uh......well.....I don't really know what to say.......I know you are fresh from your concert....but really? the all-time best live performer?? Quite the statement....To each his own, but wow.....

....uh......well.....I don't really know what to say.......I know you are fresh from your concert....but really? the all-time best live performer?? Quite the statement....To each his own, but wow.....

Yes, it is true. And, no it has little to do with the glow of the show. I have been to about 1000 concerts, with 300+ Dead shows, have seen everyone from Miles Davis to Frank Zappa to Megadeth to Doc Watson to The Stones and The Who to Steve Earle to The Ramones to Tom Waits..well you get the idea. Quite an eclectic array of performances and many of the bands I have seen multiple times and without a doubt, Bruce is still the best performer live. Even if you don't like his music, his energy, song choice, stage presence and talented band will blow you away. I kid you not.