In your opinion, what makes a great live performance?

[afterstasis]

i don't think there's anything in particular that does it for me.

i'm fine with basic performances, theatrics, total lack of energy, and just about anything else so long as i'm somehow getting something that i enjoy out of the experience.

[Hungryfreak]

Depending on the band, it could be a lot of things.

I always like a good energy in a performance, but the energy can differ (for example, I would feel a different type of energy at a thrash concert than I would at a death concert that I would at a doom concert).

Theatrics are cool, but they have to suit the band. Sometimes I just enjoy bands that go out there as nothing but themselves and play an awesome show from their hearts. Same thing goes for showmanship.

Raw live sounds and improv are always great, but it can also be nice to hear a more precise version since it just feels much more nostalgic.

Ill with Axl that good musicmanship and setlist are important. Those things apply throughout any type of show.

The other thing that can make or break a show for me are the fans. Having to deal with *******s throughout a concert can always detract from the fun, while meeting cool people can enhance your enjoyment.

[Demenise]

Arguably one of the best live performers is Bruce Springsteen.

Last time I saw him:

-3 1/2 or 4 hour show
-30 songs
-6 encores
-Crowd requests
-Extended songs
-Really puts his all into it

Seriously. One of the top live artists of all time.

[AxlVanHagar]

Arguably one of the best live performers is Bruce Springsteen.

Last time I saw him:

-3 1/2 or 4 hour show
-30 songs
-6 encores
-Crowd requests
-Extended songs
-Really puts his all into it

Seriously. One of the top live artists of all time.

Agreed. I became a fan after I saw him live on the Born In The USA tour. He is really incredible live.

[supernova1324]

One more thing that is interesting sometimes is when bands do covers.

And yeah, Bruce has good energy, but I just don't like how he sounds. My dad blasts Bruce every week and it gets really annoying.

[Hungryfreak]

Concert only songs are cool, too, whenever a band does them. Donovan does that and I had the pleasure of catching one of those songs in a concert a few years back.

[Alright_Computer]

I think it's a combination of two factors: overall musicianship and connecting with the audience. Having energy is great, but only if it suits your style of music. I wouldn't want an acoustic folk concert to have tons of energy, likewise, I wouldn't want a metal band to stare at their pedals like shoegazers.

[Lolicat]

I think Bruce is one of the best performers out there. I don't even like most of his music, but I've seen a couple of videos, and he really impresses every time, I think that's the mark of a good performer. He also encompasses the greatest element; when the performer appears to be having fun, you enjoy yourself more.

That said, I'd have been interested in seeing some of Chan Marshall's 'drunk and confessional messes' of concerts.

[afterstasis]

That said, I'd have been interested in seeing some of Chan Marshall's 'drunk and confessional messes' of concerts.

the one i saw in 2000 or so was pretty tense, though not quite as uncomfortable as some of the earlier bright eyes shows i saw around the same timeframe.

[Lolicat]

the one i saw in 2000 or so was pretty tense, though not quite as uncomfortable as some of the earlier bright eyes shows i saw around the same timeframe.

I'll admit that I'm one of those horrible people really nosey about performer's lives.