In your opinion, what makes a great live performance?

[B. Vicious]

Okay, so i was thinking to myself today, what makes a great live performance. My 2 favorite band's (avenged sevenfold, bullet for my valentine) live performances are considered terrible (from what i've seen others say within forums, not just this one) HOWEVER, i have seen both in concert, and because i enjoy listening to the music more than just going around acting crazy as hell in the mosh pit, i thought they sounded great, and the lights and pyrotechnics were stellar. So I want to ask you, the people of these forums, what in your opinion makes a great live performance.

[supernova1324]

Good rough sound that isn't duplicate of the studio version and isn't horrible.
Improv in songs
Guitar/drum battles
Humor
Trash talk
Pyrotechnics
Both acoustic and electric songs

More things that I can't be bothered to name.

[Runesmith]

Energy and a close connection with the fans, primarily.

I also might be one of the few people alive who think pyrotechnics actually make a show much worse than normal.

[supernova1324]

Energy and a close connection with the fans, primarily.

I also might be one of the few people alive who think pyrotechnics actually make a show much worse than normal.

Depends on how they are used.

[Lolicat]

Anything like pyro, costumes, set-pieces automatically turns me off, sorry.

[franticfish]

Tension between band members often results in performances I like Improvisation and a sound that isn't exactly like the studio recording.

[Gowienczyk]

Energy and Charisma are most vital.

[Lolicat]

Energy and Charisma are most vital.

This, plus a decent sound and that's basically it. Guitar duals are for losers.

[ArmsAreLoud]

Actually, Loli, my first concert (and currently only, unfortunately) ended in a guitar duel between Leslie West and Joe Satriani. It was hilarious.

I actually preferred Mountain over Satch live (even though Satch's studio recordings are leagues ahead of Mountain's), probably due to the improv. Plus, the drummer was so stoned he could have kept me awake if he was the only one on stage. XD

[Lolicat]

Actually, Loli, my first concert (and currently only, unfortunately) ended in a guitar duel between Leslie West and Joe Satriani. It was hilarious.

I actually preferred Mountain over Satch live (even though Satch's studio recordings are leagues ahead of Mountain's), probably due to the improv. Plus, the drummer was so stoned he could have kept me awake if he was the only one on stage. XD

If I had to watch Satriani at all I'd gouge my ears out.