Anyone can tell you that being an old soul and a music lover can be an unfortunate experience. So many of the bands that my friends and I love were active decades ago, and seeing them perform live is an opportunity that has slipped through our fingers due to being born at the wrong place and wrong time. There are so many acts that I would give anything to go back in time and see, as would many others. The following are just some of the bands who I would have loved to see perform. These bands span five decades, and are only a fraction of a massive list that was painful to cut down.
1. The Beatles
Seeing the Beatles perform live has been a daydream of mine since my sophomore year of High School. These Brits had the most charismatic stage presence, and I could watch videos of them all day long. I can definitely see why they had such crazy fans, and I would be right there with them.
2. The Doors
The Doors have been a band that has fascinated me for years. Particularly one Jim Morrison. Once he came into his own, Morrison was such an amazing performer. What I would not give to be in the front row of one of their shows at the Whiskey A Go Go in the 1960s, seeing Jim slink around the stage like a man possessed.
3. Led Zeppelin
Ah, the 70s loves of my life. Literally the reason I have an obsession with British, long haired musicians. Just watching videos of these guys perform live gives me chills. Robert Plant and Jimmy page are some of my favorite musical artists period, and seeing them live would have been the pinnacle of my existence.
4. The Ramones
The Ramones were my first foray into the crazy experience that is punk rock. The first band t-shirt I ever bought was the iconic Ramones logo shirt, and I still have it to this day. Being a part of the audience as Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy commanded the stage with their presence and fierce sound would be an experience I would cherish.
5. The Runaways
I owe so much to this group of ladies. They are the reason that many women are able to be in the music industry to begin with. At least on the rock side of things. Cherie Currie had such a commanding presence for someone so young, and Joan Jett is my absolute hero.
6. The Talking Heads
The Talking Heads are my absolute favorite thing to come out of the 1980s, end of discussion. Both their music and aesthetic are the best kind of strange imaginable. David Byrne seems like he had the coolest on stage persona, and Tina Weymouth is one of my many bass playing inspirations.
7. The White Stripes
Now, this is one I am praying to the forces of rock and roll can still happen. However, I'm not holding my breath. The White Stripes were one of the first bands I ever got into, and I watch their performances on YouTube constantly. Jack and Meg have such amazing on stage chemistry, and they dominated any stage they set foot on. One day I hope they'll get back together, but until then I suppose catching Jack White on one of his solo tours one day will have to do.
