We all have those artists or bands that we really want to see live in concert. It doesn’t matter what genre(s) of music you like we have artists that we would give anything to see them live and in person. I’ve seen a lot of different bands from KISS to Stone Temple Pilots, Breaking Benjamin, Korn and Green Day there are still bands and artists I am dying to see. For this list I did not include bands that I have not seen yet, but have tickets to later this year such as Disturbed and Guns N Roses. Also, this does not include bands that are no longer together and will not get back together such as Rage Against The Machine or Pink Floyd. Since my parents are awesome and love attending concerts we’ve been very fortunate to see bands like Green Day, Def Leppard, KISS, Matchbox Twenty and Stone Temple Pilots.
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers
I have been a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers since I was a young kid. They were one of the few bands the local rock station played consistently. Even after losing their original guitar player, Hillel Slovak, the other three original members, Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass) and Chad Smith (Drums) have been able to keep a consistent sound since 1983.
2. Five Finger Death Punch
Okay, before you go running for Holy Water to splash on me hear me out. I absolutely love this band. With a few lineup changes over the years the heavy metal band always puts on a great show… So I’ve been told. I have yet to see them live in concert that wasn’t on YouTube. The band not only cares about their music, but the military as they have not only written songs for the stars that protect the stripes, but they have played for the troops as well. The band has even stopped during performances because of fans causing problems. They are energetic and get your head banging at every show.
3. Slipknot
You may now run for the Holy Water. The nine person heavy metal band lost their bassist, Paul Gray in 2009 to a drug overdose and drummer Joey Jordison left/was kicked out (depending on who you ask) in 2013 before recording their latest album, .5: The Gray Chapter. Both have been “replaced” but they are big shoes to fill. The spectacle of nine men in costumes and masks playing metal music with keyboards, extra percussion and turntables is something to be admired. Their shows have been known to be wild and crazy and I want to be there with the rest of the Slipknot fans, called Maggots. Yes, Slipknot fans are called Maggots and I fully accept that title.
4. Linkin Park
Who doesn’t like Linkin Park? I have not met one person that does not like Linkin Park. The rock band has a great mix of electronic and rock that has singing and rapping for lyrics. Although they have moved away from the hard rock and more into alternative they still put out great music on each album they have put out. The six man ensemble has been known for putting on great shows and getting the crowd fired up. The only concern is all of the supporting bands that are more pop than alternative,
5. Paramore
Paramore is that pop punk band that every alternative rocker can at least respect. With Hayley Williams, the lead singer as the only original member some wonder if it’s really worth going to see Hayley Williams and whoever is playing guitar and drums at that point. Personally, I love the music no matter who recorded it and would like to see them, but they tend to headline lineups that have these poor excuses for alternative bands supporting them and I don’t really want to sit through that, but I want to see them.
6. Rob Zombie
Yeah I’m going back to heavy metal just for a moment. Rob Zombie is essentially this generation’s Alice Cooper. A weird guy with makeup performing metal in odd costumes and a stage name is something to be known by. With a lot of stage presence and catchy metal grooves Rob Zombie is one to check off on the bucket list.
7. Blink 182
The alternative punk band has been around for a long time. Despite lineup changes over the years if you’re able to say, “I’ve been to a Blink 182 concert” that is something to rub in other people’s faces. As one of the biggest names in all of music being able to cross off Blink 182 is something I am looking forward to one day.
I’ve seen a lot of different bands from Korn to Motley Crue to Styx and Seether and I still have bands on my bucket list. Write down your bucket list and post it. Keep your list updated and save a little bit of money here and there to try and buy tickets. Keep dreaming about it and try to get to see them before someone in the band dies or is just a jerk like Axl Rose and everyone leaves. Nevertheless, write down your list and find a way to get there.
