Best Concerts :: 2008

My concert-going year is pretty much the same as it could have been in 1983, as a huge number of classic rock acts were on the road this year. The B52s, Dolly Parton, The Cure, Van Halen, Steely Dan, Stevie Nicks, John Mellencamp, David Cassidy, America, The Eagles, Crosby Stills & Nash, George Michael, Jimmy Buffett, Jackson Browne, Madonna, The Who, Lindsay Buckingham, Tina Turner, Duran Duran, AC/DC were just some of the acts I saw who proved that everything old is new again.

Most were a lot of fun, and although older and greyer, still emphasized showmanship in their shows. We'll have to wait and see if TV on the Radio, Lil Wayne, The Hold Steady, Britney Spears, Hannah Montana and Vampire Weekend are still going strong and not embarrassing themselves 25 years from now.

The highlights of my concert-going year are as follows:

AC/DC

AC/DC returned after many years, with a #1 album on the charts and a live show that was as loud and entertaining as any I've seen. Aside from lead singer Brian Johnson's odd stage presence - think of a 1980s dockworker campaigning for union president - the rest of the band was phenomenal, as led by wild man lead guitarist Angus Young. They played most of the hits you wanted: "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Hells Bells," "Back in Black" and "For Those About to Rock" as well as a number of new hits that fit into their repertoire quite comfortably. Don't miss AC/DC if they return to your neck of the woods in 2009.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings put on a Halloween show that was both hilarious and musically electric. The diminutive R&B dynamo belted out retro-soul songs from her two critically praised albums, and the crowd ate it up. Most know the Dap-Kings as the back-up band on Amy Winehouse's huge album, but they're Sharon Jones' band and when you see them together you're getting the real deal and not some drug-addicted pretender to the throne.

Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham put on a sold-out solo show that highlighted songs from his days with Fleetwood Mac as well as from his equally genius solo career. He was touring to support his excellente new disc, Gift of Screws, that shows he's still at the top of his game. Seeing such a big talent in such a small venue is a real treat, especially since he'll be playing arenas and stadia with the Mac in '09.

Tina Turner

Even at 69, Tina Turner remains the consummate live performer. Dancing on high heels, strutting on her gorgeous gams, singing with remarkable strength and smiling from start to finish, Tina leaves everyone else in the wake of her stilettos. Although several songs should have been retired long ago, her best-loved hits were all there and her show had a sense of fun and energy most other veteran performers like Madonna, The Who and The Eagles sorely lacked.

Gnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley put on a show with plenty of theatrics and craziness, as well as good music. While their huge international hit "Crazy," put them on the map, their other songs were just as good. While you would have expected them to play a much larger venue, the intimate Wilbur proved to be a real treat for music fans. You hope that Cee-Lo and Dangerous Mouse's duo is around for the long haul.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton brought her Vegas style show to promote her new "Backwoods Barbie" CD, but her low key, cornpone style made it seem folksy and unscripted. While most of the jokes and stories are probably repeated night after night, Dolly gives them an enthusiasm and freshness that makes it sound like thoughts just popped into her little blonde head. And yes, she still looks and sounds fabulous as ever.

George Michael

George Michael proved an exciting and captivating live presence, making one wish the rather reclusive star had toured much more frequently in the past 20 years. A true performer in the Freddie Mercury style, Michael sat out some of the best years of his career, but can still belt out a great pop ballad.

Chris Botti

Trumpeter Chris Botti hit Symphony Hall in Boston this Fall for two concerts which were recorded for an album and taped for a PBS special to air in March. While he was wonderful on his own, special guests Sting, Steven Tyler, John Mayer and20Josh Groban made it a magical event to remember.

Dave Matthews

Dave Matthews brought out the 20- and 30-somethings in droves and offered fans a show filled with hits, obscurities and covers. While the singer's albums have done well, it's live where the band excels. They might be Grateful Dead 2.0, but they've learned the Dead's lessons well by putting on an unpredictable and surprising concert every night.

Van Halen

Getting a chance to see Van Halen with David Lee Roth was a dream come true, as the band cranked out one 1980s hit after another. Eddie Van Halen's talent on guitar is nothing short of remarkable and Diamond Dave is still the clown prince of frontmen, and with the pipes to back it up. The only disappointment was they replaced long-time bass player Michael Anthony with Wolfgang Van Halen. Surely they could have accommodated both men and given fans a chance to see the original Halen line-up once again.

The B52s

Harkening back to the band's founding days 30 years ago in Athens, Georgia, The B52s played this Spring in a real treat of a show. On the road to promote their first new album in 16 years, the B's looked and sounded great and the band seemed to be having almost as much fun as the lucky fans. One hopes a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame berth awaits them soon.

And Some Buzz Kills

Disappointing shows included David Cassidy (painfully schmaltzy - but what was I expecting?), The Who (zero chemistry between Daltrey and Townshend), The Cure (three hours of whiney dirges), Jimmy Buffett (even he looks uncomfortable performing his idiotic songs to fat, drunk, middle-aged white people) and Madonna (everything is choreographed with zero element of spontaneity), who are clearly just doing it for the bucks. Let's hope for a 2009 with looser, more unpredictable shows, fewer set lists cemented in stone, more music and fewer big production numbers.