Concerts

Eric · Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

When you go see bands live do you prefer them play a standard set throughout the tour or do you hope for some variety from show to show? I know some bands always play the same songs night after night in the same order with no variation, while others may really shake things up.

There's pros and cons to each method. Most people only see a band once per tour so the "scripted" approach ensures that everybody gets the same show, and the band can really hone in on those 20 or so songs.

But I actually prefer some surprises especially when it comes to bands I've seen many times before. I think the Black Crowes do the best job of varying their set from night to night -- it keeps things fresh and I'm always looking forward to one of their shows because you never quite know what you're going to get.

What do you guys think?

Gillissie · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:00 pm Post subject:

It mostly depends on the band, but for bands that I'm a big fan of, I would prefer that they play a lot of different stuff all the time.

A good example of a band that plays different sets is Clutch. They still play tons of their old material, as well as new. They usually hit songs from every album. Plus, when they play two nights in a row in Flint, MI, they always play a completely different set each night, giving incentive for fans to come to both shows.

An example of a band that plays the same set each time is Iron Maiden. I love Maiden, but after seeing them like 10 times, it would be nice if they retired some of their songs and played some other songs that we never hear anymore.
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Eric · Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

I know KISS is one of the worst when it comes to performing a scripted show. Even Paul Stanley's introductions to the songs are often identical (sometimes year after year). As a big KISS fan, I would loved to see more variety in their set lists. Of course, they still put on one of the best concerts you'll ever see, so it's hard to complain too much.

Missing User · Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts:

Oh man, I love Clutch. Saw them live years and years ago in Seattle. They never seen to come out to the northwest often! It's enough to make me do something reckless like buy a ticket out to to east coast.

Speaking of Michigan, any Thought Industry fans here? I always seem to fall in love with acts that don't tour my side of the country.

Missing User · Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts:

Rush does a pretty good job of mixing stuff up, dusting off old material and so.
The last time I saw them (Counterparts in 1993), they went so far as to shuffle openers: a one shot with Primus. Stellar all the way...

Missing User · Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: