Top 10 Live Bands I've Seen

Last night's Nada Surf concert has inspired me to look back at the list of musicians I have seen live (over 200 I believe) and pick the 10 best. I decided that I would do it objectively, meaning I'm not going to have my 10 favorite bands be my top 10 for this. I am going to look at it as if I was just a casual fan of all of these artists and judge them based on their set list, energy, presence, and so on. So here goes nothing...(I wrote this in like 5 minutes, so don't expect it to be well written)

10. Van Halen
Yes, I've only seen them with Gary Cherone and Sammy Hagar. Yes, I've seen them when they are way past their physical prime. But you know what, both shows tore the house down. Eddie's playing isn't for everyone, but I've never seen a better guitarist live in my life (and I've seen Jimmy Page).

9. The Black Crowes
Channeling a 1970's vibe, this band knows how to jam. The brothers Robinson are better represented when playing live. Whether it be a small theatre or a large amphitheatre, they get everyone from the front row to the last grooving.

8. The Vines
They may have never lived up to all the hype, but The Vines are a darn good band, especially live. While Craig Nichols may have his microphone and guitars up way too high, he brings unpredictability back to rock and roll. Whether he's throwing his guitar at his drummer or chugging a 12 pack of Coca-Cola, you never know what he's going to do next.

7. R.E.M.
With a catalog of 13 albums, R.E.M. digs deep to give their fans the best set list they can possibly give. Although they may not be a hard rocking band, Michael Stipe is one of the most captivating frontmen I've ever seen.

6. Alice Cooper
So many rockers owe their live performances to Alice Cooper. Always adding more gore to his show, Cooper stops at nothing to entertain a crowd. Plus he has some of the greatest tunes in hard rock.

5. AC/DC
I've seen hard rocking bands from Aerosmith to Tool to Motley Crue to Queens of the Stone Age and no one has been harder rocking than AC/DC. Even at their age, they are louder than ever and have more energy than bands half their age.

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers
For a band that loves to jam, there aren't many bands that play as tight of a set as the Peppers do. Not only do you get to hear a lot of great songs, but you get to witness two of the finest players of the past 15 years, John Frusciante and Flea.

3. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
The Trail of Dead are over the top, insane, and beautiful all at the same time. Conrad Keely's talents are underappreciated by the mainstream, which must mean only one thing, they have never seen the Trail of Dead live.

2. Rage Against The Machine
With the fury of a punk band, heavy metal riffs, and more energy than the thousands that attended every one of their shows, Rage Against The Machine is one of the greatest live bands ever. Sure, the mosh pits are filled with a bunch of idiots who know nothing about music, but the bands live performance is something everyone should have had the chance to experience.

And Number 1 is...

1. The White Stripes
The White Stripes are everything a good live rock and roll band should be; loud, out of control, and just plain fricken sweet. If the Stripes are in your town, do not miss your opportunity to see one of the great bands of our generation.