J_Boyd posted on December 27, 2012 10:50
2012 was a wonderful year for music in St. Louis. From icons of the industry like Paul McCartney, Madonna and Radiohead to kings of rock like KISS and Motley Crue, the area saw it's fair share of great music over the past 12 monhts. I recently asked a few of our insideSTL music columnists about their favorite local show of the year, below are the results.
JBoyd:
Having to come up with this list is diffucult each and every year. Having been fortunate enough to review some top notch acts over the past calendar year, it is always diffucult to widdle it away down to one "favorite". Wether it be the madness of the Flaming Lips at Loufest, being introduced to and entranced by Radiohead or watching rock royalty like Paul McCartney(!), I would say that each live music experience changes me for the better without fail. There is something truly magical about what music can do for people and I think that is why we love it so much. Therapy for some, a release for others, the music is what you want to take from it and a live show is just a translation of that as the music comes to life before your eyes.
My vote for the best show I saw this year would have to go to.....Paul McCartney at Scottrade Center. Watching a 70 year old rock icon absolutely own the Scottrade Center stage in every way during a stop on his 'On The Run' World Tour was truly a memorable experience that I will not soon forget. Now, I am not even really a Beatles fan but I knew in that moment while watching the show, that it was a special night and every second watching this artist do what he has done for so long should be appreciated.
"Is it St. Louie or St. Louis???"
Those were the words uttered by rock legend Sir Paul McCartney as he brought his 'On The Run' World Tour to St. Louis as a kick off for an abbreviated 5-date North American leg. Though it was a cold and rainy night outside the arena, flocks of rabid fans came from far and wide and packed into Scottrade Center to worship at the altar of Paul. The long sold out engagement was the first show for McCartney in St. Louis in nearly a decade and the 70 year old rock icon most certainly did not disappoint. [FULL REVIEW]
I would be remiss if I did not mention number 1A on my list from 2012. Simply billed as 'The Tour', the co-headline bill of rock gods KISS and Motley Crue was a spectacle that was very hard to top. With flames, pyro and sex crazed dancing girls, it was everything you may expect from this combination of rock legends and then some. A hot and sweaty rock show and a night full of hits.
With over 30 years of rocking under their belts, KISS most definitely know how to put on a show and deliver for their legions of dedicated fans. And for guys that are over 60, you really have to give them credit for not only their showmanship, but their musicianship as well. Having never had the experience to see either of these bands live before, this was truly a concert experience that I will not soon forget. If you have a chance this summer, don't miss "The Tour" if it comes your way. Most definitely a rock experience that you will find nowhere else. I think Gene Simmons summed it up perfectly when asked to describe the tour when he said "Come out, we’ll blow shit up, go home and fuck your girlfriend, that’s it." Exactly. [FULL REVIEW]
Honorable mentions: Radiohead at Scottrade Center, Gaslight Anthem @ Pop's, Snoop Dogg @ Pop's, The Fray at The Pageant, Dave Matthews Band at Verizon Wireless Amp
Smitty
The Tour: KISS & Motley Crue @ Verizon Wireless Amp
After months of swirling rumors about the iconic legends of Rock n Roll possibly teaming up for a concert tour, it was finally confirmed back in March that KISS & Motley Crue would indeed join forces for "The Tour" 2012. Luckily for music fans in the Show Me State, that tour included a stop in Saint Louis at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater this past August. Having never seen either band live, I knew I could not miss this opportunity. This would be the biggest and baddest rock event ever to cross paths in my time. And it did not disappoint! I went to The Tour mainly for Motley Crue and to relive my youth. I left a big fan of KISS. The production of the event was top notch filled with entertaining theatrics and pyrotechnics. And both bands put on a rock show worthy of their name. It was a night of rock I will soon not forget and topped my list for the best concert I saw in Saint Louis in 2012.
Honorable Mentions: Radiohead at Scottrade Center, Slayer & Slipknot @ Mayhem Fest, The Black Keys w/ Arctic Monkeys at Chaifetz Arena
Kari Williams
Paul McCartney @ Scottrade Center
From the moment he walked on stage, I should have known Paul McCartney would earn -- without question -- the "best concert of the year" nomination, especially considering that was the first, and probably last, time I'll ever see him perform. Others have seen Sir Paul more times than they can probably count, but for me it was essentially a once in a lifetime experience. The show was nothing short of amazing, with fans hanging on every word and Paul graciously accepting the well-deserved adulation. It was refreshing to watch someone as legendary as Paul McCartney perform without the constant need for explosions and theatrics, which made the fire bursting from the stage during "Live and Let Die" even more memorable. But despite the significance of the show itself, the best part was seeing on Paul's face and through his on-stage antics how much he really loves performing. Even watching from (arguably) the worst seats in the house, this is a show I'll never forget.
Honorable mentions: Fozzy w/I Have a Bomb! & Fungonewrong; El Monstero; Midwest Rock 'n' Roll Express Tour (REO Speedwagon, Styx & Ted Nugent); Hellogoodbye w/Tommy & the High Pilots, William Beckett, Mostly Harmless
Bradley Darby
Primus 3D @ The Peabody Opera House
Primus strolled in to St. Louis one Sunday night in October for a 3D spectacle and certainly brought the weird in full force. The “original” lineup has been working hard for the last year in support of their most recent album, Green Naugahyde. The setlist was loaded with oldies and rarities, as well as some of the fan favorites like “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” and “Southbound Pachyderm.” Many songs pulled from the Frizzle Fry day were welcomed with open arms by many, myself included since this was my fourth time seeing them since the reincarnation in 2010. The “American Life” into “Wynonnas Big Brown Beaver” encore ended the night perfectly and sealed this as my favorite show of 2012 (and my favorite of the 4 Primus shows I have enjoyed!). [REVIEW]
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What was your show of the year in St. Louis in 2012? Post your comments below. Hope to see you at a show in 2013!!
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