What live performance has blown your mind?

Any August Wilson work on stage.

I’m always blown away by impressionists, I saw Jim Meskimen’s standup and he did an amazing set. Unfortunately I couldn’t film it.

Here’s him doing an impression of Ian McKellan

https://youtu.be/HwozqzMNAVU

I saw Indecent on Broadway in the spring of 2017. The script was superb. The direction was stunning and was awarded the Tony. The lighting was exquisite and also won the Tony, and the acting was sublime. Costumes were excellent, and the sound was wonderful.

“The Coast of Utopia” a trilogy about Russia in the 19th century by Tom Stoppard at the Vivian Beaumont. Great sweep and staging. Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Ehle and others I can’t remember.

In another way, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Carlton Theater in Red Bank in 1976. That performance to which I went because my brother had an extra ticket, made me a fan.

The Rolling Stones in concert, July 1975 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, CA.

Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman in A Steady Rain on Broadway. Within five minutes both had completely transformed into their characters.

Imogen Heap in concert was incredible. So many ways to make music that touches your heart.

This one. It’s pretty darn cool. And for some reason I can’t envision in happening in an American school.

I hate live performances. They are never good.
Except for Stephen Lynch.

It was only semi-live, but it happened this past Sunday.

A local movie theatre has been showing a sing-a-long version of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The words appear on-screen as the songs play, and the audience can join in. Along with the entire crowd, I sang as loudly as I could, along with cheers and applause. I can’t remember the last time I’d had so much uninhabited fun.

I saw Caravan on stage in November and I was amazed at how good they were despite all being in their 70s.

I saw Live, and Jane’s Addiction in Atlanta many years ago. I’ve seen hundreds of concerts. That was the best.

Guided by voices at the cotton club in Atlanta in 1999. They did seven encores, seven! I think they must have played 50 fucking songs. Robert Pollard handed me a beer out of his personal cooler on stage while they were playing “cut out witch” randomly like here bud, have one on me… Epic night.

Innumerable music concerts and Riverdance in 1995 with Michael Flatley, it was spectacular.

Reference material

Live Aid: July 13 1985…<drops mic>

I have seen a lot of Broadway and touring shows. I enjoyed most of them very much. Ones that really blew my mind would include “Matilda” (Broadway-original cast), “A Chorus Line”(touring company), Les Miserables”, “Sweeney Todd”(In house Chicago productions),
“Annie”(on Broadway, original run), “Evita”(touring company), “Tommy”(the Bway musical) done at a community theater, yes it was THAT good.
The 2013 Tony Awards-simply amazing.

Only seen a few. Phantom of the Opera’s my favorite. Would watch it once every two years if I can.