I have seen several memorable shows over the years and was curious as to who you folks thought put on a good live show. Even though this is under bands, solo performances are welcome too.
As for myself, I'd have to say that for straight out musicianship (is that really a word?) Yes were phenomenal every time I saw them. For theater, Alice Cooper was great entertainment and IMHO Glen Buxton and Mike Bruce never got the cred they deserved. For value, The Grateful Dead on a good day (yes they did have them). And honorable mention, the J.Geils Band always rocked the house.
Best Live Performance
At the Michigan Rennisance Festival about 15 years ago, there was a guy playing the part of a 'wandering minstrel' and he was incredibly good. Just him and his guitar and he made you laugh and cry and he could swing you from one to the other with ease. His songs were original and so funny. I wish I knew his name. I'd score him right up there with the biggest of the zillion dollar stage productions I've seen.
For me it was Eric Clapton and Derek Trucks playing the blues set Clapton playing acoustic and Trucks slide on his SG at the NZ Mission Concert in 2007 mesmerising comes to mind, my wife reckons I had a tear in my eye... I swear it was being outside in the cold lol!
I only saw a few but the one that was outstanding was Paul MaCartney which I had a chance to see in Dublin, Ireland was on stage for 3 hours without breaks (half of it alone on the stage)and back for 3 recalls. He really enjoys what he is is doing and loves the public. We were close enough so see his face without binoculars
Marc
Marc