Edit: Fuck COVID

I’ll be periodically updating this list throughout the year, but more importantly, I’m going to add a number after every show to where these pop up on my mega list, which is way behind schedule and growing by leaps and bounds every month.

C = Comedy

123 = Indicates ranking at the time of the show, not overall standing. Click to see the full running list.

January

182. Morgan Wallen

First show of the year and the band’s VIP team gave away … glass that you couldn’t have in a venue. Awesome. That process was fun.

74. Fruition (The Mighty Pines)

The Mighty Pines are responsible for selling the best — and most comfortable — show tee I own.

47. GZA (Bronze Nazareth)

Any Wu-Tang member you can see in person is a treat. I’m now batting .222

116. Bailen

Completely missed them when they opened for Hozier. I think we were still ushering people in. This performance short and sweet.

February

40. Grace Potter (Devon Gilfillian)

Little did I know this was going to be the best show of the year. I really wished I took more video.

C. Nikki Glaser

Yes, she’s hot and funny. But more importantly, she’s funny.

178. Trippie Redd

Another rapper, another show where people left without their shoes. The graveyard set design was a nice touch.

101. The Lumineers (Mt. Joy, JS Ondara)

The “biggest” venue show of 2020 didn’t have the pop you’d like it to. Something about folk just doesn’t translate to the big stage.

181. Queensryche (John 5, Eve to Adam)

My own venue wouldn’t let me upgrade my dad to a seat until Queensryche was three songs in. We had the room! He’s partially immobilized. I wasn’t too happy with my company.

71. We Were Promised Jetpacks (Slaughter Beach, Dog)

The annual, “Hey I didn’t know you liked them!” band where I met several friends.

March

95. Fitz and the Tantrums (Twin XL)

How can a band built on energy lack so much of it? Maybe they had COVID and didn’t know it.

56. of Montreal (Lily and Horn Horse)

My friend, Big Mac, ran out into the rain to write a scribbled note that she left on the tour bus windshield (in the rain) complaining that lead singer Kevin Barnes wasn’t wearing a dress. He wore a giant skull, though.

172. Killswitch Engage (August Burns Red, Light the Torch)

Ending this sad year with rock. The show that hung heavy, and yet not knowing it was the last one for 15 months. It still feels surreal.