The Best Shows of Years Past

There’s still a whopping 40 days left in 2019 but the overwhelming majority of shows to see is dwindling. And while I titled both this year’s and last’s to concerts, comedy gets a break, because I’m lazy.

To boot, nothing I see the rest of this year will top seeing Paul McCartney in Lambeau Field or Muse in Detroit where, by happenstance of a lottery system via Facebook Messenger, a suite upgrade manifested itself.

Speaking of mega shows, I’m going to also recollect the biggest/most enjoyed concerts by year, if I can remember them all.

1997 — New Rock Fest: Matchbox Twenty, The Gufs at MWF

1998 — New Rock Fest: Green Day, Violent Femmes, Soul Asylum, Harvey Danger, Black Lab at MWF

1999 — The Brian Setzer Orchestra at Summerfest (Miller Oasis)

2003 — Santana at Summerfest (Marcus Amp)

2005 — The Wallflowers [BoDeans, Anna Nalick] at Summerfest (Marcus Amp)

2007 — Roger Waters at Summerfest (Marcus Amp)

2008 — John Mayer [Colbie Callait, Brett Dennen] at Summerfest (Marcus Amp)

2010 — Julian Casablancas at Peoples on Court

2011 — Taking Back Sunday at Summerfest (US Cellular)

2013 — Lewis Black / Rick Springfield (Final 30 Minutes) at Summerfest (BMO/ULINE)

2014 — Lydia Loveless at Tip Top Deluxe

2015 — The Flaming Lips at Summerfest (BMO)

2016 — Paul McCartney at Summerfest (Marcus Amp)

2017 — U2 [Beck] at Ford Field

2018 — The War on Drugs at Royal Oak Music Theatre

2019 — Paul McCartney at Lambeau Field

2020 — Grace Potter [Devon Gilfillian] at The Intersection

2021 — Lord Huron [Andy Shauf] at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

2022 — Boston Calling Day 3: Metallica, Weezer, Glass Animals, Modest Mouse, Cults at Harvard

2023 — Kilby Block Party Day 3: Pixies, Surf Curse, The Backseat Lovers, The Walkmen, Tolchock Trio, Mannequin Pussy, Deeper, Worlds Worst, Backhand at SLC Fair Park

2024 — Jeff Rosenstock [Sidney Gish, Gladie] at Pyramid Scheme