2024 turned out to be an incredible concert going year for me in that I got to see four of my five favorite artists (and I would have been five for five if Massive Attack hadn’t canceled their US tour!) along with a legacy act that had been dying to see one last time. plus a few other special shows sprinkled in here and there.
A quick public service announcement before I get to my list. 30% of this list comes from shows outside the D.C. area. Road trips are the best! Go see your favorite bands as many times as you can! Go see them in unfamiliar surroundings! You won’t regret it. Unless you’re traveling to see Morrissey.
1 – Liam Gallagher @ The O2, London — 6/10/24
I tell everyone that will listen that seeing Noel or Liam in the UK is a totally different experience than seeing them in the States. The energy in the O2 was palpable and I loved seeing people my age losing their collective shit to the songs defined Britpop. “Fade Away” is my favorite Oasis song, so extra points to Liam playing that and a whole bunch of the b-sides from this era.
2 – Destroyer @ Union Stage — 4/3/24
My favorite current artist playing an understated, languid show that put the focus on his songs. I was in absolute heaven. Already making plans to see him multiple times when he opens for Father John Misty in 2025.
3 – Pulp @ Kings Theatre, Brooklyn — 9/13/24
I missed them during their last reunion so I was determined not to make that mistake again. This show was a great reminder that Pulp were indeed one of the Big 3 of Britpop and that Jarvis was the best frontman of that era.
I am in disbelief that Gruff’s album, Sadness Sets Me Free isn’t on more End of Year lists, as it is among the best work of his career. That’s no small thing, seeing as it’s his 25th album counting his pre- and post-Super Furry Animals work. I had “I Tendered My Resignation” on repeat for weeks after this show.
5 – Young Fathers @ 9:30 Club — 4/8/24
A friend has raved about these guys for the last few years so I was excited to finally get to see them. They are just as Massive Attack-y as I was led to believe, but with more energy and chaos. A potent combo.
6 – Johnny Marr @ Warner Theatre — 10/6/24
I was seemingly the only person in the crowd that got more excited when he played a song from his solo career as opposed to a Smiths song. James co-headlined this tour and was also great.
7 – Paul Weller @ Lincoln Theater — 9/11/24
The cool before the warm! The calm after the storm! Weller stormed through a massive 29 song set that more than proved he is still a potent live act in his mid-60s. Oasis will always be my favorite band, but Weller is probably the artist I actually listen to the most.
8 – Kurt Vile @ The National, Richmond — 5/11/24
Blew off a Neil Young show to take a road trip down 95 for this show. It was loud, rowdy, sloppy and utterly glorious. Zero regrets.
9 – This Is the Kit @ The Barns at Wolf Trap — 2/22/24
Got turned on to this band after they toured with Gruff last year. Careful of Your Keepers is such a great Sunday morning album and this venue was the perfect place to hear them play it.
10 – Future Islands @ The Anthem — 6/23/24
The People Who Weren’t There Anymore was a bit of a comfort listen for me this year. I found it really soothing. These guys are always great live and it was great to see such a big crowd show up for them.