Musoscribe’s Best of 2024: Concerts
Before the pandemic, I attended something on the order of three or four concerts a month. During the lockdown, obviously, I went to – let me count – zero. And since thing returned to the “new normal,” I’ve resumed attending concerts, albeit not nearly as many. But in 2024 I attended some remarkable shows. Here – in no particular order – are my Top Five*. It’s, um, purely coincidental that I interviewed four of the five.
Steve Vai and Joe Satriani – Belk Theater, Charlotte, NC, April 1
These two superlative guitarists prove that shredding can be melodic. Both technically outstanding, Vai and Satch are both masters of melody. They’re also both exquisite showmen and – dare I say – truly nice people. Seeing them onstage one after the other and then together was an awesome treat.
Big Star Quintet – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC, August 20
I discovered Big Star in the early ‘80s. Never did I think that I’d get the opportunity to witness their music – lots of it – played with feeling and authenticity by musicians closely connected to the original group. A concert for the ages, this show featured lots of teary eyes in the audience.
The dB’s – Eulogy, Asheville NC, September 20
I was fortunate enough to see The dB’s about a decade ago when they reunited to promote Falling Off the Sky. This year, the band’s great two early albums finally got stateside release (on vinyl, no less), and they set up a handful of live dates. One of them happened a few hundred yards from my home. Was I there? Indeed I was. The show was great, and I felt like I was with my tribe: I knew or recognized a sizable segment of the audience.
LA LOM – Eulogy, Asheville, NC, December 5
The name is short for Los Angeles League of Musicians, and the sound is akin to what it would sound like if Santo and Johnny’s “Sleep Walk” was a band. But LA LOM is more than that. Superlative showmen and an incredibly tight trio, the band speaks volumes without singing a word. Their new album is absolutely wonderful, but live onstage they’re even better.
David Gilmour – Madison Square Garden, NYC, November 8
Just, wow. My review of that night to remember is here.
*Honorable mentions – all great as well:
Los Straitjackets – Salvage Station, Asheville NC, April 13
Flight Attendant – Grey Eagle, Asheville NC, April 29
Buddy Guy – Harrah’s Casino, Cherokee NC, July 26
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.