I’m a big fan of going to concerts. My first true live show experience that didn’t involve my parents dragging me to see Ricky Van Shelton and some version the Platters in Branson as a kid (I actually fell asleep multiple times during Shelton’s show) was seeing Tool in 2002 in Little Rock, Ark.

I haven’t been to another arena show since.

I prefer the comfort of a small venue. Give me a club or bar, a beer and a place near the back to stand, and I’m good. Paying money to see an artist or band you like, only to have them suck a truckload of ass is, I’m sure, a bummer. Luckily, I’ve never walked away from a live show disappointed.

From time-to-time, I like to browse the ole YouTubes for some concert gems. These are some of my favorites.

Pantera – “Domination” (Monsters of Rock – Moscow, Russia, 1991)

An insane crowd and an absolutely SICK performance. All energy, all awesome. I’ve seen this video more times than I can count and I never get tired of it. Just ridiculous.

Otis Redding – “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (Monterey International Pop Festival – Monterey, California, 1967)

With Booker T. & the M.G.’s backing him, Redding delivered a stirring, soulful performance that’s simply hard to beat. Redding would die six months later in a plane crash at the age of 26.

Living Colour – “Should I Stay or Should I Go” (1990)

After my last music blog, it’s fairly obvious that I dig these guys. This is a fun performance and they put their own spin on this cover. Corey Glover is one of my favorite vocalists. He gets bonus points for being in “Platoon” and for wearing that ridiculous outfit.

Alice in Chains – “Sunshine” (Seattle, Washington, 1991)

This is a very cool clip. An awesome live performance of one of the band’s more underrated songs. This is the only band from that Seattle grunge scene and era that I have never gotten tired of listening to.

The Chariot – Full Set (Moscow, Russia, 2012)

I’ll end with this. Energy, energy and more energy. These guys were incredibly fun to see live and it’s a shame they called it quits. The Chariot. Enough Said.