Music is great no matter how or where you listen, but there is nothing quite like seeing your favorite bands live. I’m always thinking about my dream concerts so I’ve decided to do a piece highlighting some of my ideal shows. For each event I’ll chose three bands that I would need a change of pants for if I found out they were going to be playing together. I’ll pick ten songs for each band that I would like to see performed as well as the venue that the event will take place.
For the first show I have chosen Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine. While the three vary in style, they all possess great guitar and bass combinations that bring down the house in their own ways.
Location: The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
Growing up right outside Atlanta, the Tabernacle was always my favorite venue in town. It’s large enough for epic shows but still maintains an intimate feel. If you ever get a chance to go to a show there I would highly recommend it.
Band #1: Muse
I’ve actually seen them twice at the Tabernacle, and it was fantastic both times. The band’s flawless performance accompanied by their spectacular light shows creates one hell of an intergalactic journey. Witnessing the amazing talent that is Matt Bellamy is worth the price of admission alone. The man sings like an opera rockstar, shreds guitar with the best of them, and plays piano like an angel.
Setlist:
1. Hysteria
2. Starlight
3. Map of the Problematique
4. Citizen Erased
5. Butterflies and Hurricanes
6. Plug in Baby
7. Blackout
8. Stockholm Syndrome
9. Micro Cuts
10. Knights of Cydonia
Band #2: Red Hot Chili Peppers
If I were to see the Chili Peppers I would want it to be during the late 80’s to early 90’s featuring the lineup of Anthony, Flea, John, and Chad. With the combination of John’s psychedelic guitar playing and Flea’s funk, it’s enough to make me melt out of pure awesomeness.
Setlist:
1. Around the World
2. If You Have to Ask
3. The Brother’s Cup
4. Johnny, Kick a Hole in the Sky
5. Funky Monks
6. Get On Top
7. Apache Rose Peacock
8. Higher Ground
9. Give It Away
10. Sir Psycho Sexy
Band #3: Rage Against the Machine
Ever since I saw the DVD of Rage’s “last show”, I was amazed at the intensity and sheer fury that they brought to the table. From the opening drop of “Bulls on Parade,” the crowd is nonstop balls to the wall the entire time. The real test would be making it out alive.
Setlist:
1. Bulls on Parade
2. Know Your Enemy
3. Testify
4. Down Rodeo
5. How I Could Just Kill a Man feat. Cypress Hill
6. Wake Up
7. Calm Like a Bomb
8. Roll Right
9. Guerilla Radio
10. Freedom
Stay tuned… more to come!
to be perfectly honest, i haven’t even really checked out the new guy. just because it’s not frusciante or hillel playing guitar for the chili peppers you definitely have to have some skepticism. fortunately for this new guy they’ll probably hardly play any of their earlier stuff. i don’t care how good you are, playing with the passion that frusciante brought to any of the songs i listed above is quite a task.
as for navaro, there are a few songs that i enjoy off one hot minute. luckily for him for he got to play with flea who played a tremendous role in carrrying that album.
Are you as skeptical as I am about this new guitarist for RHCP? Josh Klinghoffer (or something like that). Not sure he can pull of the Frusciante style on some of the older stuff.
Remember the Navarro incident? No bueno.