Some years ago, I saw Elton John in concert, then a few years later I saw the Stones.
I had quite different reactions to them. I found both to be great experiences, but for different reasons.
The Stones put on the best show I’ve ever seen - fireworks, moving stage, Jagger jumping all over the place like a 40 year old, Keith looking like on a bad day he’d like to kill Jagger and snort his ashes, and so on. Oh, and there was some music too.
Elton was far different. It was just him and 16 foot grand piano. No back-up band, very little in the way of light display. Just him caressing that piano and singing. And the songs were marvellous.
I’ve summed them up by saying that the Stones were the best show I’ve ever seen, but Elton was the best concert I’ve ever gone to.
I’ve usually found great concerts were great shows, but then I rarely go for the type of groups that use light displays or pyrotechnics. The music is what makes a great concert, and you get a great show by watching people playing it with enthusiasm, or with great rapport with the audience, or even just playing it.
Loudon Wainwright III, for instance, puts on a great show, and it’s just him and his guitar.
About the only real exception was Pink Floyd, where there was no show at all (this was in 1974) – just the four of them playing, and doing it without trying to show off.
Too many great performers to honor but I’d probably say Michael Hedges was the best concert. Best show would go to Blue Oyster Cult who was one of the first bands out with a laser show before everybody else did it. it was pretty cool at the time.
Generally not impressed with the show but I do appreciate a performer who can entertain. I remember a band at a local club where the singer/guitar player told a story (involving music) and incorporated a history of jazz, and blues and rap. It was incredibly entertaining, funny, and well executed. It was one of those nights where everything clicked and the band responded well to the crowd.
I wish I’d seen Elton John in his early years of touring. I wasted my concert years on too many heavy metal bands.
I have yet to see Elton John in concert, but I do know that he used to do outrageous costumes and such. I’ve seen the Rolling Stones (Street Fighting Man was playing while I read this thread!) three times and they put on the best show/concert I’ve seen. The third time Mick had a cold and the singing was poor, but their PA system is loud enough to hear for miles. I last saw them on tour about 2 years ago. Best was the Tattoo You tour in the early 80s, and Mick used to jump around like a 20 year old.
I saw “The Wall” concert on PBS and was disappointed to see Cyndi Lauper lip syncing her song (I don’t need no education). She did it in a bawdy schoolgirl outfit which was entertaining because of the way she belted it out but the effect was ruined by her lip syncing.