Obviously anytime that you go to a concert/music festival you're going to be moved in one way or another. Music in itself is something powerful, but experiencing it live and raw is even more intense. The surge of energy that you get when you know you're about to see one of your favorite bands play is a rush that Redbull definitely couldn't touch. But what's even more amazing is when a band that you've never heard of in your life can totally captivate you in their live performance and give you a good time even if you're not a fan. The bands that I've gathered below are all bands that have the ability to do just that. They're all notorious for mind-blowing or incredibly fun performances that could actively engage someone who doesn't even necessarily enjoy that genre of music. Check out the list below and comment on your favorite live performance!
1. A Day To Remember
I don't even want to hear any bullshit about "selling out" A Day To Remember has consistently brought fans an amazing time during their performances. Known for antics like climbing over the stage in a huge inflatable ball, they are always adding something extra and exciting to their sets and fans appreciate that sense of intimacy.
2. Letlive
Letlive is WILD. No other word can better describe their live performances other than wild. Vocalist, Jason Butler is known for climbing onto rafters and hanging microphones from the ceiling and making it a super high energy performance to watch. He often interacts with the crowds as well and again, fans love and appreciate the intimacy there. Earlier this year the band announced they were halting activity for the foreseeable future. RIP </3
3. Sorority Noise
This is one band that hits you exactly where you didn't necessarily even know you needed to be hit (emotionally of course). But what's even better is that their emotional lyrical content is delivered with an intense live performance of thrashing and jumping and and all around good time. My roommate watched them live before she had ever listened to them and was moved to tears during their set at So What Music Festival two years ago so that should tell you how captivating they are.
4. Every Time I Die
Seriously, no band has ever made being dead with your friends seem so enticing. And no, I'm not being biased because I'm a Buffalo gal, ETID will rock your socks off anywhere, any day, any time. An Every Time I Die set is wild, chaotic, and usually incredibly sweaty and their fans party and mosh harder than most. Magical things can happen at Every Time I Die shows, and if you've been lucky to see a hometown ETID Christmas show then you've experienced true euphoria and mayhem.
5. Reel Big Fish
I really don't even listen to ska all that often and I still knew these guys needed to be on this list. If you've ever seen Reel Big Fish live you know that you can't help but be happy watching them play. They're quirky, and funky, and odd even and it's totally captivating to watch and be a part of. I've never been to a Reel Big Fish show that I didn't dance my ass off to.
6. Paramore
Paramore are known powerhouses in the pop-punk community and now in the pop/top 40 world as well! Back in their earlier days you could always expect a high energy show from then and as their fan base has grown so has their ability to really entertain an audience. Every time you see them is a different experience and they're sure to blow you away not only with their talent but with their presence and energy as well.
7. New Politics
I saw them for the first time while shooting a music festival hosted by a radio station local to Buffalo and I had my mind literally blown. I know I've said high energy like a hundred times but DAMN, New Politics takes it to the next level. The vocalist, David Boyd breakdances, stands on his head, and climbs over top of fans heads throughout their set. Truly a one-in-a-kind experience being able to see them live!