My three favourite bands
Epica (Dutch symphonic metal)
Toronto
(Also at The Opera House) 2006
It was basically the first concert I had seen of a band that I actually wanted to see, and where I knew EVERY SINGLE song, and subconsciously every word to every song (not well enough to sing along, but well enough to know the words as they're coming.) I knew every single song, and it was one of my absolute favourite bands in the whole world. They were opening for another metal band, for which I don't particularly care (Kamelot). Kamelot's sound crew was sadly terrible, the mic screeched all night and you could see his frustration and the sound was just NOISEY. You know the different between a recording and a live performance, especially for a metal show. Every song can sound exactly the same (especially if you're not as familiar with the music). Epica, however, sounded immaculate. Better than their recordings. Impeccable. It was super moving.
(Footbag video featuring Epica:
http://www.footbag.org/gallery/show/12610)
Swollen Members (Canadian hip hop)
Toronto
(Some club on College) 2006
Again, one of my favourite groups. Again, I knew all their songs. They have a really, really down to earth vibe. Tons of people got on stage with them and just danced. They smoked up on stage. It was so mellow. But also so bouncy and groovin'. It wasn't great sound, because it was a small venue, but the vibe definitely made up for it. They are so ridiculously cool and invited everyone to party with them afterwards. It was great.
(Footbag video featuring Swollen Members:
http://www.footbag.org/gallery/show/12699)
Nightwish (Finnish symphonic metal)
Winnipeg
(The Garrick?) 2008
My absolute favourite band of all time. I never got to see them with the original vocalist, Tarja, which is so, so, sad. But their new album with the new vocalist Annette is very, very good. I had watched videos on YouTube of her covering the older Nightwish songs, and I was really disappointed, and not holding my breath. I think they have practiced with her a lot though, because she did very well overall. They played my favourite song, "Nemo", which was sung by Tarja -- Annette pulled it off really well, and I was really impressed, and it was incredible seeing my favourite song performed live. The sound was good. I didn't have the same vibe as with Epica where it was PERFECT, but maybe I was more taken aback by the fact that I was actually seeing Nightwish. Marco's performance of The Islander was soooooo good too. My only complaint is that Tuomas, the composer, doesn't get enough credit on stage. He just stands there behind his keyboards... kinda part of the background like a drummer (which is also sad). He is so incredible. Oh no, wait, one other complaint -- Annette is way too poppy for the band
She sings great and all, and the new songs are good, but her stage presence is that of a cute pop singer. She doesn't pull off metal at all
Of course that's not to say that it wasn't the best concert of my entire life and will probably remain so forever (unless Tarja does a reunion tour)
(Footbag video featuring Nightwish:
http://www.footbag.org/gallery/show/7347)
