My live band bucket list

I don't have a list of things to do or see before I die. When I went overseas all I really wanted to do was to go to Momofuku and The Spotted Pig restaurants in New York City, and walk across Abbey Road in London. I did two out of three - the restaurants - and walked 'across Abbey Road' with the M&Ms at the M&M store in Piccadilly Circus London - underwhelming, despite Michelle's best intentions! I don't have a yearning to see the pyramids or the Louvre, or to climb a mountain or to meet anyone famous that I haven't already met (ok maybe Ryan Gosling and Cate Blanchett).

But I have a live band bucket list. I've had one for some time now. Admittedly it comprises mostly of Aussie rock bands. Bogan pub rock perhaps. I have already seen some of the bands on my live band bucket list, and I feel like I've accomplished something by seeing them live. Often at their concerts, I think to myself, I can't believe is is happening! I feel very lucky. I've seen lots of bands - live music is so accessible in Melbourne - and I cherish the memories of most of them. But these ones are my most coveted ones.

So here it is. My live band bucket list.

Cold Chisel - check! I saw them live on my birthday last year. It was like mass karaoke when Khe Sanh came on. I love a bit of bogan Aussie rock! Best birthday night ever!

Crowded House - check! I thought I'd never see them, but I've now seen them live around five times. Their shows are just magic. And I have a set list and a guitar pick from Neil Finn.

Paul Kelly - check! I saw him with Missy Higgins and Dan Kelly (below)at Moomba in 2006, at the Sound Relief concert at the MCG to raise money for Black Saturday - I loved it when he referred to the MCG in Leaps and Bounds - and also at a session at the Melbourne Writers Festival where he spoke about his song lyrics and sang three songs. Next year I'm seeing him live with Neil Finn. Ultimate bucket list check!

Hunters and Collectors - check! Again I saw them play at the MCG at Sound Relief. Loved being able to sing along to Throw Your Arms Around Me!

 

INXS - check! Thank goodness I saw them before they called it off recently! I was so I pressed with them, despite the critics and the absence of Michael Hutchence.

You Am I - not yet. I've almost seen them, as a friend knows the band, and our names were on the door, however when we got there, our names were no longer there. Each time Tim Rogers has played a solo show here, I've either not been here or had something else on. However, I did see him sing a song with Bob Evans in 2009, see below. You Am I were meant to support Cold Chisel last year - I was so excited about this prospect! Louis and I arrive at the show early, especially to see them, and they weren't playing. So sad!

Simon and Garfunkle - not yet. Last time they were touring, their tickets were ridiculously high, and I just couldn't afford it. I grew up listening to them, my parents are big fans. Here's hoping I can afford to see them next time they are both here (or even just Paul Simon).

Fleetwood Mac - not yet. My parents are also huge fans of Fleetwood Mac, I know all their songs and I am hanging out to see them soon. I saw the Melbourne Writers Festival Liner Notes performance of Rumours in 2010 - loved it and laughed hard! Next time they're touring, I'll go, no matter the cost or line up in the band. I think it'd be a really nice thing to do with my Dad.

Who is on your live band bucket list?

Edit: the lovely Eden commented below, asking if I've seen U2. Yes! And they were a bucket list band who I forgot to include! I became a fan in the late 90s on hearing Achtung! Baby. And I would listen to them in my bedroom as I did my year 12 art project. I am pleased to say I've seen them three times - twice in 2006 and once in 2010. Another band ticket off the list! Thanks for the reminder Eden!