I have been to see Brian Wilson three times now.
(My father, worshipping the man, generously took the family along)

The first one I saw was probably one of the most stunning gigs I've been to. He played a superb first half of classic Beach Boys numbers before playing the entirety of Pet Sounds in the second half. I defy anyone else to get the entirety of the Royal Festival Hall to its feet and dancing to surf music. A peerless experience despite being right in the back row and passing binoculars back and forth between my parents and sister to get a better view of Mr Wilson and his band.

Close contenders: Hooverphonic, despite being a fairly low-key act, put on a beautiful performance and Arnaert's vocals on the pared-back version of Inhaler they closed with almost made me shed a tear; Emily Loizeau's gig in Shepherd's Bush was eccentrically brilliant, better still she did the encore in the crowd, just next to our table - she was within grabbing distance, so I can't fault that for good seating; the first time I saw Ian Siegal at Ain't Nothin' But - no seating, no room to move but three stunning Russian sisters who we failed pitifully to chat up and an amazing set from the great man; also Mercury Rev pleasantly surprised me, it's just a pity the crowd were such a bunch of wankers.
EDIT: Also, Peter Green and John Mayall on the same bill at the Albert Hall. That was a fucking good show.
EDIT EDIT: John Crampton at my old local. Fuck me, that man can play.
(LongJohnBaldry, Wed 1 Dec 2010, 12:00, 2 replies, latest was 15 years ago)

I have been to see Brian Wilson three times now.
(My father, worshipping the man, generously took the family along)

The first one I saw was probably one of the most stunning gigs I've been to. He played a superb first half of classic Beach Boys numbers before playing the entirety of Pet Sounds in the second half. I defy anyone else to get the entirety of the Royal Festival Hall to its feet and dancing to surf music. A peerless experience despite being right in the back row and passing binoculars back and forth between my parents and sister to get a better view of Mr Wilson and his band.

Close contenders: Hooverphonic, despite being a fairly low-key act, put on a beautiful performance and Arnaert's vocals on the pared-back version of Inhaler almost made me shed a tear; Emily Loizeau's gig in Shepherd's Bush was eccentrically brilliant, better still she did the encore in the crowd, just next to our table - she was within grabbing distance, so I can't fault that for good seating; the first time I saw Ian Siegal at Ain't Nothin' But - no seating, no room to move but three stunning Russian sisters who we failed pitifully to chat up and an amazing set from the great man; also Mercury Rev pleasantly surprised me, it's just a pity the crowd were such a bunch of wankers. Can somebody get some splints for my wrists, please? It's cold and the constant massive flapping is creating a draught of the like not seen since Jordan 'accidentally' opened her legs at a press conference to promote her latest book.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Wed 1 Dec 2010, 12:06, Reply)

That is, of course, exactly what I meant to say.
*clicks for the Jordan metaphor*
(LongJohnBaldry, Wed 1 Dec 2010, 12:07, Reply)

Your mention of low-key acts has reminded me...
The Blue Nile at Liverpool. I can't actually remember the venue, so I'm going to pretend it was The Phil and that the seats were pretty good.
They're as un rock n' roll as you can get but they've made some achingly lovely songs with subtle multi-layered arrangements and they performed them magnificently.
(Cave Duck, Wed 1 Dec 2010, 12:17, Reply)

I shall have to plead ignorance here
Never heard of The Blue Nile - who are/were they and what are the chances of me liking their recorded output?
(LongJohnBaldry, Wed 1 Dec 2010, 12:18, Reply)

They're a Scottish band formed in the early 80s.
"Adult orientated", understated" or "a bit dull" tend to be phrases used about them. They always take about five years to come up with an album. There are few obvious hooks but I find the music thoughtful and the singer (Paul Buchanan)has an understated (told you) but plaintive voice. He's also worked with Peter Gabriel.

Tinsel Town In The Rain, their nearly hit, is a good starting point if you want to take a look on youtube. If you like what you hear I'd be happy to send you some stuff.
(Cave Duck, Wed 1 Dec 2010, 12:51, Reply)