15 of the best live music performers

Missy doesn’t just bring energy — she brings a cartoonish, futuristic visual playground. Her MTV Vanguard set, complete with inflatable suits and gravity-defying dancers, proved she’s still miles ahead creatively. Expect elaborate sets, wild costumes and high-concept execution every time.

The original rock-and-roll showman, Elvis Presley had an electrifying stage presence that made audiences go wild. Whether it was his iconic ’68 Comeback Special or his Las Vegas residencies, The King’s charisma, hip-shaking moves, and smooth vocals left a lasting mark on live music. Presley’s ability to connect with his audience through his music and performances made him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. Presley’s influence on live performance continues to be felt today, inspiring countless musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible on stage.

Watch System Of A Down’s Daron Malakian lead entire stadium in anti-Oasis tapeworm chant

“I’m really lucky to be part of something that turns a lot of people on and still turns us on,” Matthews told RS last year. Arcade FireThe Montreal band has proven that emotionally apocalyptic indie rock can be as grand as U2 without losing any of its chaotic intensity. They’ve barely played live since owning the 2011 Grammy Awards, and they have a new album nearly in the can (due late October), which may include music produced with James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. This, plus word on a secret Montreal hometown show last winter, suggests their shows may be even more of a communal dance party than usual.

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MJ’s ability to fuse emotion with perfectionism made every show unforgettable. The whole performance, as with any Rage Against The Machine gig, was electric, furious, and politically charged. At the end of their set in 1999, they played the iconic ‘Killing In The Name’ and burned the two United States flags they had draped over their amps. The festival as a whole was a horrific disaster, but this statement was absolutely massive. For a country that gets mad if someone hangs their flag upside down, burning it onstage in front of thousands was wild. Due to copyright, this documentary clip is the best we could do for finding videos of this iconic performance.

• And just FYI, this list will not include rappers, as the metrics for a great Hip-Hop show are slightly different and warrants its own list.
• Bob Dylan isn’t known for flashy stage shows, but his ability to hold an audience with just his voice and lyrics is remarkable.
• His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.

We’ve a hugely in depth clubs section, but this area runs down all the events where the machines are brought to life. Want to find out where your favourite bands are playing next? Want to read interviews with the next big thing, or reviews of the latest guitar driven masterpiece? We’ve got more options for the live music enthusiasts than anywhere else, with constantly up to date venue listings and tour information across the UK.

With horror aesthetics, modern dance and genre-switching vocals, she bends pop, rap and R&B into something like no other. Her creativity, stamina and charisma continue to evolve fast. She’s a commanding performer who takes risks, pushes aesthetics and never phones it in. If the current trajectory continues, she may end up one of the most influential performers of her generation. With unmatched stamina, heels that defied logic and a voice that roared across stadiums, she commanded every inch of the spotlight. Discover album reviews and the latest rock and metal releases.

Hip Hop & R&B

“Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level” features fresh arrangements and an all-new visual experience that fans have never seen before. Rudimental bring their high-energy, genre-defying show to Hitchin Priory on Friday 28th August. It’s arguably one of the most incredible political statements made on stage. But RATM does have a habit of doing this type of thing, once going on stage in Guantanamo Bay-like jumpsuits with hoods over their heads.

Working closely with our artists means we can provide you with the most suitable act for your event and we will even work closely with them in the lead-up to your event. Beyond his award-winning compositions, Zimmer is a remarkably successful touring artist. He recently concluded his first North American and European “Hans Zimmer Live” tours.

His ability to convey emotion through music was unparalleled, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who witnessed his performances. From his mind-blowing guitar solos to his effortless dance moves, every Prince concert felt like an unpredictable explosion of funk, rock, and soul. His Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show in the rain is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in history.

Travis Scott’s concerts are a full-on sensory experience. His Astroworld Tour was a rollercoaster ride of visuals, pyrotechnics, and pure hype, cementing his status as one of rap’s most electrifying live performers. Scott’s ability to connect with audiences through his music and performances has made him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. His innovative style and unique blend of musical genres have paved the way for future generations of artists, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Whether she’s flying upside down or soaring over the crowd, the energy she brings to her live shows never lets up. Usher is effortlessly cool, and with his smooth vocals, timeless hits, and dance moves, it’s clear why he’s considered one of the greats. Bad Bunny turns concerts into massive celebrations with booming beats, vivid staging, and an electric crowd. When listening to him, you’ll be moving from the first song to the last.

We’ve crammed an abundance of genres in there, meaning whatever your musical niche of choice you’re well served. Metal fans, you’ll be as well served as shoegaze enthusiasts are in your lust for gig tickets, and our news section details all the album reviews, tour rumours, artist interviews you could ever desire. We’ve handpicked some of the best live music events and gigs from across the land to get stuck into – discover new experiences and buy gig tickets for some of the biggest live music for events in the UK music gigs about. Michael Jackson’s Dangerous tour put the bar through the roof for elaborate staging in live music.

Fiona AppleThe reclusive Apple has actually been playing shows lately – great ones, in fact. She’s the most intense, mercurial, and inventive piano-playing singer-songwriter of her generation, and her touring band is extremely tight, ready to follow her wherever she feels like heading. Sigur RósSince Pink Floyd threw in the towel, they’re the most magnificently trippy rock outfit on the semi-arena circuit. Falsetto is one of the most beautiful sounds in rock.