Going to shows has become a therapeutic get away. In a world under constant pressures of turning your past into the future, a concert becomes a very beautiful thing. A time to drop everything else and just focus on the “here” and “now.” What differentiates the following performances from the rest is not solely song selection, nor venue, nor crowd, but all of these combined. It isn’t enough for an artist to play a perfect set if there isn’t a crowd there to appreciate it. All of the following shows not only illustrated near flawless musicianship and delivery, but the crowd made them unforgettable. The artists vibe off the energy of the crowd and they combine to give you the best experience possible. With that, I give you the best performances of 2012:

10. STRFKR @ Glasshouse Pomona

Pictures



STRFKR has long been a favorite of C+A+D, and their live performances have a lot to do with it. The array of synths, lasers, and band members moving around the stage gives it a very unique feel. Not to mention their fans are among the most consistently fun people to be at a show with.

9. The Hives @ The Observatory Santa Ana

I took myself on a solo date to see one of my childhood favorites: Swedish wonders in coattails and top hats, the Hives. With such a huge band in such a small venue, it was actually a travesty that it didn’t sell out. I mean, really Orange County? If you’ve yet to witness one of their shows, put that on your bucket list, like, right now. Right now, right now. These guys are amazing performers. I lie. They’re beyond amazing. They played a tasty blend of their old choons and their new jams and made damn sure everyone sang along when they could. They really know how to work the crowd from start to finish. They’re interactive with their audience, too, which is always fun, especially with a band of this caliber. They’re cocky bastards but they deserve it. I’m dying to see them again.

8. The Rapture @ Coachella



With vocals that you can feel in your bones and instrumentation that sounds even better live, The Rapture hold down dance parties that will stand the test of time. Their sax player always cracks me up, but the man can play a mean tune AND dance while he does it!

7. Kasabian @ Coachella



Veterans in the scene and Kasabian still remains one of the most bad ass rock bands out right now. It’s not everyday they get to party in America, but when they do you can feel how special it is within the vibes of the crowd.

6. Breakbot @ Coachella



Going back to this hour makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Everyone was smiling from ear to ear. Everyone dancing like it was the last set they’d ever hear.

5. Sub Focus @ Coachella



This was my biggest surprise of the year. While 80% of the festival was either at Radiohead or Kaskade, the Mojave tent was filled with long time Sub Focus followers. I couldn’t think of a better intro to everything that is to love about drum & bass. I’ve also got to add that I’ve never seen lights go so perfectly with a live set in my life.

4. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Echoplex Los Angeles

Pictures

TEED’s second time in LA earned him his first headlining appearance in one of the music capitals of the world. Not a single person could keep themselves from jumping around and singing at the top of their lungs. This show just felt so real. No random Joe-shmo is going to go to a “Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs” show.

3. Bassnectar @ Hollywood Palladium

Pictures



Mosh pits get a bad rap from many, but little do those people know that the right mosh pit makes a show. Every once and awhile you have that doucher who’s trying to let off his steroid infused rage on innocent fans, but this one was different. Bassnectar played a set that showcased the pinacle of his career. The crowd felt it. Nothing but positivity, laughs, and good times throughout.

2. Arctic Monkeys @ Glasshouse Pomona

Only two days before they headlined at Coachella, Brit rock sensations Arctic Monkeys played an intimate show at the Glasshouse in Pomona–a tiny venue with just a little ramp thing-y for a stage. Imagine that. Some of the most well-known performers (amphitheater performers, mind you) in a teeny, tiny venue. Needless to say, getting a ticket in pre-sales right before it sold out was one of the luckiest moments of my life. Seeing this show firsthand was absolutely priceless. In fact, this show might be one of the highlights of my young adult life thus far. Energy coming from all directions, Alex jumping off things, Matt throwing things, the crowd singing along to every single song. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up a bit during “505.” The entire show was truly breathtaking.

1. Snoop Dogg/Dr. Dre @ Coachella



The most monumental set I’ve ever been a part of. Snoop and Dre back together after almost a decade. All the rumors were put to rest. Kendrick Lamar, Wiz, 50 Cent, Eminem, Warren G, and hologram Tupac contributed to a performance that will go down in history.

Delightful Mention

I can’t not bring these sets up. It was so hard to choose what went into a top ten. I’ll also never forget these sets:

Cults @ The Observatory Santa Ana

Dr. Dog @ Outside Lands San Francisco



Young the Giant @ Soma San Diego

Pictures



Flux Pavillion/Doctor P @ Coachella

