As we enter the new year, it is time to look back at all the amazing musicians we saw in 2018. From intimate performances to arena concerts, to festivals and more, great live music was everywhere. Check out our list of the Top Live Performances of 2018 for Music Junkie Press!

Topping our list is none other than Greta Van Fleet, who are like a pair of shock paddles resuscitating the life of Rock n Roll. We were fortunate to catch four of their California shows in 2018. Within the last decade, we have seen many bands deliver some good blips on the heartline of the rock and roll, but none as huge as the spike that Greta Van Fleet is making. They are bringing a full on resuscitation to ROCK ‘N ROLL so get ready, hang on and enjoy the ride. The first show we saw this year was at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater:

“The crowd grew to capacity as Greta Van Fleet were to take the stage. The excitement raced through the crowd as the lights dimmed and the band entered. From the first note to the last, the energy was off the charts. The band kicked off their set with the fan favorite, Highway Tune. The crowd went wild and were singing along instantly. You couldn’t help but feel like you were witnessing one of the early shows of what would become a legendary rock band. They were so good, they gave me goosebumps as I watched the sheer power of their performance. The crowd was diverse and included a range of young fans on up to seasoned rockers. They were all in agreement, cheering on the kick ass rock n roll band, Greta Van Fleet.” Check out photos of their set by our Rockin Ryan:

Next up was their 3 Day Bay Area Rock n Roll Takeover with shows at Fox Theater in Oakland, National Civic in San Jose and The Masonic in San Francisco.

Check out some photos from those shows here:

Our Top Live Shows continues…

Juliette Lewis returns to the Bay Area with Juliette and the Licks to deliver spectacular mood elevating performance. July 19, 2018 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA.

James Bay delivers unparalleled top notch stadium quality performance at the intimate Fillmore in San Francisco. March 27, 2018

Maggie Rogers; nostalgic vibe comes to life with mesmerizing vocals and captivating charisma. Fillmore – San Francisco, CA Oct. 16, 2018

Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters deliver epic Bay Area performances. Fox Theater in Oakland. February 28, 2018

San Francisco greets Lindsey Buckingham with a heart-warming reception at his sold out show. Palace of Fine Arts – San Francisco, CA. October 9, 2018

Blue October at August Hall in SF; a true transcendent performance for the books. June 14, 2018.

Calpurnia, overflowing with charisma delivers energetic set at legendary Fillmore in San Francisco. August 25, 2018

Dorothy – The Masonic San Francisco, CA

The Marcus King Band & Bishop Gunn deliver crowd-rousing set at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma. September 12, 2018

Fiona Silver – Fillmore – San Francisco, CA

Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real

BottleRock Napa May 2018

Kitten shines at the August Hall in San Francisco. June 14, 2018.

Dawes delivers a spectacular show. From the first note to the last, our spirits were lifted. Mystic Theatre – Petaluma, CA October 4, 2018

Kiefer Sutherland brings his music to life with his crowd pleasing performance at Mystic Theatre. Petaluma, CA April 22, 2018

Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley delivers spectacular non-stop ROCK show. Mystic Theatre Petaluma, CA August 5, 2018

Tommy Odetto – Mystic Theatre – Petaluma, CA

Black Veil Brides – Aftershock 2018

Dirty Honey – Aftershock 2018

Bishop Gunn Mystic Theater – Petaluma, CA

Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown – Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA

Billy Raffoul – BottleRock Napa 2018

Dan Luke and The Raid – BottleRock Napa 2018

Amy Shark – BottleRock Napa 2018

Billie Eilish – BFD 2018

We can’t wait to bring you coverage of more live music in 2019. Stay tuned and crank it up loud!