The live performances that made you see the light

Jen Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

I got way into Rodrigo y Gabriela after seeing a clip of them performing "Diablo Rojo" on Letterman. Man, they are awesome. Also became a fan of The Dresden Dolls after they opened for Nine Inch Nails on tour a couple years back - had never heard them previously, but they were incredible onstage. Their records are equally fantastic.

JoeC Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

Have to mention my girl Mariah. The Emancipation Tour was incredible, although I think that the Charmbraclet tour was even better. But one performance stands out, when she performed 'America the Beautiful' at the NBA finals in 1990 right after Vision of Love came out. All of the players from both teams led the fans in applauding. That performance still sends chills up my spine.

Lauren Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

A Fine Frenzy--they opened for Rufus Wainwright last August. If you haven't checked them out yet, you absolutely should.

newshound23 Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

I can't even remember when this was, but Coolio perfoming Gangsta's Paradise. I went out and bought the Grammy's "nominee" CD that week.

graeme Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Yeah, Alicia is always good, but that was flat-out perfect.

Also outstanding were Kanye, The Beatles segment, and Fergie. I wish Carrie had kept the STOMP accompaniment through the whole thing.

Chris Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:34 PM EST

Saw Mary J. Blige perform "One" with U2. Hit iTunes promptly after that.

Jennifer Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I don't care too much for this song but I have seen her live before. She puts on a great show!!!

Nancy Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

I got a bootleg of a BBC radio show with "Josh Groban and Friends." I got it because one of his "friends" was Idina Menzel, and I was (okay, am) obsessed with her voice. Another of Josh's "friends" was a West African singer by the name of Angelique Kidjo. Based on that one performance, I bought a CD of hers and it's fantastic!

I also bought the 9/11 fundraising CD based on Faith Hill's performance at that event.

Mandi, I really like Alicia Keys, and she was the best performer at the Grammy's, but I would borrow someone's CD before buying. I got it for Christmas, and I've listened to it once.... I'm just sayin'.

Jason Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

Alanis on one of the Mtv Awards show years ago sent me right to the record store after blasting "You Oughta Know" for the first time on tv.

saybo Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

Ricky Martin's Grammy performance is the only time I've gone out the next day to buy an album. I think that was the first time most English-only-speaking Americans heard him. I couldn't believe that performance!

Todd Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

oh and that outfit? She looks like a baked potatoe that spent too much time in the broiler.

Todd Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

I thought Kathy Griffith effectivly put an end to the whole thanking Jesus crap but no there goes Keys again. YAWN. Jesus doesn't give a sh*t.

Todd Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

Keys is about as passionate as a dead fish. There is nothing there. And her voice voice just has nothing. Amy really stole the show, she is ALIVE unlike so many of these overproduced performers. Beyonce even managed to bring Tina down. And what the hell was that Foo Fighters, internet winner nonsense?

DalGal Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

Years ago I saw Oasis on SNL and they sang "Don't Go Away". One of my all time favorite songs now. And many years ago I saw En Vogue on SNL and they did "Free Your Mind" and I became a fan that day.

KG Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 10:39 AM EST

wow, same with me. i saw alicia keys' performance sunday, and the next day i bought her cd. and i RARELY buy cds in this mp3 age! but, given how talented a.keys is and how all of the singles that she released since '01 are awesome, i know i'm going to enjoy the whole album. she keeps getting better and better.

not loving the leggings though.

NineDaves Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST

i'm going to agree with nunya on the christina aguilera performance at vh1's "men strike back" a few years ago. that performance of "at last" sent me straight to the record store. been a huge fan ever since. see for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3rvrjBFrXg

shana Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

I didn't buy a CD as a result but the live performance that still gets me misty and gives me chills was when Melissa Etheridge performed a Janis Joplin song at an awards show right after completing chemo for breast cancer. She was completely bald but she rocked it like no other. Technically she performed with Joss Stone on the song but I didn't pay any attention to Joss. Melissa was amazing.

helen Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 09:12 AM EST

I forgot how much I loved Vince Gill until I heard his funny comment to Kanye. I've gotta dust out the Vince CDs and maybe buy his new one.

JoeC Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:59 AM EST

Ironically, the two bands I would have loved to have seen live that I never will are Led Zep and Queen. I have DVDs from both; incredible. Rest in peace, Freddie Mercury.

RTA Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:58 AM EST

The Foos + an orchestra = priceless

JoeC Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:50 AM EST

The best performer I've ever seen, hands down, is Prince. I mean, no one else comes close.

Marc Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

I remember seeing Celine on the American Music award with David Foster, signing "All by myself" and being floored by the power of her voice!

orville Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:22 AM EST

I blush to say it, but the Ricky Martin Grammy performance when he was up on that platform shakin' his bon bon. Wasn't it "Copa de la Vida?" I still have it on my iPod for when I workout.

Vivi Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 07:48 AM EST

I have to go with the Dixie Chicks. I saw them perform during one of those VH1 specials and I was floored. I mean FLOORED! Those are some talented girls. And Natalie can sing her ass off.
I also agree with Paramore even though I haven't seen them perform. But they are a great band. And that lead singer...talk bout singing with some covinction. She has a great, versatile voice. Completely surprised me.

Sally Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 06:27 AM EST

Oh I forgot, the Ricky Martin segment; I went out and bought his records.

CutlerShark Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM EST

I had no intention of liking Coldplay. Then they played "Politick" on the Grammys one year. I think I bought "Rush of Blood..." the next day. Great topic. I know there are more I can't think of.

Rakeem Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 09:59 PM EST

You can call her overexposed as much as you want, but there is no denying the fact that Beyonce is a huge talent! She's a tremendous entertainer, probably the best of her generation when it comes to live performances. Alicia is another one who really shuts it down, people are always surprised by how good she is b/c they think of her as just a piano player, but she is so much more. Still, out of all the "yunguns" out there, Beyonce takes the cake. The Beyonce Experience is a great concert dvd that I highly recommend.

Anonymous Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

To name a few:
* Ricky Martin (seriously) after his performance on the Grammys where he got a standing O
* The Wallflowers -- they opened for Chris Isaak like 15 years ago and were relative unknowns then and I fell in love instantly
* Guster -- They opened for Barenaked Ladies a few years back and I instantly had to have their album. Yep, I'm the sucker that bought the album at the stand right at the concert
* ALO -- They opened for Jack Johnson and that same night I came home and downloaded their entire playlist

Tiffany Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 09:14 PM EST

I will also be investing in a Foo Fighter Greatest Hits CD. Blew my mind last night at the Grammy's. It is me, or does an orchestra make a great band better.

mmmmom Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

There is nobody who can touch Prince when it comes to live performances. Check out his guitar solo at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction from a few years back. He blows everyone else he is playing with away.

Bethany Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 08:53 PM EST

Last night's performance of Rhapsody in Blue was classic (no pun intended). However, I just felt bad for Keely Smith. I would have rather seen her with JT or Michael Buble or Simon LeBon or ANYONE but Kid Rock. Seriously... what was that?

Tiffany Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 08:18 PM EST

OK GO opened for Snow Patrol and instantly earned a fan.

Will be purchasing Amy Winehouse ASAP.

Seen a couple of John Mayer televised concerts and saw that this guy is pretty damn talented, vocally and instrumental. I am going to start investing in his CD's because he has quite an array of music to listen to. Then I looked up some of his interviews and looked on his website and said this guy is smart, funny and is a little independent from other artists and is a lock for a Grammy everytime he sings a note.
Then something happened that changed my mind about him, it was strange but it bothered me so, what was it...that's right, Jessica Simpson

nunya Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 08:10 PM EST

christina aguilera at vh1's 'men strike back' yrs ago. she sang 'at last', and i was like DAMN!!

Lily Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 07:48 PM EST

I saw Bette Midler on her Kiss My Brass tour. It was the best concert I've ever seen. I am one of her biggest fans now.

stephen Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

When I was a sophomore in highschool (1994), my best friend received Tori Amos concert tickets for her birthday (Tori was promoting her "Under The Pink" album). I had never heard of her but after that concert, I've been a fan ever since. I own all of her albums, well the first 5 anyway, and still listen to them today (thanks Ipod!).

BrandonK Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 07:15 PM EST

Well, as it happens, I bought "No One" and Amy Winehouse's whole album last night. I'd heard "No One" and a couple of Amy's songs before, but last night pushed me over the edge.

Jelana Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

Rodrigo y Gabriela. I saw a clip -- I think they were on Leno? They are amazing, and I love the CD.

soulman128 Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

I bought Mariah Carey's "Emancipation of Mimi" after her Grammy performance a couple of years ago. No joke. It's the only Mariah album I own.

Crystal Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 06:35 PM EST

Thanks for that Hanson link JB - that is crazy good!!

As for me, once upon a time I had a friend here in L.A. who was a Detriot native. One night he convinced me to go see this band that was playing at the Troubadour. It was the White Stripes and the rest is history.

Stephen Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 06:34 PM EST

Not real shocking Alicia brought down the house. the girl single-handedly saved last year's VMA's.
As for the question, most recent was i bought Kat McPhee's "Over the Rainbow" single at Borders when it came out after seeing her on Idol.

Ben Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

My response to Sally was cut off, but here's my response to the question. I heard Girls Aloud singing "Something Kinda Ooh" at the Children in Need concert last year, and they killed it. I got the entire catalog! Pure genius pop. They and the Sugababes rock my world.

Pamela Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST

John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae at last year's Grammys: bought their albums the very next day. I knew of both artists but this performance had me swaying with a ciggie lighter (not really, I don't smoke) in the living room.

Maybe Alicia Keys knows the trick to a great Grammy performance is to have John Mayer appear with you, just as Legend and Rae did last year. And no, I think they are all fabulously talented in their own right - it's just Mayer seems to be the perfect accompaniment.

adam Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 06:10 PM EST

i went to an Arcade Fire concert in October- they were playing with LCD Soundsystem who I barely knew- I immediately was a convert.

Lynny Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

Well, I already knew she was great but I had to download "Better Be Good to Me" this morning. Tina sang the hell out of that song and I forgot how much I liked it!

daisyj Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 05:38 PM EST

I saw Maximo Park open for Travis a couple of months ago and was completely wowed by their music and charisma. I think that's the only time an opening act has inspired me to seek out and buy their album.

Dwight Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 05:25 PM EST

I will never forget Michael Jackson on Motown 25. Watching him perform the Moonwalk for the first time was the closest my generation got to seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Amazing.

Also, as dubious as it seems in retrospect, Ricky Martin on the Grammy's in 1999 (?) when he sang "The Cup of Live" was an iconic star-making TV performance. He was basically unknown to the English-speaking world and became a superstar virtually over night.

JB Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

I'm not as dorky as I sound but...

Hanson singing the National Anthem at a NASCAR race this past summer. I still cannot believe how good it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JboJoIGXMjA

Stephanie T. Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 05:17 PM EST

Muse! I saw them on The Cure's Curiosa tour then again at Madison Square Garden. They are multi-talented.

QueenC Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

I was never a fan of the Dixie Chicks - I wasn't into country music, and I couldn't quite take Natalie Maines' voice.
Then I saw them perform "Long Time Gone" on VH1 Divas Las Vegas back in '02 (I think), and I was sold. I thought they were amazing live - the harmonies, the fiddling, and yes, even Natalie's voice. I've been a devoted fan ever since!

Sally Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

I will be buying Alicia's "Best of" CD compilation....when is it coming out? And she is a force to be reckoned with, she's one of a kind. A woman who composes her material, sings it, and plays piano. A real force in this business with a long-life. (Take THAT - AMY Wino!)

BrandonP Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

I am so with you on Alicia. That performance was nothing short of stellar. For me, I saw a live TV concert of Paramore and bought the record the next day. Hayley is a force to be reckoned with.

Dtom Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 04:43 PM EST

This is going back a ways, but I went to a New Year's Eve performance by the Barenaked Ladies, and I was blown away by their performing abilities. Before the show, I was a fan inasmuch as I had listened to their first studio album once or twice. After the show, I was a full blown fan, I bought all of their subsequent albums, and I saw them perform live about 15 times in the subsequent five years. They just put on a great show that's as much about the performance as it is about the music.

jaime Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

GARTH BROOKS. . .

Karen Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

I have to disagree.
Alicia Keys is and always has been a big yawn when it comes to live performing.

Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

I might take some heat for this, but I had that same feeling when Coldplay performed "The Scientist" at some MTV awards show one year. Those chords haunted me the next day at work, so I stopped at the record store on my way home and have been a devotee ever since.