There is nothing in the world that I love doing more than going to a concert. Since middle school, anytime an artist I loved was going on tour I would find some way to scrounge up the money for a ticket. As of right now, I have been to 35 concerts (excluding music festivals), and I thought it would be fun to share my experiences. I have subjectively ranked my 35 concerts based on 3 criteria: set list, performance quality/ stage prescience, and interaction with the crowd. These are all personal opinions due to my own experiences.
35. Lil Baby (02/08/2019)
Set List: 6
Performance Quality: 5
Crowd Interaction: 2
Average Score: 4.333 / 10
Additional Notes: Lil Baby was arrested the night before this concert and showed up 2+ hours late. He showed up so late that he was only able to put on a 30 minute set (which was not that great either). The whole time I was waiting his friends and groupies were on stage dancing on each other to try and keep us entertained. Also, one of the opening acts got arrested that day and did not show up at all. Wish I could rate this concert -1000000, but I’ll be nice.
34. Sabrina Carpenter (10/22/2017)
Set List: 7
Performance Quality: 7
Crowd Interaction: 7
Average Score: 7
Additional Notes: This concert is only ranked this low because I am not a huge Sabrina Carpenter fan. She came to the South Carolina State Fair, and a few friends wanted to go. However, I did enjoy myself more than thought I would. A couple of her songs did hit.
33. Shawn Mendes (10/16/2015)
Set List: 7.5
Performance Quality: 6.8
Crowd Interaction: 7
Average Score: 7.1
Additional Notes: I also saw Shawn Mendes at the South Carolina State Fair. This was before he got big, so the budget for his show was small. The set was very simple, but middle school me was fangirling like crazy. If I was still a big fan he may have been higher on this list.
32. NF (10/30/2018)
Set List: 7
Performance Quality: 8.4
Crowd Interaction: 7
Average Score: 7.467
Additional Notes: Not really sure why I have him ranked so low because I did thoroughly enjoy myself at this concert. However, I can’t remember much specifics from it besides the fact that I remember having fun.
31. Red Hot Chili Peppers (04/19/2017)
Set List: 6.9
Performance Quality: 7.7
Crowd Interaction: 7
Average Score: 7.2
Additional Notes: I had nosebleed seats for this concert, so maybe I would have had more fun if I was seated closer. There were a lot of songs I wish they played but didn’t. However, they have amazing stage prescience and colorful lighting designs with their set.
30. Bon Jovi (02/08/2017)
Set List: 7
Performance Quality: 7.7
Crowd Interaction: 7
Average Score: 7.233
Additional Notes: They had amazing stage prescience and played all of my favorite songs. The only reason why it is lower on my list is because they did not use screens throughout the show, so you could not really see them unless you were seated very close–which unfortunately, I was not.
29. Dan + Shay (09/09/2021)
Set List: 7.2
Performance Quality: 7.6
Crowd Interaction: 7.5
Average Score: 7.433
Additional Notes: I am not a huge Dan + Shay fan (or a country music fan in general), but they were in the moment every single second of their performance. It was their first show since the coronavirus shut down all concerts, and they cried at different moments of the night. Seeing how happy they were performing again tugged at my heart strings and moved them a little higher on the list.
28. Polo G (12/19/2021)
Set List: 8.5
Performance Quality: 7.7
Crowd Interaction: 7
Average Score: 7.733
Additional Notes: I surprised myself after I did the math and saw that Polo G was number 27 because I LOVE him. However, while I do love a lot of his songs and I was front row at this concert, there were a few things the set was lacking. The opening acts felt way too long, and many parts of the night seemed unorganized. He did not rap over beats but rather the actual recording–making it difficult to hear his live rapping over the actual audio. He also did not talk to the audience much, rather I think his DJ did most of the talking. A few of his songs were very hype and fun to sing along to.
27. Lynyrd Skynyrd (10/14/2016)
Set List: 8
Performance Quality: 8
Crowd Interaction: 7.3
Average Score: 7.767
Additional Notes: I also saw this band at the South Carolina State Fair. Being able to hear “Free Bird” live was an unreal experience. The set was low budget since it was at the fair rather than a headlining tour, but it did not detract too much from the amazing singing and guitar playing.
26. Logic (06/19/2018)
Set List: 8
Performance Quality: 8.3
Crowd Interaction: 7.2
Average Score: 7.833
Additional Notes: This tour was right after his album “Bobby Tarantino II” came out and was my second time seeing him live. He performed very well, but having seen him another time I was able to notice how he was not as interactive in the crowd.
25. Celine Dion (01/21/2020)
Set List: 8.7
Performance Quality: 8.2
Crowd Interaction: 7.2
Average Score: 8.033
Additional Notes: I took my mom to see Celine for her birthday. I am not as big of a fan as her, but I cannot deny that the way she carries herself and her vocal abilities are out of this world. There is a reason she is an icon. The only reason why she is relatively lower is because I was not as familiar with her setlist as I have been with other artists.
24. twenty one pilots (06/12/2019)
Set List: 8
Performance Quality: 8.5
Crowd Interaction: 8
Average Score: 8.167
Additional Notes: This was my third time seeing twenty one pilots, and it was during their Bandito Tour. They always give passionate performances. The only reason why it is lower is because I a, not as big of a fan of the “Trench” album as I am the earlier ones.
23. Briston Maroney (11/04/2021)
Set List: 8.5
Performance Quality: 8.25
Crowd Interaction: 8
Average Score: 8.25
Additional Notes: I saw Briston perform at Furman University during the school year. While it was a small budget, lowkey performance, something about it felt intimate. There was not an insane amount of people there so he was very interactive with the crowd. I love many of songs, and it was great to hear him live for the first time.
22. Lana Del Rey (01/30/2018)
Set List: 8.7
Performance Quality: 8.5
Crowd Interaction: 7.6
Average Score: 8.267
Additional Notes: She is amazing. She is an angel. Her voice is like walking up the gates of heaven.
21. Panic at the Disco and Weezer (06/19/2016)
Set List: 8.5
Performance Quality: 8.5
Crowd Interaction: 7.8
Average Score: 8.27
Additional Notes: This was one of the first concerts I have ever been to, and it made me want to go to more concerts. Both bands kept the energy up and played my favorite songs.
20. Chance the Rapper (06/08/2017)
Set List: 8.8
Performance Quality: 8.5
Crowd Interaction: 7.6
Average Score: 8.3
Additional Notes: I saw Chance on his tour for “Coloring Book,” and he is unbelievable live. He played all my favorite songs, the set had fun lights, and the crowd was immaculate.
19. Ed Sheeran (09/03/2017)
Set List: 9.2
Performance Quality: 8.5
Crowd Interaction: 7.5
Average Score: 8.4
Additional Notes: I saw Ed Sheeran during his Divide Tour. The set was huge and intricate–always giving the crowd something fun and interesting to look at.
18. Panic at the Disco (07/28/2018)
Set List: 8.7
Performance Quality: 8.9
Crowd Interaction: 7.7
Average Score: 8.43
Additional Notes: This was the second time I saw Panic at the Disco, and it was during their Pray for the Wicked Tour. There were many parts of the show that kept me on my toes such as Brendon singing at the piano as the piano flys over the crowd from rigs. He is amazing to hear live.
17. The 1975 (11/20/2019)
Set List: 8.7
Performance Quality: 8.7
Crowd Interaction: 8.2
Average Score: 8.533
Additional Notes: Everyone in the crowd was so nice! Their fans were so friendly and screamed every song lyric–making the whole show feel more harmonious and intimate.
16. J. Cole and 21 Savage (09/28/2021)
Set List: 9
Performance Quality: 8.8
Crowd Interaction: 8
Average Score: 8.6
Additional Notes: This show could have so easily been in the top 10 with how much I love J. Cole. However, the show started 3 hours late. The venue was so unorganized with letting people inside that people were packed like sardines and passing out from heat exhaustion just waiting to be let in through the doors. Due to the delay, the set was cut a little short and no compensation was given in return. However, J. Cole and 21 Savage did perform amazingly, and the audience would get hype with every song. Hearing “No Role Modelz” live has been on my bucket list for years.
15. Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler
Set List: 9.2
Performance Quality: 8.8
Crowd Interaction: 8.6
Average Score: 8.867
Additional Notes: I was so happy throughout this entire show. The vibes were so upbeat, and all the fans and staff were so nice – even made some friends in line! I was in the 4th row, and my friend caught the drummer’s drumstick in the middle of the show. Also, Tai Verdes opened for them, and he was interactive with the crowd and had amazing stage presence.
14. The Driver Era (11/30/2021)
Set List: 9
Performance Quality: 9.2
Crowd Interaction: 8.5
Average Score: 8.9
Additional Notes: The performed in a small venue in my hometown – making the whole experience very intimate. Their lighting design as well as their physical movements kept energy up. The opening acts sustained that energy as well. I met Ross Lynch after the show and got a picture with him, and I could not stop smiling for days after this concert.
13. twenty one pilots (06/28/2016)
Set List: 9.2
Performance Quality: 8.7
Crowd Interaction: 9
Average Score: 8.967
Additional Notes: This was the first time I saw twenty one pilots, and this was the day that I fell in love with concerts. This was the first time I have cried at a concert, and I genuinely felt transcended into another universe.
12. Ariana Grande (06/10/2019)
Set List: 9
Performance Quality: 9.5
Crowd Interaction: 8.9
Average Score: 9.133
Additional Notes: There are no words to describe how much work was put into her show. From the set design, lightning design, Ariana’s vocal abilities, her setlist, her multiple costume changes, the backup dancers – everything was beautifully composed together for an amazing show.
11. Ariana Grande (12/03/2019)
Set List: 9.25
Performance Quality: 9.5
Crowd Interaction: 8.77
Average Score: 9.14
Additional Notes: This was the second time I saw Ariana Grande during her Thank You, Next Tour. The reason why this is ranked higher than the first time is because, since this show was around Christmas time, she sang a few of her holiday hits and some old classics. She interacted more with the crowd, and since her mom was in the audience that night, you could tell that was special to her through her performance.
10. Tyler, the Creator (03/23/2022)
Set List: 9.2
Performance Quality: 9.6
Crowd Interaction: 8.63
Average Score: 9.143
Additional Notes: During Tyler’s Call Me If You Get Lost Tour, he had stunning sets such as a blue house frame, a grassy stage to resemble his “Flower Boy” era, and he even appeared on stage in a blue Rolls Royce. I have not seen someone perform with the same energy level as him. He has his own individual way of moving across the stage, and the way each limb or slight facial expression changes to a beat is mezmorizing.
9. Khalid (08/13/2019)
Set List: 9.4
Performance Quality: 9.25
Crowd Interaction: 8.8
Average Score: 9.15
Additional Notes: I was front row at Khalid during his Free Spirit Tour. This is high on my list for one of the best days of my life. I made friends waiting in line, Khalid’s vocals were heavenly, his backup dancers were crazy talented, and the set was unique with multiple changing color schemes.
8. Logic (08/01/2017)
Set List: 9
Performance Quality: 9.2
Crowd Interaction: 9.5
Average Score: 9.233
Additional Notes: I was front row at Logic during his Everybody Tour. Logic did everything he could to make the audience feel like they were part of the show. He played Mario Kart on stage and brought fans up to play with him, he invited a fan on stage to rap the final song with him, and he would just talk to us and tell us stories. His energy throughout the whole show is unmatched.
7. Post Malone and 21 Savage (05/09/2018)
Set List: 9.7
Performance Quality: 9.6
Crowd Interaction: 8.6
Average Score: 9.3
Additional Notes: These two together had the most amazing chemistry. Their individual sets were hype, and when they came together to perform songs together the whole crowd went wild.
6. Stevie Nicks and Passengers (11/12/2016)
Set List: 9.5
Performance Quality: 9
Crowd Interaction: 9.5
Average Score: 9.333
Additional Notes: Not going to lie, I only went to this concert because of Stevie Nicks. She had an extensive setlist and played all of her best hits. The whole experience was ethereal, and she shared many personal stories with the audience.
5. Travis Scott (11/09/2018)
Set List: 9.3
Performance Quality: 9.3
Crowd Interaction: 9.7
Average Score: 9.433
Additional Notes: I saw Travis Scott during the first leg of his Astroworld Tour. While there was a 4 hour delay due to roller coaster malfunctions, he compensated everybody with a free ticket to any of his upcoming shows. The energy was up the entire show – he even had fans come on stage and ride the roller coasters. Also, the opening acts were Sheck Wes and Trippie Redd who also delivered exciting performances.
4. Elton John (03/13/2019)
Set List: 9.8
Performance Quality: 9.3
Crowd Interaction: 9.5
Average Score: 9.533
Additional Notes: I was definitely the youngest person in the whole room, but seeing Elton John was an experience like no other. He shared many personal stories, played piano so beautifully I cried, and played every single song I hoped he would.
3. Harry Styles (10/12/2021)
Set List: 9.5
Performance Quality: 9.7
Crowd Interaction: 9.5
Average Score: 9.567
Additional Notes: Unlike most concerts, Harry’s set was designed almost like a blackbox theatre where the stage is in the dead center of the room. He would move all around the stage so every inch of the audience would have a good view of him. The color coordination with him and his band was immaculate, and his vocals were crisp. Not only did he bring the energy, but so did everyone in the crowd with their outfits and scream singing.
2. twenty one pilots (06/28/2016)
Set List: 9.5
Performance Quality: 9.5
Crowd Interaction: 9.8
Average Score: 9.6
Additional Notes: The second time I saw twenty one pilots is a day I will never forget. From Tyler climbing a pole during “Car Radio,” running around the crowd in a hamster ball, having the crowd hold Tyler and Josh up as they played the drums during “Trees,” the crowd knowing the lyrics to every single rap – this concert was euphoric. I could not stop smiling the entire time.
1. Paul McCartney
Set List:10
Performance Quality: 10
Crowd Interaction: 10
Average Score: 10
Additional Notes: I may be a little biased since the Beatles have been my favorite band since I was 7, but this was undoubtedly one of the best days of my life. I went with my childhood best friend, and we were fangirling the whole time. He played over 40 songs (including my favorite song of all time) and shared personal stories that made my love for him and the Beatles only deeper. I cried multiple times during that show because I genuinely felt so lucky to be alive and to see my hero in person.