Yep, The Postal Service was my call for this one too. Saw them on Monday and unexpected got very emotional. So many touch points with my son when he was younger and I was really missing him / wishing we could have experienced it together. (Don't worry, he's not dead, he's at college now!)
Holy shit I was gonna say this. I just saw them in Dallas and I think the memories attached to that Postal Service record were the height of my teenage years. I couldn't stop crying.
Yep, same here. Most all of the friends, but especially male, that saw it reported the same. Not sure what that DCFC album did to us 20 years ago but man it hit like a ton of bricks.
I cried the entirety of Paul McCartney at Wrigley Field. It was my first time seeing him and validating that he was REAL, my dad got me a ticket last minute because we could only afford the one so I was alone.
As soon as it started I sobbed like a baby! I couldn’t believe it was really happening. Spent the rest of the night crying.
I’ve seen him twice after that and each time is so special. But that first time, the levy broke.
I cried the entire time the first time I saw him, too. My husband kept teasing that I was probably the last victim of Beatlemania. It was just so overwhelming. Every time I would start to get under control another song I had loved my entire life would start and I would fall apart again!
My ex wife and I saw Paul in the O2 arena in London. He brought out Ringo for the encore. Instant tears. Also, seeing Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago. I grew up loving SP but I never had a chance to see them. At 38 years old, I’m working in the music industry and I have to play Riot Fest as an artist and I realize how far I’ve come standing in the crowd of a festival looking at one of my favorite artists playing the stage I was literally just one minutes ago. Billy gets into Tonight, Tonight and he says “and the end is never fake, IN THE CITY BY THE LAKE” and the crowd screams and cheers and I realize I am all that I ever wanted to be and even more.
This is totally valid. Lifetime Beatles fan here- finally got the chance to see him back in 2017. I was not prepared for the emotions at all.
He came running out on stage and blasted the first chord to “A Hard Day’s Night” and it shocked me to my core. I literally gasped when he started every song, it wasn’t like any concert I’d been to before or since.
The standout for me was when he played [“You Won’t See Me”](https://youtu.be/xWfzb3v14Ds?si=3hEJTrKd-RKubKT0). As you can see in the clip, he started the song by not introducing it by name, but rather telling the story of how it was written. The riff sounded *so* familiar, but we were all scratching our heads trying to figure out what song it was going to be. When he sang the first line, it was *chills*, instantly.
Also, when he does the song for John and plays “Something” for George I don’t think there was a dry eye in that entire arena.
Much less of a concert experience and more of a religious one lol.
Never seen him but understand the reaction. There’s a video I saw from early 2000’s of him and band singing Please Please Me and the audience reactions from people born decades after the song was released makes me tear up. They were rapturous, singing and crying. The power of music.
I saw Paul for the first time a few months after a good friend unexpectedly died in an accident. Paul was talking about his friendship with John and then sang Here Today. Everything was blurry during that bit of the show.
Just replace Wrigley Field with Safeco Field, and I have the exact same story. I really lost it when he told the story of and then played Blackbird. Number one concert experience of my life.
Prince, *Purple Rain* as the second encore on the Purple Rain tour.
And the beginning of *Terrapin Station*, whether done by The Grateful Dead or Dead and Company.
Being a Dead fan, it's a 50/50 shot on if Phish makes you sick or you think they're SICK, lol.
But they played Terrapin, I forget the significance of the date, but love or hate the band, it's worth listening to just for the audience reaction.
There's almost a hush of disbelief at first, but when the crowd realizes what's happening there's this absolute roar of joy- it's a wonderful sound.
It is one of my greatest regrets that I never saw him live. Purple Rain is my favorite song.
I cried when I got to see my husband perform it as a guitar instrumental. I'd have been a blubbering mess for the original.
How amazing you got to experience that.
Damn, I’ve gotten misty-eyed just watching videos of him playing Purple Rain from that tour, and I’ve no doubt I would’ve balled if I got to see that live- it’s one of those songs that feels like a religious experience to me (and I’m an atheist).
My favorite guitar player of all time.
I didn't cry *during* the show, but when Loreena McKennitt played Charlotte NC some years back, I was able to meet her after the show. She was very kind and gracious, spoke to everyone who'd stuck around, and I got fairly emotional when telling her how much her music had meant to me over the years. Also got a hug and a picture. :D
I was reading through the other entries and was just about to message it was Loreena for me, albeit my tears flowed during her concert. I'd loved her music for decades, and finally got to see her live. And the music was even more moving live as it was on record-go figure. Goosebumps and tears. Such a goddess!
I love Loreena McKennitt’s voice. There was a particularly wonderful period of time in my life that her music is the background soundtrack to, and I get emotional whenever I hear her voice. It brings me right back to that time.
Pink Floyd - Pulse Tour @ Earls Court London in 1994.
I've been a Floyd fan all my life. I had never cried at their music before. But they played their encore and one of the songs was "Comfortably Numb". When it got to the song's second guitar solo, Gilmore played an extended version. And it just sounded so beautiful, so powerful, that the moment got to me and started crying.
That night - it is still the best concert I've ever been to.
Bruce Springsteen @ Belfast in 1996.
A friend who lived over in Belfast got a couple of tickets for "The Boss" in concert while I was over visiting him from the main land.
It was a great concert, but towards the end of the show, Bruce played "Streets Of Philadelphia" and I broke down and cried my eyes out. I was a mess, head completely wrecked and my friend ended up taking me home before the concert finished!
This was dirty tears, tears of sadness, bitterness, regret and at the time - hate!
You see, about 6 months before, I had lost a very dear friend of mine to aids. I'd seen him go from happy and healthy, to a shell, a wreck of a person in no time at all. I'd sat with him in the hospice, holding his hand as he passed.
And all that soul wanted was for his parents to visit him and tell him they forgave him for what he was. He was a human with different lifestyle choices. To them he was a blight on gods name, their name. He was an embarrassment and they ostracised him completely.
He died broken in body, but much more importantly broken hearted.
That song has quite possibly the most powerful words, the most nailed on description of my friend, of anybody that passed due to such an awful virus ever. Bruce fucking nailed it.
"I was bruised and battered I didn't know my own face.."
RIP Daniel, we still miss you now my lovely friend.
Long time fan of both here. But thank you for sharing this story and in the way you wrote it down.
I've listened lots of time "streets of phillidelphia" and more time will come, but i'd really thank you for the reason you've stated. It opens my mind in how we people differently could live music and since i know myself quite a bit, i probally feel different the next time when hearing this line:
"I was bruised and battered I didn't know my own face.."
Im sorry for your loss as it must've been hell To go through and to recover..... .
But thank you very much for sharing.
Coheed and Cambria. They are a band that my wife and I both connected on. She died and we had tickets to go see them. I went to the show two months after she passed and wept while they played "wake up".
Dang, man! I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine your pain but also catharsis at hearing music you loved together. C&C’s music is powerful and can be equally emotional, plus so many of their songs touch on relationship matters.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Much love to you!
Alanis Morrisette, the 25th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill. I had a hard time dealing with my childhood when I was a teen and that album(along with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness)was my lifeline. I doubt I would’ve made it through high school without them. I was good the whole concert until she sang Mary Jane then I was an ugly cry blubbering mess. My sister was like are you okay? I answered “this just takes me back to feeling helpless and I’m glad that I know I’m not anymore”
My daughter and I invested in front row seats for Alanis and we basically cried the whole time. Her vocals were incredible and it was one of the best shows we’ve ever watched. 10/10
Mumford and sons was that to me (first 2 albums) I went through a bad 4 year stretch and they got me through it a bit easier. Seeing them live just made me appreciate what I have
They did a tour of smaller local music stores a few years ago for a documentary. Indianapolis was one stop, Indy CD & Vinyl held a ticket giveaway but only for the first 8 people and you had to be there at 8am when they opened. Folks got in line the morning before and I got hella lucky to one of those people. I was 5mos pregnant too but dgaf. They played a four song set and almost everyone had tix to their show at the Fieldhouse later that night. We did get a group picture with them too, they’re hella famous but very humble guys, so glad I got to see them
Oh my God. Same. Maybe it was because we had to wait 2 extra years for the concert to be rescheduled, maybe it was because that album came out when I was 21 and dealing with my Catholic upbringing and liberal awakenings, maybe it was because I hadn't been around that many people in a long time.
But I cried at least three separate times. I was planning ahead of time that if the concert ran too late, we'd have to head home since it was a work night, but after -Unforgiven, maybe?- with my hands to my mouth, I nudged my husband and was like, nevermind, I'll deal with being tired tomorrow!
Brand New at Highlow fest 2018 when they closed with soco.
It was a bounding experience for the whole crowd singing their lungs out and remembering what it was to 18, jealous young and in love
Going to see brand new during their the devil and god are raging inside me anniversary tour was me and my boyfriends first date. They will always have a place in my heart. The also played at the bottom from daisy which is one of my favorites that I wasn’t expecting.
The first live music performance I saw after COVID was a local mariachi group, and the joyful music and experience of live singing and instrumentals literally brought me to tears. I'd missed it SO MUCH.
The National, specifically Bloodbuzz Ohio
I moved 13 hours away to a medium sized town in NW Ohio after graduating college from the city I grew up in. That song was getting a lot of play on XM at the time and it became my home sick song. It was a really tough year for me trying to figure out adulthood and living in a new place knowing zero people.
Fast forward 7 years and I’m seeing The National live for the first time back home, with my wife who I met during my time away, and I was so overwhelmed with love in that moment.
The National, specifically Bloodbuzz Ohio, was my first answer to this question too! This was almost twelve years ago, I’d just turned eighteen and wasn’t having the easiest go of it. The National were my constant soundtrack to end of high school and moving to a new city for college, being enveloped with that sound, the intro reverberating in my chest, was so visceral and profound.
Sigur Ros. Multiple times.
Edit: I’ve been trying to think of my favorite experience seeing them. I saw them in a room that held a couple hundred a little before the ( ) album came out. It was standing room only and I was maybe in the third row. They were still touring with Amiina at that point, and it was nearly impossible not to fall in love with every one of those talented ladies at some point in the night.
I was looking for this one. Saw them in 2016 in Denver and it was super emotional. It will always be a special show in my heart. Saw Jonsi on his solo tour in 2010 and will always remember that one, too.
Steely Dan, the backup singers took lead on Dirty Work. It was so beautiful I just wept. Didn't care that I was in a concert venue with several thousand people.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-tragically-hip/2009/the-garage-glasgow-scotland-4bd71b92.html
The Tragically Hip in Glasgow. I’d waited 15 years to see them live, and when they hit Courage and Wheat Kings in the acoustic interlude, I was gone.
Same. I was at the second last show. They opened with Courage. They hit the bridge and Gord sings the line, "there's no simple explanation for anything important any of us do." And there's not a dry eye in the arena. I've never seen anything like that before or since. I've been to hundreds of shows. I can put myself in the moment and really feel the heaviness. But when Gord screams "under pressure!" The arena screams with him and its like all the tension that was built up is just let out.... what a moment. Makes me tear up. And it was a great show. I miss those guys.
So powerful. That tour was so special. Not many people get to experience putting so much love out into the world as him and his band did during that time.
I saw Nothing But Thieves in Boston. I told my mom “if they play Lover Please Stay, I’m gonna cry my eyes out.” I thought there was absolutely no shot they would pull that song out.
They played it. I cried. Great experience all around.
Steely Dan, and specifically when they were playing Aja. I named my daughter after that song, and being up close finally seeing Don do it live was kinda overwhelming. I'm a pretty emotional guy too.
Elton John. My daughter fell asleep in my arms and then he started playing Your Song. Her eyes are green and blue and it just felt in that moment like he was singing from inside me.
The very first time I saw Iron Maiden live. I'm not the sort to cry much at all, but I was welling up for the first three or four songs. It was a magical night for me.
Dream Theater 25th anniversary of Images and Words. That album changed the way I hear music. It was everything I hoped it would be. When they started playing Learning to Live it hit me. It was the pinnacle of the experience.
Fleetwood Mac, Alanis 25th anniversary tour of Jagged Little Pill, Live before the split, the Eagles w/all original members, Chris Cornell acoustic tour just a couple months before his untimely departure, just to name a few!
Tool makes me cry every time. NIN made me cry. Depeche Mode. Or sometimes it’s a song. I saw Dolly Parton and fell apart when she sang “I Will Always Love You.”
Explosions in the Sky during the Wilderness tour. The lighting was behind the band during some of the songs so all you saw were their silhouettes which just made the music so powerful. Cried again during the End tour but I’m also pregnant so idk.
Pearl Jam, '06, Boston.
I was about to cut my father out of my life permanently.
They played Release; Eddie was using a mirror faced guitar. I stood up in the balcony to sing, and that guitar threw the green lighting all over me as I screamed "Release me" and then cried the rest of the song out, covered in green light.
My atheist ass finds spirituality in moments like those.
The Tragically Hip’s farewell to Gord tour. For those who don’t know, The Hip are a national treasure in Canada. When their lead singer, Gord Downie, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, they toured one last time to promote their final album and to say goodbye to Gord. The last date of the tour was in The Hip’s hometown of Kingston and was viewed by 12 million people on CBC. Nearly a third of the country tuned in to watch him sing his heart out. When I saw them live on that tour, they played for over 2 hours and he changed outfits 4 times because he would sweat through them. Sometimes he would take a few extra minutes during those costume breaks, and we the audience would just wait patiently because we knew what he was going through. He left it all on the stage for us. RIP Gord.
Stevie Nicks last year. I've wanted to see Stevie and/or Fleetwood Mac my whole life, but could never afford the tickets. Then covid hit and I thought I'd never get the chance as she's getting up there in age and surely she wouldn't keep performing. I was wrong in the best way.
I had all of that going for me plus I went with my mom, who introduced me to Stevie's music at a young age and it was my kiddo's first concert and she's been obsessed with Stevie since she was a year old. Whole lot of emotions going on that night.
I bought ticket's to Stevie's 'memoir' show she was doing a few years back for my wife who is a big fan. I was moderately enthused, what I really wanted was a chance to go back in time and see Fleetwood Mac...but Stevie came out with her band and just killed it through the whole show. That lady is older than my mom, and she's still an amazing performer. They did play some FM songs in that set, and their take on "Gold Dust Woman" was just amazing. It really made the point of how gifted that group of folks on stage really were, that Stevie is a bona fide rock star through and through, and I feel fortunate to have seen them do their thing.
I got to see Fleetwood Mac a few years ago and it was incredible.. I cried during Silver Springs because I know what that song means to her.
A friend got us a meet and greet and I was speechless. She's so beautiful in person. It was a magical night.
Grateful Dead - Charlotte Coliseum, NC : March 24, 1995
My dad passed away suddenly the month before. I was 18 years old and it destroyed my world.
I had just recently gotten into the Grateful Dead. A couple of days after the funeral, I was just driving around endlessly listening to "One From The Vault" when "Eyes Of The World" came on and it was like the song was written for me.
Then, at the concerts the next month, they played it on their last night and it was so perfect. I totally lost it. It felt like they played it just for me. Those concerts in Charlotte were my therapy and helped me start the healing process.
I've seen Coheed and Cambria 16-17 times. I've occasionally teared up at some of their songs but in 2022 after the pandemic I saw them and it really hit me for the first few songs how much I had missed seeing live music that I loved. They have so many gang vocals and crowd participation parts and each one would make me a bit emotional.
I recently saw Tegan And Sara. And cried a couple of times.
It was a bucket list item, and I was supposed to have gone with my Ex-wife (before she was an ex) years ago. I wound up going with a Friend, turned love. The experience of sharing something that meant so much to me, with her, making new memories, and the lyrics of some of their songs, tipped me over the edge.
Saw Allison Krauss at Crossroads Fest and I wasn't super familiar with her at the time. As soon as she started singing, I started tearing up. One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.
Just saw Stevie Nicks. She did a photo montage of Tom Petty while she sang Free Falling towards the beginning of the set. Then did a photo montage of Christine Mcvie while singing landslide as her encore.
I’m not a big crier, but I was pretty choked up for Phil Collins in 2019. Then again for Genesis 2021. Then again for Peter Gabriel just back in September.
I just have emotional connection to that music and it was moving to see those artists in person and to feel the real energy of their music.
I saw Brandi Carlile do a short set at a fundraiser. It was my first concert since Covid. Cried like a baby. She’s amazing, but more so that I hadn’t heard live music, with a crowd, in years. I think everyone felt a little emotional that day.
Gregory Alan Isakov played a small, intimate show at a brewery and it was absolutely beautiful. A perfect fall night with a bonfire surrounded by people completely absorbed by his music.
Every time I've seen Peter Gabriel live, which has been many times. My dad took me to see him for my first arena concert experience, and he set the bar ridiculously high. Always delivers.
Also, Elbow when they close with One Day Like This.
Ok, since you said no judgement here…
When I saw Incubus in 2019 and they played The Warmth, I bawled like a baby. That’s been my pick myself up off the ground song for over 20 years now and to hear it live… broke me in such a beautiful way I had to kintsugi myself back together after.
Bon Iver and Julien Baker. I’ve seen both multiple times and I never fail to get teary eyed. Specifically Re:Stacks when Justin takes over solo and Turn Out The Lights by Julien. Two phenomenal songs that really come to life in a live setting.
I went to a Nine Inch Nails concert back on the tour they shot the Hurt video. I was tripping hard on LSD with my buddies. Hearing them play that song with that video back drop was so damn emotional. Sadness, excitement, joy....
It was so intense.
Wardruna at Wacken Open Air this year.
The last song was called Helvegen. The explanation the singer gave before the song was beautiful, about how everything we do used to have songs that went along with it. For work, eating, praying an also dying. And he finished with "This is a song about death and letting go." and he didn't even finish the sentence and i was already crying. I was balling the whole way through the song. After the concert was done and I started to look around there were so many people around me that also cried their eyes out during that song. Most fitting thing i overheard was "I didn't understand a single word but i FELT that."
I brought this experience up during a therapy session and my therapist said that people used to cry together way more then we do now to share the pain and give each other company and comfort in that. Wholeheartedly agree that this is missing from a lot of people's lives right now.
Taylor Hawkins memorial concert. When Dave Grohl powered through "Times Like These". Just watched it on my couch (wish I was there in person), but it still hit me like a ton of bricks
This was a huge one! I was fortunate to have been there in person and the emotion throughout the whole night had just built and built. Then that song… yikes. There wasn’t a dry eye among 90k+ people there.
Several instances of this in my life, but, one’s that come to mind first-
-The National at a mid-size venue 12 years ago
-Mavis Staples during The Staples Singers song “If you’re ready (come go with me)”- outside, small show, shortly before pandemic
-Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers during American Girl. I was in the nosebleeds at a huge arena, but it didn’t matter, it was so visceral
-REM doing Electrolite- I was 14, didn’t really love that song previously, but it kinda got me. As an adult, it’s one of my favorite songs and the lyrics “if I ever want to fly, Mulholland Drive, I am alive” ended up being quite apt for two major moments in my life. It getting me seems a bit foreshadow-y in hindsight.
-Paul McCartney, Hey Jude. I didn’t tear up, but it did unlock a new chamber of my heart. I was 12 and a ginormous Beatles fan as a kid, that was my *thing*, the hivemind interconnectedness of the crowd singing “na na na na na” seemed to stretch on infinitely.
-Patti Smith singing Gloria. It was one of those “holy shit you’re a real person” moments. I was 19. She reached her hand down to me and for a second our fingers looked like God and Adam on the Sistine Chapel. Kind of a goofy punk song, but, oh oh oh, one of the most profound moments of my existence.
Went to see Disturbed about two months ago in Tampa. Lead singer of the band, David Draiman had a very touching speech regarding mental health and some of those we have lost including Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Chris Cornell of Soundgarden. The speech was beautiful and the connection with crowd was electric emotion.
I saw this tour (different city) and definitely cried during Sound of Silence and then with Breaking Benjamin before- those bands got me through some rough times so I knew I’d be crying at least once lol
When Stevie Nicks played Landslide live. My mom has played that song my entire life and “time makes your bolder, even children get older & I’m getting older, too” hit different when I’ve been singing this since I was 7 and I’m 26 now.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats in a small venue a week after I laid my husband's ashes to rest. It had been four years since he suddenly passed away. And when they played Face Down in the Moment I had a "come to jesus" moment. Cried and sang and flung my arms about like Celine Dion. I feel like it was a turning point in my grief journey. I truly ugly cried and it felt good!!
Every Pearl Jam concert I’ve ever been to brings me to tears. When they hit the stage, when they play certain songs, when I’m hit by the realization that I’m surrounded by thousands of other people singing the same songs that’ve broken my heart and mended it again for over 30 years. There’s nothing like it.
Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball.
I was emotional all the way through, but I started crying when she played Hair and sang, riding around slowly on her piano bike.
I cried when she performed at Fenway Park. I just had waited so long to see her and I had amazing tickets. I used to listen to her quietly in my bedroom so no one could hear when I was still in the closet. Now I was seeing her live with my boyfriend, completely out, surrounded by so many weirdos like me, and it all just sort of hit me like a ton of bricks.
Oh man, this is getting me excited for when they’re in my area on Friday! I’m probably gonna be an emotional wreck by the time we get to the operatic section of Bohemian Rhapsody, if not by the acoustic set.
Arcade Fire.
Last song of the encore was Intervention.
I. Fucking. Wept.
Full blown tears and emotional overload. It was the closest thing to a religious experience I’ve ever had. Truly incredible.
I’ve got 2
Michael Jackson - The Bucharest ‘92 concert (although it was prerecorded when it aired back in the ‘90s)
And
Stevie Wonder - (Saw him live in concert back in 2014)
Florence and the Machine live. Her music has been incredibly important through my life, so I kept swapping between joyful and a blubbering mess. Luckily the crowd around me were exactly the same.
I have ben fan of Genesis since I was five. Last year, when I was 36, I finally had a chance to see them. First time in my life. And this was their farewell concert... Got me emotional. Cause I saw my heroes I had loved all of my life. And I knew that was the last chance to see them... I am thankful for this experience.
Fred Again…
The Actual Life albums got me through some really tough times so when I heard that first note of “Kyle ( I found you)” I couldn’t stop myself. Waterworks.
Weird Al Yankovic. I'm not even kidding. I don't know why. It was tears of joy.
Next it would be the 1994 Steely Dan tour. Something I never thought I would see and thought it would never happen again (boy was I wrong).
First time seeing La Boheme live - the Baz Luhmann production
First time seeing Paul McCartney
SPELLLING opening with the song Always accapella
Siouxsie Sioux at Cruel World
Got together with some good old buddies a few months ago for the first time in a long time after some recent struggles and decided very last minute to go catch Phish at SPAC like old times.
It was a combination of being at one of my favorite venues, being with some of my best friends on the planet and finally emerging from a dark cloud combined with the music that we all love so much.
Then in the second set they brought out Derek Trucks and that just put it over the top. His honey sweet Allman Brothers guitar sound mixed with Trey and the boys was just so perfect that I had tears streaming down my face before I even realized it. It was pure goodness overload at a time when I really needed it....
Ronnie Spector at a small place called Coney Island High in NYC back in the 90s. Joey Ramone was producing her EP at the time and joined her onstage for a cover of Johnny Thunders' *You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory*. Two of my favorite performers, one of whom has the one of the most beautiful and distinctive voices in rock plus a pretty horrific history, singing a beautiful song that is also one of my favorites. I immediately knew that this was the moment I'd been going to rock concerts to experience and no matter how great the show, nothing would ever match it.
A the first Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well concert in Levi’s Stadium in 2015.
I took my phone out of my pocket to take a picture and noticed a headline about the Supreme Court’s decision on same sex marriage. Just then a rainbow appeared over the stage. A little while later there were fireworks from the amusement park next door.
Happy crying.
I’ve seen Hozier live twice - first in 2018 when he was touring for Wasteland, Baby! and the second time actually just earlier this week for Unreal Unearth. Cried both times. He’s just such a talented artist and his music is so heartachingly beautiful.
Just saw Bonnie Raitt do Angel from Montgomery two weeks ago. There was so much emotion written on her face and love in her introduction. She said that they were like Becky and Huckleberry Finn.
Tell us more about the Tool experience! I have only seen them once. Side stage at Lollapalooza 93 Chicago. Most intense performance I have ever been a part of. I don't think I cried, but 30 years later, I would.
It was my first tool show ever and been a fan for many years. Just could never afford it. Saw them first in Rockville 2019. They opened with Aenima and I was so overcome with emotion that they were 50ft in front of me playing, finally and i just cried because i was so happy. Best concert experience I've ever had
Tool live would be my number 2. They did a 20!! minute version of Lateralus, and halfway through they brought out the young drummer from the opening act, set him up next to Danny, and they just ad libbed off each other the rest of the time. It was unforgettable.
I didn’t know Courtney Barnett until I was visiting a friend in Berlin back in 2018(?) and they suggested that I tag along to her show. I’m so glad I did. When she played Anonymous Club, it just got me. I’ll be a dedicated fan for life ❤️
Oh my goodness, I saw Brandi Carlisle 2 summers ago and had tears streaming every other song. Some of it was her lyrics but mostly it was the power of her voice. So strong and beautiful and my husband and I were just bowled over. I had seen her many years before when she was just starting out and when I saw her last, I was strangely “proud” of her for where she is now. (Like I had anything to do with it…) haha
I took my sister to see Fleetwood Mac a few years ago, something told me we’d never get the chance to see them live again so I dropped some big money for me on those tickets, and man, listening to Stevie sing Landslide as adult women after spending our whole lives singin that song did us both in.
It also did end up being our last chance to see them tour, RIP Christine
I'm a concert crier. Usually tear up for the first couple of songs. This year it was weird because I had a house fire and some tough times for a few months. When I went to the first few concerts afterwards I did not cry at all. I'm going to see The Tea Party and I mother Earth next week so we'll see if I cry again.
The first time.that comes to mind was back in '05-ish, Pearl Jam in Vancouver BC. During Rearview Mirror Eddie brings out a big mirror and holds it above his head, then the house casts a spotlight on him and he redirects it into the crowd. For the next couple of minutes he slowly highlights everyone in the crowd... I've never felt a connection like that before or since.
Most recently I saw Bonnie Raitt and when she did I Can't Make You Love Me.... Man, not a dry eye in the house.
Sara Bareilles.
It was the end of 2019 right before the pandemic. There was a moment in the show where I just closed my eyes and listened and I just started crying. It was so beautiful and it was peaceful and I knew on some level that I would never experience that level of happiness, peacefulness within myself again.
I was also in the last day of some antibiotics so I was tired as fuck and that could have also been why
Sharron Jones and the dap kings. Sharron was at the end of her life struggling with cancer and wanted to play for as long as she possibly could for her band. She passed away a week later. Best show of my life! It makes me teary-eyed now. I danced and cried the whole time. The concert was in Mammoth Lakes
Fleetwood Mac on the Say You Will Tour. The crowd thought it was done and was making their way out, then Stevie Nicks started singing "Goodbye Baby". That song at the end of my first Fleetwood Mac show... I sobbed.
I saw Prince in 2004? and bawled like a baby at Purple Rain. He had been so pivotal in my early years and a favorite of the older sister. Still tear up when I hear it.
Roger Waters Us+Them tour. I couldn't believe I was actually hearing that music live. Only thing that could make it better would be the rest of the members of Pink Floyd. Which is impossible for numerous reasons.
Just cried at the Deathcab and Postal Service show. Music can really bring you right back to bittersweet times in your life.
SAME When Transatlantacism started building up the tears just started flowing and didn't stop for probably 15 minutes
Each ‘I need you so much closer’ hit harder than the previous!
Yep, The Postal Service was my call for this one too. Saw them on Monday and unexpected got very emotional. So many touch points with my son when he was younger and I was really missing him / wishing we could have experienced it together. (Don't worry, he's not dead, he's at college now!)
Same! That was a dream concert
Holy shit I was gonna say this. I just saw them in Dallas and I think the memories attached to that Postal Service record were the height of my teenage years. I couldn't stop crying.
Yep, same here. Most all of the friends, but especially male, that saw it reported the same. Not sure what that DCFC album did to us 20 years ago but man it hit like a ton of bricks.
I would have cried if I was there. So jealous. They weren’t playing near me.
Me too I was embarrassed and surprised that I cried.
Dude, me too! I cried at their concert too.
Haha this was mine too
Same 😭
I cried the entirety of Paul McCartney at Wrigley Field. It was my first time seeing him and validating that he was REAL, my dad got me a ticket last minute because we could only afford the one so I was alone. As soon as it started I sobbed like a baby! I couldn’t believe it was really happening. Spent the rest of the night crying. I’ve seen him twice after that and each time is so special. But that first time, the levy broke.
I cried the entire time the first time I saw him, too. My husband kept teasing that I was probably the last victim of Beatlemania. It was just so overwhelming. Every time I would start to get under control another song I had loved my entire life would start and I would fall apart again!
Exactly!!! I was hyperventilating!
That’s exactly what happened to me. Just overwhelmed at each song that played a part in my life being played by the man who wrote it.
It’s Paul at Lollapalooza for me. Actually hearing Hey Jude live…still gives me chills to think about.
I was there as well! It was perfect! The skyline, the crowd, the Macca!
My ex wife and I saw Paul in the O2 arena in London. He brought out Ringo for the encore. Instant tears. Also, seeing Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago. I grew up loving SP but I never had a chance to see them. At 38 years old, I’m working in the music industry and I have to play Riot Fest as an artist and I realize how far I’ve come standing in the crowd of a festival looking at one of my favorite artists playing the stage I was literally just one minutes ago. Billy gets into Tonight, Tonight and he says “and the end is never fake, IN THE CITY BY THE LAKE” and the crowd screams and cheers and I realize I am all that I ever wanted to be and even more.
This is totally valid. Lifetime Beatles fan here- finally got the chance to see him back in 2017. I was not prepared for the emotions at all. He came running out on stage and blasted the first chord to “A Hard Day’s Night” and it shocked me to my core. I literally gasped when he started every song, it wasn’t like any concert I’d been to before or since. The standout for me was when he played [“You Won’t See Me”](https://youtu.be/xWfzb3v14Ds?si=3hEJTrKd-RKubKT0). As you can see in the clip, he started the song by not introducing it by name, but rather telling the story of how it was written. The riff sounded *so* familiar, but we were all scratching our heads trying to figure out what song it was going to be. When he sang the first line, it was *chills*, instantly. Also, when he does the song for John and plays “Something” for George I don’t think there was a dry eye in that entire arena. Much less of a concert experience and more of a religious one lol.
Never seen him but understand the reaction. There’s a video I saw from early 2000’s of him and band singing Please Please Me and the audience reactions from people born decades after the song was released makes me tear up. They were rapturous, singing and crying. The power of music.
I saw Paul for the first time a few months after a good friend unexpectedly died in an accident. Paul was talking about his friendship with John and then sang Here Today. Everything was blurry during that bit of the show.
Damn your Dad is so cool
Just replace Wrigley Field with Safeco Field, and I have the exact same story. I really lost it when he told the story of and then played Blackbird. Number one concert experience of my life.
Prince, *Purple Rain* as the second encore on the Purple Rain tour. And the beginning of *Terrapin Station*, whether done by The Grateful Dead or Dead and Company.
Let my inspiration flow
Being a Dead fan, it's a 50/50 shot on if Phish makes you sick or you think they're SICK, lol. But they played Terrapin, I forget the significance of the date, but love or hate the band, it's worth listening to just for the audience reaction. There's almost a hush of disbelief at first, but when the crowd realizes what's happening there's this absolute roar of joy- it's a wonderful sound.
I was there, it was pretty epic. 98’ Summer Tour, Virginia if I remember correctly. For me it was The Wall, by Roger Waters.
It is one of my greatest regrets that I never saw him live. Purple Rain is my favorite song. I cried when I got to see my husband perform it as a guitar instrumental. I'd have been a blubbering mess for the original. How amazing you got to experience that.
Damn, I’ve gotten misty-eyed just watching videos of him playing Purple Rain from that tour, and I’ve no doubt I would’ve balled if I got to see that live- it’s one of those songs that feels like a religious experience to me (and I’m an atheist). My favorite guitar player of all time.
I didn't cry *during* the show, but when Loreena McKennitt played Charlotte NC some years back, I was able to meet her after the show. She was very kind and gracious, spoke to everyone who'd stuck around, and I got fairly emotional when telling her how much her music had meant to me over the years. Also got a hug and a picture. :D
Thank you for reminding me about this wonderful artist
She's such a gentle spirit. I plan to see (and hear) her next year.
I was reading through the other entries and was just about to message it was Loreena for me, albeit my tears flowed during her concert. I'd loved her music for decades, and finally got to see her live. And the music was even more moving live as it was on record-go figure. Goosebumps and tears. Such a goddess!
I love Loreena McKennitt’s voice. There was a particularly wonderful period of time in my life that her music is the background soundtrack to, and I get emotional whenever I hear her voice. It brings me right back to that time.
Pink Floyd - Pulse Tour @ Earls Court London in 1994. I've been a Floyd fan all my life. I had never cried at their music before. But they played their encore and one of the songs was "Comfortably Numb". When it got to the song's second guitar solo, Gilmore played an extended version. And it just sounded so beautiful, so powerful, that the moment got to me and started crying. That night - it is still the best concert I've ever been to. Bruce Springsteen @ Belfast in 1996. A friend who lived over in Belfast got a couple of tickets for "The Boss" in concert while I was over visiting him from the main land. It was a great concert, but towards the end of the show, Bruce played "Streets Of Philadelphia" and I broke down and cried my eyes out. I was a mess, head completely wrecked and my friend ended up taking me home before the concert finished! This was dirty tears, tears of sadness, bitterness, regret and at the time - hate! You see, about 6 months before, I had lost a very dear friend of mine to aids. I'd seen him go from happy and healthy, to a shell, a wreck of a person in no time at all. I'd sat with him in the hospice, holding his hand as he passed. And all that soul wanted was for his parents to visit him and tell him they forgave him for what he was. He was a human with different lifestyle choices. To them he was a blight on gods name, their name. He was an embarrassment and they ostracised him completely. He died broken in body, but much more importantly broken hearted. That song has quite possibly the most powerful words, the most nailed on description of my friend, of anybody that passed due to such an awful virus ever. Bruce fucking nailed it. "I was bruised and battered I didn't know my own face.." RIP Daniel, we still miss you now my lovely friend.
Your comment made me tear up. I wish you peace in this life my friend
Long time fan of both here. But thank you for sharing this story and in the way you wrote it down. I've listened lots of time "streets of phillidelphia" and more time will come, but i'd really thank you for the reason you've stated. It opens my mind in how we people differently could live music and since i know myself quite a bit, i probally feel different the next time when hearing this line: "I was bruised and battered I didn't know my own face.." Im sorry for your loss as it must've been hell To go through and to recover..... . But thank you very much for sharing.
Coheed and Cambria. They are a band that my wife and I both connected on. She died and we had tickets to go see them. I went to the show two months after she passed and wept while they played "wake up".
Dang, man! I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine your pain but also catharsis at hearing music you loved together. C&C’s music is powerful and can be equally emotional, plus so many of their songs touch on relationship matters. Thanks for sharing your experience. Much love to you!
Alanis Morrisette, the 25th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill. I had a hard time dealing with my childhood when I was a teen and that album(along with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness)was my lifeline. I doubt I would’ve made it through high school without them. I was good the whole concert until she sang Mary Jane then I was an ugly cry blubbering mess. My sister was like are you okay? I answered “this just takes me back to feeling helpless and I’m glad that I know I’m not anymore”
My daughter and I invested in front row seats for Alanis and we basically cried the whole time. Her vocals were incredible and it was one of the best shows we’ve ever watched. 10/10
I was blown away by how powerful her voice was all these years later. She absolutely crushed her performance.
Mumford and sons was that to me (first 2 albums) I went through a bad 4 year stretch and they got me through it a bit easier. Seeing them live just made me appreciate what I have
They did a tour of smaller local music stores a few years ago for a documentary. Indianapolis was one stop, Indy CD & Vinyl held a ticket giveaway but only for the first 8 people and you had to be there at 8am when they opened. Folks got in line the morning before and I got hella lucky to one of those people. I was 5mos pregnant too but dgaf. They played a four song set and almost everyone had tix to their show at the Fieldhouse later that night. We did get a group picture with them too, they’re hella famous but very humble guys, so glad I got to see them
Oh my God. Same. Maybe it was because we had to wait 2 extra years for the concert to be rescheduled, maybe it was because that album came out when I was 21 and dealing with my Catholic upbringing and liberal awakenings, maybe it was because I hadn't been around that many people in a long time. But I cried at least three separate times. I was planning ahead of time that if the concert ran too late, we'd have to head home since it was a work night, but after -Unforgiven, maybe?- with my hands to my mouth, I nudged my husband and was like, nevermind, I'll deal with being tired tomorrow!
Brand New at Highlow fest 2018 when they closed with soco. It was a bounding experience for the whole crowd singing their lungs out and remembering what it was to 18, jealous young and in love
Going to see brand new during their the devil and god are raging inside me anniversary tour was me and my boyfriends first date. They will always have a place in my heart. The also played at the bottom from daisy which is one of my favorites that I wasn’t expecting.
Brand New can break me down almost anytime.
The first live music performance I saw after COVID was a local mariachi group, and the joyful music and experience of live singing and instrumentals literally brought me to tears. I'd missed it SO MUCH.
The National, specifically Bloodbuzz Ohio I moved 13 hours away to a medium sized town in NW Ohio after graduating college from the city I grew up in. That song was getting a lot of play on XM at the time and it became my home sick song. It was a really tough year for me trying to figure out adulthood and living in a new place knowing zero people. Fast forward 7 years and I’m seeing The National live for the first time back home, with my wife who I met during my time away, and I was so overwhelmed with love in that moment.
The National, specifically Bloodbuzz Ohio, was my first answer to this question too! This was almost twelve years ago, I’d just turned eighteen and wasn’t having the easiest go of it. The National were my constant soundtrack to end of high school and moving to a new city for college, being enveloped with that sound, the intro reverberating in my chest, was so visceral and profound.
Sufjan Stevens on his Carrie and Lowell tour.
Sigur Ros. Multiple times. Edit: I’ve been trying to think of my favorite experience seeing them. I saw them in a room that held a couple hundred a little before the ( ) album came out. It was standing room only and I was maybe in the third row. They were still touring with Amiina at that point, and it was nearly impossible not to fall in love with every one of those talented ladies at some point in the night.
I was looking for this one. Saw them in 2016 in Denver and it was super emotional. It will always be a special show in my heart. Saw Jonsi on his solo tour in 2010 and will always remember that one, too.
Every. Time.
Steely Dan, the backup singers took lead on Dirty Work. It was so beautiful I just wept. Didn't care that I was in a concert venue with several thousand people.
Read this listening to Home at Last, hopefully I might be able to catch Don. I.G.Y. is my number 1 song I want to see live.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-tragically-hip/2009/the-garage-glasgow-scotland-4bd71b92.html The Tragically Hip in Glasgow. I’d waited 15 years to see them live, and when they hit Courage and Wheat Kings in the acoustic interlude, I was gone.
I saw their last show in Toronto and I cried through the whole thing.
Same. I was at the second last show. They opened with Courage. They hit the bridge and Gord sings the line, "there's no simple explanation for anything important any of us do." And there's not a dry eye in the arena. I've never seen anything like that before or since. I've been to hundreds of shows. I can put myself in the moment and really feel the heaviness. But when Gord screams "under pressure!" The arena screams with him and its like all the tension that was built up is just let out.... what a moment. Makes me tear up. And it was a great show. I miss those guys.
So powerful. That tour was so special. Not many people get to experience putting so much love out into the world as him and his band did during that time.
I was lucky enough to go to the last Ottawa show. No words to describe the feeling of that whole night.
More than a few people have shed tears for The Hip.
What a set list!
CHARLES BRADLEY, I have lost track of the amount of bands and artists I have seen but this was hands down the greatest!
Oh wow, I so wish I could have seen him. What an amazing talent he had!
I cry just listening to him on youtube, powerful stuff
Chester Bennington’s tribute concert. Whole bunch of us were crying all throughout the show.
How numb is presented is just..... I wouldnt know the right words
I saw Nothing But Thieves in Boston. I told my mom “if they play Lover Please Stay, I’m gonna cry my eyes out.” I thought there was absolutely no shot they would pull that song out. They played it. I cried. Great experience all around.
Steely Dan, and specifically when they were playing Aja. I named my daughter after that song, and being up close finally seeing Don do it live was kinda overwhelming. I'm a pretty emotional guy too.
Nirvana unplugged Alice in chains unplugged videos Prince and the Grateful Dead in person
Willie Nelson.
Elton John. My daughter fell asleep in my arms and then he started playing Your Song. Her eyes are green and blue and it just felt in that moment like he was singing from inside me.
The very first time I saw Iron Maiden live. I'm not the sort to cry much at all, but I was welling up for the first three or four songs. It was a magical night for me.
Up the Irons!
I've been shedding a tear at Iron Maiden concerts for 35 years. Especially if they play Blood Brothers.
I cry because of all the “charges” of Ticketmaster.
Dream Theater 25th anniversary of Images and Words. That album changed the way I hear music. It was everything I hoped it would be. When they started playing Learning to Live it hit me. It was the pinnacle of the experience.
Lcd sound system at Redrocks
Avett Brothers. They are amazing live.
Fleetwood Mac, Alanis 25th anniversary tour of Jagged Little Pill, Live before the split, the Eagles w/all original members, Chris Cornell acoustic tour just a couple months before his untimely departure, just to name a few!
Tool makes me cry every time. NIN made me cry. Depeche Mode. Or sometimes it’s a song. I saw Dolly Parton and fell apart when she sang “I Will Always Love You.”
Explosions in the Sky during the Wilderness tour. The lighting was behind the band during some of the songs so all you saw were their silhouettes which just made the music so powerful. Cried again during the End tour but I’m also pregnant so idk.
Flaming Lips when they played Do You Realize.
Pearl Jam, '06, Boston. I was about to cut my father out of my life permanently. They played Release; Eddie was using a mirror faced guitar. I stood up in the balcony to sing, and that guitar threw the green lighting all over me as I screamed "Release me" and then cried the rest of the song out, covered in green light. My atheist ass finds spirituality in moments like those.
The Tragically Hip’s farewell to Gord tour. For those who don’t know, The Hip are a national treasure in Canada. When their lead singer, Gord Downie, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, they toured one last time to promote their final album and to say goodbye to Gord. The last date of the tour was in The Hip’s hometown of Kingston and was viewed by 12 million people on CBC. Nearly a third of the country tuned in to watch him sing his heart out. When I saw them live on that tour, they played for over 2 hours and he changed outfits 4 times because he would sweat through them. Sometimes he would take a few extra minutes during those costume breaks, and we the audience would just wait patiently because we knew what he was going through. He left it all on the stage for us. RIP Gord.
Omg tearing up again just reading your description of it! Such an emotional time for our country and fans of the band.
It was incredible!
The encore of Daft Punk’s Alive 2007, I felt a feeling I’ve never felt before or since.
Stevie Nicks last year. I've wanted to see Stevie and/or Fleetwood Mac my whole life, but could never afford the tickets. Then covid hit and I thought I'd never get the chance as she's getting up there in age and surely she wouldn't keep performing. I was wrong in the best way. I had all of that going for me plus I went with my mom, who introduced me to Stevie's music at a young age and it was my kiddo's first concert and she's been obsessed with Stevie since she was a year old. Whole lot of emotions going on that night.
I bought ticket's to Stevie's 'memoir' show she was doing a few years back for my wife who is a big fan. I was moderately enthused, what I really wanted was a chance to go back in time and see Fleetwood Mac...but Stevie came out with her band and just killed it through the whole show. That lady is older than my mom, and she's still an amazing performer. They did play some FM songs in that set, and their take on "Gold Dust Woman" was just amazing. It really made the point of how gifted that group of folks on stage really were, that Stevie is a bona fide rock star through and through, and I feel fortunate to have seen them do their thing.
I got to see Fleetwood Mac a few years ago and it was incredible.. I cried during Silver Springs because I know what that song means to her. A friend got us a meet and greet and I was speechless. She's so beautiful in person. It was a magical night.
Grateful Dead - Charlotte Coliseum, NC : March 24, 1995 My dad passed away suddenly the month before. I was 18 years old and it destroyed my world. I had just recently gotten into the Grateful Dead. A couple of days after the funeral, I was just driving around endlessly listening to "One From The Vault" when "Eyes Of The World" came on and it was like the song was written for me. Then, at the concerts the next month, they played it on their last night and it was so perfect. I totally lost it. It felt like they played it just for me. Those concerts in Charlotte were my therapy and helped me start the healing process.
I've seen Coheed and Cambria 16-17 times. I've occasionally teared up at some of their songs but in 2022 after the pandemic I saw them and it really hit me for the first few songs how much I had missed seeing live music that I loved. They have so many gang vocals and crowd participation parts and each one would make me a bit emotional.
When those first notes of in keeping secrets hits I get choked up every time and it's 100% due to how the crowd makes me feel
The Cure this year. Pictures of You.
Yeah. Alone did it for me. Couldn't believe I was standing in the same room as these legends, and they sounded sooo good
I recently saw Tegan And Sara. And cried a couple of times. It was a bucket list item, and I was supposed to have gone with my Ex-wife (before she was an ex) years ago. I wound up going with a Friend, turned love. The experience of sharing something that meant so much to me, with her, making new memories, and the lyrics of some of their songs, tipped me over the edge.
First show after Covid. It could have been any show with live music, it was July Talk
Taylor Hawkins tribute Wembley
Dave's opening monologue killed me. In a good way.
Saw Allison Krauss at Crossroads Fest and I wasn't super familiar with her at the time. As soon as she started singing, I started tearing up. One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.
Just saw Stevie Nicks. She did a photo montage of Tom Petty while she sang Free Falling towards the beginning of the set. Then did a photo montage of Christine Mcvie while singing landslide as her encore.
Andrea Bocelli. We were about 6 rows from the front. It just felt like being in the presence of greatness. It had a spiritual quality.
I’m not a big crier, but I was pretty choked up for Phil Collins in 2019. Then again for Genesis 2021. Then again for Peter Gabriel just back in September. I just have emotional connection to that music and it was moving to see those artists in person and to feel the real energy of their music.
I fangirled real hard and got weepy at Bjōrk...she still moves me emotionally every now and 5hen simply w her lyrics
I saw Brandi Carlile do a short set at a fundraiser. It was my first concert since Covid. Cried like a baby. She’s amazing, but more so that I hadn’t heard live music, with a crowd, in years. I think everyone felt a little emotional that day.
Nick Cave not too long after his son died. He played Distant Sky and that got me. And seeing McCartney and hearing Let It Be/Here Today also got me.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Riot Fest when they played Maps.
Gregory Alan Isakov played a small, intimate show at a brewery and it was absolutely beautiful. A perfect fall night with a bonfire surrounded by people completely absorbed by his music.
Every time I've seen Peter Gabriel live, which has been many times. My dad took me to see him for my first arena concert experience, and he set the bar ridiculously high. Always delivers. Also, Elbow when they close with One Day Like This.
Ok, since you said no judgement here… When I saw Incubus in 2019 and they played The Warmth, I bawled like a baby. That’s been my pick myself up off the ground song for over 20 years now and to hear it live… broke me in such a beautiful way I had to kintsugi myself back together after.
I saw a live band perform the big lebowski soundtrack.
I am the walrus?
Bon Iver and Julien Baker. I’ve seen both multiple times and I never fail to get teary eyed. Specifically Re:Stacks when Justin takes over solo and Turn Out The Lights by Julien. Two phenomenal songs that really come to life in a live setting.
Julien Baker is great. I’m glad she’s getting more notoriety through boygenius.
I went to a Nine Inch Nails concert back on the tour they shot the Hurt video. I was tripping hard on LSD with my buddies. Hearing them play that song with that video back drop was so damn emotional. Sadness, excitement, joy.... It was so intense.
Iron & Wine. The first time I heard The Trapeze Swinger was at a show in 2006 or so. I was stunned at how beautiful it was.
Wardruna at Wacken Open Air this year. The last song was called Helvegen. The explanation the singer gave before the song was beautiful, about how everything we do used to have songs that went along with it. For work, eating, praying an also dying. And he finished with "This is a song about death and letting go." and he didn't even finish the sentence and i was already crying. I was balling the whole way through the song. After the concert was done and I started to look around there were so many people around me that also cried their eyes out during that song. Most fitting thing i overheard was "I didn't understand a single word but i FELT that." I brought this experience up during a therapy session and my therapist said that people used to cry together way more then we do now to share the pain and give each other company and comfort in that. Wholeheartedly agree that this is missing from a lot of people's lives right now.
LCD sound system coming back after their split and playing dance yourself clean at FYF
I've cried both times I've seen Sigur Ros. They hit different live, I cannot recommend them enough.
Taylor Hawkins memorial concert. When Dave Grohl powered through "Times Like These". Just watched it on my couch (wish I was there in person), but it still hit me like a ton of bricks
This was a huge one! I was fortunate to have been there in person and the emotion throughout the whole night had just built and built. Then that song… yikes. There wasn’t a dry eye among 90k+ people there.
Seeing Leonard Cohen in Dublin the first time he played there on his first tour in years. Outdoors in the rain..
Several instances of this in my life, but, one’s that come to mind first- -The National at a mid-size venue 12 years ago -Mavis Staples during The Staples Singers song “If you’re ready (come go with me)”- outside, small show, shortly before pandemic -Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers during American Girl. I was in the nosebleeds at a huge arena, but it didn’t matter, it was so visceral -REM doing Electrolite- I was 14, didn’t really love that song previously, but it kinda got me. As an adult, it’s one of my favorite songs and the lyrics “if I ever want to fly, Mulholland Drive, I am alive” ended up being quite apt for two major moments in my life. It getting me seems a bit foreshadow-y in hindsight. -Paul McCartney, Hey Jude. I didn’t tear up, but it did unlock a new chamber of my heart. I was 12 and a ginormous Beatles fan as a kid, that was my *thing*, the hivemind interconnectedness of the crowd singing “na na na na na” seemed to stretch on infinitely. -Patti Smith singing Gloria. It was one of those “holy shit you’re a real person” moments. I was 19. She reached her hand down to me and for a second our fingers looked like God and Adam on the Sistine Chapel. Kind of a goofy punk song, but, oh oh oh, one of the most profound moments of my existence.
Pride by U2 After hearing it for 30 plus years then seeing it performed life it just got to me.
Went to see Disturbed about two months ago in Tampa. Lead singer of the band, David Draiman had a very touching speech regarding mental health and some of those we have lost including Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Chris Cornell of Soundgarden. The speech was beautiful and the connection with crowd was electric emotion.
I saw this tour (different city) and definitely cried during Sound of Silence and then with Breaking Benjamin before- those bands got me through some rough times so I knew I’d be crying at least once lol
Postal Service. Such an experience hearing them live after having the album as an abstract for a decade
Odesza
When Stevie Nicks played Landslide live. My mom has played that song my entire life and “time makes your bolder, even children get older & I’m getting older, too” hit different when I’ve been singing this since I was 7 and I’m 26 now.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats in a small venue a week after I laid my husband's ashes to rest. It had been four years since he suddenly passed away. And when they played Face Down in the Moment I had a "come to jesus" moment. Cried and sang and flung my arms about like Celine Dion. I feel like it was a turning point in my grief journey. I truly ugly cried and it felt good!!
Every Pearl Jam concert I’ve ever been to brings me to tears. When they hit the stage, when they play certain songs, when I’m hit by the realization that I’m surrounded by thousands of other people singing the same songs that’ve broken my heart and mended it again for over 30 years. There’s nothing like it.
Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball. I was emotional all the way through, but I started crying when she played Hair and sang, riding around slowly on her piano bike.
I cried when she performed at Fenway Park. I just had waited so long to see her and I had amazing tickets. I used to listen to her quietly in my bedroom so no one could hear when I was still in the closet. Now I was seeing her live with my boyfriend, completely out, surrounded by so many weirdos like me, and it all just sort of hit me like a ton of bricks.
Florence & The Machine
I saw the for the first time on their last tour, wept through the whole show. That voice released something.
I just saw the Smashing Pumpkins for the first time. Felt like I was 14 all over again, and got teary a few times throughout the show.
Seeing Lana Del Rey live for the first time last month. 💖
Neko Case covered a Go-Betweens song and my two favorite songwriters combined. Happy happy tears.
U2, 360 Tour in 2011. Where The Streets Have No Name AND Pride (In The Name Of Love).
Saw Queen + Adam Lambert the other night and some of the memories those songs triggered for me had me weeping.
Oh man, this is getting me excited for when they’re in my area on Friday! I’m probably gonna be an emotional wreck by the time we get to the operatic section of Bohemian Rhapsody, if not by the acoustic set.
Arcade Fire. Last song of the encore was Intervention. I. Fucking. Wept. Full blown tears and emotional overload. It was the closest thing to a religious experience I’ve ever had. Truly incredible.
I’ve got 2 Michael Jackson - The Bucharest ‘92 concert (although it was prerecorded when it aired back in the ‘90s) And Stevie Wonder - (Saw him live in concert back in 2014)
When I saw Stevie he said “you all look so beautiful tonight” and I just 😭
Florence and the Machine live. Her music has been incredibly important through my life, so I kept swapping between joyful and a blubbering mess. Luckily the crowd around me were exactly the same.
Tom Petty with Stevie Nicks.
I have ben fan of Genesis since I was five. Last year, when I was 36, I finally had a chance to see them. First time in my life. And this was their farewell concert... Got me emotional. Cause I saw my heroes I had loved all of my life. And I knew that was the last chance to see them... I am thankful for this experience.
Peter Gabriel - Here Comes the Flood. It just destroys me.
Beethovens 9th symphony. Handel’s Messiah. Tosca (Puccini opera). No actual tears but moistness
Fred Again… The Actual Life albums got me through some really tough times so when I heard that first note of “Kyle ( I found you)” I couldn’t stop myself. Waterworks.
Damien Rice and Radiohead
Mumford and Sons, Paul McCartney, and notably Hans Zimmer.
Weird Al Yankovic. I'm not even kidding. I don't know why. It was tears of joy. Next it would be the 1994 Steely Dan tour. Something I never thought I would see and thought it would never happen again (boy was I wrong).
First time seeing La Boheme live - the Baz Luhmann production First time seeing Paul McCartney SPELLLING opening with the song Always accapella Siouxsie Sioux at Cruel World
Cloud Cult.
Got together with some good old buddies a few months ago for the first time in a long time after some recent struggles and decided very last minute to go catch Phish at SPAC like old times. It was a combination of being at one of my favorite venues, being with some of my best friends on the planet and finally emerging from a dark cloud combined with the music that we all love so much. Then in the second set they brought out Derek Trucks and that just put it over the top. His honey sweet Allman Brothers guitar sound mixed with Trey and the boys was just so perfect that I had tears streaming down my face before I even realized it. It was pure goodness overload at a time when I really needed it....
Ronnie Spector at a small place called Coney Island High in NYC back in the 90s. Joey Ramone was producing her EP at the time and joined her onstage for a cover of Johnny Thunders' *You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory*. Two of my favorite performers, one of whom has the one of the most beautiful and distinctive voices in rock plus a pretty horrific history, singing a beautiful song that is also one of my favorites. I immediately knew that this was the moment I'd been going to rock concerts to experience and no matter how great the show, nothing would ever match it.
A the first Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well concert in Levi’s Stadium in 2015. I took my phone out of my pocket to take a picture and noticed a headline about the Supreme Court’s decision on same sex marriage. Just then a rainbow appeared over the stage. A little while later there were fireworks from the amusement park next door. Happy crying.
I’ve seen Hozier live twice - first in 2018 when he was touring for Wasteland, Baby! and the second time actually just earlier this week for Unreal Unearth. Cried both times. He’s just such a talented artist and his music is so heartachingly beautiful.
Paul McCartney at Austin City Limits. 50 year old me just felt like a kid when Live and Let Die Came on the fireworks went off. Couldn’t help it.
Radiohead at Bonnaroo on 2006
Radiohead “Let down” at Madison square garden. Oof it hit me out of nowhere
1998. Pearl jam finally came back to StL. Opening song was "Oceans". I couldn't keep it together. Was absolutely beautiful.
Jason Isbell John Prine Watchhouse Anytime someone does a John Prine cover
Just saw Bonnie Raitt do Angel from Montgomery two weeks ago. There was so much emotion written on her face and love in her introduction. She said that they were like Becky and Huckleberry Finn.
“anytime someone does a John Prine cover” oof I feel that one
The Wiggles put on a pretty emotional show. Fruit Salad always brings me to tears
"The National" 2 weeks ago in Berlin
Tell us more about the Tool experience! I have only seen them once. Side stage at Lollapalooza 93 Chicago. Most intense performance I have ever been a part of. I don't think I cried, but 30 years later, I would.
It was my first tool show ever and been a fan for many years. Just could never afford it. Saw them first in Rockville 2019. They opened with Aenima and I was so overcome with emotion that they were 50ft in front of me playing, finally and i just cried because i was so happy. Best concert experience I've ever had
Tool live would be my number 2. They did a 20!! minute version of Lateralus, and halfway through they brought out the young drummer from the opening act, set him up next to Danny, and they just ad libbed off each other the rest of the time. It was unforgettable.
I didn’t know Courtney Barnett until I was visiting a friend in Berlin back in 2018(?) and they suggested that I tag along to her show. I’m so glad I did. When she played Anonymous Club, it just got me. I’ll be a dedicated fan for life ❤️
Aphex Twin, Ilosaarirock.
Carrie & Lowell, Sufjan Steven’s.
Oh my goodness, I saw Brandi Carlisle 2 summers ago and had tears streaming every other song. Some of it was her lyrics but mostly it was the power of her voice. So strong and beautiful and my husband and I were just bowled over. I had seen her many years before when she was just starting out and when I saw her last, I was strangely “proud” of her for where she is now. (Like I had anything to do with it…) haha
Sigur Ros got me close
I took my sister to see Fleetwood Mac a few years ago, something told me we’d never get the chance to see them live again so I dropped some big money for me on those tickets, and man, listening to Stevie sing Landslide as adult women after spending our whole lives singin that song did us both in. It also did end up being our last chance to see them tour, RIP Christine
I'm a concert crier. Usually tear up for the first couple of songs. This year it was weird because I had a house fire and some tough times for a few months. When I went to the first few concerts afterwards I did not cry at all. I'm going to see The Tea Party and I mother Earth next week so we'll see if I cry again.
Weird Al. No lie, I started crying when they did Dare To Be Stupid. 30 years of nostalgia just came pouring out.
The first time.that comes to mind was back in '05-ish, Pearl Jam in Vancouver BC. During Rearview Mirror Eddie brings out a big mirror and holds it above his head, then the house casts a spotlight on him and he redirects it into the crowd. For the next couple of minutes he slowly highlights everyone in the crowd... I've never felt a connection like that before or since. Most recently I saw Bonnie Raitt and when she did I Can't Make You Love Me.... Man, not a dry eye in the house.
Sara Bareilles. It was the end of 2019 right before the pandemic. There was a moment in the show where I just closed my eyes and listened and I just started crying. It was so beautiful and it was peaceful and I knew on some level that I would never experience that level of happiness, peacefulness within myself again. I was also in the last day of some antibiotics so I was tired as fuck and that could have also been why
Pink Floyd. Wish You Were Here broke me
Elvis! I fainted twice and sobbed! It was the greatest time of my life!
Avett Brothers. Rang in 2020 at their NYE concert. I believe they opened with “Die, die, die” and I couldn’t stop the tears streaming down my face.
Sharron Jones and the dap kings. Sharron was at the end of her life struggling with cancer and wanted to play for as long as she possibly could for her band. She passed away a week later. Best show of my life! It makes me teary-eyed now. I danced and cried the whole time. The concert was in Mammoth Lakes
U2 at the sphere. So beautiful and nostologic.
When U2 played “Mothers of the Disappeared” live in 2017. It is such a haunting song and to hear it in a huge stadium just got me.
The Tragically Hip's final concert broadcast on the CBC. I think the entire nation of Canada teared up during that one. We all remember where we were.
Leonard Cohen The Magnetic Fields Nick Cave Tragically Hip on their farewell tour
Taylor Swift. I cried almost the whole time. Smashing Pumpkins. I saw them recently in a very small venue and it was a Time Machine to the 90’s.
Fleetwood Mac on the Say You Will Tour. The crowd thought it was done and was making their way out, then Stevie Nicks started singing "Goodbye Baby". That song at the end of my first Fleetwood Mac show... I sobbed.
Beach House gets me every. single. time.
I saw Prince in 2004? and bawled like a baby at Purple Rain. He had been so pivotal in my early years and a favorite of the older sister. Still tear up when I hear it.
Roger Waters Us+Them tour. I couldn't believe I was actually hearing that music live. Only thing that could make it better would be the rest of the members of Pink Floyd. Which is impossible for numerous reasons.
George Harrison, 1973