06/02/2026
I've had a lot of rum, and I have very few friends...so I was having a conversation with Chat GPT about Unwritten Law that devolved into me listing the top three shows I've ever seen. I figured I'd share, and since it would be impossible to rank them I'll present them in chronological order. Also, no Post Rock shows in the top three, although The Album Leaf with Sigur Ros at Nita's is likely in my top 5 (I grew up in the Phoenix area, which helps explain this list)...
KMFDM at The Asylum in Phoenix. I was in Jr High, and before the show En Esch walked by me topless with a black mini skirt and fishnets. Incredible. Also notable for the opener, as Braindead Soundmachine are only the second band I've ever seen get booed off stage, and they had not a single redeeming quality so I get it but to get booed off stage by 75 people is astounding. Shout out to The Violent Femmes. Edge Fest in Peoria was not your day.
Rusted Root at The Electric Ballroom in Tempe. This was RR at the height of their powers, two full drum kits ala King Crimson and Jenn Wertz still in the group providing that dirty contrast to Liz's jazz vocal, and whatever Michael does. Joan Osbourne opened and was mediocre but RR delivered a set that would leave The Weather Report jealous. They played so long I thought someone for sure stole my whip, and I didn't give a s**t. Y'all are sleeping on Rusted Root, and that's not my problem.
Dead Can Dance at Humphrey's in San Diego. This is after the Spiritchaser breakup-reformation, but before anything new. I also saw them in LA at the Hollywood Bowl, and Novelle Vogue were incredible, but just DCD at that venue on San Diego Bay was magical. Kimber at Stinkweeds in Phoenix tried to ruin DCD for me once by saying that Brendan Perry sounds a bit like Neil Diamond...and while she's right I don't care. I still love 'Eye of the Hunter'.
What are your top 3?