Best Minneapolis Concerts of 2014
2014 was another fabulous year for music in the Twin Cities. Here is a list of my favorite shows I covered this past year. Thanks for looking, and cheers to 2015!
- Arctic Monkeys at First Avenue, February 14 – 2014 was a massive year for British rock band Arctic Monkeys. Coming off of their late-2013 release AM, the band toured non-stop in 2014 including headlining Reading and Leeds Festival, and also playing to tens of thousands at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival. But before all that happened, the blokes from Sheffield played a small club tour in the US including a stop at First Avenue on Valentine’s Day. It was dark, it was hot, it was sexy, it was my favorite show of 2014.
- Queens of the Stone Age at Roy Wilkins Auditorium, May 6 – Lead singer Josh Homme wasn’t feeling well on this night. While I was up front photographing the first three songs, it was obvious his energy wasn’t there. He chugged along as the rest of Queens of the Stone Age brought the rock, however after a few drinks of the hard stuff, Homme soon caught up to the band and they ripped through a blazing “If I Had a Tail” from their 2013 album …Like Clockwork. It was smooth sailing from there on out, and the band proved they rock harder than nearly anyone on this planet.
- Pearl Jam at Xcel Energy Center, October 19 – This was my first time seeing Pearl Jam. The rockers who helped launch the grunge movement of the early 90s have aged, but they still have it, selling out nearly every venue they play including Xcel Energy Center on this night. Pearl Jam played 32 songs in total, including a nice acoustic encore set that included singer Eddie Vedder covering John Lennon’s “Imagine”. It was after the acoustic set that the band hit the heaviest gear. Classic hit “Alive” from their debut Ten and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” rocked hard with energy and were amazing.
- Band of Skulls at First Avenue, June 3 – Band of Skulls is keeping power trio rock alive and well. I first saw this band in 2010 when they opened for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and I’ve been a fan ever since. On tour to support Himalayan, the successor to their lackluster sophomore album, the British trio pounded First Avenue. First Avenue has perfect solid tone for a straight up rock show like this. And Band of Skulls hit so hard it felt like the screws were going to come loose.
- Arcade Fire at Target Center, March 8 – There hasn’t been a lot of years between Arcade Fire playing the tiny (and now defunct) 400 Bar, and now the Target Center in 2014. Regardless of venue size, this band can always be counted on for an amazing performance and this show was by no means an exception. By the end of the night I felt like I was at a huge party. Songs like “Joan of Arc”, and especially, “Normal Person” from their 2013 release Reflektor sounded wonderful. I really wish I could have photographed this one.
- Lizzo & Caroline Smith at First Avenue, September 27 – This was a full on girl party from beginning to end and it was an incredible amount of fun. I’ve seen Caroline Smith before, but her stage presense and vocals really stood out on this night. Lizzo also had the crowd rocking with her unique brand of hip hop. This night was a great mix of music and people and I am very glad that I covered it. Lizzo and Caroline Smith are both amazing Minnesota talents that deserve the national recognition they are starting to see.
- Pixies at State Theatre, October 11 – Like many, I was a bit skeptical to see Pixies without original member Kim Deal as a member. But after seeing this show, I can say without a doubt that they still have it. Paz Lenchantin filled in wonderfully for Deal, and singer and guitarist Frank Black did not slow down for a second. The mostly forty-something crowd rocked hard from the start as well. My biggest surprise of the night came from the opener Royal Blood. The UK duo were absolutely amazing, playing one of the best sets I saw all year. Foo Fighters are taking Royal Blood on tour in 2014 and I am happy for that.
- The War on Drugs at First Avenue, September 22 – The War on Drugs have been around a while, but 2014 delievered them to the masses. Their 2014 release Lost in a Dream is truly fantastic, and they hit First Avenue with a wonderful driving set for the first of two shows there. Although the sold out crowd was quite mellow, The War on Drugs played flawlessly covering songs from all three of their albums. It will be tough to follow Lost in a Dream, but I am excited to see what this band does next.
- Lykke Li at First Avenue, September 28 – This show was dark, moody, and intense. The Swedish songstress floated around donning a long black leather coat to start the show — and along with a dimly liy monotone stage, she created an eerily beautiful setting. Touring to support her heartbreak-fueled 2014 release I Never Learn, she poured her heart out with her soft pure voice. This show was stunning and goosebump inducing, especially songs like “No Rest For the Wicked” and “Just Like a Dream”. I am very happy I covered Lykke Li at First Avenue. What a voice.
- Dr. Dog at First Avenue, February 6 – Dr. Dog will rock your socks off, guaranteed. I saw the boys from Philadelphia four times in 2014 and this show at First Avenue was my favorite. Dr. Dog always plays consistently, but what makes a Dr. Dog show so fun is the crowd. Minneapolis loves this band and filled First Avenue two nights last February, and also Leinie’s Stage at the State Fair for two nights in August. They will be back in early February 2015 for three more nights in Minneapolis so get ready. Dr. Dog puts on a rock show!
Other notables
- Trey Anastasio at First Avenue, February 4 – Up until this night, Trey Anastasio hadn’t played First Avenue in nearly 22 years. And from the moment he stepped back onstage with his wonderfully funky solo band, a smile did not leave his face. This show was long and a whole lot of fun. It was an honor to finally photograph the lead man of Phish. It was also an honor to see the legendary musician grace First Avenue’s stage once more.
- Jungle at First Avenue, October 9 – In late 2013, Jungle, the soul collective from London, UK started buzzing with a fury. By the time they made it to Minneapolis in June of 2014 the word had spread. I saw both of their Minneapolis shows with the first being sold out at Fine Line Music Cafe. This second show at First Avenue three months later was just as good, with the band hitting their prime on stage. They have a unique funky and soulful groove that is well worth checking out.
- The Wytches at Turf Club, November 1 – The Wytches are my favorite new find of 2014. This young UK band simply rocks, channeling surf rock and early Nirvana at the same time. The crowd at the Turf was meager, but these guys wailed and I hope they come back again. This was a lovely night.
Previous Best of Lists
So what were your favorite concerts of 2014?
