What Is ‘A Great Live Band’?

It’s a fairly common phrase among music fans, that so-and-so is “a really great live band,” as if this is something that can be empirically measured, outside of the music that they are playing. But can it really? Would I enjoy going to see a singer or band whose music leaves me cold? What would they have to do in order to keep me entertained?

Well, having watched Beyoncé repeatedly punch the Glastonbury audience in the face with brutal, unrelenting talent - smiling warmly all the while - and then, less than a week later, stood under a confetti hailstorm, punching balloons into the sky in front of the Flaming Lips, I’ve developed a tentative theory.

Suppose you have a friend who’s had a bit of a rough week. Something frustrating or upsetting has happened and they could really use a pick-me-up. The Good Live Band is the act you would take them to see, even though you know your friend doesn’t have the first clue as to who they are.

There will need to be much, much more on offer than just the music, of course. You’d need to feel the charisma pouring down on you from wherever you are. You’d need to be swept up in your fellow audience members and their reactions. And you’d need to throw your head back and laugh, really laugh, at the amazing thing to which you have become a witness.

But that’s all you’d need. Killer songs? Useful. Astonishing musical ability? Spose. But no-one can claim the title of A Great Live Band unless people walk away feeling improved, after spending some time in their presence.

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