Best gigs of 2010

This year I don't think I've ever been so many seated gigs but I have to say it's been pretty nice to not only have a guaranteed place and not be pushed around but also have a nice little sit down during the show. I guess I'm getting old because I used to measure how good a concert was by the amount of bruises I sustained throughout. Maybe because of this there wasn't as many shows that blew me away (aside from the first three) but I have to say that overall I've seen some fantastic gigs this year and got to see a few legends in the process. So, in descending order, here's my 10 favourite shows from 2010 (with links to the original write-ups). Let's hope 2011 has just as many great concerts to look forward to.

10. Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses at Bush Hall

9. Robert Plant & The Band Of Joy at The Forum

8. She & Him at Koko

7. Crosby, Stills & Nash at Royal Albert Hall

6. Jeff Tweedy at Union Chapel

5. Elvis Costello at Royal Festival Hall

4. Joanna Newsom at Royal Festival Hall

3. Rickie Lee Jones at Union Chapel

2. Iggy & The Stooges at Hammersmith Apollo

1. Kris Kristofferson at Cadogan Hall

Kris Kristofferson at Cadogan Hall

Kris Kristofferson
Cadogan Hall, 29 July 2010

"That's a depressing song to be singing at my age," quips 74-year-old country legend Kris Kristofferson on a song he's just sung about going down to the river's edge to die. But, despite his advancing years and song subjects that run the gamut from lonesome laments to political statements to alcohol and the devil (of course, he is a country star after all), this was anything but a depressing show, rather a joyous celebration of a great man and his work.