The thirty best concerts of 2012

By Team Backbeat Thu., Dec. 20 2012 at 9:04 AM

1. JACK WHITE @ ISDAJO AUTOMOTIVE | 8/8/12
"White, with his solo touring band, rolled through a thunderous cover of Dick Dale's "Misirlou" and a squealing, feedback-drenched rendition of the White Stripes classic "Ball and Biscuit," among other crowd-pleasers. The second White struck his final guitar chord and snapped a split-second "thank you" to the audience, he and his band quickly leaped into a nearby limo-bus and drove away, leaving a sweat-drenched crowd to gawk at each other, wide-eyed, mocking those who rode up just too late."

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Juan_Leg topcommenter

My list wasn't even close . I'm not familiar w/ better than 1/2 the artists you mentioned . But if it's in WW, it must be correct .....

boyhollow1

Not sure how New Order didn't make this list. But Leonard Cohen was indeed amazing.

Eamonn Wilcox

Death Grips at Larimer was probably the best night of my life

Rob Author

No. Die Antwoord didn't even make the list but Skrillex did? Lol.

Brian F. Johnson

1 Like

Not listing the second night of Jacket at Red Rocks = Epic fail!

Skid Jarrett Gilmore

No.

Maxwell Pants

Beats Antique had a killer show at the Rocks that was TRUMPED by their halloween bash giving props to Pretty Lights, Bassnectar and Dom before rolling into an absurd Catskills and instrumental Bohemian Rhapsody. Railroad and Umphrey's murdered red rocks on august sixteenth and although umphrey's set seemed a little cleaned up as opposed to their usual jam...a kashmir encore with both bands made it a night to never forget. Oh and easily some of the most feel good vibes and excellent experience on the Rocka for Lotus' debut as headliner. Emancipator opened and made the crowd a loving sea of friends before a gigantic lotus flower was erected on stage to harness the EOTO magic before letting the semi hometown band come on and perform the best show of the last three years that ended in the only fashion possible, a Nomad shoutout to those that waited for this moment between the rocks, Spiritualize encore into Colorado. Hearts melted, friends were forever made, and love for the performers was sealed. Xavier Rudd at Ogden was thrilling to all in his mesmorized crowd while Die Antwoord showcased why they deserved a repeat at the ogden four months later. BUT for new music, that romantic moment that WE ALL LOVE when something happens and everyone's attention in the room captured and you witness a band become a little bigger than reality from the independent dungeon they have been hiding in came one fateful night at Larimer Lounge when Purity Ring booked a show and sold it out only to book another and sell that out as well. The Lumineers broke out in a big way but these Canadian kids made one hell of a splash in five points. Props on Jack White at No 1 as he was the king of Red Rocks this summer.

Alec Arellano

1 Like

Also M83 at the Ogden.

Jeremy Richards

Nah you left out Bassnectar and Pretty Lights at the Rocks, I don't know how you could have put Skrillex before that.. WEAK

Juan Lee Reed

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Everybody! J.Fuziion aka Juan Lee Reed I'm Lovin it and just in time for the Holidays. Download your holiday cheer album " Rhode to Heaven EP" https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rhode-to-heaven-ep/id424581227

frank.a.munafo

1 Like

I don't even know how you picked 30. I went to exactly 4 shows this year, Ryan Adams, Refused, Petty and Deftones. This was a bad year for concerts in Denver and arguably the worst Red Rocks line up in years...

Mantonat topcommenter

2 Like

Two thumbs up on the Leonard Cohen concert. I also loved when he did Tower of Song on what sounded like a Casio keyboard; it added a touch of humor to the show and brought him closer to the audience.

I'd also cast my vote for the Frank Turner show with Larry and his Flask at the Summit in September. Insane energy level from Frank and his band.