Someone once asked me, “If you had to give up music or travel, what would it be?” It would be travel.
I absolutely love travel, it’s a core part of my personality. Yet it’s music that keeps me sane. Luckily, I don’t have to give up either. As a matter of fact, you’ll often find me traveling for music. So, I thought I’d put together an overview of a few of my favorite live artists worth traveling for.
John Mayer
John Mayer is the epitome of a live artist. Yes, he’s a legendary guitarist. Yet on top of that, he’s a wonderful singer, talented songwriter, has a sense of humor, and authentically engaged with the audience.
When I first saw him play the O2 Arena in London in 2013, I knew this would be the first of my many John Mayer concerts to come. I attended his Search for Everything tour in Amsterdam in 2017, and most recently caught him in Nashville in 2022.
Each show is so different and set lists are quite unpredictable sometimes, which makes each concert visit extremely unique. Tickets for his Solo Tour and a trip to Oslo are booked for 2024.
Photo by Simon Weisser via Unsplash
Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover
His live performances are rare, which make them even more worth traveling for. Childish Gambino’s musical talent, incredible lyrics, and energetic stage presence are absolutely enticing. This man is the definition of high energy, and it transcends into the audience from the moment the first beat drops.
Fred Again…
We Lost Dancing was my pandemic song. That one song I discovered and danced to in lock down. So, when this British artist played at the first post-pandemic Coachella Festival in 2022, there were a lot of emotions involved.
Squeezed in towards the front of the Mojave tent, surrounded my some of the most important people in my life, dancing and sweating, Fred Again… played one of the most magical sets I’ve ever experienced. Singing the words “We Lost Dancing” in a packed crowd of people dancing after two years of withdrawal is one of those moments where you feel like your life is a movie.
A few months later, I went to see Fred Again… in Berlin. What I love is that he adapts his sets according to the destination he is playing in. The Coachella set had Cali-vibes, whilst Berlin was more techno-driven.
Malice In Borderland by Christian via Unsplash
Beyoncé
I don’t listen to Beyoncé as much as I should, but I appreciate her music a lot. I’ve seen her live twice, and it’s safe to say she masters the art of live shows. It’s truly awe-inspiring, energizing, and incredibly fun to watch Queen B perform.
Kendrick Lamar
Whether in California, Berlin, or Barcelona, Kendrick Lamar always blew my mind. He is by far my favorite rapper touring to date. His lyrics are masterful and clearly conveyed, his shows are beautifully curated.
Photo by Dorel Gnatiuc via Unsplash
Swedish House Mafia
I remember being at Swedish House Mafia’s 2012 show in Antwerp with my sister. Towards the end of their set, they had the entire audience sit down on the floor and all jump up together simultaneously when the beat dropped.
For years to come many artists followed suit, and they continued to ask their audience to get more involved in their shows. It made all the difference. Feeling the energy of the people around you all share the same beat.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen and listened to these three DJs inspire people like me to dance as hard as possible for hours on end. If they happen to reappear near you, make sure to rave a little with them.
Jamie Cullum
A true musician and entertainer. This man knows how to get the crowd up and moving at his shows. Instruments and vocals are always on point, and his charming personality makes you feel right at home wherever he performs. Jamie Cullum takes you through a musical range of emotions, leaving you light-hearted and wanting to come back for more.
Have Love, Will Travel
It‘s always worth traveling for music if you’re into live shows, especially if it’s for your favorite musician. Just make sure you pick a location that interests you as a destination because sometimes concerts get cancelled, but the trip still excite you in itself.
For specific tips, contact me.
