2016 was not just another year. It was the year where the
world turned itself upside down, perhaps no more so in the music world. We
sadly learnt that Bowie was not immortal, nor Prince, nor Cohen. These
illustrious greats, these wordsmiths, these musicians who formed the very
tapestry of modern music were suddenly no longer among us, all too human, gone
too soon. It was a sobering year, and many more didn’t make it to the end.
But 2016 also delivered some of the finest live music
experiences going. Numerous musicians made their first visit to UK shores for
some years, several stepped up on the festival bills and at Glastonbury, the
referendum result was cast aside in a celebration of unity and togetherness. Thenorthernchords
was lucky to attend some superb events once more this year, with over a hundred
different artists seen. In a year of tragedy, music could still remind us of
triumph.
So, without further ado, may we present our Top #25
Performances of 2016
25.
Brand New
First Direct Arena, Leeds, 04.12.16.
A veil of uncertainty clouds the future of New York emo
stalwarts Brand New. With their end signalled to be within the next twenty-four
months, the band’s support slots for Biffy Clyro were perhaps the first notes
of an extended swansong. If so, they couldn’t have started it in a better way,
bringing out soaring, angst-ridden renditions of Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t and Jesus. Under flashes of chaotic light, Jesse Lacey and co reminded
those present of the legacy they will leave behind – but here’s to hoping that
they might delay retirement a little longer.
 |
| Brand New performing live in Michigan in 2016. (Credit to Scott Legato.) |
24.
Shinedown
First Direct Arena, Leeds, 05.02.16.
Generally, a support act isn’t meant to overshadow the main
attraction. But after Shinedown’s performance on the Carnival of Madness Tour
before Black Stone Cherry, it was always going to be a difficult act for the
latter to follow. The Jacksonville hard rockers turned out a consummately professional
performance that was no less enjoyable for its adherence to convention, with
highlights including their stunning staple cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man and a punchy, chunky Sound of Madness. But perhaps the
highlight is their power-ballad Second
Chance, all superb riffs and cheesy air-punching. They return to the UK
next May in support of Iron Maiden too; a must-see for rock fans in need of a
good time.
 |
| Shinedown performing live in Leeds in 2016.. (Credit to Katy Blackwood.) |
23.
Mark Morriss
The Fulford Arms, York, 16.10.16.
Few gigs came more intimate than Bluetones frontman Mark
Morriss’ show in an old pub. Yet it suited the singer and guitarist down to a
tee, allowing him to mine his natural skill as a raconteur and a filthy sense
of humour alongside some excellently rendered gritty acoustic pop. What stood
out best though were his oddball cover choices – his left-field picks of Elton
John’s Daniel and the new-wave
sex-stomp of Rio were truly
magnificent. Morriss often cut close to the bone with his jokes but his waggish
geniality allowed him to easily break down the barriers between performer and
audience for an friendly show that never lost the personal touch.
 |
| Mark Morriss performing live in Frankfurt in 2014. (Credit to regioactive.de) |
22.
Babymetal
Manchester Arena, Manchester, 14.12.16.
When it was announced that the Red Hot Chili Peppers would
bring Japanese teenage outfit Babymetal to the UK as their support act, more
than a few eyebrows were raised. But their match is more logical than doubters
assume; both play their music with a keen sense of theatrical humour, both fuse
melodic pop with heavy riffs and both are known for ridiculous fashion choices.
As such, Babymetal – Su-metal, Yuimetal, Moametal and the Kami Band – were absolutely
brilliant, from the J-pop metalcore of Megitsune
to the groove-laden, anthemic Karate.
Some may dismiss Babymetal as a joke, a one-trick pony; but in Manchester, they
ably staked a claim as a credible live artist.
 |
| Babymetal performing live in London in 2016. (Credit to TeamRock.) |
21.
Massive Attack
O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds, 27.01.16.
Bristol’s politically-charged godfathers of trip-hop may
have headlined Hyde Park with Patti Smith this year, but it was their intimate
show at the O2 Academy in Leeds that really set pulses racing. Eschewing some
of their biggest hits, they instead rolled out new material including a riveting
Voodoo in My Blood, with guest vocals
from support act Young Fathers and the eerie Ritual Spirt. If the music was great, the visuals were even better –
all rendered in the style of old Ceefax pages, with real-time news headlines
painting a violent image of early 2016, dire warnings that have become spookily
prophetic in hindsight. Hits? Who needs the hits when it’s this good?
 |
| Massive Attack performing live in London in 2016. (Credit to The Telegraph.) |
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