As far as live bands, I kind of want to hear a band that sounds better live than on their records. Five bands come to mind...I saw all five 3-4 times in the 70s and 80s. All produced a "big" soundstage type of sound where vocals and instruments were more substantial than on the their albums which is saying a lot as all the albums of these groups were always recognized as having great studio acoustics.
* Early to mid Yes
* Early to mid Genesis with Peter Gabriel
* Steely Dan
* Springsteen
* Peter Gabriel after Genesis