who surprised and who disappointed

Agree completely with Marco about how Benaroya Hall in Seattle can ruin the best of concerts.

I went to see Emmylou Harris there with Buddy and Julie Miller as the opening act. You could only get a sense of what they were capable of because the overamplified PA system and bizarre acoustics made them almost unlistenable.

The only reason I stayed is that Buddy Miller was such an incredible, unexpected talent, obvious even through the horrible sound. He played with Emmylou through all of her set and the combination of the two of them would have been outrageously good if only you could have heard it.

Alice Cooper

Broadway theatrics and rock 'n roll. a performance I will remember for life.

Rush

Stunning musicianship

Supertramp

As good live as recorded

ZZTop

Best live band ever?

John Prine

On the back steps of the student union in college- just he and his guitar kept a crowd of 2000 enthralled for 2+ hours

Joe Satriani

Seen is a small venue-guitar licks from another universe

Dissapointments:
Tina Turner- boring left after and hour
Joni Mitchell- great voice, no charisma. Her back up band Tom Scott and the LA Express was the star of the show
Chicago- Low fidelity venue, no energy

They may have had just bad nights but I left these shows wondering how much studio polish got them where they are.

The Dead, as listed but for different reasons and the SOUND SYSTEM. Also RatDog, and Phil&Freinds.

Paul Simon at a local ampitheater, wasn't crowed so I just moved back behind the mixing board, and wow, I never heard a PA system image before. To say I was blown away was an understatement.

Bruce Springsteen once opening his Born in the USA tour. Magic. Since then mostly disappointments.

loon

Tvad, why be embarrased, Tina Turner's on fire when she hits the stage.
Annie Lennox was electric on stage. She had the crowd from beginning to end even though she was the opener for Sting.
Biggest dissapointment was Sting. Although in fairness it may have been an audience expecting Police standards. He couldn't get the crowd into his new stuff. The brightest spot in Sting's set as when Annie Lennox joined him for a duet.

Patricia Barber live was incredible. I figured she would be, but had no idea the talent of her musicians until I saw them first hand. Absolutely incredible.

Harry Bellafonte (okay I don't think much of his political positions currently--but his music is amazing). His voice was failing, but charisma was 110% on stage as were his musicians--again incredible.

Harry Connick Jr., really wasn't expecting much because I just don't think his albums are that great. On stage--different story he is brilliant, charismatic, and creative. Incredible musicians. Every night he changes the program--which I think lends itself to more creativity. He is a must see.

Janis Ian. Seen her a few times now and she is so funny on stage. I didn't know if I was at a comedy club or a music club. Can't remember having more fun at a concert.