The grossest acts of 2010

Published on December 31, 2010 by The Editor · No Comments

Chris Leeming reckons it was a bad year for discerning concert-goers thanks to dinosaur rock.

At a time that sees legendary small venues such as the 100 Club in London face closure, it’s sickening to see the top ten acts raking in the millions from their live shows.

Topping the list, with $201.1 million are the ever so humble dinosaur rock band Bon Jovi (above). Yes, the world is still yearning for the same old stuff in 2010, with AC/DC and U2 making second and third respectively.

A U2 that is, whose hideous stage takes 80 trucks to transport. I hope Bono can explain why the climate is changing so much to the children in Africa he meets on his next charity trip.

The only artist in the top ten who is under 30 and could be considered “original” would be the meat-wearing Lady Gaga, who brought in a whopping $133.6 million from 138 shows.

That these huge arena acts are still popular in our economic climate is baffling, with ticket prices soaring every time another bunch of old hands decide to reform.

Some say that you get a great atmosphere with so many people. My experience of larger gigs is some tall git standing in front of you and the band’s biggest – and also drunkest – fan bumping into you at every opportunity.

I must say, I’m not a fan of anyone in the top ten, and would much prefer to go to some small, grotty pub, save myself £50 and buy a few more drinks at the bar. Let’s be honest, with enough drinks it doesn’t really matter who’s playing.

As long as they don’t do a Bon Jovi cover that is.

What do you think? Is Bon Jovi still an act worth catching? Or should they and other dinosaur rock practitioners like U2 and AC/DC give 2011 a miss? Comments welcome

Chris Leeming is a wowdewow blogger who appreciates a thrifty pint.