Top concerts of 2008
Campus Correspondents weigh in on the
year’s top tours

Hunter Embry, Indiana University Southeast
Robert Plant and Allison Krauss: I caught the first show of tour at Louisville Palace. The swagger-full rock savior sexed his way around the most angelic voice in bluegrass with T Bone Burnett getting down on guitar. Not a bad combination!

Marion Olea, North Central College
Metallica: My top concert of 2008 was Metallica at the iWireless Center in Moline, IL. It was my favorite because not only is Metallica one of my all time favorite bands, but because it has been a long time coming for the popular metal band to release a new CD and tour again. The energy of the concert was amazing all the way until the end. The sound was great and the crowd was very respectful of one another. Metallica showed their appreciation for their fans by giving away things, such as guitar picks, drum sticks and plastic balloons with their logo on it. It was a feel good show with great entertainment and did not leave any fan disappointed.

Jim Simmons, Arizona State University
AC/DC: The Black Ice Tour at the US Airways Center in Phoenix takes the cake with their incredible showmanship, stellar production (including a huge blow up doll riding a full size train on stage, along with a bell featuring the band's logo, canons firing and insane pyrotechnics). It was truly one of the best shows I've ever witnessed with these legends of rock and roll.

Trevor Starnes, Samford University
Needtobreathe: My top concert would have to be needtobreathe at the Workplay Theater in Birmingham, Alabama. Awesome set and for their encore they went up to the balcony and did an acoustic version of “Washed By the Water.” No microphones, nothing else besides their guitars and all four band members singing. Surreal. The crowd got completely silent so that everyone could take in the moment.

Alyssa Vincent, North Central College
Broken Social Scene: It’s impossible to watch Broken Social Scene and not want to be a rock star. At the Vic in Chicago, they were completely down to earth and looked like they were having the time of their lives! Also, their music translates well to smaller, but completely packed venues.

Kate Seesholtz, Belmont University
Of Montreal: My top concert of 2008 was Of Montreal at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Kevin Barnes not only faked his own hanging on stage, but strode in on a real white horse wearing nothing but gold briefs. As if that wasn't enough to incite a frenzy in the crowd, he covered himself in foam and stage dived. Brilliant.

Chad Comello, North Central College
Rosie Thomas & Friends: As a first-time listener of Rosie Thomas, I was hugely impressed with her vocal chops, wild sense of humor and her humility at Schubas in Chicago. This show was a mix of Christmas tunes and Rosie originals. Rosie, dressed in a candy cane turtleneck and tap shoes, made paper snowflakes during the songs, backed by a flannel-pajama-clad band. It was a fun and festive way to enjoy the holidays.