The Rockpit took in shows all across Australia and the U.S. in 2017, captured in our reviews and photography department. We take a look at the highlights of the year and what made us appreciate the live experience even more.
TOP 10 METAL/ROCK GIGS OF 2017 – Australia
Reviewers pick – Andrew Massie
Lots of great shows this year, some great local ones as well as some top international acts touring Australia. A certain reunion however had to be the highlight without a doubt!
1. Guns N’ Roses – Domain Stadium, Perth: February 21st 2017 [Review]
2. Thrash, Blast, Grind Festival: King Parrot, Psycroptic, Revocation – Amplifier Bar, Perth: February 18th 2017 [Review]
3. Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress – Astor Theatre, Perth: November 20th 2017 [Review]
4. Opeth – Metro City, Perth: February 11th 2017 [Review]
5. Meshuggah – Metropolis, Fremantle: March 17th 2017 [Review]
6. Ugly Kid Joe – Capitol Theatre, Perth: December 6th 2017 [Review]
7. Desecrator – Amplifier Bar, Perth: May 12th 2017 [Review]
8. Max & Iggor Cavalera: Return To Roots – Astor Theatre, Perth: September 26th 2017 [Review]
9. Alter Bridge – Metropolis, Fremantle: April 8th 2017 [Review]
10. Kreator / Vader – Capitol Theatre, Perth: September 5th 2017 [Review]
TOP 11 PERFORMANCES OF 2017 – AUSTRALIA
Reviewers Pick – The Buffman, Leslie Phillips and Mark Rockpit
Such a great year for live shows in Australia this year as bands we never thought we’d see again headed this way, some big names even making it out for the first time.
This year though a very special mention has to go out to our first year of coverage of the Byron Bay Bluesfest – check out our review of the first day here: [Review] – an Australian Festival institution that grows each year and keeps getting stronger when other Festivals have fallen by the wayside.
1. Black Stone Cherry – Capitol Theatre, Perth: April 25th 2017 [Review].
2. Blood Sweat and Beers – The Concert – Ravenswood Hotel, Perth: October 8th 2017 [Review].
3. Thunder – Capitol Theatre, Perth: March 12th 2017 [Review].
4. Glenn Hughes – Plays classic Deep Purple, Perth Concert Hall, Perth: September 25th 2017 [Review].
5. Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley – Perth Arena, Perth: October 17th 2017 [Review].
6. The Darkness and Maverick – Metro City, Perth: May 12th 2017 [Review].
7. The Ultimate Eagles – Crown Theatre, Perth: June 7th 2017 [Review].
8. Guns ‘n’ Roses – Pattersons Stadium, Perth: February 21st 2017 [Review].
9. Alter Bridge – Metro City, Perth: April 8th 2017 [Review].
10. Ian Anderson plays Jethro Tull – Riverside Theatre, Perth: April 12th 2017 [Review].
11. Bruce Kulick and Four By Fate – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth: May 22nd 2017 [Review].
We also started our UK gig coverage in 2017, the first concert we attended was W.A.S.P. in Manchester
W.A.S.P. – Manchester Academy, UK: October 21st 2017 [Review]
TOP 11 PERFORMANCES OF 2017 – USA
Reviewers Pick – Cheri Bird
Because we all know that 11 is the loudest volume to play and listen to music. So, in lieu of that I’ve chosen 11 of my favorite performances in 2017.
1. Jibe – Gas Monkey Live, Dallas TX: July 8th 2017
2. All Hail The Yeti – Reno’s Chophouse, Dallas TX: May 30th 2017
3. Wage War – Rocklahoma Festival, Pryor OK: May 26th-28th 2017
4. Dirty Heads – The Bomb Factory, Dallas: July 23rd 2017
5. A Day To Remember – Gas Monkey Live, Dallas TX: October 4th 2017
6. Royal Thunder – Curtain Club, Dallas TX: April 28th 2017
7. Cane Hill – Gas Monkey Bar & Grill, Dallas TX: September 21st 2017
8. 311 – Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas NV: August 18th 2017
9. Psycho Vegas Music Festival: Gojira – Hard Rock Casino, Las Vegas NV: August 19th 2017
10. Alesana – Trees, Dalas TX: August 13th 2017
11. Psycho Vegas Music Festival: King Diamond – Hard Rock Casino, Las Vegas NV: August 19th 2017
