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Best concert of 2023: You’ll love (or hate) our readers’ pick
"It will forever be one of the best shows I have ever been to."
Dozens upon dozens of concerts took place in the Bay State this year, and many music fans in Massachusetts likely went to quite a few of them.
According to a LendingTree survey, the average concertgoer in the United States will attend around three shows a year, even as ticket prices and resale costs skyrocket.
We asked readers what the best concert they went to this year was. We heard from 39 readers, who shared concerts spanning different genres, locations, and sizes. A few readers who responded named a concert that occurred outside of Massachusetts, so they were omitted from the list.
Music & Concerts:
The most popular concert among readers who answered was none other than Taylor Swift, who played three nights at Gillette Stadium back in May on “The Eras Tour” — her most recent visit to the stadium, however, was this weekend at the Patriots-Chiefs game.
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One reader who saw Swift, Jenny from Quincy, went to the second night at Gillette, where it poured rain all night long, however Swift still went on with the show.
“For 3.5 hours, she performed her entire setlist as if it was a bright, sunshiny day. It will forever be one of the best shows I have ever been to,” she said.
Another popular concert among readers was rock band TOOL, who performed at TD Garden Nov. 15.
“Always a great show. Great music with great visuals,” said reader Rob from Reading of the band’s performance.
Some other concerts readers mentioned, but didn’t add a written response for, included Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks, Ed Sheeran and the Jonas Brothers, among others.
Read below to see what readers had to say about their favorite concerts of 2023, as well as some of the best moments from their respective concert.
Some responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
boygenius
Sept. 25 and 26, MGM Music Hall at Fenway
“The boys bringing Hozier on stage for ‘Salt in the Wound.'”
— Haley, Canton
Dead & Company
June 24 and 25, Fenway Park
“Dark Star On The Big River Jam.”
— Steve B., Andover
Elvis Costello
March 4, Hanover Theatre
“A rockabilly Welcome To the Working Week, and Nick Lowe’s masked band.”
— Veronica B., Concord
Fiddlehead
Sept. 22, Royale
“Watching Pat Flynn (local high school teacher) and Company rip through their newest album at a packed club was the highlight of my concert year.”
— Brian, Dorchester
Goose
Sept. 13 and 14, Leader Bank Pavillion
“Two nights!”
— Bret, Boston
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
July 27, Roadrunner
“Great version of ‘King of Oklahoma’ as well as ‘Cover Me Up’ and ‘Super 8.'”
— Garry, Natick
Jethro Tull
Oct. 28, MGM Music Hall at Fenway
“Ian Anderson’s flute playing.”
— Patrick, North Attleboro
Jonathan Richman
Oct. 20, 21, and 22, Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre
“His engagement with the audience is unmatched.”
— Eric, Billerica
Peter Gabriel
Sept. 14, TD Garden
“Even though it was at the cavernous TD Garden, the sound was not only clear, but at just the right volume. Great mix of old and new songs. He clearly enjoyed being out on tour again, and his enthusiastic fans were a great group of polite people — many with their kids along for the show. Tears for Fears and U2 were awesome, too, but Gabriel has a new album coming out with this tour, so that’s why I’m highlighting him.”
— John, Beacon Hill
Pink
July 31 and Aug. 1, Fenway Park
“Pink flying through the air.”
— Annie, Malden
The Psychedelic Furs/Squeeze
Sept. 12, Wang Theatre Boch Center
“P-furs playing ‘Mr. Jones.'”
— Reader who identified as “Music fan 2023,” Berkeley
Queen
Oct. 16, TD Garden
“Singing along with Freddy.”
— Anonymous
Raphael Saadiq Revisits Toni! Tony! Toné!
Oct. 5, Orpheum Theatre
“Singers sound the same. Band was tight. Best R&B.”
— Dawn, Malden
Taylor Swift
May 19, 20, and 21, Gillette Stadium
“Not just a concert — an entertainment experience. The 44 songs, the sets, the costume changes, the choreography. Taylor gave it her all and 3+ hours in she didn’t skip a beat. The best part was that I got to bring my 10-year-old son with me who is a huge Swiftie himself. Memories were made that we won’t forget.”
— Melissa L., Ipswich
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Sept. 27, TD Garden
“This was their first time as the headliner at a major arena. I have seen them many times (first at the Hard Rock Café a decade ago). Wasn’t sure if they were big enough. Derek’s solos and Susan’s soulful voice filled the cavernous barn. Wow.”
— Hugo, Jamaica Plain
The Allman Betts Family Revival
Dec. 1, Orpheum Theatre
“Too many [moments] to list only one but watching and listening to Tal Wilkenfeld was amazing.”
— Bill, Boston
TOOL
Nov. 15, TD Garden
“They played Aenima and the visuals were world class amazing! I liked how the band asked everyone not to use their phones so the crowd really enjoyed the show completely.”
— Greg, Norwood
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