Music Bucket List

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite bloggers, Steph at Insert Classy Here, talked about scratching an item off her music bucket list. Suddenly, my imagination went wild with who I'd include on my own coveted list. Assuming that we can't resurrect anyone (hello, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, and Ray Charles) and I can't include artists that I've already seen but would love to see again (hello, Michael Buble, John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, Maroon 5, Drake, and M83), here is my ultimate music bucket list:

- Mumford & Sons (Completed on April 24, 2016 and again on March 25, 2019): This one is pretty self-explanatory. Although I haven't listened to their new CD, Wilder Mind, I was infatuated with their previous two albums. I love their folksy vibe and complicated lyrics and Marcus Mumford's voice makes me melt. They're absolutely one of my contemporary favorites and I imagine the experience of seeing them live would be incredible.

- Led Zeppelin: If I could take my mom to any concert imaginable, I would absolutely choose her all-time favorite band, Led Zeppelin. Thanks to her, they've become a staple on my iPod. However, the band hasn't toured since drummer John Bonham died in 1980 and lead singer Robert Plant reportedly turned down an $800 million offer to reunite for a tour last year. In other words, it's not looking good for me...

- Elton John: When I think of my childhood favorites, four names instantly come to mind - Elvis, Madonna, Prince, and Elton. For years, I've been a staunch defender of Sir Elton in the eternal Elton John vs. Billy Joel debate and it'd be a dream come true to see him play the piano in-person and sing along with all of his hit songs. He's setting up shop in Vegas again this October for a brief residency, so if anyone is feeling really generous with their wedding gifts...

Via

- Tom Petty: How about this for a statement?: If you don't want to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform live, then I question not only your taste in music, but also you as a living, breathing human being. I imagine this would be the perfect summer concert when enjoyed on a blanket on the lawn with a big group of friends. Let's make it happen.

- Madonna: *see Elton John explanation* Seriously though, Madonna still performs. At the age of 56, she's crazy active on stage, channels her 25-year-old self with her dance moves, and has some of the greatest pop songs ever written in her repertoire. She was probably my first girl crush and remains one of my favorites to this day. All hail the queen.

- Lady Gaga (Completed on November 5, 2017): It only seems fitting to follow Madonna with Lady Gaga...and I don't mean the super relaxed tour with Tony Bennett, either. Perhaps unsurprisingly (given my love for Lady M), I really like Lady Gaga and think she's a very gifted entertainer, piano player, and vocalist. I love to imagine the intricate set, costume changes, and theatrics that probably comprise her live show. Plus, you know the people-watching in the crowd would be comedic gold.

- Jay-Z: Frankly, I'm shocked I haven't seen him yet. He's my favorite rapper of all-time, bar none, and I actually think he's a genius. I would have given one of my kidneys to see him and Kanye in the Watch the Throne Tour (seriously, the setlist almost makes me cry), but none of the dates or locations worked out. I didn't want to attend the On the Run Tour, which actually made a stop in Cincinnati, because I didn't want to sit through an entire Beyonce show. Has my girl card officially been revoked?

- A major music festival: Again, I'm shocked I haven't done this yet. I know it'll happen eventually - I'm just biding my time until the perfect lineup is announced. I did attend the Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Chicago a few years ago, where I saw DMB (x3), Kid Cudi, Ray LaMontagne, G. Love, David Gray, and Amos Lee among others, but I don't consider that a major music festival. I want to go to one of the classic, annual ones (Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Coachella, etc.).

- Phantom of the Opera (Completed on May 10, 2016): I don't really think this counts, but when I think of live music experiences, I also consider musicals, symphonies, etc. Of all the incredible musicals I've seen over the years, The Phantom of the Opera has somehow eluded me...and it's about time I fix that. Aside from A Chorus Line, Phantom is probably my favorite musical ever, but I need to see it in-person to cement that. The beautiful music, the storyline, the heartache, ugh.

- Dave Matthews Band: Yeah, I'm cheating with this one, but I want to see Dave Matthews Band every single day for the rest of my life. I'll never get tired of the ever-changing setlist and I love guessing what I'll hear at every show. I'll keep seeing them live until they retire or die. Facts are facts.

I would also really love to see Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding, but didn't quite think they made the bucket list yet. Please tell me - who would be on your ultimate music bucket list?