Creating a Top 10 Best Concerts of 2023 list kind of, sort, of requires attending a number of concerts, something I used to do but in recent years have scaled back.

Surprisingly, I was one concert away from seeing 10 this year (I thought it was seven at most) and, had I double checked, might have made a more concerted effort to see Depeche Mode a few weeks ago simply to have a Top 10 list. Oh, I forgot. I did have tickets for Social Distortion’s summer tour but that was cancelled because of Mike Ness’ battle with tonsil cancer. Sounds like he’s recovered as the band has scheduled a robust 2024 touring schedule.

However, when reviewing the shows attended in 2023, two didn’t belong on a “Best Of” list, so either way, the annual end of year best concerts list becomes, simply, the best concerts of the year. Yes, no doubt, I missed a bunch, so perhaps, a low level of interest might impact the overall enjoyment of the show, this, my counter argument to elevating the handful seen to a Best of 2023. So, I stick with what I saw to recap the year that was in terms of the best live shows of 2023.

Top Concerts of 2023

7. Last Summer on Earth Tour – McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, OR

The annual Last Summer on Earth Tour starring Barenaked Ladies probably doesn’t change a whole lot in terms of setlist but they sure know how to pick the undercards. Semisonic brought me to this year’s like Gin Blossoms brought me to last year’s but I just may attend next year, assuming 2023 wasn’t the last summer on earth, to see Barenaked Ladies.

From the review: If you haven’t seen Barenaked Ladies then just go. It’s more an evening of entertainment rather than a concert.

Read the review: No Closing Time for Last Summer on Earth Tour

6. Journey – Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, OR

Journey’s latest album encouraged the 90-mile trip to Eugene, OR because it was so good, despite past Journey concerts I had seen that were not so good. They only played one song off Freedom but glad I went. I won’t stop believing these guys after 50 years (and some lineup changes) can still rock a house.

From the review: Journey sounded and performed better than I have ever experienced.

Read the review: Journey Celebrates 50 Years with Lively Show in Eugene 

5. Citizens – Athey Creek Christian Fellowship in West Linn, OR

I had never heard of Citizens until their concert at a local church was announced. Much closer to home and on more friendly grounds (see Switchfoot concert), so I jumped into the deep end of their catalog, discovered a righteous new band (for me) and they played their hearts out.

From the review: The penultimate “Doubting Doubts,” the final song on A Mirror Dimly, in many respects encompasses the band’s style with a solemn start that eventually picks up into a rocking banger.

Read the review: Citizens Headlines Athey Days

4. Switchfoot – Roseland Theater in Portland, OR

Twenty years ago I was introduced to Switchfoot, so with them on the 20^th anniversary tour of their mainstream breakthrough album The Beautiful Letdown, I had to go despite the reigning undercurrents of venturing to downtown Portland.

From the review: Switchfoot was in near perfect form all evening. maybe besting their show Fantastic Traveling Music Show four years ago. Foreman appeared near emotional at times genuinely appreciative of the crowd’s enthusiasm and support all these years.

Read the review: Switchfoot Celebrates 20 Years Since Their Beautiful Letdown

3. Kansas – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR

Well, I got to see them again! Almost exactly a year later. Kansas still puts on a clinic and though I missed them in their prime I’ve seen Kansas in concert twice. And, I’ll see them again if they choose to continue.

From the review: Call them a glorified cover band if it makes you feel better, but this does a disservice to the accomplished musicians who take up the slack left by the classic lineup and perform brilliantly. Ever the professionals, Kansas took the stage on time and barely took a break between songs orchestrating 20 from across a half a century long career over more than two hours.

Read the review: Kansas Keeps the Fire Lit on 50th Anniversary Tour

2. Muse – Moda Center in Portland, OR

The Muse live show never disappoints. All business but with lots of frills. Either the music enhances the theatrics or the theatrics enhance the music. You decide.

From the review: Lights, lasers, strobes, a confetti shower and one giant stage-sized masked face rotating back and forth looking eerily at the crowd. Let’s see, what else, what else? Oh yes. Fire. Lots of fire.

Read the review: Muse Makes a Statement in Portland

Best Concert of 2023

1. Duran Duran – Moda Center in Portland, OR

The best concert of 2023 belongs to Duran Duran. They seem, in many respects, rejuvenated for the long haul. Let’s hope. They play well, sound phenomenal and the fun exacerbated on stage carries over into the crowd. And the fun exacerbated in the crowd I’m pretty sure carries over to the stage.

From the review: It sure feels like Duran Duran has reached new heights but if these early new wave pioneers are not as big now as they were 40 years ago the adoration from throngs of fans remains just as strong.

Read the review: Duran Duran Touches the Future But Plays a Lot of Their Past

The Two Concerts that Failed to Chart

The solo three-hour drive to Bend, OR to see Jimmy Eat World ended in somewhat disappointment. I’m not so sure it was their fault. Not a great venue, at least where I was sitting, but Jimmy Eat World returns to Portland in a few months and I return to Bend a few months after that for Styx and Foreigner. But this time I sit nine rows back from the stage.

I’ve seen Greta Van Fleet. It wasn’t a bad show, but no need to see them again.