Our 2024 Concert Experience Countdown From Good to Unforgettable!
I think 2024 was our biggest concert year yet, and considering we only made it to seven shows, that’s saying something! This past year was filled with travel, events, and plenty of unforgettable experiences—not anything too wild, but just enough to scratch that itch for adventure. Concerts were definitely a big part of the fun, and while every single one was a blast in its own way, some stood out more than others. So, here’s my breakdown of all the concerts we attended, ranked from the least memorable to the absolute best of the year!
7. The Fray
Coming in last on our list is The Fray. I’ve loved their music ever since I first heard How to Save a Life, and as a longtime fan, their early 2000s hits still hold a special place in my heart. So when we found out they were performing at our local fair, we were excited—live music from a band we actually like and cheap admission? That’s an easy yes.
Fairs can be hit or miss (especially when it comes to those sketchy rides), but throw in a performance by a well-known artist, and suddenly it’s worth it. What we didn’t realize, though, was that the lead singer wasn’t the original, which definitely changed the experience. The show itself was still enjoyable, and the band sounded great, but it just didn’t have the same nostalgic magic it would have if the OG singer had been on stage.
That said, it was still a fun night—good music, plenty of fair food, and drinks along the way. Not the best concert of the year, but when tickets are that cheap and you can leave whenever you want, it’s hard to complain!
6. Train
I honestly didn’t expect Train to end up second to last, especially after seeing them before when they were hands down our favorite concert of the year. It’s wild how the tables can turn like that! That might be part of why I’m rating them the way I am, but something just didn’t hit as hard this time around. Maybe it’s because it didn’t have the same nostalgic feel as the first time. Or maybe it was because it rained at the start of the concert, and let’s just say that wasn’t exactly ideal concert weather.
But hey, even with the rain, Train still knows how to put on a show. They always end on a high note with Drops of Jupiter, and there’s something magical about the crowd singing along in perfect harmony. The nostalgia, the energy, the in-sync singing—it always creates that perfect moment to close out the night. And having my mother-in-law there added another layer of fun. There’s something about experiencing a concert with others that makes the whole thing more memorable.
Second to last isn’t the worst spot, especially considering how much we loved them the first time around! It wasn’t the best, but it was still a great night.
5. Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy was definitely one for the books, so much that my neck was still sore the next day! In addition to my wife and I, there was my mother and sister-in-law, so basically a girls’ night to rock out. This band takes me back to middle school, so it was the perfect combination of nostalgia and a good time.
Now, I will say the venue was a bit cramped compared to the outdoor amphitheaters we’re used to, where there's a bit more space to breathe, but honestly, that didn’t even matter. The show was still amazing, and being in the nosebleeds didn’t take away from the experience one bit. As long as we got to hear those throwback hits, that was all we cared about!
This concert was a bit of a road trip for us, though—we drove all the way from Oregon to California to catch the show. Luckily, we got to crash with family while we were in town, so it worked out perfectly. It was the first concert of the year, and it really kicked things off with a bang (literally)! Not only did we get an awesome show, but we also got to spend quality time with family and make new memories that will stick with us. They’re serious concert lovers, by the way, and they totally put our 7 concerts to shame! But this wasn’t the only concert we had lined up for the year, and I’m excited to see where the next one takes us. There are plenty more memories to be made along the way!
4. Foreigner
Anyone who knows me knows I’m all about my 80’s music, so when I heard that Foreigner was performing, I knew I had to go! But it got even better—Styx and John Waite were on the lineup too, so it was a no-brainer. We had missed out on Foreigner before, and there was no way I was letting that happen again.
I wouldn’t call the concert nostalgic, since I didn’t actually live through the 80’s, but it definitely felt like I was transported back in time into my own little 80’s world. Foreigner was, of course, incredible—and honestly, all the bands were amazing! To make it even better, my parents joined us for the show, and having everyone together made it a total blast. Good music, great company, and perfect weather—it’s no surprise this concert came in at number 4 for me. There’s just something about 80’s music that creates an entirely unique vibe, and I can't help but love it!
3. Evanescence
Now we’re getting to the good stuff! Coming in at number 3 is Evanescence, with an amazing opening performance by Emira Elfeky. At first, we had no idea who she was, but now we’re totally hooked on her music. Seriously, if you don’t know her yet, you need to check her out!
This was another destination concert where we made the trip to Reno to see this incredible band. Evanescence knows how to put on a show, and they really brought that early 2000’s rocker vibe that us millennials can't get enough of. You seriously can't go wrong with any Evanescence song—every one hits.
The venue was small and intimate, located right outside the Nugget Casino, which was the perfect vibe for us. We stayed at the casino, which was super convenient since we didn’t have to go far after the show. And, of course, we had to try our luck on the casino machines—because, why not? It was a fun bonus to the trip. On our way out, we couldn’t resist making a pit stop at Crave to check it out—and it just so happened to be their opening day, so we scored a free cookie! If you haven’t heard of it, Crave is basically another cookie spot like Crumbl—but way better. The chocolate chip cookie alone reminded me of the Ghirardelli cookie before they discontinued it (still mad about that!). Definitely a must-try if you’re ever in the area!
Overall, this concert definitely earned its spot on the list. It would've been number 1 if it weren’t for the other two shows that completely blew our minds!
2. System of a Down
Coming in a close second place is System of a Down, and let me tell you—this show was INCREDIBLE. This was another destination concert (and definitely not the last—told you, we traveled a lot in 2024!). The concert took place in San Francisco, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been to an event quite as massive as this one. There were about 50,000 people in attendance. Yes, you read that right—50k! Insane, right?
There were multiple bands performing before the headliner, including Deftones, which was a great lead-up to the main event. This was a big group outing, with my wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and my sister-in-law’s two siblings all joining in on the fun. It was a huge crew, and the energy was electric. The concert itself? Absolutely unforgettable. Even though we weren't in the pit getting knocked around with the crowd, we still got to rock out and feel the energy from a safe distance. I have to say, System of a Down sounded just like their recordings. The way they performed was mind-blowing, and the whole show exceeded my expectations. It was definitely one of those concerts that left you with lasting memories.
Now, while the concert was amazing, the only downside was the San Francisco traffic. Getting into the city was a nightmare, and after the show... pure chaos. We were parked about 15 minutes away from the venue, but due to the insane number of people, we had to walk at least an hour just to get partway to the car. And as for getting a Lyft or Uber, that was a whole other ordeal. The prices closer to the venue were insane, skyrocketing to nearly $100 due to the high demand. So, we hiked bike as far as our legs could go before catching a ride, which helped lower the cost and made it easier to land a driver. Our legs were sore and we were exhausted, but it was an experience nonetheless! When we finally escaped the madness of the city, everything calmed down, and we were able to reflect on just how incredible the concert had been. This was definitely one of the bands I’ve always wanted to see live, and now I can proudly check them off my list!
Jesse McCartney
And the winner is… Jesse McCartney! I know, you're probably thinking, Really? Jesse McCartney? compared to all the other concerts we attended? YES. He was absolutely incredible, and this concert brought all the nostalgia and feels that no other show could compete with.
The venue was in Portland (yep, another destination concert!) at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, which was such a cool experience. A small, intimate venue packed with fan girls like ourselves, soaking in every moment of that early 2000’s throwback that Jesse delivered. Our view was perfect, and we were conveniently close to the bar—score for us!
Now, if there’s any downside (and I mean any), it was the bathroom situation. It was nowhere near us, and when the crowd got packed during Jesse’s set, getting through the sea of people—especially the women who really didn’t want to let you back in—was a bit of a challenge. But you know what? Some people made way for me—others, I just gave them a little "Move, bitch!" energy and that did the trick. Every throwback song you can think of from Jesse McCartney was performed. ALL of them. Beautiful Soul, Body Language, Because You Live, How Do You Sleep, Leavin’, and the list goes on. It was seriously perfection. We’re already planning to see him again, whether it’s close by or worth a road trip.
If you grew up on early 2000’s Disney Channel—I’m talking Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, drawing the Disney logo with a wand—then you’d be just as hyped as we were to relive those memories in person. Hands down, this was my favorite concert of the year. Not only was the concert incredible, but we also met some amazing people, stayed at the perfect hotel (walking distance to everything), and ended the trip with the most amazing breakfast shrimp and grits at Grits N’ Gravy. Between the concert, the unforgettable night, and all the adventures along the way, there’s no question—this was the best concert of the year for both of us.
Which concerts from 2024 stood out for you? Share your unforgettable moments—and the forgettable ones too!
