Regular Everwhere: I Told Myself I’d Go Out Less in 2025. Anyway, Here Are the 250+ Bands I Saw.

January 11, 2026

In a tremendously musical year, where I experienced 270 sets from 252 unique bands, both at home in St. Louis, MO, and in great cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Kansas City, and Salt Lake City, and at clubs, theaters, arenas, and festivals, it has been quite a thrill to reflect on all that I saw.

From the rainbow over TV on the Radio's set in Atlanta, to the majesty of the mountains surrounding the Utah State Fairpark, to the artful urban oasis of Grand Center, the backdrop of both natural and man-made beauty made my adventures that much sweeter. It was also great to catch the first few shows at The Sovereign, a new 1,500-cap venue in St. Louis, MO—they really nailed the ~270º sightlines and have an incredibly great-sounding PA.

I was lucky to attend a full slate of festivals this year, including: Kilby Block Party, Lollapalooza, Free 4 All, Music at the Intersection (MATI), Shaky Knees Music Festival, and Evolution Festival. In an unlucky twist of fate, my wife and I both got sick and had to miss the Dreamy Draw Festival in Scottsdale, AZ—we were really looking forward to seeing Local Natives and a third Father John Misty set.

Festival culture also had me moving, logging way over 264,061 steps (or 132 miles!) walked in pursuit of live music in 2025—at Lolla, the main stages were exactly one mile apart. This would be like adding an entire month onto the year at an ambitious 10k steps per day. Yikes! There's a reason my travel bag seems to contain more self-care items these days.

All of that said, I feel that my tastes are so broad and mood-driven that I sort of hate picking favorites. But, in reflection, though there are plenty that deserve a nod, these 25 artists stood out. If you are curious, read on as I take you through my top choices, some honorable mentions, and the full list from a year full of music.

P.S. Huge kudos to my loving family who support me in these pursuits. XOXO

2025: Top 25 Artists

(in semi-chronological order)

Father John Misty
@ The Ryman (Nashville, TN) - February 14, 2025

@ Evolution Festival (St. Louis, MO) - September 28, 2025

Like a reluctant local politician elevating to the national stage, the songs from Mahashmashana [finally] give Mr. Tillman the grand pulpit from which to address his adoring constituents. Self-deprecating as his lyrics can be, you can't help but notice the confidence with which he performs these new(er) songs and the sonic scale that they achieve, all without losing the intimate playfulness he is known for. Having seen him nine times, five in the last 24 months, I think these 2025 shows are the best that I have seen. Mr. Tillman is on fire and will be for quite some time. I can't wait to see him again this coming May.

Soul Coughing
@ The Pageant (St. Louis, MO) - April 10, 2025

It had been nearly 27 years since I last saw Soul Coughing at Mississippi Nights on a wild radio station-produced bill that included Marcy Playground, Finger Eleven, Dishwalla, and Less Than Jake. And while I would say that this show paled in comparison to my memory of them at their peak, this much-needed reunion show definitely rekindled my love for these songs. My former band, Gentleman Auction House, used to cover "St. Louise Is Listening" on tour—a song I never imagined seeing live again, even if it lacked the bowed bass of the original.

Magdalenda Bay
@ Rockwell at The Complex (Salt Lake City, UT) - May 14, 2025

@ Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL) - July 31, 2025

Imaginal Disk was one of my absolute top albums of 2024, and I was so lucky to be able to see Magdalena Bay twice in 2025. Their club show at The Complex was incredible and far superior to a daytime festival set, with the intimacy allowing the full stage production to envelope the crowd. For an artist that started as a duo of bedroom producers, I'm incredibly impressed with their live band and gigantic stage show. My only regret is not having seen them open for Halsey here in St. Louis last summer. They are another artist that I'm super stoked to already have on my concert calendar for 2026!

Devo
@ Kilby Block Party (Salt Lake City, UT) - May 15, 2025

@ The Factory (St. Louis, MO) - June 22, 2025

@ Shaky Knees Music Festival - September 21, 2025

Devo had been on my bucket list for some time, and seeing them three times in a single year during their "farewell tour" was a happy accident. I would argue that their Kilby Block Party set was the most fun, whereas The Factory headlining set was a bit rougher performance-wise, but did include additional songs I was looking forward to, like "Satisfaction." Their Shaky Knees set was by far the tightest, as it was much later in the tour, but suffered both from direct sunlight and a crowd much less familiar with the iconic spuds. Regardless, a year full of Devo is a hard thing to complain about!

Gang of Four
@ Kilby Block Party (Salt Lake City, UT) - May 17, 2025

Wow, Gang of Four was so good at Kilby Block Party. Featuring Ted Leo, on guitar, and Gail Greenwood of Belly and L7 on bass, they played a nonstop hit parade from their extensive catalog in what was truly a "Long Goodbye." They set an incredible example for all of the younger bands on the bill about how to turn a midday festival set, in a damp rodeo arena, into a party—you could feel the energy resonate throughout the crowd from start to finish. I consider myself lucky to have been in attendance.

Rilo Kiley
@ Kilby Block Party (Salt Lake City, UT) - May 16, 2025

I'm not sure how I went so long without seeing Rilo Kiley live, as I have seen both The Elected and Jenny Lewis individually, but never together in my favorite former child-actor band. I got to hear my favorite, "The Moneymaker," with the mountainous sunset as the perfect backdrop.

Weezer
@ Kilby Block Party (Salt Lake City, UT) - May 17, 2025

Weezer's "Voyage To The Blue Planet" concert theme was truly incredible. For a band that I have loved for over three decades and seen many times, I would argue that some of their live shows have become somewhat trite. Their 2017 LouFest set even felt strained, as they were visibly tired of playing some of their viral hits to appease a young, new crowd. But their voyage was an incredibly clever way to retrospectively cover 19 albums' worth of hits and highlight their fans' two biggest favorites (The Blue Album & Pinkerton) in a way that felt fresh and fun to play again—you could even see it on their faces. Not every festival in 2025 got the full voyage treatment, and I'm thrilled to have been along for the ride.

Broncho
@ Off Broadway (St. Louis, MO) - August 16, 2025

I have long been a fan of all of Ryan Lindsey's bands and solo projects, though I think Broncho is his longest-running. He told me a while back about having to learn to play to the back of an arena during their European tour opening for Queens of the Stone Age. This is something I think led to an evolution in both their stage show and recorded output, for the better. They got sharper and more precise, without losing the charm of how they let themselves get pushed around by their wall of sound. In the end, being more in control is a strength, and they've mastered how to turn the dial.

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso
@ Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL) - August 2, 2025

I may have looked forward to seeing Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso the most in 2025 after seeing their incredible Tiny Desk Concert. I had no idea how they would pull off such a fun and charming set on a large festival stage, but I was delighted to see they have the range to tailor their sound and on-stage antics to the venue. In contrast to the intimacy of the Tiny Desk, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso's stage show is truly larger-than-life. They had absolute command of the Lollapalooza crowd and kept topping themselves song after song. I may have overestimated how ubiquitous they were, given the Tiny Desk video's viral success and subsequent festival bookings, but they managed to captivate those in attendance and convert many new fans. A band that I hope to see again in the near future, ideally in an indoor space.

Doechii
@ Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL) - August 2, 2025

I was really looking forward to seeing Doechii at Lollapalooza after seeing her insane performance at the 2025 GRAMMYs. She really went over the top with her production, merging nearly all the music she has released to date into one nonstop spectacle, complete with costume and scene changes, and a wild, rock-infused rendition of "Anxiety." This was the kind of set that I texted multiple people about before it was even over.

Glass Beams
@ Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL) - July 31, 2025

Glass Beams put on the type of performance that makes you want to join a band. You could feel it, and it made you want to move. All around outstanding. We were talking about it all weekend, and I can only imagine what it would have been like in a club. I definitely regret missing their show here at Delmar Hall.

Korn
@ Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL) - August 1, 2025

I fully expected Korn to put on a state fair, heritage act type of performance. Instead, they had full production that rivaled that of their prime and put on a rather incredible performance. For being the odd headliner in a year dominated by K-Pop and teen idols, they had a massive crowd who knew every word. This was a much-needed dose of nostalgia intermingled in a year full of musical discovery.

Otoboke Beaver
@ Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL) - August 1, 2025

I fucking love Otoboke Beaver.

LCD Soundsystem
@ The Factory (St. Louis, MO) - August 19, 2025

For a band that broke up almost 15 years ago, they've still got it—this set really put the whole room in motion. My only gripes are not having been able to catch them with Pulp or TV On The Radio, as the unadvertised opening DJ set was awkward in the large, cavernous room of The Factory.

Aida Aide
@ Sally's Rooftop Garden & Terrace / Free 4 All Festival (St. Louis, MO) - September 7, 2025

I've known Jamie (Aida Ade) for several years now and have always loved her unique brand of soul music. I had a sense that this rooftop gig would be special—I actually used to live in this building many years ago—but I feel like we truly stumbled into a moment. It is interesting to cast a sparsely attended rooftop acoustic gig in a best of list, but Aida had those in attendance hanging onto every note. The gigantic harvest moon rising above her head on a perfect late summer St. Louis night, with the Arch clearly in the backdrop, made songs like "Home" resonate with every emotion that went into writing it. This set was something special.

Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos
@ UCBC / MATI Festival (St. Louis, MO) - September 14, 2025

Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos have blown me away every time that I have seen them, with each set being a completely new and captivating odyssey. I loved watching the crowd grow as their set went on, with people literally being sucked into the Laz Jazz Artist Lounge. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next.

The Budos Band
@ The Sovereign / MATI Festival (St. Louis, MO) - September 13, 2025

I have been longing to see The Budos Band for many years now, and I'm so glad that it was both MATI and the opening of The Sovereign that made it happen—what a perfect venue for the occasion. I was also most overjoyed at how nice they were. I caught up with a few of them after the gig, where we shared some stories about a unique piece of gear on the stage, and they were just so happy to chat. It was a happy surprise. Hopefully, I won't have to wait so long to see them again!

Eldraco+Free Nation
@ MATI Festival (St. Louis, MO) - September 14, 2025

Easily a top set for the entire year, I was immediately texting my buddies about El Draco + Free Nation. I mean, there were nearly 30 people on stage. This set radiated positivity and truly spoke to your soul. I fucking loved it. I also had the good fortune of attending a wedding featuring El Draco's band, The Lustre Lights, which was equally as high-quality and full-throttle.

Mdou Moctar
@ Shaky Knees Music Festival - September 21, 2025

Mdou Moctar absolutely rips. 10/10 no notes. I really want to see this in a club and as for others on this list, I'm bummed to have missed their last show in town. We will meet again!

Public Enemy
@ Shaky Knees Music Festival (Atlanta, GA) - September 20, 2025

@ Evolution Festival (St. Louis, MO) - September 27, 2025

Similar to Devo, it was nice to scratch another bucket list artist off this year more than once. I will say that the crowd and stage setting of Public Enemy's Shaky Knees set was far superior, but both sets were top-notch. Amazing to see them still be able to bring the heat.

TV on the Radio
@ Shaky Knees Music Festival (Atlanta, GA) - September 20, 2025

@ Kilby Block Party (Salt Lake City, UT)

TVOTR are a long-time favorite of mine, all the way back to their frenetic 2004 set at The Rocket Bar, which literally changed my life. It is so wonderful to have them back touring again, and one can only hope that this also means new music is on the way, too. I am unsure if we are any worse off with David Sitek no longer touring with the band, but by their September Shaky Knees set, they sounded as good as they ever have. It was also a treat to see them in two beautiful places—we were treated to a gigantic rainbow in Atlanta.

Chappell Roan
@ Museum and Memorial Park (Kansas City, MO) - October 4, 2025

For our 11-year-old daughter's 55th concert, we again took her on a road trip to see Chappell Roan for her very limited Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up in Kansas City—we were lucky to have caught her at the Walmart Amp in Rogers, AR, the year prior. This was such a fun experience, and it was unbelievable to see how many members of the Pink Pony Club packed the Museum & Memorial Park grounds. This venue was more amenable to my daughter still being under 5ft tall, but we all have to understand that we are well past seeing Chappell in a nice, intimate setting. That said, I love that we have been able to bring her to such inclusive spaces, and it was wonderful to celebrate along with such an amazing crowd. Chappell's band absolutely rips, and they only seem to have gotten tighter as time has gone on. A highlight was finally getting to see her play "Barracuda" after having overheard it in our hotel room being practiced multiple times during soundcheck in Arkansas.

Foxing
@ The Pageant (St. Louis, MO) - December 6, 2025

@ Delmar Hall (St. Louis, MO) - December 5, 2025

For a band that has basically been broadcasting their demise, one lyric at a time, for many years now, it is shockingly hard to actually come to grips with their indefinite hiatus. While I don't like to name favorites, I wouldn't be shy in saying that Foxing is one of my favorite bands, period. I shed a few tears on both nights of their St. Louis farewell, as I watched them both play the best sets of their life in front of not only sold-out crowds, but crowds made up of fans so die-hard that they had flown in from all around the country. What gives me solace is having followed along with their final tour through social media, and seeing them have such fun playing some of the greatest venues in America — Red Rocks, The Greek, Edgefield, etc. While I hope that they find their way back to us, I am thankful for all of the great times that we've shared thus far. If this was the end, it was perfect.

Greg Freeman
@ Off Broadway (St. Louis, MO) - December 15, 2025

I had already fallen for "Salesman" and "Gallic Shrug" off of Greg Freeman's latest album Burnover, but it was an off-handed comment on Sirius XMU about the quality of his live show that convinced me to add it to my concert calendar. I'm really glad that I did, which should be obvious given its inclusion on this list. Honestly, his live show takes the already great material to another place. The band functions almost as cooperative trios — bass, drums, guitar, and vocals on one side and violin, pedal steel, and saxophone on the other — who have deftly been able to avoid the common trappings of that instrumentation. I also loved that in a band bearing his name, he seems to avoid taking any of the spotlight. Overall, though, they are included in this list mostly due to a strong sense memory, which took me back to the early aughts when I saw Constantines live for the first time. There was a point in the middle of the show where all six of them came together in a way that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, as it did those many years ago. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for a perfectly incorporated saxophone.

Jody Nardone Trio
@ City Winery (St. Louis, MO) - December 17, 2025

Jody and his top-tier jazz trio, which includes Chris Brown on drums and Brian Allen on Bass, put on an incredible tribute to Vince Guaraldi's Merry Christmas Charlie Brown soundtrack that has warmed generations of childhoods. Hearing the story of Lee Mendelson racing to find a payphone to call a radio station playing Vince's music, which is ultimately how the musician/production pairing came about, was equally as enthralling as their renditions of these classics. Jody navigates the material with a virtuosic but thoughtful liberty, and we were glued to watching (and listening) to Chris Brown's effortlessly nuanced drumming, which rounded out the aesthetic with the dusty brush work of the original. This show is on the road through City Winery locations each December, and they deserve to have you in attendance.

2025: Honorable Mentions

(in no specific order)

The Hives' verbal assault on the VIP++ people whose corral was basically vacant during their set at Evolution Festival was both as inspiring as it was relentless.
Taking my daughter to her first show at The Pageant was an early 2025 highlight, and Remi Wolf did not disappoint, nor did her openers Dana & Alden. She also enjoyed her first mid-summer lawn experience at Riverport (Hollywood Casino Amphitheater) for Kesha.
The Gorge, Intracentral, Ryan Wasoba's 19 Second Songs, and Nick Gusman & The Coyotes were some of my top sets from the inaugural Free 4 All Festival, not mentioned above.
Greet Death has really leveled up and played some exceptional opening sets at both of the hometown farewell shows for Foxing. Lobby Boxer, who opened night two, also stands to be one of the tightest bands in St. Louis today, on par with The Gorge and Thor Axe.
Hey, Nothing wowed me all three times that I saw them this year. Their "You're going to love this!" statement at the beginning of their Kilby Block Party set was bold, yet they delivered. I hope to run into them again in 2026!
I'm thrilled to already be seeing Die Spitz again in 2026. They absolutely rip! As did The Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, and Wet Leg. Run to see them.
Kilby Block Party was pretty much an A+ lineup top to bottom. Some standouts not already mentioned were Geese, Momma, Husbands, Friko, and I Don’t Know How, But They Found Me.
Wilco's August set at The Factory was one of the better ones that I have seen from a band I have seen a lot of.
Maribou State was incredible at Lollapalooza—a top discovery from the festival. Royel Otis, DJO, Sabrina Carpenter, Marina, Remi Wolf, The Marias, MK.GEE, Orla Gartland, and Joey Valence & Brae gave fun, top-tier performances. We also spent a lot of time remarking about the return of indie sleeze as we watched The Dare pack The Grove stage with fawning teens.
I ate a lot of festival food this year—thank god for all of the walking. Some notable delicacies:
- Kilby Block Party: Sonoran hot dogs (I ate so many!)
- Lollapalooza: Polish sausages and cheese curds (the food area was massive, but these were the golden gems and were at opposite ends; I still think about those sausages)
- Free 4 All & Music At The Intersection: the shrimp baskets from Cajun Seduction (I had to text my wife to warn her about all of the "Cajun Seduction" charges on our card)
Thor Axe, Future Nots, and Church Snakes really threw down on a cold December night in the tiny backroom at Platypus. And, in my last show of 2025, I was really glad to finally catch a great set by Shitstorm at Off Broadway!