I spend many hours of each year watching live music on YouTube.
Here is a curated selection of my favorites.
New Finds in 2026
Jazz from the 60s has been on the most frequently in the morning to get the day started. It's kind of a toss up as they're all the same and all so good. Oscar Peterson is a good starting point.
When I'm in any kind of funky mood, NOVAH is cycled in. I'm kind of obsessed. Easily the most watched thing in 2026. Julia thinks this will be hurtful to Jack, and I am sad to think that she's probably right. But sometimes you just need it in your day. Having a baby is hard. This makes it easier.
Slaughter to Prevail (16:07) -- maybe the most metal thing on all of YouTube. I'm obsessed.
Mattia Vlad Morelo. My new favorite live set from this Italian piano man who I found last year (this album is all time for me). Absolutely incredible from start to finish, could just have this on repeat, will surely watch this 100 times in 2026.
I've spent many mornings of my paternity leave looking for live sets to set the mood for the day. This Lane 8 live set has been my favorite pickup thus far. Vibes reign supreme.
New Finds in 2025
While my parents don't totally get it, they did get this. I was lucky enough to see Justice twice on this tour. The doc circulated back into rotation this year, and I think it's the greatest thing on the Internet.
All time. They are the GOAT.
Air / Tiny Desk /(chill alternative)
Gogo Penguin (modern jazz)
These are all go to treasures. Beyond awesome.
Turnstile / Tiny Desk (heavy alternative)
Knocked Loose (hardcore) (8:13 / 57:52)
Thanks to my friend Eric for the nudge into hardcore this year. Turnstile was hands down the best show I went to in 2025. Pure energy, moshing, sing along, and fun. While not traditional, that did create a bit of a spiral into hardcore, and I've watched the Knocked Loose live set many times. Pure chaos. Low key caveat -- fuck the dancers.
Gojira (metal)
One highlight this year was watching Ozzy's last performance. RIP to the Prince of Darkness. That day, Gojira performed and then Scott showed me this insane Olympics performance which is the coolest thing.
Russian Circles (heavy instrumental)
I love the blended interview / live format of this video. Conduit and Gnosis are incredible songs, and the bassist is insane.
Zach Bryan (country)
Sharing the top ranks of all time shows. This pretty much captures the raw power and impact of good music. The crowd is the best instrument when applied in the right setting.
Charley Crockett (country)
My most played artist in 2025. The king of swag. The North Star of cool. Legend.
::
Legacy
Chill
Vulfpeck (Beastly is all time)
Hania Rani (the closest thing there is to angel on this planet)
Jam
Beach Boys (5:20)
Talking Heads - Burning Down the House
Mosh
Deafheaven (the best vocal performance in the history of man)
Slipknot - Gently (the stuff nightmares are made of)
Metallica (the best show I ever attended)
Metallica - For Whom The Bell Tolls (ALL HAIL CLIFF)
Worthy