L to R: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, Photo by NDZ/Star Max/GC Images
While the rest of the world was welcoming back live music this year, Australia was headed into lockdown. It's hard to watch the rest of the world at festivals but it's finally Australia's time. A bunch of festivals have been announced for the holiday period and it's highly likely by next year we'll be welcoming international acts back into the country. With that in mind, we've put together a list of the 10 performances that gave us the most FOMO this year.
Tyler, The Creator At Lollapalooza
Every Tyler era is aesthetically tight. For the Igor tour, he donned a pink wig and a '70s suit but for Call Me If You Get Lost he's taking things international. Tyler's live sets right now look visually like a Wes Anderson movie as he moves from boats to cars with beautiful scenery along the way. Lollapalooza was one of the first live sets he played since the release of his album and it re-introduced us to a rap-charged Tyler who was ready to spit some serious bars.
SZA 'In Bloom' Concert
We were gearing ourselves up for a SZA album in 2021 and while we didn't quite get that we got some beautiful performances by her. This live stream positioned her in a neon-lit garden as she moved through highlights from CTRL and dropped a few new ones including the unreleased Shirt. We're going to need a SZA live set back in Australia very, very soon please.
Billie Eilish At Global Citizens Festival
Armed with a new album, Billie Eilish has been blistering through the US festival season. With just two albums under her belt, it's amazing how many hits she's amassed. There's something about the new album that's particularly tailored to live performances. Especially Happier Than Ever which has gifted her one of the most stunning live finales that you'll find.
Doja Cat At Austin City Limits
Doja Cat has had a very good year. Planet Her has given her multiple smashes and she's doing a victory lap right now performing at US festivals. She's upped the ante with her performances, delivering stellar vocals, precise dance moves and hilarious interludes. This performance of Woman has gone viral on TikTok because it's so damn intoxicating.
Charli XCX Live In Hollywood
Ok, so this isn't the clearest footage you'll find on this list but you can feel the energy bursting through the screen. Charli XCX did a mini-tour earlier in the year playing mostly songs from how I'm feeling now. She did find room, however, for CRASH single good Ones setting the room on fire with its first live outing.
Wolf Alice Live At Reading Festival
Wolf Alice dropped one of the best records of the year with Blue Weekend and their recent live shows have only made it better. They are one of the most engaging bands on the planet right now, walking a strange line between vulnerable and raucous. Lead-singer Ellie Rowsell has come into her own too, embracing her platform as a frontman.
RÜFÜS DU SOL Live At Red Rocks
Iconic Colorado venue Red Rocks has become somewhat of a second home for RÜFÜS with the sparse backdrop suiting their spacious electornica. Earlier in the year, they took to James Corden with a performance of Alive at Red Rocks and it had us clambering for a hometown show. It's been years since the boys have come home and we reckon it's about time.
The Kid LAROI At Reading Festival
The Kid LAROI just announced that he's going on break to work on his debut album but we're hoping he won't be away long. His festival appearances this year have provided some of the best singalongs this side of the pandemic. Without You sounds so good backed by a choir of rowdy fans.
Harry Styles Love On Tour
Harry Styles is one of many artists who has had to delay his tour several times due to COVID. He's finally out on the road in America touring his 2019 album Love On Tour and it's looking mint. The fashion is on point and Styles is strutting the stage like the superstar he is once again. We can't wait for him to finally touchdown in Australia next November.
Miley Cyrus Live At Austin City Limits
If you haven't been keeping up, Miley Cyrus is a rockstar now and has been putting on some of the most charismatic shows around this year. Her US festival performances have been high-octane outings full of her own classics and plenty of covers too. Channelling '80s rockers, she's been pulling out all the stops and soaring with those impressive vocals.
