Idles ‘I was eager to let go of my pent-up pandemic frustration and dread’ Although I’m not the biggest punkhead in town, I’ve been looking forward to attending an Idles concert since I moved to the Netherlands. I’m originally from Guatemala, and top-of-the-line punk shows aren’t very accessible to us Latinos in small countries. I was elated when their first “post-pandemic” performance was scheduled here in Amsterdam, and bought two tickets. I was eager to let go of my pent-up pandemic frustration and dread in the mosh pit. Alas, the virus raged on and the show was cancelled. I remain truly heartbroken. Johannes, communications worker, Amsterdam The Ninth Wave ‘It’s been more than a year without seeing them’ I have missed The Ninth Wave so much. I first saw them supporting Yonaka in 2018 and they became my favourite band. Their energy is just amazing and their shows always feel cathartic. I must have seen them around 15 times – they blow me away every time. Now it’s been more than a year without seeing them. Since then, they’ve released music that will probably blow the roof off the venues they play on their next tour. I cannot wait to see them in October. Elisa, 23, music business student, London Rage Against the Machine ‘Their music is exhilarating’ I’ve missed Rage Against the Machine the most as it has been the concert that has been delayed the longest for me – it looks like it will be next year now. This would have been my first time seeing them live, which was really exciting since they’ve only recently reformed as a band. Rage Against the Machine’s music feels like it was written yesterday; it remains relevant after nearly 30 years. Along with their unique riffs and aggressive vocals, their music is exhilarating. Jamie, 21, student, Aberdeen Iron Maiden ‘I have seen them 48 times in 10 countries’ The thing I have missed most about lockdown is going to Iron Maiden gigs. I have seen them 48 times in 10 different countries. I have a whole group of friends that I only see when they’re on tour. We meet up in cities around Europe, take in some culture and soak in the atmosphere, then head to the show. Maiden are the best live band; they always do a massive show with pyrotechnics and 15-foot zombies. Of course, their songs are also the best. Their powerful, uplifting anthems unite a crowd like no other band can. They cut across national barriers and bring people together. I had tickets to see them at Donington, Berlin and Gothenburg in 2020. They rescheduled for 2021, and now they’ve cancelled again until next summer. I’m really missing it – following them on tour has been a huge part of my adult life. Joe Johnston, 39, works in alumni relations at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Frank Turner ‘2020 was my first year without a concert since I was 12’ I promised my 10-year-old daughter that I’ll take her to her first front row concert in Berlin to see Frank Turner. She pestered me for years, so I finally promised her that we would see him in May. Well, that was over a year ago. 2020 was my first year without a concert since I was 12 years old. We still can’t wait for this next one. Hopefully, it will be before my daughter is old enough to realise how uncool it is to go to a concert with her own mother. Corinna Rossnick, 42, licence manager at a film distributor, Germany Defeater ‘I’ve missed small hardcore shows the most’ The last year has been devastating for everyone involved in the music industry. I’ve missed small hardcore shows the most, especially the band Defeater from Boston. I’ve toured with them a lot over the last 10 years as a film-maker doing a retrospective on their career. They regularly play 200-to-300 capacity venues in the UK and Europe, which have all been cancelled. There’s an energy to the sub culture of hardcore which lets people feel very much a part of something. Everyone has been yearning for that sense of community to return. Ryan Mackfall, 37, film-maker, Falmouth, Cornwall The Cat Empire ‘They are such a high-energy band’ The Cat Empire came over from Australia for a tour early in 2020 and their Manchester gig was cancelled a week beforehand. It was the right thing to do but I was gutted. They are such a high-energy band and so fantastic live. Unfortunately, it looks like it will be a long long time before I can see them again. I worry that not enough is being done to keep the music industry and other entertainment industries afloat during this difficult time. Liz King, 31, scientist, Keele The Kansas Smitty’s House Band ‘The best way to experience it is in a crowded basement’ I wouldn’t consider myself a connoisseur, but I do like live jazz. Kansas Smitty’s, a basement bar on Broadway Market, was a revelation when I discovered it a few years ago. While I saw several great acts there, the house band deserves a special mention. They shaped and reacted to the energy of the room. Watching them always felt like watching art being formed before your eyes and ears, and while they could be soulful and heartfelt, it was also the first time music has made me laugh at times, too. I can’t wait to be able to watch them again, wherever they end up, as it’s an experience that doesn’t translate across the web. The best way to experience it is in a crowded basement, preferably only a few feet from the musicians. Oliver Savory, 33, civil servant, London The Armed ‘It will be everything I’ve missed about live music’ I have dearly missed the intensity and chaos of a blisteringly loud metal show. The last time I saw The Armed, I was surprised that the venue was left standing. It was a life-affirming concoction of sound that I long to experience again. The band actually spent most of the show off-stage, moshing with the crowd. I have no idea what to expect when they next play at the Moth Club this year. I do know, however, that it will be everything that I have missed about live music – yes, even the crowdsurfers – and their tour cannot arrive fast enough. Patrick Cartlidge, 27, web developer, London The Necks ‘I do not doubt they are the best band in Australia’ The Necks are a three-piece band from Melbourne who I do not doubt are the best band in Australia. To call them jazz misses what they do. Double bass, piano and percussion combine to mesmerising effect, every gig is improvised, usually over two 50-minute sets, one piece per set. Each set starts slow. Usually, one of the band takes the lead and gradually the tune builds in intensity. There is little eye contact between the band; they know where they’re going, and they take you along for the ride. At their best, the ride is exhilarating. Almost whispered thanks and introductions. No encores, no vocals. Phil, 62, retired registered nurse, Sydney Nick Cave ‘He has provided a soundtrack to our lives’ I last saw Nick Cave in 1983 as part of the Birthday Party. I feel so lucky to have been there just before the band fell apart. Since then, I have lived the most important parts of my life. I moved to London, moved back to Yorkshire, had children. Through all of this, my family has loved Nick Cave. He has provided a soundtrack to our lives. For some reason we never got around to seeing him again, so we were really pleased to get tickets for his 2020 tour, which was postponed and then cancelled. Hopefully next year we will finally get the chance to close the circle. Nick, 57, graphic designer, Yorkshire