Readers Say

David Byrne edged out Nine Inch Nails as the top concert of the year, according to Boston.com readers. But plenty of others got mentioned as well.

Same as it ever was? It ever is for fans of David Byrne, apparently: Boston.com readers picked the former Talking Heads frontman’s three-night stand at the Wang in October as their favorite concert of 2025.

“I went to 9 shows, no contest,” wrote David C. on Facebook, with Lisa of Roslindale commenting, “I attend concerts all over, all year long & this was the best show I’ve seen in years!” Here’s what Boston.com said about Byrne in our review of the Oct. 3 show:

“He more than lived up to his reputation of being wonderfully weird and almost sneakily moving, delivering a show that served simultaneously as a commentary on the state of the world, a post-pandemic balm, and a buoyant reminder to take joy where you can find it.”

Byrne wasn’t alone at the top of the heap, though: After compiling more than 250 responses from readers responding to our concert query, Nine Inch Nails — who played TD Garden back in August — came in a close second to Byrne. “The NIN show was a production on steroids!” wrote Mark B. from Westborough. And here’s what the Boston.com review said about that Aug. 29 show:

“Not surprisingly, Nine Inch Nails saved its best for last. ‘Head Like a Hole’ continues to get the biggest pop from the audience with its tireless energy and fury. Reznor capped the evening crushing the iconic and haunting ‘Hurt,’ capping an emotionally charged night.”

Rounding out the top five were Coldplay, whose July 15 Gillette Stadium concert was notable for a variety of reasons; The Who, whose elderly members brought youthful passion and energy to their Aug. 26 Fenway show; and Queens of the Stone Age, who hit MGM Music Hall at Fenway for two nights in June before returning in October for a show at the Wang. 

Here’s what Boston.com readers had to say about their favorite shows:

Click the links to see reviews of the shows mentioned.

“Noah Kahan at MGM Music Hall! Would love to have seen him at Fenway, but missed the cheaper seat tickets lol!” — Barbara H. via Facebook

“I thought The Who at Fenway Park in August on their ‘The Song is Over’ farewell tour was phenomenal.  For guys in their 80s, Roger Daltrey sounded amazing, and Pete still can play. The entire band was on point all night long and the show was an awesome experience. I am so glad I was able to see one of their final live performances.” — Bill K., Saugus

“So many good ones this year [and end of 2024]; B-52’s, Devo, Sarah McLachlan, Billie Eilish, Tyler the Creator, Garbage, Men I Trust, Empire of the Sun, Thievery Corporation, and our yearly Letters to Cleo. Most surprising by far was Billie Eilish & Tyler the Creator (my niece’s choices). Absolutely the best, hands down, Patti Smith!!” — Michelle F. via Facebook

“The Hives. The best live show out there with original sounds and songs and endless energy. Not a bad song in the 30-year career of these guys. They command both large and small venues, including Fenway Park and my fav, their show at the Roadrunner last summer. They are coming back on March 20, 2026, at the House of Blues — HIGHLY recommend this show.” — Amanda, Stoneham

“Boston Symphony Orchestra playing ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ by Modest Mussorgsky on Nov. 22. And Joshua Belle performing De Hartmann’s Violin concerto that same night! Amazing!!” — Cathy P. via Facebook

“Hard to pick just one so I have a top three. Sarah McLachlan at the Orpheum. Her voice is amazing and the concert was transcendent. Foster the People at House of Blues. Sam Fender at Roadrunner (Boston debut!).” — Jane P.K. via Facebook

“Joe Perry at the Boch Center — nothing but hard rock songs from Aerosmith the Black Crowes.” — Rob G. via Facebook

“Alison Moyet at Big Night Live. Amazing night. Her voice was as strong as ever. Such a solid show that gets no mention.” — Steve R.

“Barry Manilow at the Boston Garden was so good. Had to drag my husband to the concert and he stood up and took pictures the entire time.” — Karen K. via Facebook

“Tedeschi Trucks Band and Government Mule at Xfinity Center. Dancing in the pouring rain.”— Patty W.H. via Facebook

“Nora Jones at The Umbrella Center in Concord. In an intimate small setting, I got to appreciate the tremendous talent that Nora and her ensemble enlightened us with, highlighting her beautiful voice, and providing us a mix of folk, jazz, country, blues and pop music.” — Robert B., Westford

“Dua Lipa at the Garden was nothing but positive energy throughout. She didn’t skip a beat, played all the hits, took time out to mingle with the fans, and looked just as happy as her audience was. And we got a Donna Summer cover at our show! #DorchesterRepresent” — Melissa L., Ipswich

“Cage the Elephant at MGM! The band and crowd’s energy were 10/10 and really fed off one another. It felt like the perfect venue for the band.” — Melissa, South End

“Jesse Welles at the Sinclair, Feb. 22, 2025. Sported a Harvard sweatshirt he just bought.” — Jeff B., Groton

“Easily My Chemical Romance. That was a Broadway show rock opera at Fenway.” — Adam, Chelmsford

“Pulp at Suffolk Downs. When the rain started coming down during ‘Common People’ I knew I was living in one of the best moments of my life.” — Richard, Plymouth

“The Weeknd at Gillette. Between the visuals, theatrics, and hearing him live, I was blown away!” — Joe, Scituate

Other artists with multiple mentions:

Peter Chianca

General Assignment Editor

Peter Chianca, Boston.com’s general assignment editor since 2019, is a longtime news editor, columnist, and music writer in the Greater Boston area.

Source