Top 10 Current Live Bands

With the amps turned to 11, and these bands on stage, you know that you'll be getting your money's worth. Welcome to http://www.WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Live Musical Bands of All Time.

For this list we will only be looking at conventional, live instrument bands rather than electronic based groups such as Daft Punk. As well we are looking exclusively at bands rather than solo artists such as Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift regardless of how energy packed their live show may be.

If variety is what you’re looking for in a live performance then you can’t go wrong with this Canadian indie rock group. The members of the band are capable of playing a wide selection of different instruments, from mandolins to saxophones and synths, and will often mix up their roles during live performances. This makes for a dynamic experience that that will likely be different for every single gig. Their Reflektor tour was notable, as the band asked fans to dress up in formal attire or a costume, to create a live experience like no other.

Even with frontman Dave Grohl confined to a seat with a broken leg, Foo Fighters remain one of the most enthralling groups to see live. That particular injury was, of course, sustained during a typically energetic performance in Sweden- which Grohl then completed. To say their live performances are defined by their energy would barely scratch the surface. In short they stand and deliver a blend of punk spirit, rock and roll attitude and pop sensibility that has grown far beyond Grohl's Nirvana roots and into something wholly unique.

This English trio has a unique sound that combines dark, melancholic tones with pop elements that appeals to a broad audience. They have been headlining some of the world’s biggest music festivals for years and are known for their operatic live shows due in large part to frontman Matt Bellamy’s larger than life vocals. Music critics have also recognized the credentials behind their performances, including nabbing two Brit Awards for best live act. Muse have experimented with different genres of music and so you never quite know what you might get but you’ll sure as hell get your money’s worth.

You get exactly what you came for when you take in a live Coldplay show. They are equally capable of producing a mellow track to tug at the heartstrings as they are of making a high-tempo tune to get hearts in the crowd pumping. Whether it is the solemn ‘The Scientist’ or the alt-rock classic ‘Clocks’, they will take you through a range of emotions. Another band to explore various genres, they have an often-ethereal sound that will touch you like no other group quite can.

Though Nine Inch Nails essentially started as a one-man-band, musical mastermind Trent Reznor can only do so much when it comes to performing his songs on stage. Fortunately, Trent Reznor and his constantly changing backing band know exactly how to get you moshing in no time thanks to their energetic and intense style of industrial rock. Whether you’re cracking out the tissues for the lighter-waving ballad “Hurt”, or head-banging along to the unforgiving “March of the Pigs”, there’s a little something for everyone when Reznor and company are up on stage.

They were one of the first thrash metal bands to make their mark, but Metallica are now one of the most recognizable names in music. They took the aforementioned genre to another level with their aggressive approach to creating music while their no frills method makes for a raw live experience that few of their peers can ever hope to reproduce. They have diverted from their thrash roots towards a more heavy or hard rock sound through the years, but you would be mad to pass on Metallica when they set up shop in your backyard.

Despite actively rejecting the lifestyle of fame and excess that being a well-known band inevitably brings, Pearl Jam are still one of the most loved rock and grunge groups in America. They can easily fill up an arena with a devoted set of followers, while the band is so dedicated to their fan base that they've been known to take aggressive steps in boycotting Ticketmaster in response to the ticket service's price gouging. Whether it’s trying to follow along with Eddie Vedder’s mumbly vocals in “Yellow Ledbetter”, or tearing up to “Black”, Pearl Jam brings their love of music to each and every live show.

‘The Boss’ may put bums on seats, but without the E Street Band his mammoth concerts just wouldn’t be the same. If you've got a Springsteen ticket you best prepare yourself for a long night of poetic rock as he will happily maintain his super charged performance for hours on end. In fact, Springsteen shows have been known to cross the 4 hour mark. When you've got that many hits and over 40 years of fan favorites you're going to need a while. Springsteen has always struck a chord with the American public and his shows aim to give them just what the doctor ordered.

This English group has been responsible for some of the most influential music of the 1990s and 2000s with an often-experimental approach, making for fascinating live shows. Each member of the band is a show on to themselves from the wispy and strained vocals of Thom Yorke to the other worldliness of Jonny Greenwood’s guitar playing. They may be alternative and they may be gloomy by times but there's no denying their music is loaded with energy, hooks, and and some of the best damn dancing you’ll ever see in your life.

Before our top pick comes out to play, let’s take a look at some honourable mentions.

The Killers

The Strokes

My Morning Jacket

Arctic Monkeys

Slipknot

Dave Matthews Band

Just as it's impossible to not know Bono, it's impossible to not know and love at least one U2 song. Their music is endlessly replay-able and the over-the-top personality of the group is something that must be witnessed first hand. Quite possibly the biggest band since the Beatles, U2 are masters of producing songs that are designed to get thousands of people dancing, clapping, and singing along. Anthemic and huge, every hit is packed with pure musicality and showmanship unmatched by damn near anyone, making them an easy choice for our top pick.

What do you think? Which group will you travel the world to see live? With so many bands inspiring people around the world we are bound to have missed one or two. For more musical top 10s be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.