The Best Los Angeles Concerts of 2011

By Chris Walker Tue., Dec. 13 2011 at 4:30 AM

2. Thom Yorke at Low End Theory
The Airliner, March 9th

Folks in the long line in front of the Airliner asked each other: Were the rumors true? Was Thom Yorke really going to be at Low End Theory? Originally, Yorke had planned to back out, but after Flying Lotus texted a picture of the line to the Radiohead frontman he changed his tune. "Fuck it, I'm coming," responded Yorke.

It was his first public appearance since King of Limbs was released in February. Who knew that the elusive musician could also bring down the house as a DJ? For an hour, Yorke transformed the club into his own funky dance party, incorporating an eclectic selection of music that ranged from Modeskeletor to Busta Rhymes. And to cap it off, Yorke even flashed some of his famed dance moves.

1. Prince
The Troubadour, May 11th

For twenty-one nights, Prince had Los Angeles music fans in a frenzy. The reason was his "21 Nite Stand" tour -- a month long residency at the Forum in Inglewood during which fans could see the icon for as little as $10 a ticket. But even twenty-one shows didn't stop him from setting up a series of additional, secret performances around town. Easily the most talked-about of these was the Purple Genius' second night at the Troubadour in WeHo. For those lucky enough to be inside the intimate space, Prince delivered an epic performance that included extended funk jams and three encores, and lasted until the wee hours. Oh yeah, and there was even a guitar vs. sax battle.

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Mcfarstreet

Reverend! The Prince show @ The Troubadour cost $100. Is that really beyond the means of 99%? I think not.

Darlene Johnson

BEST CONCERT EVER!!!! I was at the Calgary show and Edmonton show, I cried at the Calgary show, I was sooooo close to him , and he sang a song I do not know the name , but it was so beautifully performed it made me CRY!!!!! THANK YOU PRINCE for an amazing experience. I love u.

Darkbluebossa

There are great musicians and great entertainers out there, but when it comes to music + showmanship, no one beats Prince. He is a music legend and knows how to deliver a great concert.

MylesMatisse

When it comes to Prince's stand at The Forum, it was hardly a music fan frenzy. Many nights, the whole Forum wasn't even sold out leaving the management to block off large sections of the upper regions. The kinder, gentler, Jehovahs Witness being, no record label having Prince is a pale version of his former self.

MylesMatisse

I went to 8 of Prince's shows at Forum and while they had moments of genius, they also had many moments of sameness in set list and medley where large portions of his racier past were left at the door. Unfortunate.

Joseph Mosconi

I would only add Omar Souleyman @ The Echo.

Reverend Justito

So let me get this right. You have the uber depressing Bon Iver who you must blow because Grammy blew them last week. Then you have a bunch of homophobic pricks who like to beat up your fellow journalists (who by the way happens to be a female). I know, it's totally cool to dig big buff men who beat up chicks, it's why Chris Brown has done so well for himself but I expect better of you LA Weekly. .

Nothing but love for Iggy you nailed that, but I hardly consider Tilda Swinton puhing some knobs a concert. But then again, I am one of the few people who are not in fear of sharing the true fact that Radiohead has put out more crap albums then good ones.

Sure, I could make claims that Phish at the Hollywood Bowl, Noel Gallagher at UCLA or Ween at the Wiltern (which is hands down the BEST concert photo of 2011) were snubbed from the list, but we won't waste our time with that today.

What bums me out the most is which Prince show you picked. Let's be honest here, 99% of us lacked the funds of "Bruce Jenner" is my step-daddy connections to get into this gig. Should have just picked a random night from the Forum. Let your readers know that you are still in touch with them.

Smooches,

Reverend Justito

Mcfarstreet

Reverend! The Prince show @ The Troubadour cost $100. No need to get all 99% over that.