For as long as I can remember I’ve been attending live music to a near-obsessive level, averaging at least two gigs a week (alongside the accompanying fairly serious theatre, comedy and cinema habits - but that’s another story).
From tiny venues in record shops, to arenas and stadiums, it’s where I feel most comfortable, enveloped in the comforting embrace of those that share my passion.
There’s the excitement of seeing the next big thing before anyone else (“oh well, of course when I saw Arctic Monkeys the first time it was in King Tut’s”) or enjoying roaring along to every lyric from your favourite band (see: number two on my list). Whether you are in the middle of a circle pit or sitting at a church pew, every live performance has its own unique vibe.
This year has probably been the best in my gig-going life, with just a handful yet to come, and coming up with a top 20 (or 21 - I cheated) has been difficult.
There’s no room for buzzy new bands like NewDad or The Last Dinner Party, music legends such as Bikini Kill and Paul Heaton, personal favourites including Yard Act and Dream Wife, new discoveries Video Age and Rosali, or even the mighty Fontaines D.C.
Then there are the ones I missed out on, including Oliva Rodrigo (couldn’t get tickets), Chappell Roan (was away), and Charli XCX (couldn’t afford it, but have I told you I saw her play the QMU back in the day...?)
Still there’s always next year, which will hopefully contain a few nights out as good as these 21.

5. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds (OVO Hydro)
It's become a cliche to talk about just how good Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are live - but it doesn't make it any less true. This was as good as I've seen him, bolstered by songs from his remarkable new album 'Wild God'. Unusually for the often impersonal Hydro, Cave spent most of his time within touching distance of the front row, adding to the religious feel of proceedings and making the cavernous hanger feel like a smoky club. | David Hepburn

6. Idles (OVO Hydro)
Idles simply have the best fans in the world, many of whom follow the band on tour, turning every gig into a friendly and inclusive space. The circle pits are ferocious but there are always plenty of hands to pull you up when you inevitably fall over. A few chords into anti-racism anthem Danny Nedelko a towering and topless bearded man turned to me, professed his love (with an expletive thrown in), and kissed me square on the lips. All is love, indeed. | David Hepburn
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7. Roisin Murphy (02 Academy)
The very definition of a crowdpleasing set, Roisin Murphy played banger after banger to an O2 Academy packed with sequin-covered fans. She spent plenty of time in the audience, when not undertaking the latest of about 20 costume changes. A mashup of Moloko's 'Sing It Back' and 'Murphy's Law' sent the entire venue into a state of ecstasy. | David Hepburn

8. LCD Soundsystem (Barrowland Ballroom)
James Murphy returned to his beloved Glasgow for three sold out shows at the Barrowlands. There was a point during thier first song 'You Wanted A Hit' when you felt that they'd already peaked, leaving the delirious crowd nowhere to go. But no, like that 'always ascending' aural illusion they continued to ratchet up the atmosphere for two hours, before unleashing the bedlam of 'All My Friends'. "We will NEVER not play here", bellowed an emotional Murphy. No wonder. | David Hepburn