I don't see many concerts but I'm trying not to be too restrictive. My biggest problem is finding someone to go with me.
When I saw the Eagles for the first time two years, it didn't matter what they played. I was familiar with all their material, new and old and it was the first time I'd heard any of it live. It was such a thrill to be there with three of the original members on stage. However, hearing the same setlist (and scripted introductions) 18 months later wasn't quite so thrilling. A little variation would have suited me but probably not for the majority of the audience who were seeing the HotE show for the first time. I don't really mind if the variation comes from deeper in the back catalogue, new songs or even covers, but I don't want to hear their solo material.
I used to be sniffy about tribute bands but after seeing a couple, I think they can be good fun. Good musicians playing good songs in a small venue and cheap tickets. There's not that thrill of seeing the real thing but you can see how it's put together in a way you can't in an arena.
My favorite concert this year was Andy Fairweather Low and the Lowriders. It was a long show with a mix of hits, old songs, new songs and covers. The hits (only 6 or 7) were welcome for their familiarity and the audience sang along, but noone got restless through the rest of the show. It's a 4-piece band made up of top sidemen and session musicians, fronted by a man who was a teen idol in the sixties before becoming a sideman. It was a joy to see such good musicians playing in a small venue.
I'm dismissive of Don Felder's current show because it doesn't seem to play to his strengths. I'd want to hear him play the kind of music he didn't have a chance to with the Eagles, not singing "Peaceful Easy Feeling".
I left Timothy out of my earlier post so I'll just say that I'd like to see his solo show. I may not know the songs, but I like his style and I'd probably end up buying the CD on the way out.