Last week we took a gander at those lucky pups in the Best New Band category, and now its time to take a look at the groups in the Best Live Band category. This NME Award has previously been nabbed by Biffy Clyro, Arctic Monkeys and Muse, but who do you think deserves the accolade in 2012? Here’s a recap of who’s shortlisted:
Arctic Monkeys
Their homecoming shows at Sheffield’s Don Valley saw them reclaim their live crown, and let’s not forget stunning festival sets at T In The Park, Oxegen, V and those big stadium shows at the end of the year.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you can’t deny their live force as a band. Their ‘Velociraptor!’ shows combined an arch theatricality and plenty of hands-in-the-air, anthemic moments. And, obvs, the best closing of the year ever, with their O2 team up with Chase And Status.
No Best Live Band list would be complete without the daddies of the live show, Muse. 2011 saw them resurrecting ‘Origin Of Symmetry’ for the Reading and Leeds Festival and playing it in its entirety (complete with ball bustin’ guitar solos and a stunning light show).
The reunited Pulp provided a live highlight for many people in 2011. Their storming sets at festivals around Europe were hit and charisma-packed and their Glastonbury performance was, for us, particularly brilliant. (You can tell we’re biased can’t you?)
They’ve been growing steadily as a live act since 2009. 2011 saw them hit the festivals in big style; their fervent fan base saw them at Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight and Reading and Leeds. Could 2012 be their winning year?
So, who will win Best Live Band 2012? Only you can decide be voting now over at NME.COM/awards.