What drives your music and live show preference?

My musical tastes determine my concert attendance. No concert I have ever experienced was bested by playing music in my home, none.

I would love to have music to play at home that equals the experience I have at live shows; there are times when I think I have been there, but not so often.

Here's the truth for me; I love both. I love playing music in my music/living room, and I love going to shows. I am not sure I could choose one over the other.

As a practical matter, I almost always hear recorded music first and - if it piques my interest - I'll try to catch a performance.

A live show is a social event, not one for serious listening to music. All live shows provide high decibel amplified sound, which is a health hazard. So, if you are tying to replicate such music, it is best you consider if you are serious about music.

Buconero117,
Are you referring to rock/pop music? I attend jazz clubs which are overwhelmingly un amplified acoustic instruments. This is an entirely different experience from what you are describing. These intimate jazz venues are a highly valuable template for what I "attempt" to achieve at home. I can understand why we'd have different perspectives.

I spent some time yesterday listening to some of my favorite music when it occurred to me that all the music I was playing was music that I had seen at a live performance. That is what prompted me to ask the question. Did I go to the live performance because it was my favorite music? Or did I listen to the music because I experienced a live performance that enlightened my appreciation of the piece(s)?

Buconero117, I agree that live shows can be social in nature, but that doesn't mean that good music can't be heard. I'm a big proponent of live performances; the energy interaction between the artists and the audience can result in fantastic performances.

My musical preferences are almost entirely acoustical in nature; the lone exception is probably big band.

Thanks for your opinions.