Electronic vs Rock music (live)

[Liam]

I agree with the distinction between live acts and DJs. I think of going to a DJ set as a totally different thing than going to a gig. I go to a set to hear music that I've never heard before, I go to a concert to hear music I know and love. However, I think that there's a further distinction to be made within live electronic bands. Underworld and Orbital were completely revolutionary in their performance as they were, as far as I am aware, the first people to basically put their studio on stage and then work with the freedom that this gives them. As has been documented here, most live acts either seem to rely on the pre-programming of their music or on live musicians. Both of these can be a lot of fun, but the levels that Underworld reach in their performances are something else entirely, the most complex and creative music I have ever heard.

Underworld (and I am mostly talking of the Underworld from 1994 - 1999) and Orbital are the only two bands that I have ever seen do this, and Underworld to far greater heights than Orbital (not to do discredit to one of my very favourite bands). Every other live act I've seen has either been pre-programmed or has used instruments.