Lately I've been borrowing some music dvds from my local library. To sum it up the listening experience was quite disappointing. Out of the 10 or so I could only find one where the sound was on par with a studio recording or even better (it was from Dream Theater). Together with the different camera views which were cut in a good manner this particular dvd was a real pleasure to watch In the other mixes people growled or applauded over the music and the balance between different instruments / vocals was quite off.

The same goes for live recordings on media without accompanying picture material. On a music dvd the visual show makes up for an eventual lack of sound experience but I don't see much arguments in favour of a live cd.

What is the reason for you to listen to live music?

Most of the "Live" music I listen to is obtained from uploads of recordings of bands at various bars and nightclubs.

They are free, band-approved (i.e. the band knew they were being recorded and gave permission to upload the performance for others to download), and usually quite well done.

I like listening to those, because I like how live performances often tweak songs and play them slightly different than the "official" CD version. I actually mostly appreciate the audience reaction too.

I also like to listening to live albums for the alteration of the songs, medleys some times and the audience reaction too.

I wouldn't going to a concert or bying a live CD, if I knew that the band will perform their songs exactly as per their albums.

I see your point. It just occurred to me that there exists an unplugged concert from Tori Amos where it shivers down my spine when I hear her singing. This acoustic live performance tops all her studio recordings by far, the studio albums sound rather dull and flat in comparison!

Whereas there are many bands which I prefer not to visit live - because they miss the right tones, this goes especially for the vocal performance. Negative example Papa Roach, haha.