Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at Greek Theatre
The Led Zeppelin singer and the bluegrass star released their second album as a duo in 2021 and in August played tunes from it and their 2007 debut, “Giant Sand,” on a lovely night at the Greek. You wouldn’t expect these two to work together, given their different backgrounds, but like peanut butter and chocolate, sometimes it’s the unexpected blend that delights most. And Plant and Krauss offered beautiful harmonies on an eclectic mix of folk, country and blues-based songs that raised goose bumps under the stars.
Duran Duran at Hollywood Bowl
The band was having a moment this year. Three sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl in September. Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November as concert documentary “A Hollywood High” was released. This first of the Bowl shows was terrific, delivering hits like “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Planet Earth,” made all the more memorable by the unexpected rainfall that drenched happy fans throughout the night.
Lizzo at Kia Forum
Write it down: Scientists will eventually discover it is impossible not to be happy at a Lizzo show. For now, take my word for it. Her concert in Inglewood in November was the most joyful, positive and uplifting show of the year. If you come in a little bit down, no, no, Lizzo is having none of that. Funny, cheerful and occasionally profane, Lizzo is feel-good music delivered via powerhouse vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Surprise guests Missy Elliott and Cardi B were absolute bonuses.
Harry Styles shows his charisma and expanding catalog of hits during the first night of a 15-show residency in October and November at Kia Forum.
Harry Styles at Kia Forum
The singer-songwriter turned Kia Forum into “Harry’s House” with a 15show residency that spanned October and November, though illness caused a few to be rescheduled. Like Lizzo, Styles is a performer who works to make genuine connections with fans from the stage. Add to that an expanding catalog of hits and a showman’s instinct for performance, and this first show of the long run was one of the most purely fun nights of music we caught in 2022.