Chasing the Sound: My Music Bucket List Journey
- Mickey Miller
- Aug 31, 2025
- 6 min read
When it comes to music, most of us carry around a secret list in our hearts-a bucket list of bands and artists we dream of seeing live, or even just meeting once in our lifetime. For some, it’s the legends we grew up with, the voices that shaped our teenage years, the ones whose songs got us through heartbreak, loss, or even gave us our best nights of freedom. For others, it’s the newer bands that spark the same fire, the ones we feel are writing the soundtrack to our lives right now.
There’s a certain magic about seeing a band live. You can play their songs a thousand times through headphones, but nothing compares to the electricity of being in a room or an arena, where every voice is raised with the same lyrics. It’s the kind of moment that sends chills down your spine and makes time stand still. That’s what makes a bucket list show so special.
Of course, there are also the bands we never had the chance to see. Maybe they broke up before we could get a ticket. Maybe we were too young. Or maybe the cruelest truth of all: they’re no longer with us. Those missed chances leave us with a different kind of bucket list—the “what ifs” and the “I wishes.” I know I’m not alone in imagining what it would’ve been like to see certain artists in their prime, to feel that raw energy and be part of history in the making.
The beauty of music, though, is that even if we never get to check off every single name, the dream itself keeps us connected to the songs we love. Each band on our list represents a piece of our own story. Some remind us of where we came from, others represent where we’re going. And every show we do get to see feels like a small miracle, a reminder that music is alive, and so are we.
So maybe our bucket lists are never meant to be fully complete. Maybe they’re meant to keep us dreaming, reaching, and chasing those moments that make life feel bigger than ourselves. And in the end, that’s what music has always done—it gives us something to look forward to, something to hold onto, and something to believe in.
Bands I’ve Checked Off
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to see bands that shaped my love for music. Creed was one of them, and finally checking them off my bucket list was unforgettable. Ozzy Osbourne—what can I say? Seeing him live is witnessing heavy metal royalty in action. Journey was another, though sadly not with Steve Perry. Even without him, the music still moved me in ways I’ll never forget. Rush...Seeing Rush live was pure magic. Every note, every rhythm, every solo hit with perfect precision, and the energy in the room was electric. That night wasn’t just a concert, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
Still on my bucket list:
At the very top sits Five Finger Death Punch, and the best part is I finally get to check them off soon....I’ll be seeing them on Labor Day. There’s something so powerful about anticipating a show you’ve been waiting years for, knowing you’ll finally be in that moment, screaming along to songs that have carried you through life. Alongside them, I still have Breaking Benjamin on my list, a band whose music has always hit me right in the heart. And then there’s Yungblud, who brings a raw, unfiltered energy that I just know would be unforgettable live. And one I keep waiting on is Gojira, a band whose sound feels larger than life, and I can only imagine how earth-shaking it must be in person. The Cure who I had tickets for but was unable to go. These are just a few names on my bucket list, but they’re the kind of artists that make the list grow instead of shrink—the more you see, the more you want to see.
Like anyone who lives and breathes music, I have my own list of bands that I still dream of seeing live. Some are already lined up, others are still waiting for their chance to shine in front of me.
Bands I’ve Met
Seeing a band live is powerful, but meeting them in person takes it to a whole other level. It turns the music into something even more personal, because suddenly you’ve looked them in the eye, maybe shared a laugh, or even shared a stage.
One of my most unforgettable experiences was with Bret Michaels. I’ve had the chance to meet him many times, I even got to be on stage with him, but one moment stands out above all. While meeting him backstage, he noticed the eighth note tattoo on my hand, the same spot and the same note he has on his own. He smiled and said, “We are kindred souls.” In that instant, my heart melted. Music had always felt like a bond, but hearing it from someone I admired so much made it even more meaningful. I also had the chance to meet him backstage along with the rest of Poison back in the early ’90s, which felt like stepping straight into rock history.
I’ve also been lucky enough to meet legends like Pantera — including Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. To share even a brief moment with them before their untimely passing is something I’ll forever hold close. I also met Jason Newsted, whose work with Metallica and beyond has always meant so much to me.
I’ve had surreal encounters as well, Rob Halford, the legendary frontman of Judas Priest, at a local music store called Rock of Ages in Garden City, was a moment I’ll never forget. Seeing him up close in such an intimate setting made the experience feel incredibly personal. Heavy metal royalty.
My journey has also led me into real friendships. With Tantric, I’ve not only met two different lineups of the band, but I’ve also been able to call them friends. I met George Lynch thanks to ex bassist of Tantric, Jaron Gulino. The same goes for Testament, where although I didn’t meet Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson, I did meet the rest of the band and Greg Christian, their bassist, even became one of my best friends.
And then there are the moments that feel surreal even as they’re happening. I didn’t just meet John Corabi (ex Mötley Crüe, Dead Daisies and Scream) and Derek St. Holmes (the guitarist and vocalist for Ted Nugent) I had the honor of hosting them. To spend time with musicians of that caliber offstage, to share stories and see the personalities behind the legends, was something that reminded me how music is as much about connection as it is about sound.
The list goes on: I’ve met Josey Scott’s band (the original voice of Saliva), Adema, Falling in Reverse, Survive This!, and so many other incredible musicians over the years. Each encounter has left a mark on me, not just because of the star power, but because of the humanity behind the music. These moments remind me that musicians, no matter how famous, are people who have the same passion running through their veins as we do in the crowd.
Bands I Wish I Could’ve Seen or Met
There are bands and moments that slipped through time. If I could go back, I’d give anything to see Queen, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin in their prime — shows that weren’t just concerts, but history being written.
Another wish has always been to see Journey with Steve Perry. I experienced Journey live, and it was still powerful, but Perry’s voice feels like the soul of the band.
Some artists are still at the top of my “meet” list. Disturbed and Shinedown are two I’d love to connect with, not just for their music but for the passion they bring to fans. After a Shinedown and Bush show in Detroit, I even randomly crossed paths with Gavin Rossdale, a moment that reminded me the music world sometimes finds you unexpectedly.
And finally, there’s Alex Skolnick. Testament’s guitarist has been my favorite since the band’s inception. Twice at live shows he came to the front row and placed his guitar pick in my hand, quiet moments that left a lasting impact. I even did a one-on-one Zoom interview with him. This November, I’ll see the Alex Skolnick Trio, and I hope to finally meet him in person and take that long-awaited picture, a dream years in the making. Also on the must meet list is Def Leppard, Joe Elliott was my teenage dream and maybe one day I will finally add the band to my checked off list.
Music is the heartbeat of my life. It fuels me, lifts me, and carries me through every moment. My bucket list may never be complete, but every concert, every meeting, every song keeps me reaching, dreaming, and living wide open — ready for the music, ready for the moments, and ready for life itself. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just the bands or the names; it’s the music that moves us, connects us, and makes us feel alive.
Tomorrow, Five Finger Death Punch gets crossed off my bucket list...stay tuned for a new blog sharing every unforgettable moment from the concert.
Peace, Love and Loud Music
Mickey🤘
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