last act i saw live was gladys knight last year at sheffield arena, didn't dissapoint one bit, crowd was a bit thin , but she still put on a great show, some acts build a reputation on there live shows, frankie beverley being one that comes to mind, in the states alot of bands have a reputation for there live shows before they even sell a record, seen a few live rock acts that where as good as there records or even better, ac/dc, eric clapton. bruce springstien was well known as a live act before he was famous, not a soul act just using him as a example, seen a few of soul acts not seen one that was rubbish to be honest.