What drives your music and live show preference?

I spent some time yesterday listening to some of my favorite music when it occurred to me that all the music I was playing was music that I had seen at a live performance. That is what prompted me to ask the question. Did I go to the live performance because it was my favorite music? Or did I listen to the music because I experienced a live performance that enlightened my appreciation of the piece(s)?

Buconero117, I agree that live shows can be social in nature, but that doesn't mean that good music can't be heard. I'm a big proponent of live performances; the energy interaction between the artists and the audience can result in fantastic performances.

My musical preferences are almost entirely acoustical in nature; the lone exception is probably big band.

Thanks for your opinions.

In my mind there is a distinction between appreciation and preference. I can appreciate many different artists but definitely have a preference for only a handful.