We Took A Vote - Patti Smith Takes Out The Music's 'International Live Artist Of The Year'

The new year is just about on us, so we've taken stock of the year that's been and asked our writers and editors to share their 2017 highlights with us. Here, we take a look at the international acts who wowed Aussie crowds.

Brought over by promoter Peter Noble for Bluesfest, punk pioneer Patti Smith's tour this year was billed as her very last in Australia. Australian fans of the enigmatic, and endlessly influential, poet and writer were not sure they'd ever see Smith tour with a huge band again, let alone hear the seminal Horses in full, 41 years after it burst into the punk zeitgeist.

As a result, the legend played four shows in Melbourne and Sydney, succumbing to insane public demand, as well as a super-special solo speaking appearance at Sydney Opera House, reading from her best-selling books and memoir. She spoke of her relationships with John Coltrane, Allen Ginsberg and late, great collaborator and lover Robert Mapplethorpe, sharing warm anecdotes of living and working in New York City in the '60s and '70s. 

At her Horses shows, our reviewer noted that "for all the years of partying and giving a giant middle finger to the world, [Smith] has still undoubtedly got it... tonight, she sounds exactly as she did all those years ago"

Smith had Courtney Barnett on support at her Melbourne show, treating audiences to a rare, unforgettable collaboration for People Have The Power. We also shared an a cappella singalong of Wing. Smith's 2017 Australian tour was for the diehards and every single attendee was eternally grateful for sharing in the farewell of a living legend.

Another living legend came in at #2 on our list this year: heartland rocker Bruce Springsteen who brought his E Street Band to our shores in February. Apparently our readers love Bruce - he topped the list in both 2013 and 2014. This time, USA was fraught with President Trump's Muslim ban, protests rife around the country, and The Boss was understandably frustrated during his shows. It just brought more ferocity to his performance.

Heavy acts like The Bronx (equal #3), The Dillinger Escape Plan on their last Australian tour ever (#5) and Meshuggah (equal #8) also make an appearance this year, while Splendour headline acts Sigur Ros and HAIM (#6 and equal #8 respectively) sneak in too. The record breaking Adele rounds out the top ten after her huge Aussie.