Of everything that affects how a gig turns out, lighting does more heavy lifting than most people realise, more than the camera, the location or even the outfit.
Soft, directional light flatters most faces and settings, while harsh or flat light tends to work against almost everything. This is exactly why studio sessions use a controlled setup rather than leaving it to chance, and why location sessions are usually timed around the light rather than around convenience.
Two photographers can shoot the same brief and get noticeably different results, even with similar technical skill, and light is usually why.
See also: The best time of year to book a gig in London.
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FAQs
Straight answers below.
How do you capture the feeling of a gig, not just the band?
By shooting the whole room, not only the stage. The faces in the crowd, the hands in the air, the light hanging in the haze carry the feeling to anyone who sees the photos afterwards.
Can you shoot in low light without flash?
Yes, that is most of the job. Gigs and small venues get shot available-light wherever possible, so the atmosphere stays intact instead of getting flattened by flash.
Further reading
A handful of related posts.