On Wednesday we asked you to nominate and vote for the best live recordings ever.
Rock is awesome on record, but it really shines onstage. Never has there been a genre that inspired so much awe in an audience.
We didn't mind if your nominations were for an album recording, live video footage or even a bootleg. Thanks to your votes, we've got a pretty darn solid list of live recordings to share today.
And better yet, YouTube has a full version of most of them. Perfect to listen to over the weekend. Enjoy!
10. Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense" (1984)
This concert recording was shot over three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater during the tour cycle for their "Speaking In Tongues" album, and was the first movie ever to use digital audio techniques.
9. Deep Purple "Made in Japan" (1972)
This was a double live album recording in — you guessed it — Japan. Again, this was recorded over three nights. Most of the band didn't like it, but late keyboardist Jon Lord said it was his favorite release of theirs.
8. Ozzy Osbourne "Randy Rhoads Tribute" (1987)
Five years after the tragic passing of guitarist Randy Rhoads in a plane crash, Ozzy decided to pay tribute to his talented friend with a special live tribute album.
7. RHCP "Live at Slane Castle" (2003)
This outdoor venue is a hotspot for epic live shows, and has seen dozens of the world's biggest acts grace its grounds.
6. Nirvana "Unplugged" (1994)
We all knew this would make the list. Cobain and co made their mark on TV history by performing this magical acoustic set at the peak of their fame, and surprised audiences with a set mostly full of covers from obscure artists. They found time to play a few of their own tracks, of course.
5. Pink Floyd "Pulse" (1994)
This double-disc live album was recorded in 1994 during the "Division Bell" tour. It includes a complete live version of "The Dark Side of The Moon", which is awesome enough, let alone all the other great performances.
4. Alice In Chains "Unplugged" (1996)
Just as their fellow grunge titans Nirvana did two years earlier, Alice In Chains hit the MTV stage for an acoustic set of their own. At the time it was their first concert in over two years, and the resulting album ended up going double platinum.
3. Queen "Live At Wembley" (1986)
Freddie Mercury's iconic yellow jacket was on show at this renown performance. At one point, Freddie addresses rumors that the band would break up. "Forget those rumors, we're gonna stay together until we f—king die," he said.
2. Metallica "Seattle" 1989
Metallica performing at their peak. What more do you want?
1. Led Zeppelin – Royal Albert Hall 1970
A deserving winner. This concert is probably their best known performance, particularly after being released on DVD in 2003. The whole set is incredible, with one highlight being John Bonham's historic "Moby Dick" drum solo. Essential viewing.
Top work from UG commenters there!
Can you think of other live recordings that have been criminally underrated by your fellow readers? Do you agree with the list, or would you swap a few entries round? Let us know in the comments.
This was also the first performance of a band like Led Zeppelin that in a place like the Royal Albert Hall. So, imagine the excitement in that time of playing in a place like that, it represents the beginning of a new era in music :')
I love Dream Theater, but if having an orchestra with you automatically puts you on the list, then S&M would have to be on there, and would be in front of Score anyway.
Let me re-phrase. I don't understand why every list has to have Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin. Seriously, every list includes most of those bands, and it's not because they're "the best." What ever happened to bands like AC/DC? Their Live at Donington recording is phenomenal.
I think you're right in the fact that Iron Maiden is energetic. But there's a lot of other great bands out there too than Metallica, Megadeth, Maiden, Rage, Nirvana, and Zeppelin.
When those other bands beside Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Megadeth, Scorpions, Black Sabbath etc., etc. give the world monumental live recordings and stuff, they'll be in these lists, that simple!
This, so much this.. I'd put London on New Year's Eve on over Alice in Chains/Deep Purple. That show had such an impact on music and really helped the punk rock scene explode in England. Not to mention it was a ****ing amazing show with everyone playing their best.
Led Zeppelin at #1? The 2 reasons why Zeppelin achieved any greatness live are JPJ and Bonham... And yeah, I seen that concert a million times, elitists.
IMO Made in Japan should be higher, but whatever... also pretty cool to see Alice in Chains up there.
but whatever... exactly. you should be grateful for being able to see them so many times. i have not once, because i am a young lad compared to you is my guess.
LMAO. If I have seen it a million times, it's probably because I own the DVD or something. And if I own it, I probably like the band... well yeah, I like them, genius. I'm just giving my opinion...
You show prove me even more about what I said. Your narrowmindedness has now flown into your eyes, and you talked about something I didn't even meantion, so you either aren't really that smart in what you say, or your trying to put words in my mouth.
Either way, I never said you didn't like the band, and the fact that you like a band just shows even more how daft and unlogic of a comment you made.
You could argue on how JPJ and John Bonham could probably be more versatile and be more successful on other projects they took up after the band broke up (except Bonzo obviously), but that is due to the fact that they are so committed in "their area" of music, and they all understood each other so well.
So I don't know where the hell you got the idea that the only artists were JPJ and Bonham. Not one of them was inferior or superior to the others in what they were doing in Led Zep.
Hell, how the hell did you even forget on Jimmy Page's talent to be not only a great musician but a great producer, and even a inovater in sound recording.
Instead of just spitting out words like roflcopter, use your brain because it's there for a reason.
"So I don't know where the hell you got the idea that the only artists were JPJ and Bonham."
And you talk about "things that I didn't even mention"...
Led Zeppelin (along with Aerosmith) is the band that made me wanna listen to rock music. So, I've seen not only that concert mentioned in the article a million times but also others... it was hard for me to admit it also, but Page and Plant were not THAT great live, not musically. Page missed notes a lot of times (to the point of bothering me, yes), especially when soloing. Plant was OK, but used to go out of tune multiple times. And it just got worse with time... compare this one to their shows around 78-79.
On the other hand, JPJ and Bonham were always superb on their crafts, ALWAYS. I admire JPJ especially for his versatility live (keyboards, etc...). I don't see them taking the lead on this list because of that, especially when you got Made in Japan on it, when the whole Deep Purple was superb, not just one or another member of the band. I'm not saying they were BAD live, they had a lot of charisma (like the guy above you mentioned), but MUSICALLY it was disappointing for me, somehow. That's just my five cents, though, no need to go mental over it.
Instead of just spitting out fanboyism, try to actually read my posts.
Oh, I also never said that Page and Plant were not artists. Page takes also a lot of credit for his blues references/covers in the album and was VERY creative on stuff like Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti. The same goes for Plant. I just don't think they were good enough to be on the top of the list, because of the aforementioned reasons. But right, I'm the one putting words into others' mouths... *sigh*
If we're talking about live acts, it's only obvious that when I meantion stuff like them being good or bad, it is live related. Didn't expect to have to label everything with live at the end.
"I've been imitated so well I've heard people copy my mistakes."
That's a quote from Jimi Hendrix about his mistakes. Weither you think he is a better or worse guitarist (on a side note: TALKING LIVE SHOWS MATE) is not the issue, but I think that many will agree that although the sloppyness he may have shown a few times, his mistakes aren't even relative because it ruins the song in no way. We are all human, and if your going to be nitpicking on how he has a few notes missed. And while I do agree with you that the shows got worse around the last couple of years of the band, I don't see how those two years could be so bad for you to say that their LIVE success was based on just half the band. To be honest, one of their worst performances was in Live Aid and even though (like in those last Led Zep years) Jimmy page was abusing drugs like heroin, and Plant had been pushing his voice over the limit for so many years, the biggest let down was Phil Collins. Not due to him not being a fantastic drummer, but in no way capable of the same chemistry with the other two. Not to meantion that in '77 he lost his son, which also took a big toll on him, just as it would to any parent.
Another fact, was that no live show was supposed to be equal to the albums. They played songs differently on purpose, so I could only assume that the mistakes are mostly just improvised licks/riffs/solos.
And on your last post, I'm also not here to talk about who should be at the top of the list, because just like this article, it is far too subjective and pointless. But I'll say it once again: you'd have to hate rock/led zep or deaf to say what you did.
"The 2 reasons why Zeppelin achieved any greatness live are JPJ and Bonham..."
That couldn't even be a joke, because it's not even slightly funny.
Well, whatever Hendrix (or whoever else) says, SOME songs were ruined for me, not ALL. Like this:
I have no problem with musicians missing notes live, as you said, we're humans and if you're going to watch a concert just to keep calling them on their mistakes, your life will be a drag, but there's a breaking point for me...
Also, most, if not all bands improvise live, I know that. Bonham himself did a masterful one on the concert featured on the list with "Moby Dick", and that's my point. Seeing Bonham rip those drums to shreds and then, after that, seeing Page tripping on himself for the solos is kind of disappointing. I don't see how that can be the best live band...
And boo-f'n-hoo, this list is subjective. Also is my opinion, which I intended to give without getting shitstorms from fanboys.
I'm struggling to find the reason why you find that video you shared to be considered a bad performance from them, lool.
It isn't his best performance, but to talk trash on this I wonder what's your concept of a perfect live performance. I bet even a God couldn't pull it off.
And just as you pointed out, there's a "breaking point" even for subjective issues. If we look at it that way, no one can discuss or argue about anything in life, because we're all different and we all see everything in a different way. One thing is nitpicking over who is the most awesome band or whatever. Another is to say that this "legacy" and "demand" for LIVE performances from Led Zeppelin is only due to JPJ and John Bonham. I mean they are in no way behind the other two, but damn.
I'm guessing all the fuss that Led Zeppelin's new reunion dvd and even the excitement of the actual concert that took place in 2007, after all these years, was all just about John Paul Jones. How did we not see the light...
You also show also a lot maturity "shitstorms" and "fanboy" comments.
I was wondering if a healthy discussion could even come through, but this being the internet, it's always about taking discussions as an insult party because obviously, we're all barbaric and debating as normal humans who exchange points of defence is just stupid.
Take the trophy mate, your officially cool on the internet.
Well, I sure was expecting a guy with a Led Zeppelin avatar to recognize that Page ****ed up unbelievably on the solos... *sigh*
And bro, when did I said something about "legacy" or "demand"? I just gave my honest opinion (saying that JPJ and Bonham were MILES AHEAD of the other two when playing live), I guess that it's implicit that nobody is the owner of the absolute truth about everything. I mean, how many hard rock bands were doing it way better than Led Zeppelin when it comes to guitar and vocals live? Take Grand Funk Railroad for an example... or Free.
But right, I'm the one trying to outsmart someone's opinion (yep, it sounds pathetic and illogical because it is) on a guitar forum. I must take the cool on the internet trophy...
Lol it's like watching you hit a wall over and over again. All you do is insult and point out words that I meantioned and you didn't, just because I pointed out that you were putting words (in terms of context not just similar words) in my mouth.
And since you like so much to talk about an avatar that I've chosen, how about I look at your avatar and point out that you don't know a single thing about Led Zeppelin or any of it's band members? You judge by the cover of a book, why shouldn't I?
And your so dedicated in pushing random words that you even meantioned to twist the sides of what I said. I wanted an arguement like two people would normally do to try to defend their point of view. As such, I want you and other people to try to outsmart my opinion, because that's what discussing it.
All you do is insult or make this ubsurd statements that make no sense. The trophy was actually your prize for winning this "arguement", 'cause this is going nowhere and I might as well just go argue with a parrot or a 5 year old.
I'm defending my point of view since the first post: while Bonham and John Paul Jones were superb at live performances, I mean SUPERB, Page and Plant were not. Also, I've been saying like forever that a lot of contemporary bands to Led Zeppelin would play circles around them on the guitar work, notably Deep Purple, which is featured on the list. I'm just defending my point saying there were tons of bands ahead of them on that aspect... you were the one that came storming all over my post, calling me narrowminded and etc(and now you complain about "insults", lol).
You got that perfectly right, it really is like watching you hit a wall over and over again.
I don't understand why people are hating, but I was also thinking HAARP would be a good addition to the list. Maybe it's not a classic or essential listening, but it's a crazy concert and Muse go all out. At least the Chili Peppers at Slane Castle got on the list though! Talk about awesome, Froosh is the man!
Yeah Froosh is the man, that's right! Hence it's a damned pity RHCP haven't got any major DVD release from their Stadium Arcadium tour; the high-light of his guitar work
I know that everyone says that, but Gene Simmons brought up an excellent point: Casablanca was nearly broke at the time, so they wouldn't even have had the money to do extensive overdubs like that. Watch the concert on the Kissology DVD for proof.
In my opinion some of you are missing the point, is top 'live recordings and actually is very good list because non of the performers needed (except for Floyd) lots of production and pyrotechnic. The music stands for itself
Seattle '89 was one of the best setlists, especially in that time period...they really picked the best songs possible even though orion didnt make it, but understandable..great show!!
The chop-chop-chop editing of that DVD is almost sickening. It was indeed a great show, but not being able to hold any frame for more than 2-3 seconds was a bad decision. I know attention spans are shorter nowadays, but come the **** on!
I thought Queen at Live Aid would have made seems as its often grouped in the the best performances ever. Wembley was pretty good though. Also thought with all the live Pearl Jam albums (Seriously I own at least 10 or so and there's many many more) there would have been something in the top 10.
If you ask me, Stop Making Sense should be #1. Also, I know they wouldn't have put it on here but Primus "Halucinogenetics Live in Chicago" is probably one of the best concerts ever.
Watch it first, its a great concert changed my opinion of the band they put on a great show, the list cant be all rock and medal.
Alman bros live at fillimore east and Rory Gallagher live 1972 are worth a look also
I could also have said the same thing about ''Hell Freezes Over'' about The Eagles. It's not about being all rock and metal, it's about iconic live recordings, and I do believe that Live After Death is more iconic than Talking Heads in this case.
Theres a disturbing amount of Thin Lizzy: Live and Dangerous missing. Not to mention KISS alive, ****ing Frampton Comes Alive, Opeth Royal Albert Hall.....must I continue??
Live at Leeds is still considered one of the greatest live albums ever. It just doesn't get the credit it deserves because of the film trouble. Just listen to it and be blown away
Should have at-least one Iron Maiden in there. Maiden England is my favorite live recording of theirs. Tho they all rock, Maiden England is the best live recording IMO. Live after Death is a close second.
Johnny Cash - Live at Folsom Prison
Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More From The Road (undubbed)
The Who - Live At Leeds
Thin Lizzy - Live and Dangerous
Judas Priest - Unleashed in the east
AC/DC - If You Want Blood
Iron Maiden - Live after Death
Motorhead - No Sleep til Hammersmith
Status Quo - Quo Live
Led Zeppelin - How The West Was Won
And for a guitar site how on earth you can not have either of Rory Gallgher's Live Albums (Irish tour 74 or Live in Europe) is beyond me.
Hell Judy Garland Live at Carnagie Hall is better than some of these
I love Queen but Live at Wembley is not one of the greatest live recordings...end of.
Radiohead Glastonbury 2003 is my favourite live recording of all time, another that I think are missing are Coheed and Cambria Neverender and Sigur Rós Heima, also if you want muse on the list Hullabaloo is way better than HAARP, just saying.
Radiohead never cease to put on an amazing show. One of my favourite live sets of theirs is the Live At The Le Reservoir. The acoustic one with I'm pretty sure just Jonny and Thom. Maybe Colin was there too. I can't remember. The acoustic version of I Might Be Wrong though. So good.
I go to this site a LOT, and I know for a FACT the Talking Heads did not get more votes/comments than Iron Maiden. Nothing against the Talking Heads, of course. I'm just saying.
WER THE HELL IS GENESIS!!!! (Peter Gabriel) Rainbow theatre 1973, Secret World 1993 even!!! sory i guess im a bit of a Gabriel freak!!! Also what about Frampton??? and even THE LAST WALTZ!!!! ESPECIALLY!!!
No Iron Maiden? I know I'm gonna get labeled a metal elitist by some of you idiots, but what the ****?! They have enough awesome shows to occupy half of this whole list ffs!
I went back and took 5 mins to count a few of the candidates myself- Talking heads had 15 votes, but bands like Maiden, the Who, and GNR easily surpassed them on the list by votes. Check it out for yourself
1. It's unclear who people are upvoting
2. Let the editors make the list - just answer the question with ONE entry - add more in separate posts.
3. They take up a lot of space
4. Most of the lists are redundant re-posts of things others posted already
Why are there no metal acts like iron maiden or slipknot? We all know that metal bands live always give way Better shows than any rock band on the planet
The Black Keys - Live at the Crystal Ballroom is pretty stellar. Doesn't deserve to be on the list, just a personal favorite. Probably one of their best performances before they added a bunch more people to the line up to capture the sound that came from Brothers and El Camino.
Please. The Black CROWES anywhere/anytime/any lineup but especially the '92-'95 era. They were untouchable at that time and would blow the roof off any venue
I know it's all subjective, and it's only my opinion, but Muse's "H.A.A.R.P." show at Wembley was one hell of a rockin show... Also NIN's "Beside You In Time"... I wonder when will Tool ever release a concert video...???
because maiden are the most energetic live band in the world, and they're all over 50. The fact that their music can make grown men orgasm helps a lot too.
Glad to see that RHCP at Slane Castle was included, awesome production quality. Just an awesome show all around, John and Flea were in top form and they really brought some of the mediocre songs form the BTW album to life.
Just like 912874931 people said, it's missing Maiden, and maybe KISS as well, anyway it's impossible to please everybody, and this is a pretty good list.
haha thanks dude. I mean seriously though; What other band literally descends from the SKY, the ****ing SKY, to play the most epic metal shows to thousands of fans singing along?
I thought it wasnt a bad list. It was always going to be made up of popular bands and ten slots is just not enough to get a good scope of great performances from lesser known acts. Good to see "Stop making sense" in there but I would have "Arriving somewhere but not here" by Porcupine Tree in the mix. The sound is incredible.
Lets take a step back here. WHERE IS STEVIE RAY VAUGHN LIVE AT THE EL MOCAMBO??? Easily one of the best live recorded performances I've ever seen! It blows my mind that we're all on a GUITAR tab site and theres not one mention of SRV...
iron maiden - live after death (and maybe the donnington album)
kiss alive!?
metallica - s&m (also, cunning stunts?)
biffy clyro - wembley arena (a bit more arty than just straight forward recording, very good cinematography)
muse - wembley stadium(haarp)
i reckon zeppelin's celebration day could be a future contender.....
I'm surprised Clapton's Unplugged album didn't make it. That album is a master piece and is one of the best selling Unplugged album of all time. (If not the best.)
I'm a massive Zep fan but I've always thought the royal albert hall gig is massively overrated. The recording is B-grade even by 70's standards.
This list needs some Rush, Judas Priest and Maiden. Other than that Queen should have been top out of those 10 and Metallica should have been bottom 2 if included at all.
I would say that Radiohead live at the Hammerstein ballroom is just about one of the greatest concerts ever - it is basicly them at their peak, though their 2009 Reading performance is also worth mentioning. Otherwise, I would say that despite Alice in chains's unplugged show being amazing, and I'm so happy to see it get some recognition, I still consider Nirvana's show the better of the two. Also, it would be asking a lot from the list, but I would had liked to see either RATM's performance in 1993, or Pearl jam's in 1992 at Pinkpop on the list...
Good to see that Alice In Chains came before Nirvana for once, Nirvana manage to overshadow them at everything else.
Both amazing bands and good to see them both on the list.
