The Greatest Rare Rock & Roll Live Performances Through The Years
Music has its own way of permeating through & moving people. As the years have progressed since the turn of the 20th century, we’ve seen music evolve & develop spanning several genres.
Music & the arts are important & a critical part of our lives, as explained by survivors of the holocaust, for whom music & the arts provided a much needed distraction & forged hope & the will to keep going despite being held in concentration camps.
Rock & Roll is a genre that has caused a revolution, ever since it began in its infancy in the ’50s as an offshoot of the Blues.
However, with the electrification of the guitar, the Blues evolved into Rock & Roll, and the world would never be the same.
In this post, I’ve curated a playlist of live performances spanning all the decades of Rock & Roll and all the bands & artists that have paved the way for the evolution of the genre over the years.
In this list, I do all the crate digging from YouTube to give you the best live performances by artists spanning several genres of Rock & Roll.
Neil Young — Old Man: Farm Aid (1998)
This take of Neil Young performing ‘Old Man’ at Farm Aid 1998 is a really appreciable performance by the Canadian-born Rock & Roll icon. Neil Young is a musician who has defied conventions & stayed relevant spanning the decades. His vocal range is difficult to imitate, but his guitar playing skills are exemplary. In this take Neil delivers an intimate rendition of his classic song that reflects on youth & old age.
Mark Knopfler — Boom Like That: Først & sist Norway (2004)
‘Boom Like That’ is such an iconic song. Inspired by Ray Kroc & his acquisition of McDonald’s & what would transpire after, would turn into one of the greatest business acquisitions in history. Knoplfer explored the uncanny theme of that business deal for this song. This is a rather candid performance by the legendary former Dire Straits frontman for a Norwegian TV show, but it’s one of the few live takes of this song.
J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton — Anyway The Wind Blows, San Diego (2016)
A collision of a quintessential duo of guitarists that are perhaps the greatest in their style of guitar playing and their expert finesse on guitar, Clapton & Cale’s take of this song is a sheer delight. JJ was an idol more than a contemporary for Clapton, and Cale didn’t get as much recognition as compared to his Brit counterpart,(which Clapton was ‘mildly outraged’ about, as he put it). However, JJ remains one of the most underrated musicians to have ever lived. Despite bringing the cool Tulsa sound & finesse to the guitar & just being a smooth as butter guitarist, Cale wantonly avoided the limelight but for every guitar player who’s heard him, JJ Cale remains an inspiration.
Jimi Hendrix — Red House & Foxy Lady: Maui (1970)
Jimi Hendrix was a widely loved & celebrated guitarist while he was alive & decades after his demise, he remains highly sought after & a go-to artist for classic rock fans and listeners of all ages. Hendrix’s live set in Maui from 1970 is perhaps his most standout concert & one which was recorded with the highest picture quality cameras at the time. Here are ‘Red House ’& ‘Foxy Lady’ from that legendary set.
The Doors — When The Music’s Over: Hollywood Bowl (1968)
You can’t get more historic than The Doors at the Bowl from ’68. Starting with Ray Manzarek’s improvised lengthy piano intro & Morrison’s jump & scream to kickstart the song, this 12-minute masterpiece is The Doors at their peak & in their element with Morrison delivering a performance for the ages.
Chuck Berry, Keith Richards & Eric Clapton — Rare Jam (1986)
It doesn’t get more stellar & rarer than this. This is the meeting & congregation of some hallmark greats of Rock & Roll jamming out with their faithful guitars. The solos on this typify each of Berry, Richards & Clapton’s sounds, and how a short jam can become a much sought after rarity, as each of them noodle their way and play off each other. Berry is in his showman element & Keith Richards has his trademark Stones sound going on, as Clapton only smiles towards the end. Classic.
Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash — One Too Many Mornings(’60s)
A clash of two titans of American folk music but blurring into Rock & Roll are the eccentric & elusive geniuses, Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash. I’ve recounted about their rare recordings in another piece, but here’s “One Too Many Mornings”
Dire Straits & Eric Clapton — Money For Nothing: Knebworth, Hertfordshire (1990)
‘Money For Nothing’ is the essential Dire Straits song & perhaps their most famous apart from ‘Sultans Of Swing’. This performance featuring Eric Clapton, is a brilliant live take of the song. It has some blistering solos by Knopfler & Clapton as they improvise & put on a proper show. “That’s the way you do it…..”
Pink Floyd — Echoes: Pompeii, Italy (1971)
Floyd playing ‘Echoes’ at Pompeii, is nothing short of epic. The song itself is perhaps Pink Floyd’s greatest song, at least according to a large section of the band’s fanbase. In my opinion, ‘Meddle’ is their best album, yes, even better than Dark Side. This is a performance that’s just as larger than life as the band were in the ‘70s.
Crosby, Stills & Nash — Carry On: Woodstock (1994)
CSN are a band that came to life in the ’60s and despite the departure of Neil Young continued to record & tour. By today in 2022 they’re pretty old but they can still hack it. This performance from 1994 is one of the few live takes of ‘Carry On’ the first song of their staggering debut album ‘Deja Vu’. I’d highly recommend checking out ‘Deja Vu’ for its sheer brilliance. It’s a great performance but Neil Young’s licks are missing.
Radiohead — Everything In Its Right Place: Glastonbury (2003)
EIIRP typifies the Radiohead sound. It’s the ingenuity of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood & the rest of the band at full-tilt at perhaps the most iconic music festival, i.e. Glastonbury. EIIRP is Radiohead doing what Radiohead do best, push their sound & technology to deliver an iconic performance. Their sound was so far ahead of time, especially considering this was a take from 2003. And where else will you get a 7 minute performance of EIIRP? “Everythiiinnnngggg……”
Chevelle — The Red: Powerfest (2016)
Getting slightly heavier, here’s Alt-metal at its best with Chevelle. Chevelle are a band that have only a niche audience despite surging to success with ‘Send The Pain Below’ in the 2000s. This take of ‘The Red’ from 2016 is a great intro to the band, if you haven’t heard them.
Audioslave — Gasoline: Broadway NYC (2002)
Audioslave are Chris Cornell’s greatest band & project in my opinion. Tom Morello is a unique guitarist who plays his guitar unlike any other. With feedback, the effects, the delay and all kinds of other stuff, Morello makes a guitar into sounding like a synth hooked up into a DAW. But this performance on top of the roof of the Ed Sullivan theater on Broadway in NYC is an rarity. Here’s Gasoline…..
Tool — Disposition/Reflection: Ottowa, Canada (2002)
Tool. The most esoteric of bands out there with songwriting & a sound that few bands can replicate. The Maynard James Keenan led band have a cult following all over the world, and in general, the visuals during their concerts are from another world & are a delight & a trip by themselves. Here’s Disposition/Reflection from a DVD take of their performance in Ottawa, Canada in 2002. It’s Tool, so you can expect something out of the box.
Metallica — Unforgiven III: Lincoln, USA (2018)
Metal heavyweights Metallica have to make this list. With their songs that appeal to listeners around the world and transcending divides, Metallica, are perhaps one of the greatest bands of all time. In this take of ‘Unforgiven III’ Hetfield is proper feeling it & Lars & the band jam out hard on this one. I picked ‘Unforgiven III’ because it showcases the heavy & subtler side of Metallica. Dig
Deftones — Be Quiet & Drive: Area4 Festival, Germany (2009)
Continuing the heavier section, Deftones are a band that are also in their own league of Alt-Metal that draws fans to their sound ever since their formative years in the 2000s. Led by Chino Moreno’s distinctive voice that brings to life every Deftones song, Deftones had a golden period where everything they made sounded so f*cking good. Chino is low-key & avoids the spotlight, but he’s got some expansive vocal range. Moreno mishearing some German chant for “Po*no mag”, in this video is hilarious. Here’s ‘Be Quiet & Drive’ from the Area4 festival, Germany in 2009.
Nirvana — Territorial Pissings: Paramount (1991) & Drain You: Paris, France(1994)
Kurt Cobain’s explosive vocal range & fast-paced “three chord grunge”, as he put it, comes to the fore of these live performances of ‘Territorial Pissings’ from 1991 & ‘Drain You’ from 1994. From what I’ve read & heard from Dave Grohl’s interviews, Cobain was considered to be pretty shy & introverted, but his performances reflect anything but. Cobain’s performances capture the essence of Nirvana; in-your-face & loud with heavy fuzz & distortion.
Alice In Chains — No Excuses: MTV Unplugged(1996)
It was a debate of choosing which AIC performance to post here. “Rooster”, “Nutshell” and “Would” were obvious candidates but I went with “No Excuses” because of Layne’s short introduction to the iconic concert. And it was the first song of the legendary set; everyone’s seen this concert and it’s the only AIC live set of videos that aren’t bootlegged.
The Smashing Pumpkins — Cherub Rock: Dusseldorf, Germany (1996)
This is the most recognizable & stand-out riff by The Smashing Pumpkins. Most of their live performance videos are bootlegged & very unclear. But this one of “Cherub Rock” from ’96 is pretty clear & a decent enough recording. It’s a song that’s perhaps their biggest hit from ‘Siamese Dream’.
Kings Of Leon — Molly’s Chambers: London(2013)
KOL are Southern Rock’s finest. The Followils know how to create supercharged anthems that appeal to the broader masses. They’re perhaps the smoothest band from the US who emerged on the scene from the South. ‘Molly’s Chambers’ is such a f*cking cool track. Here it is live in London from 2013.
Porcupine Tree — Don’t Hate Me: Chicago, USA (2005)
Progressive Rock pioneers Porcupine Tree have their own place in the realms of progressive music. The band led by Steven Wilson, often reflect on darker & melancholic themes but their sound is a standout amongst most bands within the genre. Porcupine Tree have their own section of a worldwide fan base, especially in India, but they’re surely right up there with the greatest British bands formed since the turn of the ’90s.
Red Hot Chili Peppers — Can’t Stop: London (2007)
RHCP are a must listing on this list. While their latest albums in 2018 & 2022 have been underwhelming, they peaked with Californication & Stadium Arcadium. Frusciante was an integral part of the lineup. Here’s an older song from their bouquet — ‘Can’t Stop’. The video has a wild intro with Frusciante & Flea jamming out before the song begins.
Oasis — Stand By Me: Nulle Part Ailleurs, Paris, France (1997)
Oasis are the pioneers of the Britpop revolution. Manchester-born brothers Liam & Noel Gallagher & the rest of the band have made some really top class songs & anthems through the years. Their music style echoes simplicity & their songwriting is a reflection of British culture in the ’90s and ‘2000s. ‘Stand By Me’ isn’t as popular as a lot of their other songs and this video of their performance in Paris on the TV show Nulle Part Ailleurs, is a rare 4K take of the enigmatic British band.
The Verve — Slide Away (1993)
The Verve are fellow Brit Pop proponents who were just before Oasis. The band lead by Richard Ashcroft, and Nick McCabe providing the sonic soundscapes that made ‘The Verve’ sound distinct, is perhaps under appreciated. The Verve are British ’90s at their electric best. Here’s ‘Slide Away’
The Black Keys — Girl Is On My Mind, Brasil (2013)
The Black Keys are a band that are just a two-piece unit but Dan Auerbach drives the sound with some slick guitar riffs, centered around Blues Rock. The Black Keys always delight with their performances, although there aren’t too many videos with great footage. Here’s ‘Girl Is On My Mind’ live in Brazil.
David Bowie & Lou Reed: Queen B*tch & I’m Waiting For The Man (1997)
David Bowie & Lou Reed are quite a similar pair. They’re both a bit eccentric & write some strange songs & love New York. This video of Bowie & Reed jamming out to ‘Queen B*tch’ & the TVU song ‘I’m Waiting For The Man’, at Bowie’s 50th birthday gig, is a take where the pair rock the f*ck out together on stage. It’s a cool collision of two artists who shared a lot of synergies & were great musicians in their own right.
Led Zeppelin — How Many More Times: Denmark (1969)
Can any Rock & Roll list be completed without Led Zeppelin? I think not. This take is perhaps the most intriguing Led Zeppelin performance from their early years. A B&W recording of the iconic Brit band playing ‘How Many More Times’ for Danish television. The way Robert Plant introduces the band & them proceeding to play some smooth rock & roll with Plant, Page, Jones, & Bonham in their element. A quintessential Led Zepp performance that makes this list.
Blink 182 — Rock Show: Area4: Germany (2010)
Blink are Punk’s golden boys. Tom, Mark & Travis have made teenage anthems that have defined every Blink fan’s younger years. Their songs define high school, and all the f*cking sh*t up we did back then, with songs that are typically infused with the kind of testosterone that kicks in after hitting puberty & the phase of raging hormones that every teenage kid goes through. ‘Rock Show’ is a song that’s got Blink written all over it. Here’s the song live in 2010.
Greenday — Basket Case: Chicago (1994)
If Blink are Punk’s golden boys, Greenday are Punk’s old souls. The band have been around for a while, and while ‘American Idiot’ was their greatest album ever ‘Basket Case’ from their debut album ‘Dookie’ is their oldest anthem. For most fans of Punk Rock and Greenday, ‘Basket Case’ is the track that’s by far a fan favourite. Billie-Joe Armstrong seems drugged out & the Greenday crew go hard on this one.
Rage Against The Machine — Killing In The Name: Pinkpop (1993)
This is by far the best performance of ‘Killing In The Name’ from 1993, especially Zach de la Rocha’s intro before the song kicks in. RATM are a band that specialize in their political rhetoric. Morello on guitar is also immaculate & explosive. It’s a bootleg video, but this is RATM in their hay day & rocking the f*ck out.
Linkin Park — Session/Don’t Stay: Detroit (2003)
‘Session’ is my favourite track by Linkin Park from ‘Meteora’. Something about the instrumentals & turn tables & electronic infusion just got me. This take is the only live take of ‘Session’ followed by ‘Dont’ Stay’. Linkin Park were huge back in the day. But they still kick ass, however, Chester is a huge miss. RIP.
The Velvet Underground — Run, Run, Run (Video)
It’s rare to find a TVU live performance that’s recorded on video. This bootleg video of Run, Run, Run is perhaps the only take where you can see the whole TVU band playing their instruments. It’s not a live performance per se, but it’s the closest thing to one when it comes to footage of TVU from the ’60s & ‘70s.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre — Pish: A38 Rocks (2016)
The Brian Jonestown Massacre are a psychedelic rock band that have their own niche sound & style that’s ever so smooth. They went under the radar & were relatively unknown during their formative years but their sound stands out in the vast ocean of psychedelic rock. They’re a tight band with a lot of smooth songs & a band lineup of some cool cats. Here’s “Pish”
Tame Impala — Sestri Levante & Endors Toi: Olympia, Paris(2013)
Tame Impala are psychedelic rock’s new-age proponents in the 21st century. The Aussie band are pretty talented & their initial few albums were pretty solid, especially ‘Lonerism’. Here are two short songs that are pretty kickass.
That’s a wrap.
In case I’ve missed out some artists that you think should be on this list, do comment & let me know!
PS: I don’t really like The Beatles, but that’s just a matter of taste.
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