Queen without a doubt, stole the show at Live Aid in July 85. Blowing away everyone. Here is their 23 minute set.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A22oy8dFjqc
These cats were pretty good live.
How about a little stripped down 3 piece virtuosity? Ozzy just goes with whatever lyrics feels right at the time.
Allman Bros., Statesboro Blues, At Filmore East.
In terms of non-concert, live performances, there have been a few Letterman performances over the years that have been amazing. I will send over a list later on.
The first one that comes to mind is Bob Dylan- Jokerman (backed by The Plugz). I know some aren't fans but I've always felt it was such a unique and bad-I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this. punk version:
Here is another one of my favorites... Tom Petty & The HB's with Dave Grohl on drums from SNL '94:
https://vimeo.com/152863920
This is the most intense live songs I have ever seen — a creepy tune sung by an INTENSE Fiona Apple and the incredible Elvis Costello. Watch her eyes as it progresses and ends, it’s like she has come out of a horrible horrible trance.
https://youtu.be/9iP6obyOLnQ
My first Magic Bus video was from the LP/CD, Live at Leeds. This one is a video/audio performance with a comment stating it from an Isle of Wight festival:
Play. It. Loud.
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
I know not what choice others make; but as for me, give me 72 Stones in TX or nothing .
https://youtu.be/tIfQipkkOqs
"My first Magic Bus video was from the LP/CD, Live at Leeds. This one is a video/audio performance with a comment stating it from an Isle of Wight festival:"
This 1970 performance is a great bluray. This and Live at Leeds cd are their best live performances.
The week of Woodstock they played along with the Jefferson Airplane at the outdoor Tanglewood stadium. Since Billy Graham promoted it the Airplane played last. Wasn't into The Who at the time so I just wanted to see them bust up their guitars like Monterey Pops Festival (they didn't). The Airplane played and their sound was significantly louder than The Who. Why? Marty Balin and Grace Slick could easily sing over a maxed out sound system while The Who had to limit their sound to hear their vocals.
As a Dead Head, there are tons of live songs that I love, but I'd be hard pressed to put any of them in the "Greatest Live Performance" category. The crowds are great, the light/video shows are great, but the band itself tends to be a little staid. Unless you count Bob's cheeziness in his rock star efforts. That being said, one of the stand out shows for me was RFK in 92' when Mickey opened Casey Jones with a literal train horn strapped to his body, and Vince Welnick's amazing keyboard work on Baba O'Riley during the encore. The Dead COULD be very electric, when the timing was right. Their music always was, but the performances themselves less so. Of course, since I was always dancing, it wasn't anything that bothered me.
For performances, I have a favorite band, but no favorite song. I'll pitch out just about any live Jane's Addiction song. They were a combination of power and beautiful performance art. Crazy energy.
Q "Why do you like Duke, you didn't even go there." A "Because my art school didn't have a basketball team."
Forget a favorite song, I can't pick a favorite tour let alone a favorite Brent or Pigpen or Keith show.
Scarlet->Fire at Cornell (5.8.77), or anything from that show, is pretty choice by definition.
Intro->Help->Slip->Franklin at Great American Music Hall (8.13.75) is sublime.
Spring '90 (East Coast) was perhaps the last great vintage run.
Man, now I'm hungry.