I tell ya, it was not my intention to start this blog, publish two posts, then disappear for like 4 months. But here I am. This post has been in the works since December and I'm just now finding the motivation to finally finish it. (Sad, I shouldn't even tell you that.)
Anyway, reviewing each video was really fun and putting them in order, while challenging at times, was well worth it in the end. From 10 to 1, these are my favorite live performances:
10. Santana - Soul Sacrifice (1969)
Seems like if you ever want a really good workout, all you gotta do is perform "Soul Sacrifice" with as much energy as Santana did at Woodstock. I love how at one point, Carlos Santana's just going crazy playing that cowbell.
9. Journey - Be Good to Yourself (1986)
This was Journey's highest-charting single from their album Raised on Radio (does that name ring a bell?) and although the band broke up halfway through this tour, they sure do look like they're having fun performing this jam! Steve Perry's vocal prowess is very well-demonstrated in this clip and, although it's a shame the camera guy didn't get his guitar in the frame during the solo, Neal Schon's guitar-playing is on the nose, as usual. Oh, and does anybody recognize the bass player in the video? I'll give you a hint: he was once one of America's favorite American Idol judges...
8. Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name (1982)
My favorite Iron Maiden song! 'Nuff said?
Ok, ok. Some background info on the video: this performance was recorded in 1982 at Hammersmith Odeon and I think I read somewhere that this was one of Bruce Dickinson's first live sets with the band after the recording of their third album The Number of the Beast. Dickinson's vocal control is incredible and no disrespect to current Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, but the drum work in this performance by the late, great Clive Burr will never be replicated. The guitar work is fast but tight, and oh boy, you are in for a treat when that famous riff kicks in!
7. Bruce Springsteen - The River (1980)
There's a reason why Springsteen fans call him "The Boss" and this performance just might be that reason. He's so emotional in this performance that he might make you believe that he actually did get some girl named Mary pregnant. Or a union card and a wedding coat are all he got for his 19th birthday...and he's never forgiven you for it.
6. REO Speedwagon - Roll With the Changes (1978)
Oh, Gary Richrath. Watching him play just puts a smile on my face. Doesn't he always look like he's having the best time with his guitar? And he makes it look so effortless! Truly a joy to watch.
P.S. I'm so sorry for the close-up of Cronin's face. I don't get it either😆
5. Bruce Springsteen - WAR (1986)
I don't think I've ever seen someone put as much passion into a song as Springsteen did in this performance. Originally written and recorded by The Temptations in 1970, and then covered by Edwin Starr the same year (his version hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100), Springsteen's live 1986 performance of this classic (and obvious) anti-war anthem could make someone believe that he wrote it himself.
4. Journey - You're On Your Own (1978)
The reason behind why I love this performance so much can be best summed up by none other than Gregg Rolie himself at the beginning: "Neal Schon on the guitar, please!" For real, his solo in this performance is mind-blowing! This is a semi-early Journey- Steve Perry just joined the band and they released their 1978 album Infinity. While for most of this show they were playing songs from that album, they also played a few from their previous albums (pre-Perry), including this song, "You're On Your Own," from their 1976 album Look Into the Future (my fave). I'll wrap up by saying that you have to stick around towards the end because that is the best part of Schon's solo. Also, he has the best guitar face!
3. Led Zeppelin - Dazed and Confused (1969)
Can you imagine being there, in that audience, and witnessing this level of talent first-hand? I wouldn't know how to act. I mean, their debut album had only been released about two months prior to this performance. And it doesn't matter how many times I've seen this performance or another performance of the song, I'm never ready for when Page pulls out that violin bow. He's so casual about it. And then he starts bouncing it off his guitar strings like it's nothing. Truly, this was Led Zeppelin in their prime.
2. Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley (1981)
Warning: If you have never heard the studio-recorded version of this song, this live version will ruin it for you. Nothing compares to this live version. It is the best.
Two words: Randy. Rhoads. What can I say about this guy that hasn't already been said by one of the people that knew him the best? This video is posted on Osbourne's official YouTube channel and in the comment section, he wrote, "Randy Rhoads was quite possibly the best composer & musician that I have ever met in my life. He came into my life like a bolt of lightning and as such he was gone again. I consider my self one of the luckiest men alive to have not only met him but also I had the great honor of being able to work with him. I will cherish the time I spent with him till the day I die LONG LIVE RANDY RHOADS. LONG LIVE ROCK N ROLL. I LOVE YOU ALL."
Also, shout out to Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge for that bassline (you are seen and you are loved). And a special thank you to the organist for that wicked intro; I'm sorry I don't know your name.
1. Alcatraz - Night Games (1984)
Oh, to have been in Japan in 1984! This video would probably make more sense on a list of my favorite guitar solos because this one gets me every. single. time. The way Malmsteen makes playing look so easy and fun: wow! And when he whips his guitar with the amp chord: *swoon.* I will never get enough of watching this performance. Also, I should mention: the reason why Graham Bonnet is dressed in a pink suit is because times were tight back then. He had to be here on stage at 8 and then at a house showing in Miami by 9. Cut the man some slack!
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