A Look At The Best Live Music Performances Of All Time

When it comes to music, we all have different tastes, and that’s the beauty of it. However, I think we can all agree there are some performances that top them all, regardless of whether we are fans of the artists or not.

While you may not be able to see live performances of some of these legendary names anymore, you can still relive the experiences for yourself. All you need to do is watch the original recording using a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones or a quality speaker and it’s like being transported back in time.

From rock to pop and electronic, we take a look at some of the best music performances of all time.

Queen at Live Aid (1985)

It’s no surprise that Queen makes this list but their best performance is undoubtedly the set they played for Live Aid in 1985. Freddy Mercury was on top form here in front of 72,000 lucky audience members, as were the rest of the band, delivering top-notch vocals and incredible showmanship.

While the band only played for a mere 20 minutes, they did more within this time than some acts could only dream of. The performance will forever be ingrained into our minds, from Freddie’s iconic white tank top to the energetic rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Adele at the Brits (2011)

Back in 2011, Adele was already a fairly well-known artist for her remarkable songwriting skills and vocal ability but it was her performance at the Brits that really propelled her into the Hall of Fame. 

Her rendition of Somone Like You stunned the audience and viewers at home alike, leaving no eyes dry. Soon after, the recording of the song at the Brits shot up the charts, showcasing her powerhouse voice for the world to see.

Metallica at Monsters in Moscow (1991)

You might think 100,000 is a lot of people to fit all within one concert. Think again. Around 1.6 million people attended Monsters of Rock at Moscow’s Tushino Airfield in 1991 – that’s the population of Trinidad and Tobago!

The rock and metal fest, while an annual occurrence, was particularly momentous this year since there was the dissolution of the Soviet Union and their Communist rule. The free open-air concert is what attracted the likes of Metallica.

Their show stole the heavy-metal hearts of the crowd. In fact, fans were so absorbed in the performance that helicopters had to calm the crowds down. Even military personnel can be seen in the videos letting loose to the music.

Michael Jackson at the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show (1993)

The Super Bowl halftime shows can be hit or miss but 1993 was certainly among the best. That day, Michael Jackson set the standard for future artists like Beyonce and Rhianna. The late singer was always known for his out-of-this-world live performances but this solo gig probably tops them all.

With a full 15 minutes of choreography, special video effects, trap doors, and fireworks alongside MJ’s greatest hits, the mini-concert transformed the Super Bowl halftime from a mediocre show to a world-renowned celebration. It’s been 30 years since the performance but it remains in the history books and hearts of fans where it belongs.