Here are some of my favorite videos of live music on youtube, in random order. (P.S. I’m including links rather than embedded videos to avoid long screen load times and crashes.)
P.S. I’ll be updating this page by adding new entries to the bottom, so feel free to check back from time to time 🙂
The Black Crowes: Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ (Cabin Fever DVD 2009)
Favorite youtube comment: Might be my favorite video on youtube.
Prince: While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame 2004 Induction Ceremony)
Favorite youtube comment: Let’s just hope that guitar was over 18.
The Who: A Quick One (While He’s Away) (Rock and Roll Circus 1968)
Favorite youtube comment: Some moments from this performance that show why The Who is the best live band ever:
0:59 – Pete tunes his guitar while playing
1:27 – Pete’s windmilling arm knocks down the overhead drum mic and it hits Keith in the face. Neither of them miss a beat.
3:41 – How does Keith get that floor tom on top of his kit so quickly?!? And then tosses it over his head and comes back in perfectly on beat!!!!
6:18 – When did Keith have a chance to pour water on his snare? Listen to John’s “opera” voice!!!!
6:41 – NO band has ever played with more energy. Any guitar player who has ever tried windmilling can tell you how hard it is but Pete NEVER misses.
7:09 – Pete raises his falling mic back up with his nose!
Plus all throughout, John’s bass playing, Keith’s drumming, three part vocal harmonies all NAILED. The Stones were INSANE to ask THE WHO to open for them!
Rory Gallagher: Tattoo’d Lady (Irish Tour ’74)
Favorite youtube comment: Great guitarist .. fantastic moment captured forever.
Darlene Love: Baby, Please Come Home (David Letterman 1995)
Favorite youtube comment: The greatest live version of the greatest Rock and Roll Christmas song ever.
Vanilla Fudge: You Keep Me Hangin’ On (Ed Sullivan 1967)
Favorite youtube comment: WHAT!?!? And that drummer! Good God, that was smoking!!
Roger Waters, Van Morrison, The Band: Comfortably Numb (1990 World Memorial Fund For Disaster Relief)
Favorite youtube comment: Van Morrison’s soaring vocals makes this one of my favorite song renditions of all time.
LCD Soundsystem: All My Friends (Madison Square Garden 2011)
Favorite youtube comment: The guy in the cap singing the lyrics from 6:54 … the emotion on his face goddamn
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Jungleland (9/20/78)
Favorite youtube comment: The greatest rock n roll saxophone player of all time. He just WAS.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Drive All Night (Tempe 1980)
Favorite youtube comment: Authentic to the core…haunting… beautiful.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Prove It All Night (New Jersey 1978)
Favorite youtube comment: This is why there is the Cult of the Long Version of Prove It All Night.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: My Love Will Not Let You Down/Prove It All Night/Two Hearts/Atlantic City (MSG New York 2001)
Favorite youtube comment: For all of you who are too young to know…this is what ROCK N ROLL looks like …#LONGliveBRUCE
Jeff Buckley: What Will You Say? (Glastonbury 1995)
Favorite youtube comment(s): it doesn’t get much better than that…
That shot at 2:15 is surreal and almost cinematic. Thousands of people giving their undivided attention to the moment without texting, eating, or distraction.
Bill Withers: Hope She’ll Be Happier With Him (Zaire ’74)
Favorite youtube comment: So heartfelt, I feel his pain. Amazing stuff.
Santana: Soul Sacrifice (Woodstock 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: “Grandpa, were you in Viet Nam?” “No, Billy; but I danced naked with a sheep at Woodstock!”
Sam and Dave: Hold On I’m Comin’ (Europe 1966)
Favorite youtube comment: I’d type something but my laptop just caught ON FIRE.
Boston: The Journey/More Than A Feeling (Giants Stadium 1979)
Favorite youtube comment: Brad Delp had the voice and Tom Scholz had the sound. Two great talents that had great chemistry. The first time I ever heard Boston was their song “More than a Feeling” and I was in awe of this powerful new sound.
Rainbow: Stargazer
Favorite youtube comment: MY GOD THAT F***ING SOLO. AND THOSE VOCALS. AND THE DRUMS. This has got to be the best song of all time. R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio \m/
MC5: Looking At You (Detroit 1970)
Favorite youtube comment(s): This clip is the definition of rock and roll. Power, sex, fun, and animalism.
Wayne’s ballet move at 3:38 blows me away every time.
The Stooges: TV Eye & 1970 (Cincinnati Pop Festival 1970)
Favorite youtube comment: “That’s peanut butter!” Can’t believe this clip is nearly 50 years old. Amazing.
Fugazi: Waiting Room
Favorite youtube comment: This old homemade video still the best thing on YouTube. What a kick ass band.
Queen: Live Aid Performance
Favorite youtube comment: The greatest gig of all time. The 20 minutes when Queen ruled the world.
U2: Bad (Live Aid)
Favorite youtube comment: This is when they took over, for the next 30 years.
Otis Redding: I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Monterey Pop Festival 1967)
Favorite youtube comment: Time machine bucket list concert.
Big Brother and the Holding Company: Ball and Chain (Monterey Pop Festival 1967)
Favorite youtube comment: Cass said it in one word…Wow.
Talking Heads: Born Under Punches (Rome 1980)
Favorite youtube comment: Damn, what a groove.
Eric Burdon and War: They Can’t Take Away Our Music (Paris 1971)
Favorite youtube comment: Epic.
Deep Purple: Child In Time (1970)
Favorite youtube comment: Totally epic. The audience is a joke.
Kate Bush: Wuthering Heights (Hammersmith Odeon 1979)
Favorite youtube comment: This live version always make me cry my eyes out. She’s so ethereal, emotional and moving in this performance, especially at the end when the guitar solo starts and she lifts her arm to wave at the end. All that and the combo of the crowd cheering and her waving enthusiastically at the crowd just makes me well up with tears of joy. She’s truly something special.
Smashing Pumpkins: Thru The Eyes Of Ruby (1995)
Favorite youtube comment: Only Jimmy Chamberlin is cool enough to have his own initials on his drumset instead of the bands’.
Van Morrison: Cyprus Avenue (Fillmore East 1970)
Favorite youtube comment: Van the Man at his best.
Van Morrison with The Band(s): Caravan (The Last Waltz 1976)
Favorite youtube comment(s): There was never so low high kicking.
Greatest mic drop in the history of microphones, and dropping things.
This is the difference between singing like you don’t want to make a mistake, and singing with your heart and your soul and just going for it with every fiber of your being. Only by doing the latter are you going to create something memorable. “Turn up…your RADDIO!”
The Band: It Makes No Difference (The Last Waltz 1976)
Favorite youtube comment: This is the band that broke up Cream. When Clapton heard them for the first time he said this is what music is supposed to sound like.
The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down (London Rooftop Concert 1969)
Favorite youtube comment(s): The last public performance of the greatest group in the history of recorded sound.
That little move at 0:39, smooth!
John Butler Trio – Ocean
Favorite youtube comment: Such a beautiful tune. Been listening to this for years now. He can really play that thing.
Focus: Hocus Pocus (Midnight Special 1973)
Favorite youtube comment: The lyrics really speak to me on a personal level.
Tim Buckley: Song To The Siren (Monkees TV Show 1968)
Favorite youtube comment(s): This song has that sort of a timeless yearning quality that you can’t explain, only feel.
This live version, the way he sings it so clear with such emotion, never fails to give me goosebumps.
Iron Maiden: Phantom Of The Opera (Rainbow 1980)
Favorite youtube comment: How the heck does this have ANY dislikes?!?! This song and this performance is a tour de force! If aliens came down to earth and wanted to know what metal was I would show them this video. If they wanted to know what badass was I would also show them this video.
Scott comment: Paul Di’Anno at 4:30 🙂
Sonic Youth: Schizophrenia (The Year That Punk Broke 1991)
Favorite youtube comment: This is one of the best-ever captured versions of the song. I propose making this the official version of Schizophrenia.
David Bowie and Arcade Fire: Wake Up (2006)
Favorite youtube comment: My goosebumps just got goosebumps. RIP Bowie.
Coldplay: Fix You (Toronto 2006)
Favorite youtube comment: Absolutely transcendent the way the crowd takes over the song at the end. Makes you feel the beauty and true meaning of love, life and happiness.
Peter Gabriel: Biko (1986 Amnesty International Conspiracy of Hope Tour)
Favorite youtube comment: Comments are disabled, but I remember watching this performance on T.V. in 1986, and it still retains its mesmerizing power.
Joy Division: Transmission (1979)
Favorite youtube comment: That boy can play the drums!
Joy Division: She’s Lost Control (1979)
Favorite youtube comment(s): He has the saddest eyes I have ever seen.
2:57 priceless
TV On The Radio: Wolf Like Me (David Letterman 2006)
Favorite youtube comment: Do you think they were aware they were the best band on the planet at that moment?
Kyuss: Gardenia (Italian TV)
Favorite youtube comment: bad ass
Guns n’ Roses: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (The Ritz 1988)
Favorite youtube comment: OMG THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE STUDIO VERSION
Janelle Monae – Dance Apolyptic (David Letterman 2013)
Favorite youtube comment: NOW THAT IS A GODDAMN PERFORMANCE WOW
Allman Brothers Band – Whipping Post (Fillmore East 1970)
Favorite youtube comment: If that doesn`t put modern music to shame, nothing does!
Bon Iver: Skinny Love (Jools Holland)
Favorite youtube comment: He might as well have played with his heart on his lap.
Nirvana: Where Did You Sleep Last Night (MTV Unplugged in New York 1994)
Favorite youtube comment: Kurt’s eyes at 4.03, so much packed into a split second.
Aretha Franklin: Dr. Feelgood (Fillmore West 1971)
Thin Lizzy: Whiskey In the Jar (1973)
Favorite youtube comment: What a voice. Incomparable
Thin Lizzy: Emerald (A Night On the Town TV Broadcast 1976)
Favorite youtube comment: Damn this song kicks ass! Makes me want to grab my sword and shield!
Al Green: Rainin’ In My Heart (Tom Joyner Morning Sky Show)
Favorite youtube comment: fantastic. thank u
David Bowie: Stay (Beat Club Germany 1978)
Favorite youtube comment: Is that Adrian Belew playing guitar? He kinda looks like him, but he definitely bounces like him.
Michael Jackson: Billie Jean (Motown 25th Anniversary 1983)
Favorite youtube comment: Legendary performance. There will never be another like him.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Hey Hey My My (Into The Black 1991)
Favorite youtube comment: The black granny in the front row knows great music when she hears it. Rock on Granny.
James Brown: Out Of Sight (T.A.M.I. 1964)
Favorite youtube comment: A CLOUD OF SMOKE, THEN COMES SOUL BROTHER NUMBER ONE!!! JAMES BROWN!!!!
Van Halen: Unchained (Montreal 1984)
Favorite youtube comment: Listen to how loud the crowd gets when Dave does his jump and the whole VH appears. Amazing.
Fleetwood Mac: Rhiannon (1976)
Favorite youtube comment(s): The best performance of all time. Period.
You can STILL attend a F.M.concert & see young girls, who are young enough to be Stevie’s GRANDAUGHTERS, b.t.w., Dressing EXACTLY LIKE HER! THAT’S GOTTA tell ya SOMETHING!!!
Elvis Presley: Suspicious Minds (Las Vegas 1970)
Favorite youtube comment: Ladies and Gentleman this is why Elvis Presley was the King of Rock and Roll!
Pearl Jam and Neil Young: Rockin’ In The Free World (MTV Music Awards 1993)
Favorite youtube comment: It went to another level when the “old man” started attacking his guitar solos.
Ozzy Osbourne with Randy Rhoads: Mr. Cowley (Rochester NY 1981)
Favorite youtube comment(s): 5:46 “Yes Ozzy. That’s called A GUITAR.”
That’s Ozzy realizing that Randy Rhoads is his guitar player. He’s like a little kid on Christmas Day.
Roy Buchanan: Sweet Dreams (Austin City Limits 1976)
Favorite youtube comment: Who needs vocals when a guy can make his guitar cry and sing like that?
Tool: Pushit (Lewiston ME 1998)
Favorite youtube comment: Watching Maynard perform live in the 90s was like watching an alien try to operate a human body for the first time.
Dave Matthews Band with Warren Haynes: Cortez The Killer (Central Park 2003)
Favorite youtube comment(s): I love and appreciate Neil Young. But let’s face it, Warren Haynes and my damn man, Dave Matthews absolutely KILLED this jam.
Love it when Dave looks back at Carter and shakes his head….”He’s bad.” 7:26 What a moment to capture. Musicians and artists jamming….. there just happened to be many many thousands there for the jam session.
Joe Cocker: With A Little Help From My Friends (Woodstock 1969)
Jimi Hendrix: Star Spangled Banner (Woodstock 1969)
Favorite youtube comment(s): He plays “Taps” at 2:53. gets me every time. not only was he condemning the war, but paying respect to the people forced to fight and die. Till valhalla, brothers.
This is still relevant over 45 years later, and for all of time. The most powerful version of the Spangled Banner ever recorded.
Marvin Gaye: Star Spangled Banner (NBA All Star Game 1983)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Man can you believe they held the all star game at a Marvin Gaye concert?!?! The 80’s must have been amazing!!
I think America just got pregnant.
The Rolling Stones: Love In Vain (Texas 1972)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Mick Taylor was the golden days for the Stones.
Best version of this song, blows Robert Johnson’s and Clapton’s away. Stones at their peak. Mick Taylor should be better known. He is the most melodic and fluid guitarist. If angels played guitar, they would sound like Mick Taylor.
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Texas Flood (Live at the El Mocambo 1983)
Favorite youtube comment: I have no words…..other than I’m so glad this was filmed because no one would ever believe it….
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Life Without You (Montreaux 1985)
Favorite youtube comment: He’s soooooo REAL!
Dire Straits: Sultans Of Swing (Alchemy version 1983)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Tell me the solo from 5:36 isn’t the best of all time….I dare you.
2:29, drummer in “the zone”!! Look at the amazed faces of Knopfler and Illsley…
The Faces: I Know (I’m Losing You) (BBC 1971)
Favorite youtube comment: Yes kids, there was a time Rod was really this good.
Wilco: Impossible Germany (Ashes Of American Flags DVD 2009)
Favorite youtube comment: One of the greatest solos of all time.
Wilco: Ashes Of American Flags (Ashes Of American Flags DVD 2009)
Favorite youtube comment: There’s no words really. Americana at it’s best.
My Morning Jacket with Boston Pops Orchestra: Gideon (David Letterman 2006)
Favorite youtube comment: First I was like, huh? Then I was like, wow!
My Morning Jacket: One Big Holiday (Okonokos 2006)
Favorite youtube comment: That is the most epic intro into any song I think I’ve ever heard
Noel Gallagher: Don’t Look Back in Anger (Argentina 2009)
Favorite youtube comment: This crowd is one big reason why people want to become rock stars.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones: Call Me (The Late Show 2014)
Favorite youtube comment: The band plays amazing music and man alive can he sing!!!
Solomon Burke – Don’t Give Up On Me
Favorite youtube comment: Powerful doesn’t EVEN begin to describe this. God, I LOVE youtube mainly because it constantly reminds me that there are people on this planet who truly appreciate music in its purest form + who are kind + generous enough to take the time to share it with the rest of the planet! lol! Thank you SO much for posting.
Tedeschi Trucks Band: Midnight In Harlem
Favorite youtube comment(s): This is how you make 60,000 people feel like they’re in your living room.
Tedeschi Trucks gives hope and promise that there is still good, quality, heartfelt music being made.
Radiohead – Let Down (Hammerstein Ballroom NYC)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Whenever I’m feeling let down, this song lifts me up.
Where is the “I can’t live without this” button on YouTube?
Radiohead: Weird Fishes (Arpeggi) (Later…with Jools Holland 2008)
Favorite youtube comment(s): I love that shot of Jools at 2:04. He’s watched these guys stop by his show for every album since the 90s, evolving each time, and he just looks really proud and happy to experience another masterpiece in person.
I would totally buy a Thom Yorke bobble head.
Radiohead: There There (Glastonbury 2003)
Favorite youtube comment: I think the reaction at 0:16 is probably best described as a ‘suitable’ reaction when balanced with the facts that you are standing fronting one of the best bands in the whole world, looking out to thousands and thousands of fans at the best festival in the world, prepping your hands and throat to play one of the best songs ever written.
REO Speedwagon: Roll With The Changes (Midnight Special)
Favorite youtube comment: This is one of those songs when it comes on the radio, you crank it ALL THE WAY UP
Guided By Voices: Tight Globes (Brooklyn, NY 2002)
Favorite youtube comment: The bottle flip at 2:20+guitar solo=mind explosion
Future Islands: Seasons
Favorite youtube comment: One of the most random and surreal performances I’ve had the fortune of watching.
Yo La Tengo: Blue Line Swinger (1995)
Favorite youtube comment: So… I just felt pretty spectacular for about nine minutes and fifty-five seconds.
J. Geils Band: Must Of Got Lost (11/5/1977 – Winterland)
Favorite youtube comment: One of those truly, truly underrated bands. Totally 70s in all the best ways…especially totally delivering as a live band. Wow. Now I’m going to dive into the entire J Geils Band collection over the next week. Something tells me I’m going to be smiling a whole lot…what a party band:)
Pink Floyd: Echoes (Pompeii Rome 1972)
Favorite youtube comment: My favorite multi part ballad of all time…..Pompeii is the best version ever, bottom line
Glen Campbell and Stevie Wonder: Blowin’ In The Wind (1969)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Two giants. Awesome.
Make sure you watch this to the end. Spectacular and chill-inducing.
Yes: Starship Trooper (1973)
Favorite youtube comment(s): When great bands ruled the world 🙂
Doesn’t get any better than this. Great band all the way roundabout
R.E.M. & Neil Young: Country Feedback (Mountain View, CA 1998)
Favorite youtube comment(s): This is what you call passion in music.
I love how Michael just stands there in silent admiration for about two minutes.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Like A Hurricane (Cow Palace, San Francisco CA 1986)
Favorite youtube comment: Maybe the greatest version
The Strokes: Hard To Explain (Les Eurockeennes Festival 2009)
Favorite youtube comment: Best live version in my opinion
King Crimson: Elephant Talk (Live on Fridays 1981)
Favorite youtube comment(s): This is the first time I’ve seen Fripp smile. What a sight
More a grimace than a smile. Wind, maybe.
Stevie Wonder: Superstition (Sesame Street 1973)
Favorite youtube comment(s): It’s almost criminal for one band to have that much funk.
That kid at the top of the stairs is taking it to a whole new level.
New York Dolls: Personality Crisis (Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert 1974)
Favorite youtube comment: One of the greatest live TV performances ever, thanks for uploading this.
Alabama Shakes: Gimme All Your Love (SNL)
Favorite youtube comment: She’s a star. I’m so pleased to see new music like this coming out.
War: Cisco Kid (Midnight Special 1974)
Favorite youtube comment: One of the best live performances of a song you will ever see. Plus you learn a little geography in the meantime.
Elvis Presley: If I Can Dream (’68 Comeback Special)
Favorite youtube comment(s): A very powerful song with a powerful message. Pure greatness.
That is a one of a kind entertainer and voice.
Jackie Wilson: Baby Workout (1965)
Favorite youtube comment: Jackie had “IT”. He was the complete package…..
Pearl Jam: Alive (SNL ’92)
Favorite youtube comment: I will never forget watching this live as it happened. Afterwards everyone in the room just looked at each other like, ‘What the f**k..? Did you see that?’ It was awesome and a game changer.
Archers Of Loaf: Greatest Of All Time (Iowa City 1998)
Favorite youtube comment: Jesus Christ that was good.
Michael Kiwanukah: Cold Little Heart (Live Session Video 2016)
Favorite youtube comment(s): A song that allows you to lose yourself in it.
Shine on You Cold Little Diamond…. Superb stuff.
The Velvet Underground: Ocean (Live 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: I love the other, more dissonant material too, but what always amazed me about the VU was their sheer beauty…and their sense of moment
Rush: La Villa Strangiato (Pinkpop 1979)
Favorite youtube comment: A guitarist that can play and write a piece like this, never has to prove himself to anyone ever again… E V E R.
Rush: Marathon (A Show Of Hands 1988)
Favorite youtube comment: Bad. Ass.
Pearl Jam: Black (Pinkpop 1992)
Favorite youtube comment: It doesn’t get Eddie Vedder than this.
Pearl Jam: Release (1992)
Favorite youtube comment: Probably the only song that actually makes me tear up every. DAMN. TIME.
Faith No More: Richochet (Conan O’Brian 1995)
Favorite youtube comment: You can tell they made Bordin put on a shirt.
Jane’s Addiction: Just Because (Letterman 2003)
Favorite youtube comment: Wow, Phil from ‘Modern Family’ has an amazing singing voice.
The Who: Won’t Get Fooled Again (Fillmore East 1968)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Jesus Christ! It’s like there are 2 bass players, the greatest front man, the mad genius on guitar…and a pack of hyenas savaging the drums.
I think that no matter what you think about The Who, you’d have to acknowledge that they were the best live rock band ever.
Pearl Jam: The Real Me, Love Reign O’er Me (VHI The Who Rock Honors 2008)
Favorite youtube comment: Pearl Jam should quit and just tour as The Who.
Afghan Whigs: When We Two Parted (Haldern Pop Fest 2012)
Favorite youtube comment: No one has ever allowed me to explore the dark side on my world until Dulli. His lyrics take me there. To those moments. Those memories. Raw. Real. There.
Bob Marley: Redemption Song
Favorite youtube comment(s): He left us 36 years ago today. Legends never die. They outlive life.
I always come back to this one, haunting and beautiful. One of my favorites.
If you don’t like Bob Marley … you’re a horrible person. I guarantee it.
Al Green: Belle (Tokyo July 1978)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Belle, leaving Him, has never really crossed my mind. It’s you that I want but HIm that I need. Love it. Amen. Rev.
The merging of the physical with the spiritual. Sublime.
Blue Oyster Cult: Astronomy (1976)
Favorite youtube comment(s): that guitar solo….absolutely amazing song
Blur: Tender (Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 2016)
Favorite youtube comment: I’ve just sang the whole song…..with them, I felt included in that room. That was crazy
Allman Brothers Band: Melissa
Favorite youtube comment(s): If that isn’t beautiful, I don’t know what is.
Duane is watching this and saying …THATS what I’m talking about. That was an awesome back and forth with Dicky and Warren – two Incredible guitar players. RIP GREG you were one of the best
Led Zeppelin: How Many More Times (Danmarks Radio 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: “I’d like to introduce Led Zeppelin to you.” “Thank you very much.” Indeed…… The rest is history.
The Police: So Lonely (1979)
Favorite youtube comment: Such a shame they couldn’t stand each other.
Ramones: Loudmouth/Listen To My Heart/Blitzkrieg Bop/California Sun (Arturo’s Loft 1975)
Favorite youtube comment(s): If this isn’t in the Smithsonian, it should be.
The thick layer of distortion on everything makes this sound super raw.
M83: Midnight City (Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 2013)
Favorite youtube comment: And like a BOSS at 3:36 in comes the sax man to drive it home
The Waterboys: Fisherman’s Blues
Favorite youtube comment(s): The violin and mandolin playing off of each other is simply brilliant
I think this is right up there with the greatest songs ever written
Richard Thompson: Can’t Win
Favorite youtube comment(s): Watched this again…it’s just spellbindingly unbelievable…only surprised the amps didn’t catch on fire and explode…what a gift to be able to watch…
Well I’ll be selling my guitar after hearing this! You just can’t win.
Bob Mould Band – The Slim (Texas 2012)
Favorite youtube comment: Great upload. Possibly the best song ever written about the AIDS crisis. Copper Blue is one of the all-time great albums of the 90s.
Van Morrison: Into The Mystic (1974)
Favorite youtube comment: I never fail to get chills when this song comes on. Don’t know what it is, the words, the music, it’s just magic.
Joan Armatrading: Down To Zero
Favorite youtube comment: so much soul. i mean, seriously… this shit has feeling… and class
Iggy Pop: The Passenger (1976)
Favorite youtube comment: This is magnificent and pure. Rock. And. Roll.
Roy Orbison – Crying (1988)
Favorite youtube comment: Superhuman vocal. No one can sing as effortlessly as he.
If you are not totally moved by Roy’s singing of this beautiful song, consider yourself dead.
The White Stripes: Icky Thump (Later…with Jools Holland)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Raw. Exactly how rock music should be.
in one word: thisisfuckingamazing
Ten Years After: I’m Going Home (Woodstock 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: one of the seminal performances in rock history
Sly & The Family Stone: I Want To Take You Higher (Woodstock 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: This is pure energy and momentum. Get up and MOVE.
Eva Cassidy: Over the Rainbow (Blues Alley jazz Supper Club in Georgetown, DC, January 3rd, 1996)
Favorite youtube comment: Nobody can listen to this and not start crying. Beautiful.
Fleetwood Mac: I’m So Afraid (The Dance 1997)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Unquestionably one of the best bands there has ever been. And Lindsey Buckingham is one of the most underrated guitarists in history.
This is one of the best guitar solos I have ever heard.
David Bowie: Moonage Daydream (Ziggy Stardust 1972)
Favorite youtube comment: Holy Karmic Crap! That was an orgiastic, space ritual freak out run by two unsurpassed glam-god Rock Overlords. I feel like my DNA was just upgraded. RIP Bowie. Hope you took comfort in the fact that by leaving stuff like this behind you literally made the world a better place.
Black Sabbath: War Pigs (Paris 1970)
Favorite youtube comment: Dammit Bill.. what has that drumset ever done to you?
AC/DC: Riff Raff (Family Jewels 1979)
Favorite youtube comment: Is there any question that AC/DC with Bon Scott was up there with the greatest rock bands of all time.?
AC/DC: Whole Lotta Rosie (1979)
Favorite youtube comment: It’s all about the end of the video when the stage crew guy puts the strap back on the guitar while he’s bustin that guitar solo
Allman Brothers Band with Eric Clapton: Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad (2013)
Favorite youtube comment: Skydog must be smiling down on this. Can just feel it….
The Righteous Brothers: Unchained Melody (1965)
Favorite youtube comment: He never went into that fake falsetto. He sang the top note.
The Walker Brothers: The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore (1965)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Frankie Valli and the Joysey boys first recorded this, and did a really good job. Fahhgetttt about it. The Walker Brothers OWN this one..
Great song, but I think the blonde dude has a rabbit in his pants.
KISS: Black Diamond (Midnight Special 1975)
Favorite youtube comment: This band is a legend like it or not.
B52’s: Rock Lobster (1978)
Favorite youtube comment: I remember hearing this song for the first time around 1980 and it was so fresh like nothing else I had heard and still sounds like that now …
The Who: We’re Not Gonna Take It (Isle Of Wight 1970)
Favorite youtube comment: When you hear the studio version of this song you appreciate how awesome the Who were as a live band – they take your favorite song and make it louder, harder, and longer just like you’d hope they would. And the band look like they are as carried away by the music as the audience. Imagine what it would be like to be there, 20 years old and a few beers deep…
The Who: Sparks (Woodstock 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: There are a lot of great live moments in rock n roll history. This was one of them.
Faith No More: Midlife Crisis (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno January 13, 1993)
Favorite youtube comment: And never again, was there a performance this good on Leno
Link Wray: Rumble (Winterland 1974)
Favorite youtube comment(s): He was cool before cool was cool.
He literally came to kick ass and chew bubble gum.
Otis Redding (with Eric Burdon and Chris Farlowe): Shake (Ready Steady Go Sept 16, 1966)
Favorite youtube comment: Fantastic footage Eric is in awe of Otis, Chris can barely keep up and the girl (White) whose name I have forgotten but was well known for her dancing and had a song too, was great. Otis really on form you can really feel the atmosphere here and the fans (Mods?) mixing and dancing with their heroes who are not so stuffy that they require a huge barrier between their fans. Wow back in the day
Al Green: A Change is Gonna Come
Favorite youtube comment: The Emotion is raw so pure WOW
Hall & Oates: She’s Gone (1976)
Favorite youtube comment: This is still one of the best live performances you’ll find anywhere on YT and the way Daryl can manipulate his incredible vocal range with such ease is just ridiculous.
Eton John: Burn Down The Mission (BBC 1970)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Brilliant talent Oh how I miss the days when talent just pure raw talent was everywhere…45 years ago and it sounds so damn fresh …
Roxy Music: Jealous Guy (December 9, 1980)
Favorite youtube comment: Oh god, he’s crying.
Ike and Tina Turner: Proud Mary (Italian TV 1971)
Favorite youtube comment: My favorite part? The little smile she gives just before it goes up tempo. As if she’s thinking, “Italy–I am just about to kick. Your. Ass.”
Deep Purple: Highway Star (Beat Club)
Favorite youtube comment: Blackmore is an extraordinary guitarist and his hat is f**king awesome
Cheap Trick: Surrender (Midnight Special)
Favorite youtube comment(s): That guy from accounting can really play the drums. Wow.
Bun E…..drummin’ and smokin’
Jeff Beck: Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers (Live at Ronnie Scott’s 2007)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Pure Genius! Jeff is still the BEST! Tal on bass is quite awesome, don’t ya think?
There are two kinds of guitarists. Jeff Beck…and everybody else.
David Bowie and Annie Lennox: Under Pressure (Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert April 20, 1992)
Favorite youtube comment: Did anyone ever look cooler in mint green???
Todd Rundgren: The Last Ride (1978)
Favorite youtube comment: woooooowww!!!! this is amazing. this man is very very talented. my gosh such incredible music. Spiritual, organic, full of heart. wow I can’t even put into words. he can sing that good, play guitar that good and even play piano on top of it??? incredible simply incredible
BB King & Gary Moore: The Thrill Is Gone
Favorite youtube comment: If you consider yourself a guitarist, no matter what kind of music you’re into, when they start having a conversation with their guitars, if that doesn’t bring a stupid looking smile on your face, you should leave the guitar and never look back at it!
Traffic – The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys (1972)
Favorite youtube comment: Does magic like this still happen?
Rainbow: Kill the King (Live in Munich 1977)
Favorite youtube comment: Great song and all parts you want in a song. Cozy on Drums. Ronnie on vocals (RIP lovely man, we miss you). Ritchie on guitar … superb and made my Friday evening watching this
Pink Floyd: Comfortably Numb (Pulse 1994)
Favorite youtube comment: Guitars want David Gilmour for Christmas
Janelle Monae: Tightrope (Late Show with David Letterman 5/18/2010)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Just like the title says HIGH QUALITY!
This is literally how she became famous. After debuting on tv, everyone was like WATT
Portishead: Roads (Roseland Ballroom, New York City July 24, 1997)
Favorite youtube comment: I’ve heard this song 1 million times and still, it gives me the chills each time I listen to it.
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Don’t Forget Me (Slane Castle, Ireland August 23, 2003 )
Favorite youtube comment: that last solo man…
Dire Straits – Tunnel Of Love (Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC Two, UK – 11/29/1980)
Favorite youtube comment(s): This song will bring a tear to the stoniest of hearts…
NOW THATS MUSIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
U2: All I Want Is You/Where The Streets Have No Name (Slane Castle, Ireland
Favorite youtube comment: I’m 18 and honestly, almost ALL of what U2 released before I was born was better than anything by anyone in my lifetime.
Alice In Chains: Nutshell (MTV Unplugged 1996)
Favorite youtube comment: He’s done here… That’s what makes this all the more powerful…
Nirvana: Jesus Don’t Want Me For A Sunbeam (Unplugged in New York 1994)
Favorite youtube comment: Absolutely brilliant. By any standard of music.
Mahavishnu Orchestra: Meeting Of The Spirits/You Know You Know (Live at the BBC 1972)
Favorite youtube comment: Probably the best jazz-rock band, ever!!!
Small Faces: Tin Soldier (French TV (Bouton Rouge program) March 2 1968)
Favorite youtube comment: Sod “the moves by Jagger” – get the Moves Like Marriott!!
Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4 (Tanglewood 7/21/1970)
Favorite youtube comment: Definitely my favorite version of my favorite Chicago song….as stated by everyone incredible Terry Kath on guitar
David Rawlings and Gillian Welch: Method Acting/Cortez The Killer
Favorite youtube comment: amazing voices and some of the saddest (in a good way) guitar playing I’ve heard
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with Tom Morello: Ghost Of Tom Joad (MSG NYC 2009)
Favorite youtube comment: These guys got enough energy to power a small city!
Dick Dale: Misirlou (1995)
Favorite youtube comment: Children, respect your Motherf**king elders!
Howlin’ Wolf: How Many More Years (1965)
Favorite youtube comment(s): The way this guy sings. Each word hits you like a train.
That’s not a man, that’s a force of nature!
AC/DC: Sin City (1978)
Favorite youtube comment: Love it. Bon at his best! But when wasn’t he I guess.
Paul McCartney & Wings: Beware My Love (1976)
Favorite youtube comment: I was fortunate to see the “Wings Over America Tour” at the fabulous Forum in LA…To this day one of my most memorable concerts, This song ” Beware My Love” was certainly one of the highlights of the show, Paul’s vocals are second to none.
Eric Clapton: Groaning The Blues
Favorite youtube comment: He shreds the blues
Elton John: Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1976)
Favorite youtube comment: Of all of Elton’s songs, and there are some wonderful ones, this one just rips your guts out every single time. Magnificent.
Blind Faith: Presence Of The Lord (London’s Hyde Park 1969)
Favorite youtube comment: I think they had to be in the presence of The Lord that day! The sun was shining (Hyde park no less), everyone was enjoying themselves, no violence and unmatched music. Every time I watch this I just want to cry……and long to go back in time.
B.B. King: How Blue Can You Get?
Favorite youtube comment: Never came across this before, What a great piece of footage. The TV execs should pay more interest in this type of media instead of spending billions putting vacuous bimbos and shitheads into jungles for our ‘entertainment’ and begin investing to educate young players worldwide who would learn so much from amazing ‘lost’ clips such as this and greats such as Mr King.
Favorite youtube comment: Man those hippies could jam !!!!
The Beach Boys: Forever (Central Park 1971)
Favorite youtube comment: Denny and Carl sound magical together, well done Dennis for writing and performing this beautiful song – and Carl’s backing vocals send shivers down my spine.
Southside Johnny with Bruce Springsteen: Havin’ A Party (1978)
Favorite youtube comment: now that’s a party
Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck: People Get Ready
Favorite youtube comment: Playing guitar since1985. My guitar doesn’t have those notes
Favorite youtube comment: I love his dark aura. That mysterious, eerie sound. It’s so beautiful. Like a trance.
Tom Waits: I’ve Been Changed
Favorite youtube comment: One of the great thing about getting older is discovering and understanding the brilliance of Tom Waits.
Hawkwind: Silver Machine
Favorite youtube comment: That inaudible flute was a nice touch.
The Beatles: Hey Jude (1968)
Favorite youtube comment: Paul.”Hey guys, anyone got any ideas how we end this bloody song?”
John: “Nah….”
George: “Nah”
Ringo: “Nah nah na na nahhhh……”
The Band: Don’t Do It (NYC 1971)
Favorite youtube comment: Supernatural talent + way cool beards = The Band
Led Zeppelin: Ten Years Gone (Knebworth 1979)
Favorite youtube comment(s): Sound quality is weak, but the performance is amazing. This is Zeppelin when they are “falling apart”?
JPJ is a monster! playing the bass section with his feet while playing a 3 neck guitar!
Leon Russell: Stranger In A Strange Land
Favorite youtube comment: Great track, love the backing singers, they make it for me. Leon wrote some of the best songs of that time.
Nine Inch Nails: March Of The Pigs
Favorite youtube comment: Best stage dive ever
Bill Withers: Use Me (1972)
Favorite youtube comment: The cat on the drums… that is the kind of cool that you can’t buy in a store. He just has it.
Parliament: Mothership Connection (Star Child) 1976
Favorite youtube comment: Man, the Old Spice I got on ain’t powerful enough to cover up this funk
Mahavishnu Orchestra: One Word (1973)
Favorite youtube comment: As a young musician and still in high school in 1974, this is one of the bands that not only made my jaw drop, but turned me around 180 deg. musically!
The Outlaws: Stick Around for Rock and Roll
Favorite youtube comment: Please Welcome The Florida Guitar Army The Outlaws
Traffic: Dear Mr. Fantasy (1972)
Favorite youtube comment: I grew up on this, the thing that’s so striking to me is how talent carried the day…I feel clean after listening to this stuff.
Deep Purple: Strange Kind Of Woman (1973)
Favorite youtube comment: Every member of this band is f**king great on their own but together, they are one of the most underrated hard rock bands of the time!
Pete Townshend with David Gilmour: Give Blood
Favorite youtube comment: Somebody call the cops, I think those drums got murdered
Roy Buchanan: Hey Joe (Live From Austin Texas 1976)
Favorite youtube comment: My Telecaster doesn’t sound like this. Have to return it.
Cream: I’m So Glad (1968 Farewell Concert)
Favorite youtube comment: Wow, now when I read people on other video comments threads saying how Clapton sucks, that he is boring etc. I’ll just point them to watch this version of ‘I’m So Glad’ so they can see why and how Clapton received the ‘Clapton Is God’ moniker.
Favorite youtube comment: Always brings a tear. Two bonafide legends. That big smile on Phillo said it all. R.I.P. 2 masters of the game.
Favorite youtube comment: BJ’s drumming here is outstanding
Mountain: Don’t Look Around (Beat Club June 1971)
Favorite youtube comment: Fantastic—Stills wasn’t gonna let Mr Jones steal the show
Beggars Opera: Raymond’s Road
Mdou Moctar: Tarhatazed (Live on KEXP May 25, 2018)
Favorite youtube comment: Wonder what Leo Fender would think if he could see his creation being used like this
The Killers: When You Were Young (Live from the Royal Albert Hall)
Favorite youtube comment: Dear everyone in music, THIS is how it’s done.
Block Party: Luno
Favorite youtube comment: Matt Tong is the best drummer ever.
Albert King: Blues Power (9/23/70 Fillmore East)
Favorite youtube comment: make no mistake……..this is the KING of the kings.
Buddy Rich: Incredible Tonight Show Drum Solos
Favorite youtube comment: Always a must see on Johnny Carson. Looking back I didn’t realize how good we had it. My fav drummer of all time.
Buddy Rick – Gene Krupa – Sammy Davis Jr. – The Drum Battle
Favorite youtube comment: This was 50 years ago. The two greatest drummers who set the bar and standards for all others. The speed, power and technique of Buddy Rich and the feel and showmanship of Gene Krupa. The Godfathers of drummers.
Pavement – For Sale! The Preston School Of Industry
Favorite youtube comment: Oh man soooo good. They really should’ve recorded it though, would’ve been an easy favorite! I guess not recording one of their best songs is something Pavement would do though.
Scott's Music Writings 