Due to COVID-19, many venues have closed their doors, meaning that the world misses out on live music from all genres. Luckily in the streaming era, we have an ever growing list of live performances recorded and posted onto the internet for free.
Here’s some of the live performances we think you should check out whilst in quarantine.
Oasis – Maine Road – 1996
Who knows what’s going on with Oasis these days – the last thing I saw of Liam Gallagher was him washing his hands with a bucket hat on. Anyway. This hometown performance at Maine Road was at the height of Britpop; I was too busy not being born to attend. The boys headlined the stadium for back to back nights and played a whole range of crowd favourites including Supersonic, Champagne Supernova, and of course, Wonderwall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCpsLJMlMC0
Arctic Monkeys – Glastonbury – 2013
Recent reports have shown that Arctic Monkeys are planning to play some homecoming shows in Sheffield in 2021 and whilst I figure out how to build a time machine to get there, I’ll be playing this iconic performance from Glastonbury in the background with a handful of pomade in my hair. Includes classics such as Cornerstone, I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and Do I wanna Know?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exKdRzCh8P0
Queen – Budapest – 1986
Queen has recently made a slight comeback into the mainstream due to the release of 20th Century Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018. The film starring Rami Malek as the iconic frontman inspired a resurgence of Queen on the airwaves and for that, I am grateful. Not only is this concert one of Queen’s best but the quality is absolutely unbelievable. Relive the height of Queen’s popularity in stunning 4K.
David Bowie – Glastonbury – 2000
Does it get more iconic than Bowie? This legendary performance from Glastonbury is regarded as one of the best and just watching it, it’s obvious to see why. Performing bangers such as Life On Mars? and Ashes To Ashes back to back with other fan favourites such as Starman and Ziggy Stardust to end the set. Bowie reminds us why he such an iconic performer and a staple in music history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZWk_dCFBAQ
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Radiohead – Glastonbury – 1997
There’s a plethora of Radiohead performances to choose from here but given the fact OK Computer had released just two weeks prior, I thought this one was the most important. Guitarist Ed O’Brian described the set as ‘a form of hell’ due to many mistakes and technical errors. However the performance still remains iconic to Radiohead fans. Giving powerful performances of songs such as Paranoid Android and Karma Police, some deep cuts such as Talk Show Host, and even Creep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15kZdLaIU7I
Beyonce – Glastonbury – 2011
This headline slot obviously meant a lot to Beyonce and that’s a surprising sentence when discussing the biggest R&B artist in the world. Queen B exclaimed ‘You are witnessing a dream! I always wanted to be a rock star!’ and that night she was. The setlist was insane! When you open with Crazy in Love and Single Ladies, you know you’re in for a treat. A few covers of Prince and Kings of Leon (weird?) followed by a Destiny’s Child Medley and Halo to finish – nuts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnhT5sZnvXM
The Rolling Stones – Austin, TX – 2006
The Rolling Stones has been a notorious touring machine since its conception and it’s not surprising to see them rocking out in their geriatric age. The band still sounds and performs exceptionally well which you can see from this set in Austin, TX just 14 years ago. Opening with You Got Me Rocking and ending with (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Brown Sugar – what more do you want?
Muse – Wembley Stadium – 2007
I remember seeing the news that Muse were going to be the first band to play the newly built Wembley Stadium in 2007 and being very excited. Unfortunately I couldn’t be there myself but the band luckily filmed one of the two nights for DVD release. The setlist is packed with bangers, with the band opening with the iconic Knights Of Cydonia – a usual set closer. Other tracks include Starlight, Time is Running Out and Supermassive Black Hole.
Gorillaz – Rock Werchter – 2018
Rock Werchter 2018 was insane with headliners including Gorillaz, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Killers, Pearl Jam, and London Grammar. Gorillaz is the set we’re highlighting here. Why? Because it’s stuffed full of iconic bangers and fantastic performances throughout. It’s always a joy to see Gorillaz perform live. Setlist includes the likes of Melancholy Hill, Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc and Clint Eastwood.
Nirvana – Paramount Theatre – 1991
A band that needs no introduction. This performance demonstrates how brilliant the grunge era really was and most importantly, how brilliant Nirvana really were. Kurt Cobayn voice wails out iconic tracks such as Smells Like Teen Spirit, Breed, Drain You and Lithium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9zJGF9sqL8
These performances are available to stream on Youtube on all devices, so why not get one up on the big screen and imagine you’re there to fill that live music itch.
