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Top 100 Most Famous Concerts in History

"Unforgettable performances that shaped the music world."

Throughout history, certain concerts have transcended the realm of mere entertainment, becoming legendary moments that defined music and culture. These events brought together massive audiences, featured groundbreaking performances, and left an indelible mark on the world. This list explores the top 100 most famous concerts in history, showcasing the incredible power of live music.

Topics

Overview

  • Title: "The Greatest Concerts: Moments That Defined Music"
  • Subtitle: "Iconic Performances That Changed the World"
  • Tagline: "Unforgettable performances that shaped the music world."
  • Description: "A curated list of the 100 most famous concerts that left an enduring legacy in the world of music. From massive festivals to intimate performances, these concerts have become the stuff of legend."
  • Keywords: Concerts, Live Music, Famous Performances, Music History, Iconic Shows, Legendary Events, Festivals, Historic Gigs

Cheat

# The Greatest Concerts
- Iconic Performances That Changed the World
- Unforgettable performances that shaped the music world.
- 5 Topics

## Topics
- Woodstock: Festival, Counterculture, Peace, 1969, Historic
- Live Aid: Charity, Global, 1985, Superstars, Impact
- The Beatles Rooftop Concert: Final, Iconic, 1969, Beatles, Spontaneous
- Queen at Wembley: Legendary, 1986, Freddie Mercury, Live Aid, Epic
- The Rolling Stones at Altamont: Infamous, 1969, Tragedy, Rock, Free Concert

Topic 1: "Woodstock"

"Three Days of Peace and Music."

Woodstock is perhaps the most famous music festival of all time, symbolizing the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Held in August 1969, the festival featured legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and many others. It attracted over 400,000 people and became a symbol of peace and music, despite the challenges posed by weather and logistical issues. Woodstock's legacy endures as a defining moment in music and cultural history.

  1. Jimi Hendrix's "Star-Spangled Banner"
  2. The Who's explosive set
  3. Janis Joplin's soulful performance
  4. Joe Cocker's iconic rendition of "With a Little Help from My Friends"
  5. Santana's career-making set
  6. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's debut
  7. Sly and the Family Stone's electric performance
  8. Jefferson Airplane's dawn set
  9. Richie Havens opening the festival
  10. Grateful Dead's late-night jam
  11. Arlo Guthrie's folk storytelling
  12. Country Joe and the Fish's "Fixin' to Die Rag"
  13. Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home"
  14. Blood, Sweat & Tears' jazz-rock fusion
  15. Joan Baez's protest songs
  16. Canned Heat's boogie rock
  17. The Band's rootsy set
  18. Sha Na Na's retro rock performance
  19. The Incredible String Band's psychedelic folk
  20. Johnny Winter's blues rock

Topic 2: "Live Aid"

"The Day the Music Changed the World."

Live Aid, held on July 13, 1985, was a global concert aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the event took place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, with performances broadcast live to an estimated 1.9 billion people across 150 nations. The concert is remembered for its star-studded lineup and its impact on charity events worldwide.

  1. Queen's legendary performance at Wembley
  2. U2's unforgettable set
  3. Led Zeppelin's reunion
  4. David Bowie's emotional "Heroes"
  5. The Who's powerful performance
  6. Elton John and George Michael's duet
  7. Paul McCartney's "Let It Be"
  8. Mick Jagger and Tina Turner's dynamic duet
  9. Phil Collins' transatlantic performance
  10. Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood's collaboration
  11. Eric Clapton's guitar heroics
  12. Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing"
  13. Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill"
  14. Madonna's early hits
  15. The Beach Boys' sunny set
  16. Hall & Oates' soulful performance
  17. Sting and Phil Collins' "Every Breath You Take"
  18. Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)"
  19. Sade's smooth set
  20. Black Sabbath's reunion

Topic 3: "The Beatles Rooftop Concert"

"The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."

On January 30, 1969, The Beatles performed their final public concert on the rooftop of Apple Corps' headquarters at 3 Savile Row in London. The impromptu performance, which lasted 42 minutes, was part of the band's "Let It Be" film project. The concert, which featured songs like "Get Back," "Don't Let Me Down," and "I've Got a Feeling," was abruptly ended by the police. It remains one of the most iconic moments in music history, symbolizing the end of an era for the band.

  1. "Get Back"
  2. "Don't Let Me Down"
  3. "I've Got a Feeling"
  4. "One After 909"
  5. "Dig a Pony"
  6. "God Save the Queen" impromptu jam
  7. Rooftop banter between takes
  8. The surprise of passersby
  9. The crowd gathering in the streets
  10. The police intervention
  11. The final moments of "Get Back"
  12. The reaction of neighboring buildings
  13. The documentary filming
  14. The symbolism of the rooftop setting
  15. The Beatles' chemistry on display
  16. John Lennon's humor during the set
  17. The band's casual attire
  18. The spontaneous nature of the event
  19. The contrast with previous concerts
  20. The lasting legacy of the performance

Topic 4: "Queen at Wembley"

"The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"

Queen's performance at Wembley Stadium during the "Magic Tour" on July 12, 1986, is often hailed as one of the greatest live performances in rock history. Freddie Mercury's charisma and the band's energy captivated the audience of 72,000 people. This concert, which featured hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," and "We Will Rock You," solidified Queen's place as one of the greatest live bands of all time.

  1. "Bohemian Rhapsody"
  2. "Radio Ga Ga"
  3. "We Will Rock You"
  4. "We Are the Champions"
  5. "Under Pressure"
  6. "I Want to Break Free"
  7. "Who Wants to Live Forever"
  8. "Hammer to Fall"
  9. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
  10. "Another One Bites the Dust"
  11. "Love of My Life"
  12. "A Kind of Magic"
  13. "Is This the World We Created...?"
  14. "Brighton Rock"
  15. "Tie Your Mother Down"
  16. "In the Lap of the Gods"
  17. "Now I'm Here"
  18. Freddie Mercury's iconic crowd interaction
  19. The stadium sing-alongs
  20. The emotional atmosphere

Topic 5: "The Rolling Stones at Altamont"

"The Concert That Changed Everything."

The Rolling Stones' free concert at Altamont Speedway in Northern California on December 6, 1969, is infamous for the violence that erupted during the event, culminating in the death of a fan. Initially intended to be the West Coast version of Woodstock, the concert instead became a symbol of the darker side of the 1960s. Despite the chaos, the performances by The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, and others remain significant moments in rock history.

  1. The Rolling Stones' performance of "Sympathy for the Devil"
  2. The Hells Angels' controversial security role
  3. The tragic death of Meredith Hunter
  4. The tense atmosphere during "Under My Thumb"
  5. Jefferson Airplane's set disrupted by violence
  6. Santana's early performance
  7. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's set
  8. The Grateful Dead's decision to not perform
  9. The iconic footage captured in "Gimme Shelter"
  10. The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar"
  11. The chaos during "Street Fighting Man"
  12. The countercultural significance of the event
  13. The aftermath and impact on future concerts
  14. The crowd of 300,000 people
  15. The unorganized nature of the event
  16. The Rolling Stones' arrival by helicopter
  17. The chilling end to the 1960s
  18. The media coverage of the violence
  19. The contrast with Woodstock
  20. The legacy of the concert

Top 100 List

  1. Jimi Hendrix's "Star-Spangled Banner" (Woodstock)
  2. Queen's legendary performance at Wembley (Live Aid)
  3. "Get Back" (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  4. "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen at Wembley)
  5. The Rolling Stones' performance of "Sympathy for the Devil" (Altamont)
  6. U2's unforgettable set (Live Aid)
  7. The Who's explosive set (Woodstock)
  8. The Hells Angels' controversial security role (Altamont)
  9. Janis Joplin's soulful performance (Woodstock)
  10. David Bowie's emotional "Heroes" (Live Aid)
  11. The police intervention (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  12. "We Will Rock You" (Queen at Wembley)
  13. Led Zeppelin's reunion (Live Aid)
  14. The tense atmosphere during "Under My Thumb" (Altamont)
  15. The Who's powerful performance (Live Aid)
  16. Joe Cocker's iconic rendition of "With a Little Help from My Friends" (Woodstock)
  17. Santana's career-making set (Woodstock)
  18. Jefferson Airplane's set disrupted by violence (Altamont)
  19. Paul McCartney's "Let It Be" (Live Aid)
  20. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's debut (Woodstock)
  21. Freddie Mercury's iconic crowd interaction (Queen at Wembley)
  22. John Lennon's humor during the set (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  23. Mick Jagger and Tina Turner's dynamic duet (Live Aid)
  24. The surprise of passersby (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  25. Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood's collaboration (Live Aid)
  26. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's set (Altamont)
  27. Sly and the Family Stone's electric performance (Woodstock)
  28. Elton John and George Michael's duet (Live Aid)
  29. The chaotic nature of the Altamont event (Altamont)
  30. Phil Collins' transatlantic performance (Live Aid)
  31. Grateful Dead's late-night jam (Woodstock)
  32. The police's unexpected intervention (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  33. The Rolling Stones' arrival by helicopter (Altamont)
  34. Arlo Guthrie's folk storytelling (Woodstock)
  35. Eric Clapton's guitar heroics (Live Aid)
  36. The final moments of "Get Back" (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  37. Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" (Live Aid)
  38. Santana's early performance (Altamont)
  39. Country Joe and the Fish's "Fixin' to Die Rag" (Woodstock)
  40. Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill" (Live Aid)
  41. Johnny Winter's blues rock (Woodstock)
  42. The Grateful Dead's decision not to perform (Altamont)
  43. Madonna's early hits (Live Aid)
  44. The Beatles' casual attire (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  45. The Band's rootsy set (Woodstock)
  46. The crowd gathering in the streets (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  47. The Beach Boys' sunny set (Live Aid)
  48. Phil Collins' solo set (Live Aid)
  49. Hall & Oates' soulful performance (Live Aid)
  50. Joan Baez's protest songs (Woodstock)
  51. Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (Live Aid)
  52. The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" (Altamont)
  53. The Beatles' rooftop banter (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  54. Sting and Phil Collins' "Every Breath You Take" (Live Aid)
  55. Canned Heat's boogie rock (Woodstock)
  56. Sade's smooth set (Live Aid)
  57. The contrast with Woodstock (Altamont)
  58. The reaction of neighboring buildings (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  59. Black Sabbath's reunion (Live Aid)
  60. Blood, Sweat & Tears' jazz-rock fusion (Woodstock)
  61. The documentary filming (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  62. Sha Na Na's retro rock performance (Woodstock)
  63. The Incredible String Band's psychedelic folk (Woodstock)
  64. The media coverage of the violence (Altamont)
  65. The legacy of Altamont (Altamont)
  66. The symbolism of the rooftop setting (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  67. Johnny Winter's guitar mastery (Woodstock)
  68. The Hells Angels' controversial involvement (Altamont)
  69. Richie Havens opening the festival (Woodstock)
  70. The spontaneous nature of the Beatles' concert (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  71. The aftermath and impact on future concerts (Altamont)
  72. The lasting legacy of the Beatles' performance (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  73. The contrast between Altamont and Woodstock (Altamont)
  74. Queen's "Hammer to Fall" (Queen at Wembley)
  75. The Rolling Stones' chaotic set (Altamont)
  76. The emotional atmosphere at Queen's concert (Queen at Wembley)
  77. The Beatles' chemistry on display (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  78. The chilling end to the 1960s (Altamont)
  79. The final Beatles public performance (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  80. Queen's "Under Pressure" (Queen at Wembley)
  81. The Beatles' interaction with the crowd (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  82. The spontaneity of the Beatles' concert (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  83. "A Kind of Magic" (Queen at Wembley)
  84. Queen's sing-along with the crowd (Queen at Wembley)
  85. The crowd's reaction at Altamont (Altamont)
  86. The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" (Altamont)
  87. Queen's performance of "We Are the Champions" (Queen at Wembley)
  88. "Is This the World We Created...?" (Queen at Wembley)
  89. The rooftop concert's iconic location (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  90. The impromptu nature of the Beatles' concert (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  91. "Now I'm Here" (Queen at Wembley)
  92. The Beatles' "God Save the Queen" jam (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  93. Queen's "Brighton Rock" guitar solo (Queen at Wembley)
  94. The Beatles' rooftop harmonies (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  95. Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen at Wembley)
  96. The contrast of the Beatles' rooftop concert with previous performances (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  97. "Tie Your Mother Down" (Queen at Wembley)
  98. "Love of My Life" (Queen at Wembley)
  99. The rooftop concert's sudden end (The Beatles Rooftop Concert)
  100. "In the Lap of the Gods" (Queen at Wembley)

Top 100 Table

Rank Name Topic Tagline
1 Jimi Hendrix's "Star-Spangled Banner" Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
2 Queen's legendary performance at Wembley Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
3 "Get Back" The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
4 "Bohemian Rhapsody" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
5 The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
6 U2's unforgettable set Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
7 The Who's explosive set Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
8 The Hells Angels' controversial security role Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
9 Janis Joplin's soulful performance Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
10 David Bowie's emotional "Heroes" Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
11 The police intervention The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
12 "We Will Rock You" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
13 Led Zeppelin's reunion Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
14 The tense atmosphere during "Under My Thumb" Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
15 The Who's powerful performance Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
16 Joe Cocker's iconic rendition Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
17 Santana's career-making set Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
18 Jefferson Airplane's set disrupted by violence Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
19 Paul McCartney's "Let It Be" Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
20 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's debut Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
21 Freddie Mercury's iconic crowd interaction Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
22 John Lennon's humor during the set The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
23 Mick Jagger and Tina Turner's duet Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
24 The surprise of passersby The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
25 Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood's collab Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
26 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's set Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
27 Sly and the Family Stone's performance Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
28 Elton John and George Michael's duet Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
29 The chaotic nature of the Altamont event Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
30 Phil Collins' transatlantic performance Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
31 Grateful Dead's late-night jam Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
32 The police's unexpected intervention The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
33 The Rolling Stones' arrival by helicopter Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
34 Arlo Guthrie's folk storytelling Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
35 Eric Clapton's guitar heroics Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
36 The final moments of "Get Back" The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
37 Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
38 Santana's early performance Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
39 Country Joe and the Fish's protest songs Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
40 Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill" Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
41 Johnny Winter's blues rock Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
42 The Grateful Dead's decision not to perform Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
43 Madonna's early hits Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
44 The Beatles' casual attire The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
45 The Band's rootsy set Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
46 The crowd gathering in the streets The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
47 The Beach Boys' sunny set Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
48 Phil Collins' solo set Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
49 Hall & Oates' soulful performance Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
50 Joan Baez's protest songs Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
51 Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
52 The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
53 The Beatles' rooftop banter The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
54 Sting and Phil Collins' duet Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
55 Canned Heat's boogie rock Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
56 Sade's smooth set Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
57 The contrast with Woodstock Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
58 The reaction of neighboring buildings The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
59 Black Sabbath's reunion Live Aid "The Day the Music Changed the World."
60 Blood, Sweat & Tears' jazz-rock fusion Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
61 The documentary filming The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
62 Sha Na Na's retro rock performance Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
63 The Incredible String Band's folk set Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
64 The media coverage of the violence Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
65 The legacy of Altamont Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
66 The symbolism of the rooftop setting The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
67 Johnny Winter's guitar mastery Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
68 The Hells Angels' controversial involvement Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
69 Richie Havens opening the festival Woodstock "Three Days of Peace and Music."
70 The spontaneous nature of the concert The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
71 The aftermath and impact on future concerts Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
72 The lasting legacy of the performance The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
73 The contrast between Altamont and Woodstock Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
74 Queen's "Hammer to Fall" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
75 The Rolling Stones' chaotic set Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
76 The emotional atmosphere at Queen's concert Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
77 The Beatles' chemistry on display The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
78 The chilling end to the 1960s Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
79 The final Beatles public performance The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
80 Queen's "Under Pressure" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
81 The Beatles' interaction with the crowd The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
82 The spontaneity of the Beatles' concert The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
83 "A Kind of Magic" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
84 Queen's sing-along with the crowd Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
85 The crowd's reaction at Altamont Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
86 The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" Altamont "The Concert That Changed Everything."
87 Queen's "We Are the Champions" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
88 "Is This the World We Created...?" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
89 The rooftop concert's iconic location The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
90 The impromptu nature of the concert The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
91 "Now I'm Here" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
92 The Beatles' "God Save the Queen" jam The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
93 Queen's "Brighton Rock" guitar solo Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
94 The Beatles' rooftop harmonies The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
95 Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
96 The contrast of the rooftop concert with previous performances The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
97 "Tie Your Mother Down" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
98 "Love of My Life" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"
99 The rooftop concert's sudden end The Beatles Rooftop Concert "The Final Public Performance of The Beatles."
100 "In the Lap of the Gods" Queen at Wembley "The Greatest Live Performance Ever?"

Conclusion

These concerts have become touchstones in music history, representing not only the pinnacle of live performance but also moments of cultural significance. From the peace and love of Woodstock to the tragic events of Altamont, these concerts shaped the world of music and left a legacy that continues to inspire artists and fans alike.