The 25 best live albums of all time (2024)

James Brown

The legendary Brown self-financed the recording at the famed Harlem theatre. Brown's first of many live albums was a massive hit and quickly introduced his sound and musical style to the masses. It was also one of the first examples that an album of live recordings can be successful without any new material. Then again, who wouldn't want to hear "I'll Go Crazy" at its raw best?

B.B. King

Taken from the great King's show at Chicago's Regal Theater in late 1964, this might be the greatest live blues recording of all time. There are only 10 songs on the album, but that's more than enough to savor King's musical mastery of the guitar. Thanks to cuts such as "Sweet Little Angel" and "How Blue Can You Get," the likes of Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana consider this album a major influence on their guitar stylings.

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Perhaps the most recognized live album on this list. It was sort of a dream for the once-rebellious Cash to play a show at a prison following the success of his hit "Folsom Prison Blues." That all became a reality at this California correctional facility in January 1968. Cash also got a little help from his love June Carter on a record that might be the heart of his musical legacy.

Grateful Dead

The first of two Grateful Dead live recordings that we'll highlight. This was the band's first live record and remains a go-to for those who never had the chance to see it in concert with the classic lineup. In its original form on vinyl, there were just seven songs. Of course, that included a 23-plus-minute version of "Dark Star" and 15 minutes of the special "Turn On Your Love Light."

Rolling Stones

Back when it came out, legendary Rolling Stonecritic Lester Bangs wrote: "I have no doubt that it's the best rock concert ever put on record." As time has told, it remains up there, though maybe not at the pinnacle. Still, it's the Stones at their stripped-down best, especially on classic hits like "Sympathy for the Devil" and"Street Fighting Man."

The Who

Tommy came out in 1969, and Live at Leeds came one year later. Not a bad back-to-back combination. The Who is truly at their best on this sensational live effort from Leeds University. With more than 30 songs to enjoy, it's time well spent with one of the greatest rock bands of all time. "Pinball Wizard," "Summertime Blues," and "My Generation"are just a few of the highlights.

Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul was a big fan of live recordings. And why not? We can't get enough of that voice and musical passion. This album, recorded at San Francisco's famed music hall, is easy to place at the top of the list of her live efforts. From the legendary "Respect"to "Reach Out and Touch," any new fans of soul music or Franklin herself should start here.

Allman Brothers

From one Fillmore with Aretha on the West Coast to the other in New York City with one of the great rock bands ever assembled. That's where we visit the Allman Brothers for perhaps the defining moment of the band's legacy. What truly stands out about this record is how good a group of musicians they were. The nearly 23-minute version of "Whipping Post" is worth the time.

Deep Purple

Deep Purple was always considered a strong live band. The operatic voice of Ian Gillan was made for the stage. His vocal chops are showcased on the famed live double album. The songs are long, but in the 1970s, bands often focused on musicianship and showmanship on stage. That's the case here with Deep Purple gems like "The Mule" and "Space Truckin'."

Grateful Dead

Back in the day, those who purchased this Dead staple got three albums worth of Jerry Garcia and the gang. While the Grateful Dead will always be tagged a "jam band," what we hear on Europe '72 is a more polished, condensed example of why it's truly one of the great live bands. While hits like "Truckin'" and "Sugar Magnolia" are there to enjoy, "Ramble on Rose" might be the best of the litter.

Kiss

This album turned Kiss from a popular campy act to outright superstars. It brought the music to life and set the stage for Kiss to become one of the greatest live bands of all time. On vinyl, songs like "Strutter," Deuce," "Nothin' to Lose," and "Rock and Roll All Nite" were serviceable, but they were raunchy and powerful in this environment.Alive II, from 1977, should get some honorable mention love, too.

Peter Frampton

As Wayne and Garth said, if you lived in the suburbs during the 1970s, you were issued this album. It's the record that turned the English rocker into a universal star, thanks to hits "Show Me the Way," "Baby, I Love Your Way," and his stellar guitar work on "Do You Feel Like We Do." It's been reported that the record sold around 11 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling live albums ever.

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The pride of Michigan, this stellar live effort opened the door for Seger to become more accessible to the masses through FM radio. The release of his Night Moves record later in 1976 took Seger's popularity to new heights. Of course, live versions of "Beautiful Loser" and "Katmandu"are examples of what the concert environment can do to bring out the intensity of a song.

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Recorded at Atlanta's famed Fox Theatre. The classic Skynyrd lineup produced only this one live album, but it's truly something special. Even after the tragic plane crash in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd remained a stellar live band. Back in the day, it did not get much better than this with such Southern rock staples "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Tuesday's Gone."

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Before REO became a pop band fueled by those Kevin Cronin-penned ballads during the 1980s, it was a full-fledged rock outfit and a great live band. Bar none, this is a special piece of the Speedwagon experience. While the version "Ridin' the Storm Out" might be best known from this album, the true gem is late guitarists Gary Richrath's work on "Golden Country."

AC/DC

This record is a must-own for those who never caught a live AC/DC with Bon Scott on vocals. Early fans of the band (we're talking pre-Highway to Hell) tout this record often for its raw, raunchy sound on the only live recording it put out with Scott. We recommend"Whole Lotta Rosie," "Let There Be Rock," and the underrated "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be."

Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick was a relatively popular band during the 1970s, but it blew up with this live staple. When rock fans think of live albums, this usually comes to mind quickly. Recorded at Tokyo's famed venue, we experience the "magnetism of Robin Zander" and "charisma of Rick Nielsen," especially on the smash "I Want You to Want Me" and also "Surrender."

Ramones

Early Ramones at its finest. Recorded in late 1977 in London, this is an essential live album for any punk fan. Ramones shows were high-energy and straightforward. All killer, no filler, especially when it came to the classic lineup of Joey, Johnny, Tommy, and Dee Dee. All the early classics are here, including "Rockaway Beach," "Blitzkrieg Bop," and "Teenage Lobotomy."

U2

This album only has eight songs, but it packs a lot of musical power and passion. This was back when Bono and Co. were still young and hungry. Their message was genuine, adding a special dynamic element to their live shows. "I Will Follow," "Sunday Bloody Sunday,"and "New Year's Day" still stand out. This offers longtime fans a bit of nostalgia to revisit.

Talking Heads

It would serve as the soundtrack for the film version of what is considered one of the best concert movies ever produced. An eclectic bunch, Talking Heads is one of a kind, led by frontman David Byrne. We see that all on display with this album, plus how truly talented musicians and performers the band is as a collective. Highlights include "Psycho Killer"and "Take Me to the River."

Iron Maiden

It has all the hits. "Run to the Hills," "Number of the Beast," "Aces High," and the list goes on. Recorded during the band's World Slavery Tour, this is the perfect starting point for any fan looking to get into Maiden. The accompanying video is also pretty sweet and showcases just how theatrical a Maiden performance can be.

Sam Cooke

The recording happened in 1963, but it took some time to finally be released. The hold-up for its release in the 1960s reportedly stemmed from the idea that the performance was too raw and rough and departed from the pop image that the legendary singer-songwriter conveyed. Arguably, this is Cooke at his best, especially on cuts such as "Chain Gang" and "Bring It on Home to Me."

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

A must for any fan of The Boss. It encapsulates the classic Springsteen years and features some of his most memorable live recordings. The extensive box set also showcases Springsteen the storyteller, particularly on gripping songs like "Growin' Up" and "The River." However, the highlight might be his haunting version of the underrated "Nebraska."

Nirvana

While the mostly acoustic set aired in December 1993, the album did not come out until November '94 — seven months after Kurt Cobain's death. This performance might be the gold standard within the Nirvana legacy, especially when it comes to Cobain. At times, the viewer can feel his pain and his passion for music. Though "All Apologies" would become a hit, it's an album of deep cuts.

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For some, it might be hard to pick the best among the bunch of Dylan's Bootleg Series. Yet, this record shines bright. Recorded in England in 1966, it's broken down into two parts: Dylan at his acoustic best and with his backing band, The Hawks. On the former, Dylan delivers the goods on "Mr. Tambourine Man," while "Like a Rolling Stone"serves as the highlight of the latter.