Cast Your Vote: What's the Greatest Live Performance at a Music Festival Ever? Here's Our List!
PFC Band performing in Yokohama, Japan.
From iconic moments that shaped music history to unexpected performances that took our breath away, we're on a quest to find the greatest live performance at a music festival ever. Have you ever witnessed a performance that completely transformed the atmosphere? Was there a set that you think about years later? We've compiled a list of unforgettable live acts, and now it’s your turn to help us decide.
Without further ado, let’s begin to look into these historical performances!
Paul McCartney - Band on the Run (feat. Dave Grohl) (Glastonbury 2022)
One of the most anticipated performances at the 2022 Glastonbury Festival was that of Paul McCartney, held on Saturday, June 25th. Among the show's highlights was Dave Grohl, lead vocalist of the Foo Fighters, on the song "Band on the Run," one of McCartney's classics.
Jack White - Seven Nation Army (Glastonbury 2022)
Guitarist and member of The White Stripes, Jack White, delivered an iconic performance of "Seven Nation Army" at Glastonbury 2022. This powerful rendition was a festival highlight, delighting the audience with its energy and presence.
Janis Joplin - Live at Woodstock 69
Janis Joplin’s set in Woodstock 69 showcased her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and raw emotion that made her a legend in rock and blues music.
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Glastonbury 2023)
Thousands of fans gathered at the Pyramid Stage to see the late 80s pop idol, Rick Astley, whose performances never let us down, at another year of Glastonbury, recreating a nostalgic moment with "Never Gonna Give You Up."
Coldplay - Stayin' Alive (feat. Barry Gibb) (Glastonbury 2016)
Chris Martin, Coldplay's frontman, welcomed Barry Gibb, the legendary Bee Gees member, onto the Pyramid Stage for this special rendition. The inclusion of Barry Gibb was particularly significant as it brought an authentic connection to the Bee Gees' legacy, infusing the set with nostalgia and a celebratory spirit.
Guns N' Roses - Paradise City (Feat. Dave Grohl) (Glastonbury 2023)
Guns N' Roses' performance of "Paradise City" featuring Dave Grohl at Glastonbury 2023 was a memorable finale for their headline slot. The collaboration was a standout moment, bringing an added layer of excitement to their set.
Coldplay / Richard Ashcroft - Bittersweet Symphony (Live 8 2005)
Coldplay and Richard Ashcroft's performance of "Bittersweet Symphony" at Live 8 in 2005 was part of a global concert series aimed at raising awareness and funds for poverty in Africa. Richard Ashcroft, formerly of The Verve, joined Coldplay on stage, highlighting the song’s emotive resonance and the collaborative spirit between the artists.
Franz Ferdinand performs 'Take Me Out' | T in the Park 2014 - BBC
Franz Ferdinand delivered a memorable performance of their hit "Take Me Out" at T in the Park as part of the BBC's coverage of the festival, showcasing the band's energetic style and engaging stage presence.
Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me) (Live Aid 1985)
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" was a major hit for Simple Minds, released in 1985. The song gained immense popularity as the theme for the film "The Breakfast Club," becoming an anthem of the 1980s.
Chris Martin and Ariana Grande - Don't Look Back In Anger (One Love Manchester)
One Love Manchester was a benefit concert held on June 4, 2017, at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, England. The concert was organized by Ariana Grande in response to the Manchester Arena bombing that occurred on May 22, 2017, during her Dangerous Woman Tour. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injured many others.
The performance by Ariana and Chris Martin was a poignant and emotional highlight of the event. It symbolized resilience and unity, providing comfort and hope to the victims and their families, as well as to the broader Manchester community.
The Killers - Always On My Mind (ft. Pet Shop Boys) (Glastonbury 2019)
The Pet Shop Boys joined The Killers on stage during Glastonbury 2019, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the set. The performance was marked by high energy and enthusiasm from both the band and the audience. This collaboration brought a fresh dynamic to the song, blending The Killers' rock sound with the Pet Shop Boys' synth-pop style.
Steven Tyler, Slash, and Train “Dream On” at the Howard Stern Birthday Bash (2014)
The Howard Stern Birthday Bash in 2014 was an event in celebration of the 60th birthday of radio personality Howard Stern, bringing together various celebrities and musicians to honor the legendary radio personality. This event had the remarkable performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” with an all-star lineup consisting of Steven Tyler, Slash, and Train.
Dolly Parton - Jolene (Glastonbury)
Dolly Parton's performance of "Jolene" at the Glastonbury Festival in 2014 is widely regarded as one of the standout moments in the festival's history. This performance was part of her much-anticipated set on the Pyramid Stage, where she captivated the crowd with her charismatic presence.
Blur - Parklife (ft. Phil Daniels) (Glastonbury 2009)
"Parklife" is one of Blur's most famous songs, released in 1994 as the title track of their third studio album. Phil Daniels, the English actor who provided the distinctive spoken-word verses on the original recording of "Parklife," joined Blur on the Glastonbury stage for an energetic and nostalgic performance.
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday (Live Aid 1985)
Bono delivered an impassioned and emotional performance of "Sunday Bloody Sunday," a song that addresses the violence in Northern Ireland.
Arctic Monkeys - 505 (Reading Festival 2022)
"505" is a fan favorite from Arctic Monkeys' second album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, released in 2007. Their performance of “505” at the Reading Festival in 2022 was a highly anticipated and memorable moment of the festival that brought a mix of nostalgia and new energy to the stage, captivating the audience with their dynamic setlist.
Pearl Jam - Black (Pinkpop 1992)
The Pinkpop rock festival took place on June 8, 1992, in Landgraaf, Netherlands. The festival featured a lineup of notable indie bands, but the most anticipated performance for the public was by the iconic Pearl Jam. Their performance of "Black" has since become legendary in the annals of rock history due to its haunting intro, which set the tone for an emotional journey and captivated the audience's attention.
Queens Of The Stone Age - No One Knows (Glastonbury 2023)
Queens of the Stone Age's performance at Glastonbury 2023 reaffirmed their status as one of the leading rock bands of their generation. The band performed its most iconic song “No One Knows” at Glastonbury 2023. Known for their heavy riffs and high-energy performances, the band brought their signature sound to one of the world's most iconic music festivals.
Elton John - Rocket Man (Glastonbury 2023)
Elton John's performance at Glastonbury 2023 marked his first time performing at the festival and part of his farewell tour. This was marked as a historic and unforgettable moment as one of the most iconic figures in music history was highly anticipated.
Canned Heat - Alan’s Intro (Live at Woodstock 69)
Canned Heat's performance at Woodstock in 1969 is remembered as one of the many iconic sets of the festival. Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson's introduction, known as "Alan's Intro," set the tone for the band's energetic and bluesy performance.
Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (Glastonbury 2022)
Crowded House's performance of "Don't Dream It's Over" at Glastonbury 2022 was notable not only for its nostalgic value but also for its ability to engage both longtime fans and new listeners. The band's sound, blending gentle psychedelic soft rock with catchy melodies, was perfect for the festival's diverse audience.
Pet Shop Boys - It's A Sin (Glastonbury 2022)
The Pet Shop Boys' performance of "It's a Sin" at Glastonbury 2022 was a standout moment that has seen a revival in popularity due to the Channel 4 series of the same name. Overall, their performance was a standout moment that highlighted the appeal of their synth-pop sound.
a-ha - Take On Me (Live 8 2005)
"Take On Me" is a-ha's most iconic hit, originally released in 1985. Morten Harket's vocals were as strong as ever and the band's live instrumentation provided a fresh yet faithful rendition of this classic.
Dire Straits / Sting - Money For Nothing (Live Aid 1985)
Held at Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1985, Live Aid was a monumental concert aimed at raising funds for the famine in Ethiopia. The event featured performances from some of the biggest names in music. One of the standout moments was the performance of "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits, featuring Sting from The Police. This collaboration exemplified the event's spirit of unity and demonstrated how music can bring people together for a charitable cause.
Santana - Soul Sacrifice (1969 Woodstock)
The Woodstock Festival, held in August 1969, was a pivotal event in music history. Among the numerous iconic bands, Santana’s performance of "Soul Sacrifice" is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and electrifying moments in rock history.
Nine Inch Nails - Closer - 8/13/1994 - Woodstock 94 (Official)
The performance of “Closer” at Woodstock '94 is remembered as one of the most intense and powerful moments of the festival. It contributed to the growing popularity of Nine Inch Nails, which continued to gain a larger following and critical acclaim in the years that followed.
Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Live Aid 1985)
Phil Collins had a unique distinction at Live Aid; he performed at both Wembley Stadium in London and later at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia on the same day. The song "Against All Odds" delivered a powerful and emotional energy into the stadium.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid 1985)
Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" performance at Live Aid 1985 is considered one of the greatest live performances in rock history as it showed Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Read also: 20 minutes that changed the history of music: Remembering Live Aid 1985
Paul McCartney - I've Got a Feeling (feat. John Lennon) (Glastonbury 2022)
“I’ve Got a Feeling” was part of McCartney's headlining set on the Pyramid Stage, which was highly anticipated and celebrated by fans. The performance was remarkable, featuring a special virtual duet with John Lennon.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Purple Haze (Live at the Atlanta Pop Festival)
The Atlanta Pop Festival was the stage for the iconic Jimi Hendrix performance of “Purple Haze” in the 1970. This festival attracted an audience of over 300,000 people, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind at the time.
Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Live at Reading Festival 2013)
The emotional rendition of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is frequently cited as one of the best moments of Green Day’s set in the Reading Festival 2013.
Liam Gallagher - Champagne Supernova (Live From Knebworth 22)
Liam Gallagher's performance of "Champagne Supernova" at Knebworth 2022 was a highlight of his career, marking a return to a venue that captured the nostalgia and energy of his days with Oasis.
James Brown - I Got You (I Feel Good) (Live 8 2005)
The “Godfather of Soul” brought his trademark energy and dynamic stage presence to the Live 8 stage in 2005. His rendition of "I Got You (I Feel Good)" was filled with the infectious enthusiasm that characterized his live shows.
The Who - My Generation (Live at Woodstock 69)
"My Generation" featured extended improvisations and instrumental solos. Pete Townshend's iconic windmill guitar and his interactions with the audience were key elements of The Who's live shows.
Otis Redding - Monterey Love 1967
Otis Redding's performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967 is considered one of the most legendary and electrifying moments in rock and soul music history.
Joe Cocker - Something's Coming On (Live at Woodstock 69)
Joe Cocker was known for his gritty voice and emotive delivery, and "Something's Coming On" showcased these qualities perfectly. His passionate performance captivated the audience and demonstrated his unique style and stage presence.
Bob Dylan - Mr. Tambourine Man (Live at the Newport Folk Festival. 1964)
Bob Dylan performed "Mr. Tambourine Man" solo with his acoustic guitar and harmonica, delivering a haunting and introspective rendition of the song.
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Do you agree with our list? What is your personal best list?
Let us know in the comments below!
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