1. Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden (1973)
Led Zeppelin’s 1973 performances at Madison Square Garden were so legendary that they were immortalized in the concert film The Song Remains the Same. If you didn’t get to see them live, the film is a close second. These shows marked the peak of Zeppelin’s raw power and mysticism, with Robert Plant’s soaring vocals, Jimmy Page’s mind-bending guitar solos, and John Bonham’s thunderous drumming creating a musical force that left fans in awe. This tour captured the heart of 70s rock—unpredictable, larger-than-life, and unforgettable.
2. David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Farewell Concert (1973)
July 3, 1973, at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. This was the night David Bowie shocked the world by announcing the retirement of his alter-ego, Ziggy Stardust. Fans had no idea they were witnessing the end of an era. The combination of Bowie’s glam rock style, theatrical performance, and futuristic sound made it a concert for the ages. The finale of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” with Bowie bidding farewell to Ziggy, left the audience in stunned silence—one of the most iconic moments in rock history.
3. The Rolling Stones at Altamont (1969)
Although technically a 60s show, the 1969 Altamont Speedway Free Festival had such a significant impact on the music scene of the 70s that it deserves mention. The Rolling Stones’ performance, intended as a West Coast Woodstock, became infamous after violence broke out during their set, culminating in the death of a fan. This chaotic event is still shrouded in legend, and if you missed it, you missed one of the most talked-about moments in rock history—for better or worse.
4. Queen at Live Aid (1985)
If you could go back in time to witness just one concert from the 80s, it might have to be Queen’s performance at Live Aid. Wembley Stadium, July 13, 1985. Freddie Mercury’s charisma and unmatched showmanship were on full display during a 20-minute set that has gone down in history as one of the greatest live performances of all time. The way Mercury commanded the crowd with “Radio Ga Ga” and “We Will Rock You” felt almost supernatural. If you missed this, you missed Queen at their absolute finest.
5. Pink Floyd’s The Wall Tour (1980-81)
Pink Floyd’s The Wall tour was as much a theatrical spectacle as it was a concert. From 1980 to 1981, Floyd brought The Wall to life in a series of live shows that featured massive props, pyrotechnics, and, of course, that iconic wall being built and torn down during the performance. These shows were few and far between, making them an even more exclusive experience. It was a mind-bending combination of music, visuals, and storytelling that no one had ever seen before—or since.
6. Bruce Springsteen’s Darkness Tour (1978)
If you didn’t catch Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band during the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour, you missed one of the most passionate performances of the decade. The Boss was in his prime, delivering marathon concerts that went on for three or four hours, filled with sweat, grit, and raw energy. Songs like “Badlands” and “Prove It All Night” became battle cries, and Springsteen’s ability to connect with the crowd made each show feel personal. This tour cemented his status as one of rock’s greatest live performers.
7. Bob Marley at the Rainbow Theatre (1977)
In 1977, Bob Marley & The Wailers performed a legendary set at London’s Rainbow Theatre during their Exodus tour. This show captured the spiritual and political power of Marley’s music. Songs like “Jamming,” “Exodus,” and “One Love” weren’t just tunes—they were messages of peace, love, and revolution that resonated deeply with the audience. Marley’s stage presence, with his arms outstretched in front of an entranced crowd, is one of the most iconic images in concert history.
8. AC/DC’s Highway to Hell Tour (1979)
AC/DC’s 1979 Highway to Hell tour was the last to feature legendary frontman Bon Scott before his untimely death. The raw power and energy the band brought to the stage during this tour were unmatched. With Scott’s raspy vocals leading the charge, and Angus Young duck-walking across the stage, this was AC/DC at their gritty, hard-rocking best. If you missed this tour, you missed a moment in rock history where everything felt dangerous, loud, and exhilarating.
9. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours Tour (1977)
The Rumours tour saw Fleetwood Mac at the height of their powers, with the band’s internal drama adding an emotional edge to every performance. Stevie Nicks’ ethereal presence and Lindsey Buckingham’s fiery guitar work captivated audiences, while the band’s harmonies seemed almost magical. Songs like “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “The Chain” took on new meaning when performed live, and the band’s chemistry—both explosive and mesmerizing—made each show unforgettable.
10. The Clash at Bond’s Casino (1981)
The Clash’s residency at Bond’s Casino in New York City is the stuff of legend. Originally scheduled for eight shows, it expanded into a marathon 17-night stand due to ticket demand and controversy. The punk-meets-reggae-meets-rock energy was off the charts, with the band tearing through songs like “London Calling” and “The Magnificent Seven” in front of a frenzied crowd. If you missed it, you missed the moment when The Clash was at the pinnacle of their live prowess, defining the sound and spirit of early 80s rock.
11. Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock (1969)
It’s impossible to talk about legendary concerts without mentioning Hendrix’s performance at Woodstock. Though it was technically at the tail end of the 60s, its influence carried through the 70s. His rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was both incendiary and iconic, becoming a symbol of the counterculture. Hendrix’s wild, electrifying guitar playing left everyone who saw it speechless, and if you weren’t there, you missed a historic moment in music that shaped the decade to come.
12. Talking Heads at Stop Making Sense Tour (1983)
David Byrne in a giant suit, the quirky, rhythmic beats, and the artsy, avant-garde stage performance made Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense tour something truly special. Their performance at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, later turned into one of the best concert films ever, captured the band’s hypnotic energy and creativity. If you didn’t see it live, you missed Byrne and the band at their most innovative, redefining what a concert could be with songs like “Burning Down the House” and “Psycho Killer.”
13. Prince’s Purple Rain Tour (1984-85)
The Purple Rain tour was a glorious blend of funk, rock, and pure showmanship. Prince was a force of nature, commanding the stage with his guitar and dance moves, while songs like “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Purple Rain” became anthems of a generation. His guitar solos, charisma, and the sheer spectacle of his performances made each show unforgettable. If you missed Prince on this tour, you missed one of the most electrifying performers at the top of his game.
14. The Who at the Isle of Wight Festival (1970)
The Who’s performance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival has been hailed as one of their finest. This was Pete Townshend windmilling his guitar, Roger Daltrey belting out lyrics with power and passion, and the band tearing through a set that included hits from Tommy and beyond. If you weren’t there, you missed The Who at their most explosive, just before the 70s would see them evolve into one of the greatest live acts of all time.
The 70s and 80s were filled with unforgettable concerts, performances that have become the stuff of legend. Whether it was the larger-than-life theatrics, the emotional intensity, or the sheer musical brilliance, these shows represent the peak of live rock and roll. If you didn’t get a chance to see these concerts in person, you missed more than just music—you missed moments of history that defined an era. But luckily, the stories and footage live on, reminding us of the magic of these legendary performances.
