The 1970s were a golden era for live music, with iconic performers pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable moments on stage. If social media had existed back then, these legendary concerts would’ve broken the internet with their sheer intensity, creativity, or outrageousness. From wild stunts to unexpected surprises, let’s revisit 12 of the wildest concert moments from the ’70s that would undoubtedly go viral today.
1. Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock (1969)
Yes, technically just outside the ’70s, but Jimi Hendrix’s searing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock on August 18, 1969, set the tone for the decade to come. His electric guitar transformed the national anthem into a sonic protest, filled with distortion and feedback that mimicked the chaos of war. It was a jaw-dropping moment of artistry and rebellion.
If this performance had been live-streamed, it would have been endlessly debated and shared across every platform. Hendrix’s raw emotion and innovative sound would’ve sparked viral hashtags and a flood of reaction videos dissecting his genius. It was a performance that encapsulated the turbulence of the era and redefined what live music could mean.
2. Led Zeppelin’s Riot in Tampa (1977)
On June 3, 1977, Led Zeppelin’s concert at Tampa Stadium was cut short after just three songs due to heavy rain. The 70,000-strong crowd didn’t take the cancellation well, resulting in a full-blown riot. Fans stormed the field, broke fences, and clashed with police in a chaotic scene that left dozens injured.
Today, video clips of the riot and the band’s attempt to calm the crowd would go viral instantly. Memes and trending hashtags like #ZeppelinStorm or #ConcertChaos would dominate social media, with fans lamenting their disappointment or defending the band’s decision. It was a moment of pure rock-and-roll madness that captured the intensity of Zeppelin’s devoted following.
3. Pink Floyd’s Flying Pig at Animals Tour (1977)
During Pink Floyd’s Animals tour, the band introduced an inflatable pig as part of their elaborate stage production. At one show, the pig famously broke free, drifting off into the sky and causing chaos as it floated over the audience and into nearby airspace. The incident became as iconic as the band’s music itself.
If it happened today, a floating pig drifting away would dominate social media, with endless clips and memes of the surreal spectacle. It’s easy to imagine Twitter debates about the pig’s whereabouts or live streams tracking its journey. Pink Floyd’s flair for theatricality ensured their shows were unforgettable, and the pig’s unscripted escape would’ve only added to the lore.
4. The Who’s Drum Kit Explosion (1967, Revisited in the ’70s)
While Keith Moon’s infamous drum kit explosion originally happened on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967, he kept up his reputation for wild antics well into the ’70s. Moon was known for detonating small explosives in his drums during live shows, creating moments of literal and figurative rock-and-roll firepower.
In today’s social media landscape, a clip of Moon blowing up his drum kit would spark viral reactions, GIFs, and endless “did that just happen?” posts. His unpredictability and chaotic energy made every Who concert a potential spectacle, ensuring fans never knew what to expect next.
5. David Bowie’s Final Ziggy Stardust Concert (1973)
On July 3, 1973, at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, David Bowie shocked fans by announcing that it would be “the last show we’ll ever do” as Ziggy Stardust. The news sent shockwaves through the crowd, as many believed Bowie was retiring from music entirely (he was only retiring the Ziggy persona).
Today, the announcement would dominate social media, with fans frantically speculating about Bowie’s future and sharing emotional reactions. The performance itself, with its theatricality and Bowie’s magnetic presence, would’ve been endlessly replayed and dissected online, cementing its place as one of the most dramatic concert moments ever.
6. The Rolling Stones’ Altamont Tragedy (1969)
The Altamont Free Concert on December 6, 1969, organized by The Rolling Stones, descended into chaos and violence, culminating in the fatal stabbing of a fan by the Hells Angels, who had been hired as security. The event became a symbol of the dark side of the counterculture movement and a chilling contrast to Woodstock’s peace-and-love ethos.
If this happened in the social media age, live streams and viral videos would’ve captured the shocking moments in real-time. The aftermath would spark endless debates about responsibility, crowd control, and the dangers of mixing rock-and-roll with chaos. It remains one of the most infamous events in music history.
7. Queen’s Live Aid Performance (1985)
Yes, it’s slightly outside the ’70s, but Queen’s legendary set at Live Aid deserves inclusion for its cultural impact. Freddie Mercury’s command of the crowd during “Radio Ga Ga” and “We Are the Champions” is the stuff of legends. It’s often considered one of the greatest live performances of all time.
In today’s world, this performance would dominate every social media platform, with reaction videos, fan tributes, and “best concert moments ever” lists flooding the internet. Mercury’s charisma and the band’s tight performance would have set a new bar for what it means to go viral in the music world.
8. Bruce Springsteen’s Four-Hour Sets
In the ’70s, Bruce Springsteen earned his reputation as one of the hardest-working performers in rock with marathon concerts that often stretched past four hours. His ability to connect with the audience, tell stories through his music, and keep the energy alive for such an extended time made every show unforgettable.
If Springsteen’s legendary endurance were broadcast today, it would spark awe across social media. Fans would post clips of iconic moments, while others would marvel at his stamina and dedication. Springsteen’s live shows remain unparalleled, and in the digital age, his energy would have inspired millions.
9. KISS’s Pyrotechnics and Blood-Spitting
KISS became known for their over-the-top stage shows in the ’70s, complete with fireworks, smoke machines, and Gene Simmons spitting blood during “God of Thunder.” Their theatrical approach to rock-and-roll made every concert an unforgettable spectacle.
In the age of social media, clips of Simmons’ blood-spitting antics or Paul Stanley flying over the crowd would go viral instantly. Fans would debate whether their style was genius or gimmick, but either way, KISS knew how to grab attention—and they’d dominate online conversations.
10. Elton John’s Feathered Fantasy at Dodger Stadium (1975)
In one of his most iconic moments, Elton John performed at Dodger Stadium in a sequined Dodgers uniform, complete with a feathered baseball cap. His dazzling energy and flamboyant fashion made the performance a defining moment of the ’70s.
If this show happened today, Elton’s glittering outfit would be a trending topic, and photos of him at the piano would flood Instagram. His ability to combine spectacle and musicianship would’ve made him a viral sensation, proving that great music and bold visuals are a winning combination.
11. Bob Dylan Goes Electric (1965, Continued in the ’70s)
When Bob Dylan first went electric in 1965, it sparked controversy among his folk fans. However, he continued to embrace electric instruments throughout the ’70s, refining his sound and redefining what it meant to be a singer-songwriter.
Had this happened in today’s world, the backlash and debates would’ve gone viral, with fans taking sides and discussing whether Dylan’s shift was betrayal or brilliance. The polarized reactions would dominate social media, solidifying Dylan’s place as a provocateur and innovator.
12. Alice Cooper’s Guillotine Act
Alice Cooper’s theatrical performances in the ’70s often involved fake executions, including a guillotine act where he appeared to lose his head on stage. It was shocking, macabre, and utterly captivating—a perfect mix of horror and rock-and-roll.
In today’s age of viral content, clips of Cooper’s guillotine stunt would explode across platforms, sparking debates about shock value in music. Fans would celebrate his showmanship, while others might find the act too intense for mainstream audiences. Either way, it’s a performance that would have kept people talking for weeks online.
These wild moments from the ’70s defined an era of fearless creativity and boundary-pushing performances. Today, they’d not only make headlines but dominate timelines, reminding us of a time when rock-and-roll was larger than life. Which of these do you remember, and which ones would you’ve liked to experience firsthand? Let’s celebrate the unforgettable energy of live music at its boldest.
