10 Legendary Blues Rock Live Performances
Blues rock, with its raw emotion, alluring solos, and soulful grooves is a genre that needs to be heard live to truly experience it. Throughout the decades, countless artists have taken to the stage to deliver electrifying performances that resonate with audiences long after the final note has faded. From small clubs to massive stadiums, these 10 legendary blues rock performances stand as a testament to the genre’s enduring power and influence.
Eric Clapton: 24 Nights (1991)
Part of Eric Clapton’s 24 Nights residency at the Royal Albert Hall, 24 Nights showcases Clapton’s mastery of the blues. With each performance, Clapton delves deep into the soul of the music, delivering impassioned solos and heartfelt vocals that leave audiences spellbound. 24 Nights is proof of Clapton’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues rock guitarists of all time. The performance included iconic versions of Clapton’s hits including “Layla” with smoke emanating from his guitar head.
Gary Moore: Blues Alive (1993)
Gary Moore’s Blues Alive captures Moore’s virtuosic guitar playing and soulful vocals throughout the performance, with tracks like “Walking by Myself,” “Parisienne Walkways,” and “Still Got The Blues” showcasing his immense talent and passion for the genre. Recorded in 1992 and released in 1993, Blues Alive showcases Moore’s status as one of the preeminent blues rock artists of his generation.
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble: Live at the El Mocambo (1983)
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s iconic performance at the El Mocambo nightclub in Toronto is the stuff of legend. With his powerful guitar solos and electrifying stage presence, Vaughan ignites the stage with a ferocity that is both awe-inspiring and deeply moving. Live at the El Mocambo captures Vaughan at the peak of his powers, delivering a performance that is nothing short of transcendent. Vaughan performed classics such as “Texas Flood,” “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”, and “Pride and Joy.”
Joe Bonamassa: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2009)
Joe Bonamassa’s historic performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 cemented his status as one of the modern giants of blues rock. This performance was truly Bonamassa’s coming out party as the torch bearer for modern blues rock. The concert showcases his versatility as a musician, seamlessly blending blues, rock, and jazz influences into a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. One of the highlights was Bonamassa being joined by one of his heroes, Eric Clapton, for a performance of “Further On Up The Road.” Bonamassa staples like “Mountain Time” and “Sloe Gin” are also highlights.
Janis Joplin: Monterey Pop Festival (1967)
Janis Joplin’s breakthrough performance at the Monterey Pop Festival solidified her status as the queen of psychedelic blues rock. With her charging vocals and stage presence, Joplin delivers a performance that is as raw and powerful as it is unforgettable. Joplin’s set included a cover of Big Mama Thornton’s “Ball and Chain.”
Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day (2007)
Led Zeppelin’s reunion performance at the O2 Arena in London in 2007 was a historic moment for blues rock fans around the world. With Jimmy Page’s iconic guitar riffs, Robert Plant’s soaring vocals, and John Paul Jones’s masterful bass lines, Led Zeppelin delivered a performance that was both electrifying and deeply emotional. Tracks like “Stairway to Heaven, “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Kashmir” captivated audiences and showed why Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest bands in rock history. Celebration Day had a limited theatrical release in 2012.
Gary Clark Jr: Crossroads Guitar Festival (2010)
Gary Clark Jr.’s performance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 was a defining moment in his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting talents in contemporary blues rock music. One of the highlights of Clark Jr.’s performance was his rendition of “Bright Lights,” a song that has become synonymous with his name. “Bright Lights” served as a showcase for Clark Jr.’s virtuosic guitar playing and soulful singing, earning him a standing ovation from the crowd. The performance was a launching pad for Clark Jr. becoming one of blues rock’s biggest names.
Rory Gallagher: Irish Tour 1974 (1974)
Rory Gallagher’s Irish Tour 1974 captures the Irish blues rock virtuoso at the top of his game. Recorded at multiple venues, Gallagher delivers a performance that is both electrifying and deeply emotional. Tracks like “Messin’ with the Kid” and “A Million Miles Away” showcase Gallagher’s mastery of the blues and his ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level.
The Allman Brothers Band: At Fillmore East (1970)
The Allman Brothers Band’s epic performance At Fillmore East in New York City showcases the ABB in its prime. With extended jams and virtuosic solos, including Duane Allman’s legendary slide guitar work, this concert remains a high watermark for live blues rock. Produced by Tom Dowd, At Fillmore East is an absolute classic.
Cream: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2005)
Cream’s reunion concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2005 brought together Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker for one final performance. With their electrifying renditions of blues classics and improvisational jams, Cream proves their legendary chemistry and musicianship as potent as ever.
My #11 – Who: Live at Leeds. Original lineup just after the success of Tommy. Arguably the best live act and best live rock album of its time. Back in the days of car CD players I remember driving up the the California coast on the 101 with the music blasting and that rhythm section setting a relentless, driving beat during one of the solo sections. It’s the heart of blues rock.
I have to agree with everything you say about Live at Leeds (with the caveat that one can’t really label this blues-rock). I saw the Who in Detroit in July 1970. Their performance was basically Live at Leeds (the original song compilation – not the reissue with all of the extra tracks) as a sandwich bread with a full performance of Tommy as the filling. Their performance was exciting and absolutely flawless. The nearly 54 years that have passed since then have not diminished the memory of that show!
Rare Earth “In concert”
Sweet Smoke “Live”
Grand Funk Railroad “Live”
The Doors “Live”
Right on! Eddie How about Ten Years After recorded live ?
Beck bogert and appicce #live in japan#
Cactus #unleashed live#
Steepenwolf #live#
Beth Hart, “Am I The One” at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. The best, and most powerful ever.
with Joe Bonamassa?
Not at this concert. Just Beth, and her band.
Gary Moore’s “Blues for Greeny” video is superb as well.
Humble Pie at the Fillmore
Excellent album!
Smoking!
I still listen to the Fillmore CD, what a classic Album. Not one bad song on there.
Live Johnny Winter And
Robin Trower Live
Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!
Live at DBA: New Orleans Bootleg – Eric Johanson
etc etc
Little Feat-Waiting for Columbus
Gov’t Mule “The Deepest End”.
All great performances on the article’s list, limited only by the numerical value of ten; a couple more I would add (The list could probably be expanded to 25+):
Jeff Beck – “Performing This Week… Live at Ronnie Scott’s”
Johnny Winter (2) – “Captured Live” and “Live In ’97 NYC”
Roy Buchanan – ”Live Stock”
Joe Bonamassa live at Red Rocks, truly defines the true meaning of blues music played in hard rock style that no other than Joe Bonamassa can play effortlessly honoring the 3 Kings,,Albert, BB & Freddie king, I highly recommend everyone to watch this DVD in its entirety I have it myself & have watched it probably close to 50 times & it never gets old & just as good as the 1st time I watched it
k d lang on Johnny Carson
Johnny Winter and Live is one of the greatest blues rock performances ever…..should be top 5!!
I know it’s simple and primitive but Robert Johnson Traveling Riverside Blues and Hell Hounds on My Trail are the foundation on which each of these masters came from.Take the time to feel the primitive and pure sounds of
If you all want to expand this then add Son House 1960’s performance and maybe Foghat A Century of Boogie, the last recording with Lonesome Dave.
Without a doubt.
Mountain Twin Peaks….
Free – Live !
All legends.
Joe Bonamassa Live at Rockpalast
Johny Winter Live.. It’s my own fault.. Blues master jam
J. Geils Band… Full House
Liked Johnny Winter And also “Captured Live”
What about Pat Travers “Go for What You Know” ’79
J.Geils Band “Full House Live” ’72 ?
Little Feat – Waiting for Columbus
The Band – The Last Waltz
I know it’s simple and primitive but Robert Johnson Traveling Riverside Blues and Hell Hounds on My Trail are the foundation on which each of these masters came from.Take the time to feel the primitive and pure sounds of
Cream live at the Fillmore from Wheels of Fire. Say no more.
Anything by Peter Green with the original Fleetwood Mac line-up.
If B. B. King thinks Peter Green has the magic touch we shouldn’t argue ????
No Hendrix ?
BB KING LIve At The Regal 1964…classic blues album.