Greatest concert tour setlists
Greatest concert tour setlists are a blend of timeless hits and memorable moments that define the experience of legendary performances. Iconic performances such as David Bowie’s at the Hammersmith Odeon, Fleetwood Mac at Warner Bros Studios, and Joni Mitchell at the Isle of Wight Festival stand out for their unique setlists that captivated audiences around the world. These concerts feature a mix of chart-topping songs, fan favorites, and often deep cuts that showcase the artists' vast catalogs.
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David Bowie's 1973 Hammersmith Odeon performance is remembered for its farewell to his Ziggy Stardust persona, filled with powerful renditions of tracks like "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" and "Suffragette City." Fleetwood Mac’s soundstage session offered a stripped-down yet intimate version of their hits, showcasing their musical versatility. Meanwhile, Joni Mitchell’s set at the Isle of Wight Festival introduced her poetic genius to a global stage, with songs like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Both Sides, Now" touching hearts across generations. These concerts encapsulate the emotional range of music, with performances that are etched into the cultural fabric of their respective eras.
David Bowie – Hammersmith OdeonView AllDavid Bowie – Hammersmith Odeon - A legendary farewell performance by Bowie.
Fleetwood Mac – Warner Bros Studios Sound StageView AllFleetwood Mac – Warner Bros Studios Sound Stage - Iconic recording session turned unforgettable performance.
Joni Mitchell – Isle Of Wight FestivalView AllJoni Mitchell – Isle Of Wight Festival - A poetic performance that defined folk music.
Johnny Cash – San Quentin State PrisonView AllJohnny Cash – San Quentin State Prison - A historic live performance for prisoners.
Patti Smith – CBGBsView AllPatti Smith – CBGBs - Punk rock rebellion and poetic rebellion.
Prince – Carrier Dome, SyracuseView AllPrince – Carrier Dome, Syracuse - A dazzling and energetic performance by Prince.
The Band – Academy Of MusicView AllThe Band – Academy Of Music - An intimate yet powerful live performance.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Saville Theatre, LondonView AllThe Jimi Hendrix Experience – Saville Theatre, London - A psychedelic masterpiece from Jimi Hendrix.
The Rolling Stones – Pacific Coliseum, CanadaView AllThe Rolling Stones – Pacific Coliseum, Canada - Electrifying rock 'n' roll energy and iconic music.
The Who – Leeds UniversityView AllThe Who – Leeds University - A hard-hitting rock performance that defined live shows.
Greatest concert tour setlists
1.
David Bowie – Hammersmith Odeon
David Bowie's performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973 is one of the most iconic concert moments in rock history. As part of his farewell to Ziggy Stardust, Bowie delivered a stunning set with dramatic flair. This show marked the end of an era for Bowie, showing his bold shift in artistic direction. The setlist included hits like "Starman" and "Suffragette City." A pivotal moment in music history, showcasing Bowie's creative genius.
Pros
Iconic performance- Historic farewell
- Amazing setlist
- Visual spectacle
- Emotional depth
Cons
Short-lived- Departure from Ziggy era
- Intimate venue
- Limited audience size
- Limited accessibility
2.
Fleetwood Mac – Warner Bros Studios Sound Stage
Fleetwood Mac's performance at Warner Bros Studios in 1977, captured on film, became legendary for its raw energy and emotional depth. The band was at their peak, during the height of their fame. Known for their classic lineup and the behind-the-scenes drama, this concert encapsulated the group's powerful sound and relationships. It marked a time of great turmoil and passion, producing some of their most famous music.
Pros
- Raw energy
- Behind-the-scenes feel
- Peak band performance
- Historic moment
- Legendary lineup
Cons
- Behind-the-scenes drama
- Intimate atmosphere
- Limited audience
- Not a traditional concert
- Emotional turbulence
3.
Joni Mitchell – Isle Of Wight Festival
Joni Mitchell's performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 was a highlight of the event. It showcased her folk and rock fusion, complete with deep storytelling and poetic lyrics. Despite difficult weather conditions and a chaotic crowd, Mitchell stood firm, delivering a performance of profound beauty. Her emotional depth and unique sound resonated strongly, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Pros
- Poetic lyrics
- Iconic festival performance
- Timeless artistry
- Deep emotional connection
- Memorable moment
Cons
- Challenging weather
- Chaos from audience
- Limited stage visibility
- Tough conditions
- Smaller audience for such an event
4.
Johnny Cash – San Quentin State Prison
Johnny Cash’s performance at San Quentin State Prison in 1969 is a defining moment in his career. Performing for inmates, Cash delivered a raw and powerful set, including some of his most iconic songs. The audience’s response was electrifying, with the inmates’ participation adding an emotional layer. This concert highlighted Cash’s deep empathy for marginalized groups, especially the incarcerated. It became an emblem of his legendary outlaw image.
Pros
- Raw performance
- Powerful connection with audience
- Groundbreaking event
- Historic moment
- Emotional depth
Cons
- Limited accessibility
- Imprisonment setting
- Not a traditional venue
- Difficult sound conditions
- Unusual setting
5.
Patti Smith – CBGBs
Patti Smith’s performances at CBGBs in New York were pivotal in shaping the punk rock scene in the 1970s. Known for her poetic lyrics and raw energy, her shows at CBGBs became legendary. This venue, often considered the birthplace of punk, was the perfect backdrop for Smith’s defiant, emotionally-charged performances. Her 1975 debut album release and subsequent live shows solidified her place in rock history.
Pros
- Raw energy
- Punk rock roots
- Defiant performance
- Cultural significance
- Groundbreaking artist
Cons
- Intimate space
- Rough sound
- Chaotic environment
- Small venue
- Unpredictable acoustics
6.
Prince – Carrier Dome, Syracuse
Prince’s performance at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse in 1985 was a showcase of his incredible musical talent and unmatched charisma. Known for his flamboyant stage presence and unique sound, Prince created a concert experience unlike any other. His live shows were legendary for their intense energy, electrifying performances, and musical innovation, and this show is no exception.
Pros
- High energy
- Unique musical performance
- Iconic artist
- Electrifying atmosphere
- Charismatic stage presence
Cons
- Over-the-top energy
- Limited setlist focus
- Loud volume
- Intense stage lighting
- Small audience for such a performer
7.
The Band – Academy Of Music
The Band's Academy of Music show in 1971 was one of the most significant concerts in rock history. The performance, documented in the legendary film The Last Waltz, captured the group's final shows with great intensity. The concert celebrated the band's roots, blending folk, rock, and Americana, and invited other legendary musicians to join them on stage, creating an unforgettable collaborative moment in music history.
Pros
- Historic collaboration
- Incredible musicianship
- Iconic setting
- Roots-based sound
- Emotional significance
Cons
- Short-lived
- Limited live performances
- Can be hard to access
- Requires context
- Smaller scale than expected
8.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Saville Theatre, London
Jimi Hendrix’s performance at the Saville Theatre in London in 1967 marked a high point in the psychedelic music scene. The concert featured his groundbreaking guitar work and electrifying stage presence. Hendrix pushed the boundaries of rock music, blending technical skill with spontaneous artistry. His live shows were noted for their improvisation, and this particular concert captured the energy of the late 1960s counterculture movement.
Pros
- Groundbreaking guitar work
- Iconic performer
- Psychedelic atmosphere
- Rock history moment
- Experimental sound
Cons
- Short performance
- Limited venue size
- Highly experimental
- Complex sound
- Difficult to access in person
9.
The Rolling Stones – Pacific Coliseum, Canada
The Rolling Stones' performance at the Pacific Coliseum in Canada during their 1972 North American tour is one of the most iconic performances of the era. The band was at the peak of their power, delivering a raw, energetic set filled with classic hits. The show was memorable for its intensity, showmanship, and the band’s undeniable chemistry with the audience. This performance solidified the Rolling Stones’ place as one of the most legendary live acts.
Pros
- High energy
- Iconic hits
- Legendary band
- Electrifying atmosphere
- Timeless rock performance
Cons
- Difficult ticket access
- Limited stage interaction
- High volume
- Expensive tickets
- May overwhelm sensitive ears
10.
The Who – Leeds University
The Who's performance at Leeds University in 1970 is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock concerts ever. The band was at their peak, delivering a fast-paced and intense set of their most famous tracks. The energy from the crowd and the band created an unforgettable atmosphere. This concert is known for its high-energy performances, raw emotion, and groundbreaking live sound that continues to influence live rock shows.
Pros
- High-energy performance
- Groundbreaking live sound
- Raw emotional connection
- Iconic band
- Historical significance
Cons
- Over-the-top intensity
- Chaotic crowd
- May be too loud
- Limited set variety
- Small-scale venue
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