After seeing an incredibly powerful performance of the 2nd song on this list recently, it got me to thinking. There are great overall concerts that top someone's list and there are also individual songs performed live that top a list. That is what this post is about. In some instances, I've seen concerts because it was a borderline "bucket list" item for me to see a specific song performed live. In other instances, maybe it was just the best version of a song you have heard. It is often the case that bands elongate, exaggerate, add to and really go ALL OUT for particular songs in a live setting. That is why live music is so wonderful and powerful. It's the unexpected and the ad libs and the extra bit so many bands give.
Here are the best individual live song performances I can recall.
Tines Like These - Foofighters @ Wrigley Field 2018
She Talks To Angels - Black Crowes @ Aragon Ballroom 2024
Stubborn Love - Lumineers @ Milwaukee American Family Insurance Amphitheater 2023
Wish I Knew You - Revivalists @ The Vic 2023
Icky Thump - Jack White @ Aragon Ballroom 2022
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day @ Wrigley Field 2017
Madness - Muse @ United Center 2019
I Could Have Lied - Red Hot Chile Peppers @ Lollapalooza 2023
Karma Police - Radiohead @ Alpine Valley 2003
Say It Ain't So - Weezer @ Aragon Ballroom 2022
Impossible Germany - Wilco @ Pritzker Pavillion 2016
Falling Slowly - Eddie Vedder and Glen Hansard @ Auditorium Theater 2011
Rockin' in the Free World - Neil Young @ Allstate Arena 2008
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