A live performance can help us see a song in a different light. Bands will often change things up from the recorded version, taking advantage of the freedom that live music affords. The three rock classics below were all forever changed by one immaculate live performance. Good luck settling for the album version after hearing it performed in a way only a live setting can produce.
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Videos by American Songwriter
“Whipping Post” — The Allman Brothers Band
One of the greatest things about a rock live performance is that the band is free from recording restraints. Sure, there are some things about a studio environment that a live show could never recreate, but that pales in comparison to an extended jam that showcases the full breadth of a band’s talent. That’s what happened when The Allman Brothers Band delivered a scorching, over-22-minute version of “Whipping Post” at the Fillmore East in 1971.
This song is a long, drawn-out affair in the studio version, but the band took things even further on the rendition from their live album, At Fillmore East. The version of “Whipping Post” found on that album forever changed the song. It also best captured the band’s blistering, never-ending musical talent.
“Purple Rain” — Prince
The weather was on Prince’s side when he performed “Purple Rain” at his iconic Super Bowl halftime show. The rain might not have been the titular color, but a downpour certainly matched the dramatics of this song. Prince expounded upon the studio version of this masterpiece, reveling in the limelight on one of the biggest stages in America.
When we listen to the studio version of this song, it’s almost impossible to imagine that it could be any better. But Prince proved us wrong when he leveled up “Purple Rain” in the rain at the Super Bowl. There are few scenes more majestic.
“Radio Ga Ga” — Queen
On paper, Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga” can lean a little silly. From the baby talk chorus to the theatricality of it, you have to give this band a little leeway when listening to this hit. But the silliness of this song was completely eradicated when they played it at Live Aid in 1985.
The crowd participation alone gave this song some real gravity. The lyrics about the way radio (or music at large) affects us really hit home when thousands of people are singing along to a single song. This is one of rock’s most beloved moments, and it’s easy to see why when you revisit it.
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