What do you get when the stars align, the energy in a room is just right, and a musician is at the top of their game? A perfect concert. One doesn’t come around everyday, it can take years for an artist to hone their skills enough to pull off a “perfect 10.” When they do, the show goes down in history. Revisit three concerts that defined classic rock stars forever, below.
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The Troubadour – Elton John
Elton John earned his name recognition at The Troubadour in Hollywood. Though he had just made the trip across the Atlantic, John captured the imagination of the audience at the famed venue–enough to put him on the path to becoming a household name. Though his act wasn’t fully fleshed out yet, the glimmer of rock royalty was present. When you think of iconic John shows, his Troubadour set is one of the first that comes to mind.
She packed my bags last night, pre-flight
Zero hour, 9 a.m.
And I’m gonna be high as a kite by then
I miss the Earth so much, I miss my wife
It’s lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight
The Concert for Bangladesh – George Harrison
A rock show can be a huge ego boost for an artist. When an artist is washed in adoration, it wouldn’t take much for someone’s head to get a little over-inflated. However, there is the rare artist who keeps their feet firmly on the ground. George Harrison proved he was one such artist with The Concert for Bangladesh. He and a host of his peers opted to give back to those suffering from starvation. It was a valiant move for such a huge name. It certainly colors Harrison’s legacy in a good light.
Really want to see you
Really want to see you
Really want to see you, Lord
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my lord
Hammersmith Odeon – David Bowie
David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon. The U.K. venue will always be recognized at the setting for Bowie’s career reinvention to Aladdin Sane–yet another odd-ball character for Bowie to create under. If you asked a Bowie fan which concert of Bowie’s was most iconic, odds are they’d mention the Hammersmith Odeon first.
Keep your mouth shut
You’re squawking like a pink monkey bird
And I’m bustin’ up my brains for the words
Keep your ‘lectric eye on me, babe
Put your ray gun to my head
Press your space face close to mine, love
Freak out in a moonage daydream, oh yeah!
(Photo by Armando Gallo/Getty Images)
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