Shocking rock performances between the 20th and 21st centuries are quite different. Back in the day, before the age of the internet, rock stars would go pretty crazy on stage. Keith Moon of The Who would pack his drumset with explosives, Iggy Pop would engage in self-harming behaviors in front of crowds, etc.
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Still, the 21st century has had its share of shocking rock performances, too, but they tend to lean more toward “embarrassing” rather than straight-up dangerous. Let’s take a look at just a few examples!
Green Day, 2012
This one is still shocking, considering that punk band Green Day has always been known to put on amazing shows. Still, the band isn’t immune to controversy, and frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has never been one to censor himself. This performance from 2012 is a rough watch, compared to even the most controversial Green Day performances before and after.
In 2012, Green Day performed at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. While performing, Armstrong became visibly angry and stopped the set in the middle of “Basket Case”. He launched into a rant, criticizing the event’s promoters for trying to cut their performance short. He proceeded to smash his guitar and leave. The band later apologized and announced that Armstrong was in treatment for substance abuse.
Meat Loaf, 2011
Remember Meat Loaf? This hard rock icon enjoyed a few wild antics in the 20th century, and that energy definitely carried over into the 21st century. Sadly, like many rock stars of his time, Meat Loaf struggled to maintain his voice. By 2011, his vocal standing wasn’t ideal.
Furthermore, just weeks ahead of his 2011 performance at the Australian Football League Grand Final, he suffered a heart attack. Reports at the time noted that he had been spitting up blood during his sets. On the big day, he struggled through the 13-minute medley of hits from beginning to end. This one’s a hard watch (and listen), forewarning.
Slash and Black Eyed Peas, 2011
If you were watching the Super Bowl back in 2011, you likely remember this entry on our list of shocking rock performances all too well. I have to admit, I kind of feel bad for Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The Black Eyed Peas, which were huge that year, were tasked with putting on the halftime show at the Super Bowl. They decided to bring out Slash for a quick rendition of the Guns N’ Roses classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. The drums and guitar were out of sync, Fergie’s vocals were distracting, and Slash was clearly over the whole thing. Super Bowl halftime shows aren’t easy to put on, but this one was a disaster.
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