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Nothing is more exciting than experiencing something live. The smoke and
mirrors that are so prevalent in today's arts and entertainment brew a
desire for sheer energy, raw passion and genuine authenticity. And very
few rushes are stronger than the joy of listening to
music.
Rock 'n' roll can be traced way back to the early 20th century. Of all the men that were shaping what would ultimately become known as rock 'n' roll, one person's DNA is probably present in most of the music on the airwaves today. Robert Johnson, a young African-American, was a talented musician who passed away at the tender age of 27 in 1938. But in such a short time, he left a huge imprint on the course of the music that followed. Years later, while the world was still bleeding from World War II and fearing the repercussions of a Cold War, the United Kingdom gave birth to a movement that would hit American shores and take over what Elvis Presley had started in the previous decade. The 1960s was a period of liberty, peace and happiness that turned to violence with the Vietnam War. From this came a desire throughout the 1970s to live life to the fullest, fearing nothing and pushing the envelope. Life seemed simpler then; maybe it was the innocence and idealism -- maybe it was the sex and drugs. Whatever it was, you know that rock 'n' roll played a part. Thus, I have searched far and wide to compile a list of 10 live Classic Rock artists and bands that shook the foundation each and every time they took the stage. And if you are surprised that your favorite didn't make the list, keep your eyes peeled for more artists in upcoming lists.
KISS When KISS broke out in the early 1970s, the name of the game was makeup, pyrotechnics and outfits straight out of a science-fiction flick. All gimmickry aside, Ace Frehley's guitar soared high on every occasion; bassist Gene Simmons' tongue-lashings drove women wild and Paul Stanley made sure that the place was rocking. Over the years, the makeup was left behind, but the energy on stage only grew.
The Doors - "Light My Fire" Music's answer to stream of consciousness writing, The Doors were great at captivating an audience and taking them down a road never traveled before. If any artist was good at further hypnotizing a drugged up audience, it was The Doors' troubled front man Jim Morrison or, as he liked to call himself, Mr. Mojo Risin' (an anagram of his name). Busy and drawn-out medleys, epic party grooves and psychedelic melodies are staples of parties to this day.
Jimi Hendrix America was at war, people were distraught, drugs were everywhere, racism was rampant, but one man stood silently at the crossroads of it all and let his Fender Stratocaster do the talking, let the fire do the burning and let the crowd do the dropping. Jimi's guitar, pyrotechnics and dexterity were miles ahead of their time…
The Beatles The Fab Four from Liverpool, England would be tops if this were a list of the musicians that drove the young ladies nuts. The most successful band of all-time, The Beatles could have showed up, waved at the audience, left the building, and still leave their fans satisfied. But they did more for the majority of the 1960s and 1970s: The Beatles were everywhere until a certain woman stepped into the picture. Later, a lone gunman silenced a movement that left its mark on an entire generation.
Rolling Stones The original bad boys of rock 'n' roll, the Rolling Stones played night after night and aimed to satisfy their legions of fans. No single (or married) woman was safe, and the Stones wouldn't have it any other way. Between Mick Jagger's antics and Keith Richards' poses, these rebellious musicians have endured throughout the years and rocked fans worldwide. Mick Jagger remains one of the truest showmen in the industry. |
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