None.
To be honest, I have seen bands that have put on very entertaining shows, or sound fairly close to their recordings (I believe without the use of tapes?), but I have never seen a live performance, that sounds as polished, or better, than any band’s studio recordings. That is just a fact, that is what studio magic can do.
Truly live performances, tend to be rawer, more stripped down, voices can crack, players hit clams, sound equipment can fail, etc. So, if one appreciates spontaneity, rawness, etc., then one may favor, live performances.
My ears, and brain, get inculcated to, appreciate and favor, the studio versions. So, that is why I feel no act has ever been better, than their studio recordings.
Nevertheless, Judas Priest always delivers (pun intended). Blue Murder was phenomenal, as Sykes was such a perfectionist/. Early Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy, Kix was always a good time when playing small clubs. Def Leppard. I saw Bryan Adams do an acoustic set with was amazing. Chris Isaak is always great, etc.
I have been blessed to have seen many, many shows over my lifetime, most were good, some were not, but the audio quality of records, has never failed me. 🙂
5 Responses
Great question! So many bands and artists are using live auto tune or lip syncing to tracks to im assuming to sound like the studio recordings , im no longer going to live shows
Robert,
I completely understand, it is definitely a bait and switch and disingenuous to its very core.
At least in Ozzy‘s case, he reportedly used a live man (Robert Mason) behind the curtain. So, kudos to him, for at least, using a real singer and not tapes.
100% TWISTED SISTER…listen to Live at the Hammersmith, they are loud and heavy, the drums and bass are LOUD. Always thought their albums never showed this side of them.
Thank you for the question, Doug R. & Dana! Immediate answer that comes to mind is early Kiss songs from the first three records specifically. Many of those were captured on Alive and was certainly a night and day difference. Throughout Kisstory, the band has always had a reputation for being a much better band live vs. studio. For me it’s a song by song thing. For example, I love the studio versions of Tears Are Falling, Hide Your Heart and Crazy Crazy Nights. But in concert, I don’t think they sound good. On the other hand, you take songs like Heaven’s On Fire & Lick It Up where they sound great both live and in studio. Then you have a song like Unholy which is fantastic in studio but just bad and terrible live.
Dana, sadly I’ve yet to see the almighty Priest live. Are you saying they deliver…..the goods???
Yes RPS-LOL!
However, the last time I saw the band live, was their 30th anniversary celebration of British Steel, where Tipton and Downing, were still full time members.
As long as the Metal God is at the helm, I am sure, their live shows are still very good. But, since I have not attended one, since that tour (which is reported to have taken place in 2009 (my memory is poop)), I cannot say with absolute certainty.
BTW, that 30th Anniversary of British Steel tour was a BEAST. One of their absolute best, and they were not even in their prime.