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. 🙂
27 Responses
Slayer. The power and ferocity of their live music sounds so much better than their studio recordings, right up until the band “retired.” It’s not even close. 80’s era Metallica used to be the same….but for the past 30 years, I much prefer their studio recordings. It’s not even close.
2 other bands (not hard rock or metal) that IMO sound even better live are 38 Special, and Molly fkn Hatchet! They may not be categorized as hard rock or metal, but both these bands have kicked some serious ass over the years! Especially live!
As Robert Davenport wrote, who knows what is truly “live” anymore? Actually, the better, and tighter a band sounds, the more suspicious I am.
I get the suspicion, especially with all the new technology today, but about 2 months ago I saw Alice Cooper, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more tighter band in my entire life! If they weren’t genuinely 100% live, I would be extremely shocked and very disappointed! And Nita Strauss? That lady KICKED ASS!! She can play that guitar!
Doug R: I happened upon a Hatchet show in 1990 on vacation in Orlando, loudest band ever. Tight. Yes, they kicked ass!
Dana, I saw Priest and Alice about 2.5 months ago. My son, 23, never saw Priest and said he wanted to have that experience. They kicked major ass. I only own a handful of Priest CDs, so I’m not a huge fan, but I do love them. Halford brought ALL the goods, it was awesome.
Good to know they can still bring it.
MRAR, I saw JP and AC around the same time, and yes, besides AC, JP proved that they still have the “Firepower!” Faulkner and Sneap fit in perfectly!
Great question!! Peter Frampton is the first to come to my mind. Deep purple sounds really great live. Led Zeppelin also are in their moment better live. Sabbath the studio stuff is better, their live stuff mimics their studio. Kiss definitely adds the audience to their live stuff haha! Earlier Kiss bootlegs Paul goes on these long rants. Kind of funny! kix live is amazing. I saw their last tour and was blown away about how great live they are!