The largest concert in the world by the number of people. The biggest concerts in the world of different years
“Bread and circuses” are the two main factors that people have striven for at all times. Although this expression belonged to the ancient Greek satirist poet Juvenal, who lived in the 1st century AD, it has not lost its relevance to this day. Agree, the main center of attraction for lovers of spectacles in the modern world can safely be called concerts. It takes months and millions of dollars to organize such large projects. However, if the concert goes well, the audience will remember him for the rest of his life. And if you're really lucky, he can be immortalized in the Guinness Book of Records. We bring to your attention the TOP 10 most grandiose and large-scale concerts in history.
TOP-1. Rolling Stones (2003, Toronto)
Rolling Stones performance in Toronto (photo)
In the first place is one of the most legendary bands in the world - The Rolling Stones. The history of this group is so rich that films have been made on it more than once, and the number of books telling about this team has long exceeded a hundred. In grandeur, only The Beatles can compare with them. For 45 years, their style has not changed. while still being trendy and stylish. But this is exactly what the real legend of the rock and roll genre should be, which is what the Rolling Stones are.
It is this group that holds the attendance record for a paid concert. It happened in 2003 in Toronto at a concert dedicated to supporting the city's economy after the outbreak of the SARS epidemic. The show has over a million viewers.. In addition to the Rolling Stones, other stars also participated in this, among which AC / DC, Justin Timberlake and Rush should be noted, however, since this performance was part of the Rollings' concert tour, the record belongs to them.
After 2 years, the guys set another record. Their 'A bigger bang tour' made the boys an incredible $437 million. and was named the most successful tour in history! But with such great success came big problems. Almost all members of the group took drugs, for which they were criticized more than once.
In 1969, Brian Jones, the band's guitarist, drowned in a swimming pool. The reason is an accident, but the examination revealed that the musician's blood contained the remains of narcotic drugs, which indicates a possible overdose.
TOP-2. A-HA (1991, Maracana Stadium, South America)
The most famous Norwegian trio A-ha gained popularity back in the mid-80s . The group's first hit was the well-known single "Take on me" today.. And the first album immediately won first lines in all the charts of the world.
In 1986, the guys went on their first world tour. The popularity of the group was incredible and in 1987 the composer of all the band's songs, Paul Waaktaar, was invited to record a song for Bond. This fact alone speaks of the recognition of the group. Under their romantic songs, millions of couples of the 80s kissed!
In 1991, the trio went to concerts in South America, where they gathered more than 900,000 spectators in total. And at the Maracana stadium, 300,000 spectators came to the A-ha concert. This record held for 12 years!
Having played a concert in the cultural capital of Russia, St. Petersburg, in 1994, the guys decided to relax and dispersed. Morten Harket, whose voice range was as much as 5 octaves, began recording a solo album. Magne Furuholmen devoted himself entirely to painting and received many positive reviews and ratings. Paul Wauctor-Savoy, together with his wife, Lauren Savva, formed their own band and still play in their homeland of Norway.
TOP 3. Paul Mccartney. (1990, Maracana Stadium, South America)
After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, he and his wife Linda Eastman formed the Wings group. Since that time, they began to publish many of their own songs and albums, give concerts and receive good fees. In 1979, the Guinness Book of Records presented Paul with an award as the most popular artist of all time. By 1990, Paul went overseas with concerts. First, in Chicago, 53,000 people came to his performance, and only then, at the Maracana stadium, he set a new world record for the number of tickets sold for one concert. That evening, 220,000 people gathered at the stadium! During the entire tour, more than 3 million fans visited Paul McCartney's concerts.
Two years later, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Music. An interesting fact, because before that such an award did not even exist. He became the first to be honored to receive it. In the same year, McCartney was recognized as the Composer of the Millennium.
TOP 4. Led Zeppelin (1987, Pontiac Silverdome, USA)
In 1973, the English group Led Zeppelin, the pioneers of hard rock, during their tour, at their second concert, gathered 56,800 spectators. Their performance took place in the USA at Tampa Stadium, Florida. Thus, they continued the tradition started by the immortal Beatles to hold concerts in stadiums. As early as 1977, Led Zeppelin at the Pontiac Silverdome, Michigan, broke its own attendance record. Then this stadium accommodated 76,300 fans.. A larger number of spectators at the Pontiac Silverdome was recorded in 1987 during a visit to the United States by Pope John Paul 2. The stadium was attended by 200,000 people.
TOP-5. Peace concert "Peace without Border", 2009, Havana
In honor of the International Day of Peace, a special musical celebration called "World without Borders" was organized. More than 180,000 Latin pop fans gathered to listen to their favorite performers - Miguel Bose, Silvio Rodriguez and others. It was the largest event in Havana, organized by the Cuban Institute of Music and musician Juanes in Revolution Square. Even the incredible heat did not prevent a record number of spectators from gathering for this show.
TOP 6. Garth Brooks concert, 1997, New York
More than 150,000 fans gathered to hear and see the legend of the country genre Garth Brooks. The concert was held in New York's Central Park. More than 14 million enjoyed country music masterpieces live on television. Over the years of his work, the singer has sold many albums - fans have sold out about 120 million copies. And in 2001, sales success surpassed the king of rock, Elvis Presley.
TOP 7. Michael Jackson, 1997, Prague
The world statistical agency recently conducted a survey around the planet - who is the most recognizable person in the world? It turned out, the most famous on Earth is the king of pop Michael Jackson.
He began his musical career back in 1969 in a group that his father created. It was in this group that he managed to show himself and already in the mid-70s he began to give solo performances. In the family, in addition to Michael, there were 8 more children, all performed with him on stage.
His two sisters, Janet Jackson and LaToya Jackson, also achieved great popularity. Released by him in 1982, the album "Thriller" brought Michael unprecedented fame.. Worldwide, it has sold 105 million copies, which is still a Guinness record. His videos were also successful - it was on them that the now popular MTV channel was untwisted.
In the same 1982, some changes began to occur with Michael's skin - it began to become lighter.. The singer himself said that this was all because of a rather rare disease - "vitiligo", in other words - pigmentation of the body. At the same time, the appearance of the face changed - his nose became thinner. Plastic surgeons still do not talk about these secrets. After these events, Michael did not appear in public and led a reclusive life in his Neverland estate.
The famous festival, which annually pleases the inhabitants of foggy Albion, allowing you to plunge into the world of music. The event is held in the first days of summer. Yet the 1970 festival was its biggest success. The unheard-of influx of music lovers secured him a place in the top of the biggest concerts . The performance of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Taste and other stars gathered an audience of up to 100,000 thousand people, which was a record in the history of this event.
TOP 10. Concert Tokio Hotel, 2010, Paris
Our rating of the largest concerts ends with the famous performance of the German band. The cult rock band was born at the beginning of the second millennium, and its biggest sensation the concert was held in the world capital of romantics in 2010, gathering a huge audience - about 90,000 thousand. The famous show "Welcome to the Humanoid-City" took place on the territory of the Eiffel Tower, which is the pride of France.
Tokio Hotel performance in Paris, 2010 (video)
"Meal'n'Real!" - two invariable factors that people have striven for at all times. Although this saying belonged to the ancient Roman satirist poet Juvenal, who lived in the 1st century AD, it has not lost its relevance in the 21st century. The most important centers of attraction for lovers of modern spectacles can safely be called concerts. These grandiose projects, featuring iconic musical idols, take months of preparation and millions of dollars to organize.
However, if the concert was a success, the audience will remember it with gratitude for decades to come. And if you are really lucky, he will even enter the annals of achievements immortalized in the Guinness Book of Records. We bring to your attention the rating of the largest concerts in history.
1. Concert by Rod Stewart, 1994
In the midst of the New Year holidays (December 31, 1994) on the famous beach of the pearl of Brazil Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana - they held the largest concert in world history. More than 4 million fans gathered to listen to the legendary hits of rock star Rod Stewart. The New Year's show was hosted by MTV. Due to its unheard of scale, the event was noted in the Guinness Book of Records.
2. Queen concert, 1985
Second place in the scale rating went to the concert of one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music - the unsurpassed Queen. This significant event took place in the capital of Australia - Sydney - on April 26, 1985. On this day, more than 2 million people gathered to enjoy the masterpieces of Queen musicians. The event was held as part of "The Works Tour".
3. Festival "Monsters of Rock of the USSR", 1991
In third place in this ranking was the international rock festival "Monsters of Rock", or rather its final concert in Moscow. The concert tour of the famous festival swept like a musical tornado through a number of European countries during August 1991. The greatest event in the world of music was organized by BIZ Enterprises. The best hits of the legendary rock idols - "Black Crowes", "Metallica" and others - sounded on the stages. The final part of the event took place in the Russian capital at the Tushino airfield on September 28 after the fateful coup in August. After the tragic events that took place then in Moscow, it was hard for the residents, stunned by the tanks and barricades, to believe that an event of such magnitude was being held in the city. About 1.6 million people gathered to watch the performances. You can appreciate the scope of this grandest spectacle in history by watching the film "Monsters of Rock in Moscow", filmed by Wayne Isham.
4. The Rolling Stones tour, 2005-2007
The two-year tour of the illustrious band became the leader in the profitability rating compiled by the Billboard magazine. During the "A bigger bang tour" the musicians earned $558 million, which made the tour the most successful in history. During this time, the group gave a free performance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 20 immortal hits sounded on the vast 4-kilometer beach of Copacabana from a giant 22-meter stage. More than 1.5 million spectators gathered to take part in this largest spectacle in history. The concert was sponsored by the local mayor's office.
5. Peace concert "Peace without Border", 2009
In honor of the International Day of Peace, a musical festival "World without Borders" was organized. More than 1.5 million Latin pop fans gathered to listen to their favorite stars - Miguel Bose, Silvio Rodriguez, Juanes and others. This largest event in Havana was organized by the Cuban Institute of Music and the Colombian musician Juanes in Revolution Square. Even the terrible heat did not prevent a record number of spectators from gathering for this holiday.
6. Garth Brooks concert, 1997
More than 980 thousand fans gathered to see and hear the country music legend Garth Brooks. The free concert was held in New York's Central Park. And 14 million enjoyed the masterpieces of country music live. Over the years of his work, the singer has sold an incredible number of albums - fans have sold out more than 120 million copies. And in 2001, sales success surpassed even the records of the king of rock, Elvis Presley.
7. The US Festival, 1983
The grand event was sponsored by Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple. At the concert, the cult stars of the world stage - Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Triumph delighted the audience with their ingenious creativity. The music festival was held to the admiring applause and exclamations of the 600,000th audience.
8. Rock festival “Summer Jam at Watkins Glen”, 1973
In that significant year, at the famous Watkins Glen International racetrack in New York, which served as an auto racing venue, the largest concert of that time took place. The rock festival was such a huge success with the audience that it gathered 600 thousand people, hitting the Guinness Book of Records. At the concert, the audience was pleased with the performances of the outstanding bands of those times - The Allman Brothers Band, The Band, The Grateful Dead.
9 Isle Of Wight Festival, 1970
The famous festival, which annually pleases the inhabitants of foggy Albion, allowing you to plunge into the world of music. The event is held in the first days of summer. Yet the 1970 festival was its biggest success. The unheard-of influx of music lovers has secured him a place in the top of the largest concerts. The performance of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Taste and other stars gathered an audience of up to 600 thousand people, which was a record in the history of this event.
10. Concert Tokio Hotel, 2010
Our rating of the largest concerts ends with the famous performance of the German band Tokio Hotel. The cult rock band was born at the beginning of the second millennium, and its concert made the biggest splash in the world capital of romantics in 2010, gathering a huge audience - about 500 thousand. The famous show "Welcome to the Humanoid-City" took place on the territory of the Eiffel Tower, which is the pride of France.
A concert is the highest form of creative activity of a group or performer: everything that was conceived and created in the studio is tested by the most strict and biased critic - the viewer and listener. And although not everyone shares this view of concerts (for example, The Beatles once and for all refused to perform, rightly deciding that they would not be able to repeat their studio masterpieces on stage), it is the live concert program that is the main criterion for assessing the merits of a group or singer . But if a concert is always only one group (or two, if there is a warm-up group), then a rock festival allows you to identify the leaders of your time during a marathon that is very reminiscent of a live competition. We tried to rank the most massive - and therefore the most representative - rock music shows, and here's what it looks like.
1. Rod STUART. Concert at the beach of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, December 31, 1994, 3.5 million spectators.
No, Reading, not "Monsters of Rock" and not even Woodstock gathered the maximum number of fans, namely this concert of the "greatest white soul singer" - as Elton John called it - on New Year's Eve. More than 4 thousand Brazilian women were relieved that evening from the burden right in front of the TVs, and after it ended, several tens of tons of garbage were taken from the beach. Stewart's record has stood for over 15 years.
2. The first rock festival "ROCK IN RIO", January 11-20, 1985, Rio de Janeiro, 1.5 million viewers.
It was the biggest marathon of the mainstream era, which was a fusion of heavy metal, glam rock, rock and roll and pop! The main characters were Queen, Iron Maiden, Rod Stewart, AC / DC, Yes, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Nina Hagen, The Go-Go's and The B-52's.
3. Garth Brooks, Concert in New York's Central Park August 7, 1997, 750,000 people.
Who would have thought that country music has so many fans! Nevertheless, the star of "cowboy rock" in a hat with a diameter of more than a meter, using a lasso, caught the audience from the crowd, brought them to the stage and made them sing along. In fairness, it should be noted that not only country songs were played that evening, but also cover versions of the Beatles. 
4. USA OPEN Rock Festival, Devore, California, May 28-30, 1983, 670,000 spectators.
The event was organized by Apple Computers founder Steve Wozniak, so he tried to show his enemy and competitor Bill Gates "who is a real businessman in America"! In this he was helped by the biggest stars of those years - Flock Of Seagulls, Scorpions, Motley Crue, INXS, Van Halen, U2, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson. The show was a financial disaster, and a dead-drunk Motley Crue leader, Vince Neil, collapsed off stage in Wozniak's expensive Mustang, nearly killing singer Stevie Nicks in the process.
5. "SUMMER JAM SESSION" in the village of Watkins Glen in suburban New York, July 28, 1973, 600,132 spectators.
For a long time, this concert at the stadium for road racing was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most massive. And although entrance tickets were paid, the local hippie commune started a rumor that this was not so, and the excited public swept away all the cordons! The Grateful Dead, The Band and The Allman Brothers Band performed, and this is also a record for the minimum number of participants in a rock festival.
6. Isle of Wight Rock Festival, Isle of Wight, England, August 26-30, 1970, 600,000 spectators.
The memories of Woodstock were still fresh in my mind, which is why the Isle of Wight's 3rd Annual Rock Festival attracted so many fans. And also because superstars came to the show - Jimi Hendrix (this turned out to be his last public performance), Miles Davis, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Johnny Mitchell, The Doors, Jethro Tull, The Who, Ten Years After, Chicago.
7. SIMON & GARFunkel, Concert in New York's Central Park, September 19, 1981, 500,000 people.
This was the culmination of the duo's reunion after the second breakup of their career! By that time, Simon & Garfunkel had already sold almost 100 million discs, it is not surprising that the concert gathered half a million fans. The show was overshadowed by the fact that, to the sound of the greatest hit "Sounds of Silence", a gang of lustful African Americans raped a dozen spectators with impunity! As Paul Simon philosophically noted later, “in general, everyone tried to have their fun, some succeeded.”
8. Charity rock concert "AGAINST SARS", July 30, 2003, Toronto, Canada, 450 thousand spectators.
The epidemic, which hit mainly Asia, had a negative impact on tourism revenues, and the authorities of the region turned to rock stars with a request to help. The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Rush, Justin Timberlake and Canadian rock classics The Guess Who responded. Since the event was charitable, the stars and the audience allowed themselves to relax, and by the end everyone was pretty drunk.
9. Rock festival "WOODSTOK", August 15-18, 1969, Bethel, New York, 400 thousand spectators.
Volumes have been written about this landmark festival, and rightly so: it was at Woodstock that the future stars of all time Carlos Santana, Ten Years After, Mountain, Joe Cocker, Sly & The Family Stone, The Grease Band, Quill first announced themselves. Superstars include Jimi Hendrix, Canned Heat, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Who and Jefferson Airplane. The main groups - The Beatles and The Rolling Stones - could not and did not want to come.
10. Rock festival "BLOCKBUSTER", June 21, 1997, Fort Worth, Texas, 385 thousand spectators.
It was the main review of alternative rock, which had reached its creative peak by that time! The speedway show featured top bands of the era including No Doubt, matchbox twenty, Bush, The Wallflowers, Collective Soul, Counting Crowes and Jewel. Many believe that from that moment on, the indie rock star began to gradually decline.
According to the materials of the magazine "Rovesnik", No. 11, 2010.
If you think that in Moscow clubs it is crowded, stuffy, there is nothing to breathe and a lot of people - you haven't been to concerts and one-day festivals with millions of people yet. We will now tell you about the ten most-most.
Love Parade (parade/festival). Berlin, Germany. 1999 1,500,000 people
Love Parade - the largest technoparade in the world, held in Germany until 2010. More than thirty different performers took part in the combined concert in 1999, including Fatboy Slim, Moby, Powerhouse, Basement Jaxx and many others. The procession, held under the theme "Music is the Key", gathered more than one and a half million ravers! Here it is, unity!
Paz Sin Fronteras (group concert). Havana, Cuba. year 2009. 1,500,000 people
The famous Colombian musician Juanes in 2009 organized an event that many media called the concert of the century. Silvio Rodriguez, Miguel Bose, Danny Rivera, Giovanotti and 1.5 million people took part in "World Without Borders". Great eve of the International Day of Peace.
Rolling Stones concert. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 2006 1,500,000 people
The notorious Brazilian beach of Copacabana then accepted the Rolling Stones with open arms: a stage as high as a seven-story building, a specially built underground passage connecting it to the hotel (in which the musicians settled), 750 thousand dollars of the fee and as many as one and a half million loyal fans.
Monsters of Rock (festival). Moscow, Russia. 1991 1,600,000 people
Metallica, Pantera, The Black Crowes, E.S.T., AC/DC - and all this in Russia in one day! The final volleys from cannons, legendary groups and the complete absence of toilets for visitors - the Tushinskoye massacre, as the past festival was called by the people. Approximately 1.6 million rockers - of course, the entrance was free.
Love Parade (parade/festival). Dortmund, Germany. 2008 1,600,000 people
And again the Love Parade, which moved from Berlin to Dortmund. Motorway blocked for two kilometers, 37 mobile platforms, 250 DJs. Moby, David Guetta, Westbam, Paul Van Dyk, Carl Cox, Armin Van Buuren is the perfect line-up for trance, house and techno fans.
queen. Sydney, Australia. 1985 2,000,000 people
Freddie Mercury was not very shy in 1985, and that is why Sydney hosted as many as 4 concerts in a row. The second one attracted the largest crowd of fans - more than two million lucky people were able to enjoy "Bohemian Rapsody" and "Radio Ga Ga". Are you jealous?
Jean Michel Jarre. Paris, France. 1990 2,500,000 people + Moscow, Russia. 1997 3,500,000 people
Paris, La Defense, early 90s, two and a half million fans of electronic music. Moscow, Sparrow Hills, late 90s, three and a half million fans of the French multi-instrumentalist. Jean Michel Jarre entered the Guinness Book of Records four times - in 1979, 1986, 1990 and 1997 - and in the nomination "The most massive concerts in history". Do not be lazy and get acquainted with the lives of the pioneer of synth electronics - believe me, it's worth it.
Rod Stewart. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 1994 3,500,000 people
And again Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana, the Guinness Book of Records and several million fans. An unprecedented number of people, the magnificent Rod Stewart, imperishable hits approaching new year. Just the perfect picture. I wonder how long it took them all to get home?
Babbu Maan. Dirba, India. 2008 4,000,000 people
Very little is known about this concert, only the city, year, number of fans, and the name of the performer. About Babbu Maan, a popular Indian performer, it is impossible to find filled pages in the Russian-speaking segment of the Internet. But in order to at least roughly understand what is at stake, watch his latest clip.
Twenty-six years ago (May 27) The Stone Roses played their legendary concert at Spike Island. On this occasion, we offer to recall a few more historically important live performances.
The Beatles: "Rooftop Concert", January 30, 1969
An impromptu performance on the rooftop of Apple Studios. Classics such as "Get Back" and "Don't Let Me Down" sent London into a screeching halt before the police famously interrupted the performance. "I hope we passed the audition," Lennon pointed out snidely. This was the last time the Liverpool Four played together.
Blur: Hyde Park, London, 2 July 2009
After the departure of Graham Coxon in 2002, it looked like Blur's story had come to an end - until 2008, when Coxon and Albarn settled their differences and revealed plans for a future short tour. Tickets for the Hyde Park concert sold out within two minutes, heralding a second show and attention from a whole new generation of fans.
Jimi Hendrix: Woodstock, August 18, 1969
Hendrix ended the two-hour festival - the longest of his career - though it was the only highlight of the festival in retrospect. Hardly anyone actually saw him take the stage on Monday morning, after most of the people had left.
Muse: Wembley Stadium, London, 16 June 2007
The band were the first musicians to sell out a performance at the newly refurbished Wembley Stadium. Muse put on an elaborate show with many details, including giant satellites and air dancers attached to balloons.
Arctic Monkeys: First show at the London Astoria, 2005
Tickets sold out in advance - all because of one limited single - Arctic Monkeys arrived. "If someone throws another damn can, then we can get the hell out!" Alex Turner commanded at one point with Gallagher confidence. No other items were thrown.
Radiohead: Glastonbury 1997
It's what festival founder Michael Eavis called "the most inspiring concert at the festival in 30 years." Overcoming bad weather and a host of technical challenges, the band mesmerized the audience with haunting performances of new material from "OK Computer" and older classics such as "Creep".
Nirvana: Reading Festival 1992
Nirvana's last gig on British soil. Parodying speculation about his mental health, Kurt Cobain was brought onto the stage in a wheelchair before joining the rest of the band for a powerful set of old and new songs.
Eminem: Manchester Evening News Arena, 2001
Striking fear in the hearts of Daily Mail readers everywhere, Slim Shady took pills, faked his own execution and marched across the stage with his now-famous chainsaw and hockey mask. The scandalous concert was organized by gays and women's rights protesters.
The Strokes: London Astoria, February 3, 2001
London debut of The Strokes playing as rookies at the NME Awards. Hailed as the most important band of the new millennium, they unveiled future hits "Last Night" and "New-York City Cops" from their debut album Is This It, later voted by NME readers and journalists to be the 2001 album.
Last show at the London Astoria, 14 January 2009
After a long campaign failed to save the iconic venue from a bulldozer, Get Cape's Sam Duckworth hosted the final show. The line-up featured Frank Turner, ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead and The Automatic, culminating in a performance "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley.
The Clash: London Rainbow Theatre, 21 May 1977
By the time The Clash was released, the crowd had been foaming at the mouth with The Jam and Buzzcocks. During the opening song "London's Burning", enthusiastic fans refused to sit down and went on a rampage, pulling out over 200 seats in the process.
The Who: Leeds University, February 14, 1970
One of the two shows was organized specifically for the recording of the live album. Due to technical glitches, the sound from the first concert was unusable, forcing the band to hope for this performance. The New York Times called it "the best live rock album of all time".
Jay-Z: Glastonbury 2008
One of the most controversial performances in the history of the festival. Publicly criticized by Noel Gallagher before the performance, Jay-Z responded by walking on stage with Oasis' 1995 hit "Wonderwall", interrupting his "99 Problems". "The Times" called it "the most exciting performance in the last 10 years".
The White Stripes: London 100 Club, August 6, 2001
After a lot of hype, The White Stripes have finally unleashed their dirty Detroit blues in London. "Lustful and promiscuous, exuding sex and danger," one critic said of them, later calling them "the most important band that exists on the planet today."
The Last Shadow Puppets: Leeds Festival 2008
Alex Turner, inspired by the 1960s to collaborate with Miles Kane of The Rascals. Seemingly blended together, the duo performed alongside a 16-piece orchestra and enlisted James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco on drums. A really mature performance, suggesting that Alex Turner has more to offer than Arctic Monkeys.
Morrissey: London Finsbury Park, August 1992
Morrissey wrapped himself in a Union Jack and performed in front of an image of two female skinheads. During the song "National Front Disco", the restless crowd started throwing "projectiles". The artist ended his performance after nine songs and spent the next few years denying allegations of racism.
Pulp: Glastonbury 1995
Performing in place of The Stone Roses, who were forced to pull out, Pulp was met with a measure of skepticism from disgruntled Roses fans. Jarvis Cocker quickly rose above the "beer rush" to take the audience into his own hands. A seminal moment for Britpop that saw the rise of Pulp and the decline of The Stone Roses.
Bob Dylan: Electric Newport Festival 1965
The famous moment when Bob Dylan hit an electrician. The performance lasted 15 minutes before Dylan was stormed off the stage by the hissing crowd, who were angry that he turned his back on the people. He was later persuaded to perform two acoustic numbers. After the incident, Bob Dylan did not return to the festival for 37 years.
The Libertines: London Albion Rooms, April 2003
The Libertines have been hailed as the best new band in the UK. Band members Pete and Carl regularly hosted impromptu concerts in their Bethnal Green apartments. Pushing back the kitchen cabinet and seated on the sofas, fans and friends swooped down to see this latest "concert" at the so-called "Albion Rooms" and wait for the inevitable police vans.
Kings Of Leon: London Bush Hall, 2003
Long before touring sales, Kings Of Leon were god-fearing, bearded curiosities. Turning a London event into a sleazy New Orleans bar, they paved their way with debut album Youth And Young Manhood, giving the assembled crowd an early taste of future classics like Molly's Chambers and Red Morning Light.
The Velvet Underground & Nico: The Exploding Plastic Inevitable, 1966
A multimedia exhibition of Andy Warhol's work side by side with a live performance by The Velvet Underground and the dancing of the infamous muse Edie Sedgwick. Warhol's involvement helped bring the group—then almost unknown—to public attention.
Gallows: Old Blue Last, London, 3 December 2008
"I want to see the damn carnage," Frank Carter roared after smashing the chandelier. A chaotic performance that made the venue look like the culmination of Inglourious Basterds. At one point, Carter attacked one of the male audience members, allegedly for groping.
The Prodigy: Glastonbury 1995
The Prodigy stood out by a mile, dominating "guitar" indie bands. "Glastonbury, are you ready to rock?" shouted Maxim Reality, unleashing his dance/punk hybrid, turning the crowd into one big mess the festival has only seen.
Pixies: Glastonbury 1989
After the release of "Doolittle", this show confirmed that a generation had affirmed the excellence of the Pixies. Starting their set with "Bone Machine", they played their entire repertoire in alphabetical order, ending with "Where Is My Mind".
Joy Division: Birmingham University, May 2, 1980
The last concert of the group. Ian Curtis ended up backstage due to uncontrolled epilepsy. The band played without him and he reappeared on the final song "Digital". The concert also featured the song "Ceremony", which later became the debut single from New Order.
Ozzy Osbourne: Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Iowa, 1982
In what has since been recorded as knowledge of metal, Ozzy bit off the head of a live bat, believing it to be a rubber toy. He was subsequently taken to the hospital in order to be vaccinated against rabies.
The Flaming Lips: Glastonbury 2003
Accompanied by fans dancing in furry animal costumes, The Flaming Lips have put a stigma on eccentric performances. The Guardian called it a pop concert that "could double as a performance art".
Sex Pistols: Live on the River Thames, London 1977
The Sex Pistols performed songs as they sailed down the River Thames to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee. The performance of "Anarchy In The UK" (as they slowly drifted past the Houses of Parliament) was a defining moment in a punk rock uprising that ended with the end of the concert due to the boat being overtaken by the police.
Oasis: Neighbort House, August 10-11, 1996
The concerts that crowned Oasis as leaders of the Britpop movement, confirming their status as the most popular British band after The Beatles. Over 250,000 spectators attended the concert during two August nights, which can be said to have become lucky, as there were more than two million people who wanted to. At the end of the second day, Noel Gallagher took the stage and announced: "This is our story!".
