Top 10 Emotional Live Music Performances That Give Us Chills

In the wake of a tragedy, several musicians came together to celebrate the life and work of Taylor Hawkins. This was best exemplified by a special performance of “My Hero” with the drummer’s son. It’s incredibly touching to watch Shane Hawkins sit behind the kit, honoring his father in more ways than one. His presence alone gives this version of the song a new energy, but he can also play the drums with style. Foo Fighters have to try to keep up with this young artist in an overwhelming moment. Taking on a whole different meaning, this track will never sound the same again.

From this performance alone, it’s clear that Brandi Carlile loves Joni Mitchell. This soulful rendition of “River” includes some lovely piano accompaniment, but it’s the incredible vocals from the younger musician that really tug at the heart. Truly living up to the word “tribute,” Carlile makes you believe every single lyric as she serenades the honoree. It’s even more powerful given the singer’s ongoing help in reviving Mitchell’s live career. Using one of the legend’s greatest compositions, the performer encapsulates the love an entire fanbase feels for a titan of music. She balances the track’s delicate nature with her own singular sensibility.

During one of the biggest concerts of the 20th century, some of the biggest UK acts came together to sing this charity single. Many original singers from the Band Aid recording show up as well as many notable guests. It’s all for a good cause, reminding viewers of the power of “Live Aid.” There’s also the fact that so many musical luminaries share the same microphones. With everyone from David Bowie to Freddie Mercury there, you can’t help but feel like this is a piece of music history. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” has never sounded better or more profound than in that moment. It’s a staggering performance, just beating out iconic sets from the likes of Queen.

Nobody can sing quite like Leonard Cohen. Even in his later career, the performer could wow a crowd with his renditions of his incredible songs. This version of his iconic “Hallelujah” has all the power of his original recording but he digs down even deeper into the lyrics. There are plenty of great covers of this song, which is tribute to what a powerful piece of writing it is, but Cohen clearly has a special relationship to it. With a talented backing band, the artist hangs on each note in a performance bordering on perfection. His poetic words have never sounded better as he gives the audience a spiritual experience.

Chris Cornell was a hero to many people in the music industry, with Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington an especially close friend to the artist. Cornell’s untimely death came not long before this appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The band decided to press on with emotions on full display, with the frontman taking the news the hardest. Bennington’s brave and vulnerable work here can’t be understated. The vocalist doesn’t hold back, singing through what must have been a difficult array of emotions. He and the entire group deserve credit for turning “One More Light” into a tribute to a fallen icon. Considering Bennington’s sudden death that same year, this video becomes even harder to watch.

Coming together to support the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, the One Love Manchester concert contained a tremendous outpouring of love for the city. This particular performance from Chris Martin and Ariana Grande exemplifies that supportive spirit. The artists come together to sing Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” with the audience eagerly behind them. It’s a moving performance that features as much heart as it does musical talent. The crowd even takes over at one point, giving the chorus even more meaning in the wake of a tragedy. It’s moments like this that show how music can bring people together.

While honoring Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy Center Honors, Heart pulled out all the stops for this cover. They enlisted John Bonham’s son Jason to play drums and brought together a group of talented performers. Ann Wilson’s powerful voice gives Robert Plant a run for his money, giving renewed life to this classic. There’s also the fantastic choir that wrings even more emotion out of the music. With the excited honorees watching, this performance reminds people of why the song endures. The wonderful arrangement puts this version of “Stairway to Heaven” in a class all its own.

On the Grammy stage, Whitney Houston proved once again that she was the voice of a generation. Her cover of “I Will Always Love You” has become an absolute classic, and this version is especially brilliant, showcasing the singer’s undeniable strengths. She hits high notes that few humans could ever hope to reach live. Raising the bar once more, the star is sheer perfection throughout this magnificent performance. She even nails the difficult key change with seeming ease. During a night where she won multiple awards, Houston reminded everyone that she deserved every single ounce of praise.

While they might come from completely different musical worlds, Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs are still able to come together for this fantastic collaboration. The latter artist scored a hit with the song that brought further attention to the original’s timeless qualities. Both performing with her and honoring her songwriting, Combs accompanies Chapman on the Grammy stage. And the audience is also clearly excited to welcome the songwriter back to the spotlight. A galvanizing and amazing performance, it gives audiences everywhere something to cheer about. You can also appreciate the amazing quality of the lyrics and music that made this moment possible.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Avicii Tribute Orchestra, “Levels,” “Avicii Tribute Concert” (2019)
Following the Producer’s Death, this Towering Track Carries Even More Resonance

Céline Dion, “ My Heart Will Go On,” “24th Billboard Music Awards” (2017)
Singing Her Signature Song, the Performer Delivers a Timeless Performance

Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe, “Barcelona” (1987)
The Queen Frontman Reaches Operatic Heights with Soaring High-Notes

Bruce Springsteen, “My City of Ruins,” “America: A Tribute to Heroes” (2001)
A Solemn & Moving Tribute Honoring the Victims of a Tragedy

Adele, “Someone Like You,” “31st BRIT Awards” (2011)
She Owns the Stage with a Showstopping Rendition of “Someone Like You”

Some songs are much more than just a way to entertain. The performer Logic proves this in his 2017 MTV Video Music Awards performance. Joining forces with Alessia Cara and Khalid, the rapper celebrates life and shines a light on mental health issues. The track contains positive messages that show support for people suffering with depression or harmful thoughts. It’s already emotional, but the appearance also features people personally affected by the track’s topic. This all builds to the lead performer’s passionate speech about equality. It’s ultimately a tour-de-force that’s hard to get through without tearing up.

Did we forget another emotional performance? Let us know in the comments below.