Top 10 Live Music Performances That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard

VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton WRITTEN BY: Andy Hammersmith

These folks really gave it their all! For this list, we'll be looking at the most notable times when musicians went above and beyond for a stage show. Our countdown includes performances from "52nd Annual Grammy Awards", "Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival", “Woodstock Music and Art Fair” and more!

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Live Music Performances. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most notable times when musicians went above and beyond for a stage show. Did we forget a live performance that went all out? Let us know in the comments below.

#10: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

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“Tunnel of Love Express Tour” (1988) In 1988, Berlin was still partitioned by a wall that divided the democratized west from the Soviet-controlled east. Metaphorical cracks in the barrier were forming, however, and deepened thanks to Bruce Springsteen. Playing in East Berlin amid his “Tunnel of Love” tour, he entertained hundreds of thousands of fans who received a rare chance to witness history. Springsteen and the E-Street Band rocked the city in a run through classic songs, notably delivering the goods on tracks like “Badlands.” Not just that, he used the opportunity to powerfully promote freedom for all Germans. The groundbreaking performance highlighted the sheer brilliance of Springsteen’s stage presence, as well as his ability to spread peace through music.

#9: The Beatles with Billy Preston

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“The Beatles' Rooftop Concert” (1969) For what would be their final public gig, the Beatles performed an unauthorized show on the rooftop of their studio alongside keyboardist Billy Preston. The setlist was one for the ages, featuring songs like “Don’t Let Me Down.” And the group went hard in every regard. This also marked arguably one of the most mischievous undertakings of their careers, considering the police got involved. With surprised crowds listening from the streets below, the band ended things with a triumphant performance of “Get Back” that made them sound wonderfully brand new. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr sounded as amazing as ever in a lively set that perfectly closed out their public live career together.

#8: Pink

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“52nd Annual Grammy Awards” (2010) One of the most versatile pop artists of her generation, Pink gave us a majorly impressive live performance at the 2010 Grammys. For one thing, she sang “Glitter in the Air” without missing a beat, expertly showcasing her vocal abilities. This would have been hard enough, but she also kicked things up a notch with some aerial choreography, dangling from the ceiling and spinning. It was dizzying in the very best way. More impressive still, she never appeared anything less than graceful throughout the showing. With an added flourish near the end involving water, Pink gave us a staggeringly beautiful show.

#7: Aretha Franklin

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“38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (2015) During Carole King’s tribute at the 2015 “Kennedy Center Honors,” Aretha Franklin took the stage to sing a classic. She performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" to the crowd and proved nobody could do it better. The artist infused the performance with a youthful spirit, and King – who co-wrote the track – couldn’t help but smile and get emotional while watching the exceptional showcase. Franklin even played the piano, something she rarely did at that later point in her career! Bringing then-President Obama to tears, the moving performance rocked the house in every conceivable way. At one particularly memorable point, Franklin rose to her feet, threw off her coat, and belted like only she can. It was breathtaking then, and it’s breathtaking now.

#6: Beyoncé

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“Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival” (2018) Beyoncé’s appearance at “Coachella” in 2018 arguably trumps all of her other live performances to date. And there have been many excellent ones, including at the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show and the “18th Billboard Music Awards”. Accompanied by a marching band and backup dancers at the music festival, she spared no expense, creating an incredible presentation. Dubbed Beychella, it felt like a gorgeous celebration of her career and culture, with a setlist that captured her finest achievements. She was also notably joined by her former Destiny’s Child group mates and her sister Solange in one amazing guest spot after another. Providing wall-to-wall entertainment and opportunities for reflection, Queen Bey shined bright in a historic and artistic triumph.

#5: Ann & Nancy Wilson

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“35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (2012) Ann and Nancy Wilson took the stage at the “35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors” to celebrate the career of Led Zeppelin. Choosing the British band’s most famous track, the sisters gave the original recording of “Stairway to Heaven” a run for its money. They began in a peaceful acoustic part before building to something much more theatrical. Getting help from the late John Bonham’s son Jason, the show took Zeppelin’s lead singer Robert Plant to an emotional place. Their impressive production involved choirs that further elevated the performance, sending it into the stratosphere. That, combined with the display of vocal range and overall sentiment driving the affair, turned it into something to remember.

#4: Jimi Hendrix

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“Woodstock Music and Art Fair” (1969) Jimi Hendrix closed out the iconic “Woodstock Music & Art Fair” with a set full of eclectic guitar work. Taking "The Star-Spangled Banner" into the rock era, the guitarist turned the classic arrangement into an electrified masterpiece. It's safe to say that in doing so, he opened up the American national anthem to much wider interpretation, breaking down the barriers of tradition. The musician also served up incredible solos that have earned their place in the musical history books and won’t soon be forgotten. Making his mark on music and inspiring artists for decades, Hendrix won the festival with a transformative performance to end the 1960s.

#3: Prince

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“Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony” (2004) During a particularly memorable Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, several legends came together to honor George Harrison posthumously. People like Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne played "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with special help from fellow inductee Prince. The latter artist did the song justice in a thrilling multi-part guitar solo. In addition to adding flair by doing things like tipping into the crowd, he took control, displaying a technical precision and greatness that he would replicate in other live shows. Everyone was transfixed by Prince’s stellar abilities, and it’s oh so easy to see why. The song got a modern update by a virtuoso, who ended the performance with a bang, throwing his instrument into the void.

#2: Queen

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“Live Aid” (1985) We already knew Queen could bring it live, but what they accomplished at “Live Aid” was simply next-level. Blending their greatest hits into one show-stopping set, the group managed to shake the stadium and the world. Freddie Mercury showed off his amazing ability to draw thousands of people to his every move, commanding the crowd like a once-in-a-generation talent. Plus, he and his fellow bandmates effortlessly shifted from songs like “Radio Ga Ga” to “We Are the Champions” with a supreme confidence that you can’t teach. Their rock skills were so evident on that day that the moment was immortalized in the music biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.