“Best” is obviously subjective, but a few UK concerts have become part of music history:
The Beatles’ rooftop concert, London, 1969 — their final public performance, lasting just 42 minutes before the police stopped it. The image of the band playing on top of Apple Corps is unforgettable.
David Bowie at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973 — the famous final Ziggy Stardust show, where Bowie announced that it was “the last show that we’ll ever do” as the Spiders from Mars.
The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park, 1969 — a free concert attended by hundreds of thousands. It became a defining moment for the band.
Bob Dylan at Manchester Free Trade Hall, 1966 — the “Judas!” concert, when Dylan went electric and divided the folk audience. The recording later became one of the most famous live bootlegs ever.
Queen at Live Aid, Wembley Stadium, 1985 — only about 20 minutes long, but Freddie Mercury controlled the huge audience from the first note. It remains one of the most celebrated festival performances ever broadcast.
Nirvana at Reading Festival, 1992 — Kurt Cobain appeared in a wheelchair before launching into a set that showed Nirvana at their most chaotic and powerful.
Oasis at Knebworth, 1996 — two enormous outdoor shows attended by roughly 250,000 people. For a moment, it felt as if every young person in Britain wanted to be there.
The common thread is not perfect sound or expensive production. These concerts mattered because they captured artists at a turning point, with audiences who knew they were witnessing something special. Which great UK concert deserves to be added?
The Beatles’ rooftop concert, London, 1969 — their final public performance, lasting just 42 minutes before the police stopped it. The image of the band playing on top of Apple Corps is unforgettable.
David Bowie at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973 — the famous final Ziggy Stardust show, where Bowie announced that it was “the last show that we’ll ever do” as the Spiders from Mars.
The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park, 1969 — a free concert attended by hundreds of thousands. It became a defining moment for the band.
Bob Dylan at Manchester Free Trade Hall, 1966 — the “Judas!” concert, when Dylan went electric and divided the folk audience. The recording later became one of the most famous live bootlegs ever.
Queen at Live Aid, Wembley Stadium, 1985 — only about 20 minutes long, but Freddie Mercury controlled the huge audience from the first note. It remains one of the most celebrated festival performances ever broadcast.
Nirvana at Reading Festival, 1992 — Kurt Cobain appeared in a wheelchair before launching into a set that showed Nirvana at their most chaotic and powerful.
Oasis at Knebworth, 1996 — two enormous outdoor shows attended by roughly 250,000 people. For a moment, it felt as if every young person in Britain wanted to be there.
The common thread is not perfect sound or expensive production. These concerts mattered because they captured artists at a turning point, with audiences who knew they were witnessing something special. Which great UK concert deserves to be added?
0