Outstanding top 20 live albums of the exceptional 1970s ranked based on data

The 1970s may well have been the top era for live music albums. It certainly had many of the best live albums ever released.

Mick Jagger - The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger - The Rolling Stones | Walter Iooss Jr/GettyImages
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6 - Deep Purple - Made In Japan

An amazing live record with the ultimate Deep Purple lineup in place. Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Richie Blackmore played out their best songs, delivered magnificently and with a good sound and production. It is a top rock album and deserves a place here in this top 20. 

5 - Jimi Hendrix - Band Of Gypsys

Jmi Henridix put his shortlived Experience behind him and set up the Band Of Gypsys. That led to this collection of newer songs and a funkier style. Recorded at Filmore East in New York, Hendrix and the band played between December 31, 1969, and January 1, 1970, covering four performances. His early death prompted a rush of collections and live albums, this one ranks very highly amongst those. 

4 - Keith Jarrett - The Koln Concert

It was notable that in the top 20 best-ever live albums there was a much wider spread of genre and especially the world of jazz. This piano recording and jazz album by Keith Jarrett is highly featured there. Which, of course, means it also makes an appearance at the top end of the 1970s too. It’s also the top-selling solo jazz album and best-selling ever piano recording. Recorded under difficult circumstances for Jarrett on a substandard piano, he overcomes all that and delivers a classic.

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