Ten classic rock bands that were better live than on their studio albums

KISS

For some bands, it’s the combination of their music and the show they put on that makes seeing them live such a great experience. Whatever your view of KISS and their music over the years the band sure put on extravagant shows on stage. Lighting, lasers, all sorts of pyrotechnics, moving stage parts, and rocket-launching guitars have all been a feature of KISS concerts. 

Maybe that’s a distraction from their music, perhaps some might think that’s no bad thing! It does make their songs more explosive, dramatic, and spectacular, though. The band, with their makeup, gestures, posturing, and the rest, all add to the atmosphere. Their gigs become even more memorable because of it. 

Pink Floyd 

In contrast to that approach, Pink Floyd still takes the visual element to a high level. Their music is excellent on recordings. Despite a lot of production work and effects, they were also able to recreate their sound live too. The band was still keen to do more at concerts to entertain their fans.

Individually, the band members may not have been particularly frenetic or wildly active around the stage, but, as pioneers of light, laser, and video shows over the years, Pink Floyd delivered something extra to enhance their music on stage. That remarkably included a large-scale model plane flying overhead and crashing at the side of the stage. 

The entertainment approach continued as the likes of David Gilmour and Roger Waters continued their solo careers. Waters with The Wall concerts were particularly dramatic. Gilmour is currently on tour with lights and lasers ablaze for his latest Luck and Strange album tour. Nick Mason may be stuck behind the drums, but his Saucerful Of Secrets band also gave an impressive show while playing those early Floyd songs. 

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