Capitalize on Fan Nostalgia for Iconic Live Guitar Performances
Analysis of "Greatest Live Guitar Performance Ever?" Thread:
This thread shows a high level of engagement and passionate discussion among users about iconic live guitar performances. The frequent mention of specific concerts (e.g., SRV Live at the El Mocambo, Prince's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at HOF, Dire Straits Alchemy Live) and artists (SRV, Prince, BB King, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Van Halen, etc.) suggests a dedicated fanbase with deep emotional connections to these moments. The sharing of YouTube links and personal anecdotes highlights a community eager for discovery, nostalgia, and shared appreciation.
Possible Commercial or Marketing Opportunities:
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Curated Archival Content Platforms: Create a premium streaming service or dedicated channel (e.g., on YouTube or a bespoke platform) featuring high-quality, legally licensed full-length or segmented legendary live guitar performances. Given the strong emphasis on "the whole show" (El Mocambo) and specific versions (SRV's CBS convention "Little Wing"), users value comprehensive and distinct live recordings. This platform could offer exclusive access, remastered versions, or multi-angle views.
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Experiential Events & Tributes: Organize live tribute concerts, immersive screening events (e.g., "The Full El Mocambo Experience" or "Alchemy Live Night") at iconic venues, or even virtual reality (VR) concert experiences that transport fans back to these legendary performances. There's a clear demand for reliving or experiencing these "holy grail" moments.
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Exclusive Merchandise & Collectibles: Develop limited-edition merchandise tied to specific concerts or artists mentioned, such as:
- Remastered vinyl or Blu-ray box sets of iconic live albums.
- "Concert Collection" apparel (t-shirts, posters) featuring original artwork or setlists from these specific shows.
- Replica instruments or gear (e.g., signature pedals, guitar straps) inspired by the artists' setups during these legendary performances.
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Documentary & Educational Content: Produce mini-documentaries or educational series exploring the history, context, and technical mastery behind these celebrated performances. This could include interviews with sound engineers, musicians, or attendees, offering insights into how and why these moments became legendary, appealing to fans interested in both the music and the musicianship.
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Instrument Brand Collaborations: Guitar, amplifier, and effects pedal brands can leverage this passion by collaborating with the estates of legendary artists or creating marketing campaigns that showcase how their products can help achieve the tones and styles of these iconic guitarists. Offering tutorials or gear guides inspired by specific live performances would also resonate with aspiring musicians and fans.
Origin Reddit Post
r/music
Greatest live guitar performance ever?
Posted by u/Electronic-Sun-2762•07/17/2025
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Little wing (07/11/1983)
I saw this first time about ten years ago when searching for hendrix's original version, which is what i pick if i have choose one favorite song
Top Comments
u/Ohnah-bro
I went to a Knopfler/Dylan concert in Boston some years ago and it was precisely as you described. Knopfler was great as usual, if not *legendary*. Dylan was so bad I literally fell asleep i
u/Ilato27
D. Boon every time he played
u/P4S5B60
At the height (no pun intended) of his skill and talent. Celebration Day was killer but that all came from the first one
u/j-quillen_24
His solo on 'In Memory of Elizabeth Reed' is one of my top 3 all time favs
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Yesss. Since ive been loving you my favorite of the album.
u/XecutionTherapy
SRV did Hendrix better than Hendrix could. His version of Little Wing is one of my favorite songs.
u/lgm22
The Elmo ruled. Saw so many great shows there.
u/Tom_Bradys_Penis_AMA
Domination-Pantera live in Moscow. The solo is so fucking heavy.
Also Comfortably Numb-Pink Floyd Pulse 1994, probably the most beautiful version of the song
u/dollsparts
maybe not the best ever but whenever I watch [Stephen Stills playing Crossroads](https://youtu.be/L161XjTFQlo?feature=shared) I’m always blown away. He makes it look so easy!
u/Evelyn-Bankhead
The ‘89 show gets lots of attention, but it was the ‘85 show that blew me away
u/Timcwalker
Jimi. Machine Gun.
SRV. Leave My Little Girl Alone, is up there also.
u/bakedorgreenbeanz
For me it’s Frusciante in the final jam Chorzow 2007 rhcp show
u/frankyseven
Pretty much every time Ian Thornley straps on a guitar, but for a specific example it's [Big Wreck - Ghosts (Live at the Suhr Factory Party 2015)](https://youtu.be/3uYzg6dgoDU?si=gfHy2cXP3OTH
u/kryppla
Holy shit this is amazing
u/fioridave08
This springs to my mind as well. The performance up until that point is competent but fairly sedate, and the Purple one is just waiting in the wings to pounce.
When it's his moment, he just
u/lgm22
The Elmo ruled. Saw so many great shows there.
u/Novel-Performer-4259
This performance of 25 or 6 to 4
https://youtu.be/7uAUoz7jimg?si=RJsOqChB9b63GPae
(Edited with the right link)
u/hypnotoad23
U2, Patti smith, and Bruce Springsteen all performing “becayse the night” at the rock and roll hall of fame 25th anniversary show
u/Dmac1988
Tom morello with Bruce Springsteen.
Rock and roll hall of fame anniversary.
Ghost of Tom Joad.
Unfortunately I'm a dumb assistant and can't figure out how to post links
u/Fine_Sherbert3172
Randy Rhoads
Suicide Solution
https://youtu.be/MLYEgRLChwk?si=cCXt4xBMJc2vJb0x
(skip to the 2:10 mark if impatient)
*edit*
Nice one OP. I actually heard SRV's version before I heard the
u/damavandamos
I think you used the wrong link.
u/GNRevolution
He doesn't just walk, he *pimp* walks off stage.
u/No_Season_354
What about comfortably numb, the pulse concert.
u/Ihadsumthin4this
For me, it's "version specific"....
Search y0utube : "Three O'clock Blues" ° BB King ° thanks to contributor Lazyfingers61. Approx 5 minutes.
Just BB, a keyboardist, and drummer. Pure Bl
u/Octaver
I must include Dickey Betts alongside Duane, those two fellas are on fire there. In fact…were they ever NOT?!?
u/drwildthroat
So many good ones have already been posted, but I think this performance holds up.
[Jeff Beck - Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers, live at Ronnie Scott’s in 2007](https://youtu.be/VC02wGj5gPw?feat
u/Umayummyone
SRV Live at the El Mocambo. The whole show. Amazing.
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Absolutely!
u/turalyawn
Prince was a different kind of cat to SRV. He could play some really good leads but his bread and butter was those angular, precise rhythm parts. That he could play that while dancing and sin
u/deadwing87
Bambi live in Tokyo is another good one
u/Kolzig33189
Eric Johnson - live from Austin. It never ceases to amaze me how smooth and clean he plays absolutely insane runs/licks live.
u/Ghostof_theLastBaron
Maybe not the greatest ever but the first one that comes to mind for me is Prince’s performance on When My Guitar Gently Weeps
https://youtu.be/uWc4wMyL1oI?si=sH24kopB-6l12UDh
u/Stevie_Rave_On
Posted this above. The guy reacting at 15:30 is to Texas Flood.
Look at my username and know I agree.
El Mocambo is my holy grail. I’d watched it 1,000 times. I loved seeing this alt
u/Garytown
SRV Texas Flood live at El Mocambo.
u/vlimp
Hearing the story behind how that solo came to be makes it so much better.
u/Robiniac
Prince at the Super Bowl or on Saturday Night Live.
u/Fine_Sherbert3172
https://youtu.be/o14OinyQo_g?si=XOCP5UGkM9VuUHmr
I wanted to listen to it so figured I would share the link.
u/ace915
Came here for this
u/Stevie_Rave_On
Look at my username and know I agree.
El Mocambo is my holy grail. I’d watched it 1,000 times. I loved seeing this alternate mostly crowd footage of that night.
https://youtu.be/bV
u/nzgrover
The Division Bell Tour - captured as the Pulse DVD
u/hankeliot
Queen's set at Live Aid in 1985.
u/raymondcy
I was never there, but I would put in a strong argument for Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia.
This following concert is the basis for one of the greatest pure guitar albums of al
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Have to check it. Reminded me of BB king and gary moore performing Thrill is Gone, also fantastic!
u/ThatsARatHat
Not to mention the drummer is ON FIRE.
u/Kolzig33189
Eric Johnson - live from Austin. It never ceases to amaze me how smooth and clean he plays absolutely insane runs/licks live.
u/Apox66
LOVE The Alchemy show! My favourite is their version of Tunnel of Love. The solo at the end is just magical.
u/Noname_Maddox
[Lyndsey Buckingham - Big Love](https://youtu.be/gdd_fv0xrSo?si=xRZwl6SGO9YWj2uj)
Just think his playing and singing are phenomenal here
u/Dmac1988
Tom morello with Bruce Springsteen.
Rock and roll hall of fame anniversary.
Ghost of Tom Joad.
Unfortunately I'm a dumb assistant and can't figure out how to post links
u/toadfan64
I gotta thank Guitar Hero for introducing me to that amazing version of Cliffs of Dover.
u/GetDoofed
Phish - 06/18/94 is up there for me
u/stevieraygun
So lucky to say I got to see him in a smaller club back in the day. Top high lite of my life.
Also chose my name after him. RIP Stevie.
u/-Interested-
Derek Trucks on that Dave Matthew’s song.
u/digidave1
My favorite Hendrix song. Soft And hard at the same time. His virtuosity really shines through and the band has great complimentary parts as well.
u/sinkwiththeship
Also the fact that he's about half the size of Stevie.
u/P4S5B60
Jimmy Page on the Song Remains the Same live album
u/Fine_Sherbert3172
Oh hell yes I almost went with Dazed and Confused from that show.
u/shotsallover
And when he's done, he throws the guitar in the air, walks off stage, *and it doesn't come back down*.
No one knows where it went. Seriously.
u/XecutionTherapy
SRV did Hendrix better than Hendrix could. His version of Little Wing is one of my favorite songs.
u/Umayummyone
My wife loves watching him live. She isn’t a blues or blues rock fan and most of what she likes is more straight ahead in an AC/DC groove. SRV is the exception on her playlists.
u/zebuloncreed
I might have to put it at greatest!
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Yesss. Since ive been loving you my favorite of the album.
u/GrandAdmiralDoosh
[*Sultans of Swing - Alchemy Live version](https://youtu.be/8Pa9x9fZBtY?si=cmBGCqEIGZOPVEqd)
u/suprunown
Ah yes…. The “Disappearing Guitar” version. IYKYK 😜
u/clammer123
Prince- rock and roll HOF while my guitar gently weeps. Maybe not as technical as others but performance wise, it’s just the best ever.
u/Mr_Lumbergh
Chicago - Live at Tanglewood 1970. Kath just really lets it go on "25 or 6 to 4."
u/P4S5B60
Jimmy Page on the Song Remains the Same live album
u/baconpancakes42
When he leans back into the crowd, and Tom Petty looks at him like "You motherfucker, this is the best shit I've ever seen, and you stole my spotlight, and I dont even care." Beautiful
u/uncre8tv
Was looking for a Knopfler response. Definitely belongs in the GOAT discussion.
u/Novel-Performer-4259
This performance of 25 or 6 to 4
https://youtu.be/7uAUoz7jimg?si=RJsOqChB9b63GPae
(Edited with the right link)
u/suprunown
Ah yes…. The “Disappearing Guitar” version. IYKYK 😜
u/q120
Knopfler is the star there for sure but that drummer is going insane. He’s so good
u/Plappedudel
[Gary Moore - The Messiah Will Come Again ](https://youtu.be/7k07j7LcLqw)
u/frankyseven
Pretty much every time Ian Thornley straps on a guitar, but for a specific example it's [Big Wreck - Ghosts (Live at the Suhr Factory Party 2015)](https://youtu.be/3uYzg6dgoDU?si=gfHy2cXP3OTH
u/Stevie_Rave_On
I’ve always adored the whole Live at the Regal album. The crowd absolutely is wild on that and the horn section is amazing.
Just looked up your suggestion. Hot damn.
https://youtu.be/d
u/schnurble
The fact that I had to come so far down for this is an actual crime. This is legit heaven opening up and sharing gods grace on a stage with us.
u/Zenon7
I’m going with one of my earliest, formative guitar heroes…Rory Gallagher, Live! In Europe, Bullfrog Blues.
u/sloowhand
SRV’s entire “Live at the El Mocambo” (where OP’s video came from) might be my favorite live album/concert video of all time. Stevie is absolutely torching the joint the entire show. That ver
u/scott_lobster
No kidding. No Quarter on that album has always been my favorite, but about a year ago it suddenly hit me how nuts Jimmy's playing is on the title track. The way he distilled all the layered
u/doomnutz
Weld version is slightly better than the Rust Never Sleeps version IMO but both are fantastic
u/JlTlS
SRV on the first MTV Unplugged playing Rude Mood on a twelve string
u/raymondcy
I have no doubt. To say I am envious is an understatement.
u/stratdog25
I saw Al play Race With The Devil on a Spanish Highway live and it was mind blowing.
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Good pick, one my favorite guitar performances too. Does not come close to srv's play in my opinion though :p
u/hormel899
Machine gun Jimi hendrix or tightrope srv from Austin city limits
u/networksynth
David Gilmour on Pulse. My man killin it in dad jeans.
u/Tom_Bradys_Penis_AMA
Domination-Pantera live in Moscow. The solo is so fucking heavy.
Also Comfortably Numb-Pink Floyd Pulse 1994, probably the most beautiful version of the song
u/RamonChingon
Is that because you’ve seen a bunch of YouTube videos claiming that was the best guitar thing ever? It ripped, but it wasn’t.
u/zebuloncreed
I might have to put it at greatest!
u/joverclock
I would put Jerry Garcia - 5/8/77 Cornell - Everything from bluegrass, to slide, to noodling galore. I (30 years of having fun playing strings) love shredding just as much as the next guy bu
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Absolutely!
u/kryppla
Holy shit this is amazing
u/clammer123
Prince- rock and roll HOF while my guitar gently weeps. Maybe not as technical as others but performance wise, it’s just the best ever.
u/hesgotredhair
The correct answer
u/uncre8tv
Was looking for a Knopfler response. Definitely belongs in the GOAT discussion.
u/jackstraw_65
Duane Allman from beginning to end at those ‘71 Fillmore East shows
u/kryppla
I don't have a video, but the live version of Mr Crowley from the Tribute album by Ozzy and Randy Rhoads - Randy's performance on that particular version is just simply amazing and I have lis
u/HayeksClown
Came here to suggest that one!
u/toadfan64
Yep. The series introduced me to Wings which is what kickstarted my Beatles obsession and becoming my favorite band.
u/Noname_Maddox
[Lyndsey Buckingham - Big Love](https://youtu.be/gdd_fv0xrSo?si=xRZwl6SGO9YWj2uj)
Just think his playing and singing are phenomenal here
u/drwildthroat
So many good ones have already been posted, but I think this performance holds up.
[Jeff Beck - Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers, live at Ronnie Scott’s in 2007](https://youtu.be/VC02wGj5gPw?feat
u/toadfan64
Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarists period. Amazing and smooth guitar playing with that 70s Bob Dylan voice is such a perfect combo.
u/P4S5B60
Try “Play that Funky Music White Boy” live a guitar solo and a killer bass solo
u/mjs4x6
No disrespect to all the chops guys but the correct answer is Neil Young - Cortez the Killer :)
u/fuwoswp
roy clark - malagueña
https://youtu.be/QhiKgeJV3k0?si=wuvJC060N6EfP_ES
u/Ihadsumthin4this
For me, it's "version specific"....
Search y0utube : "Three O'clock Blues" ° BB King ° thanks to contributor Lazyfingers61. Approx 5 minutes.
Just BB, a keyboardist, and drummer. Pure Bl
u/kryppla
I don't have a video, but the live version of Mr Crowley from the Tribute album by Ozzy and Randy Rhoads - Randy's performance on that particular version is just simply amazing and I have lis
u/stratdog25
I saw Al play Race With The Devil on a Spanish Highway live and it was mind blowing.
u/_PercCobain_
The entire performance at El Mocambo is just fuckin incredible. Texas Flood from this concert was the first thing I ever saw of SRV and I was immediately hooked. Now he’s second all time favo
u/posionwhiskey
Johnny Winter Denver 1989 It's My Own Fault. That skinny albino from Texas is one of the best guitarists ever.
u/nzgrover
I rate the version of Telegraph Road as better than Sultans of Swing. Just my opinion
u/Brochismo91
[Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo from Live Without a Net](https://youtu.be/mIpHZo7BsT8?si=SILCZ-uvRkz_Ybud)
u/Evelyn-Bankhead
Check out Jimmy Herring with McLaughlin sometime
u/WatRedditHathWrought
Thank you for that.
u/ThePhantomStrikes
David Gilmour, Comfortably Numb, I forget which concert but both are extended.
It’s not how fast you go but the subliminal music
u/P4S5B60
Try “Play that Funky Music White Boy” live a guitar solo and a killer bass solo
u/57thStilgar
He was my guitar teacher. Wrote a recommendation that got me into college.
$10 an hour in 1972.
u/FormalWare
When I saw Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler opened for him. Dylan found Knopfler a very hard act to follow. (I guess he had an off-night - but, man, was he disappointing.)
u/eetsh1t
This is my schema for srv. Dad had this dvd and played it every weekend
u/mcdj
[This guy’s Steely Dan solo.](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hqmNj2/)
u/BoHoSwaggins
Any live Hendrix
u/superslab
You just reminded me of [this other astonishing B.B. performance](https://youtu.be/K7xrzJZ8Hh8?si=wdJ54r7fEqQCdacf)
u/Umayummyone
SRV Live at the El Mocambo. The whole show. Amazing.
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Haha yeah kinda of have to believe xD Seen the whole performance many times as well. Led zeppelins whole performance in danish tv in -67 or 68 might be what i've watched the most.
u/ThatsARatHat
Not to mention the drummer is ON FIRE.
u/WatRedditHathWrought
Outstanding!
u/mjs4x6
No disrespect to all the chops guys but the correct answer is Neil Young - Cortez the Killer :)
u/Ilato27
D. Boon every time he played
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Yes! Telegraph Road from the same show is unbelievable too!
u/Ghostof_theLastBaron
Ok this one has my vote. Crazy how comfortable he looks up there!
u/Stevie_Rave_On
I’ve always adored the whole Live at the Regal album. The crowd absolutely is wild on that and the horn section is amazing.
Just looked up your suggestion. Hot damn.
https://youtu.be/d
u/jackstraw_65
Duane Allman from beginning to end at those ‘71 Fillmore East shows
u/raymondcy
I was never there, but I would put in a strong argument for Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia.
This following concert is the basis for one of the greatest pure guitar albums of al
u/aliceanonymous99
Prince Grammys
u/No_Season_354
What about comfortably numb, the pulse concert.
u/GrandAdmiralDoosh
[*Sultans of Swing - Alchemy Live version](https://youtu.be/8Pa9x9fZBtY?si=cmBGCqEIGZOPVEqd)
u/Sickranchez87
Considering it’s been voted the greatest guitar solo in history many many times over the years…
Machine Gun by Jimi with Band of Gypsies
u/Umayummyone
Lindsey is a stellar guitar player. Never gets the credit.
u/Fine_Sherbert3172
Oh hell yes I almost went with Dazed and Confused from that show.
u/[deleted]
Johnny Winter Denver 1989 It's My Own Fault. That skinny albino from Texas is one of the best guitarists ever.
u/Ghostof_theLastBaron
Maybe not the greatest ever but the first one that comes to mind for me is Prince’s performance on When My Guitar Gently Weeps
https://youtu.be/uWc4wMyL1oI?si=sH24kopB-6l12UDh
u/Kulenissen
Tunnel of Love from the same live show is also amazing, if not even better! Knopfler sure knew how to «elaborate» his songs to something better and bigger. I feel like you don’t see that toda
u/Ghostof_theLastBaron
Ok this one has my vote. Crazy how comfortable he looks up there!
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Haha yeah kinda of have to believe xD Seen the whole performance many times as well. Led zeppelins whole performance in danish tv in -67 or 68 might be what i've watched the most.
u/Rushderp
His guitar needed a cigarette after this show.
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Agreed! Fleetwood mac is one of my absolute favorites. The chain 1982 also incredible!
u/Stevie_Rave_On
If you like his Little Wing at El Mocambo you might want to listen to the version he did in 1984 at the CBS Record Convention. It’s my favorite rendition by far.
https://youtu.be/hFleIs8
u/HowieLongDonkeyKong
Guitar Hero introduced me to so many artists who I don't think I would have discovered otherwise. Loved those games hope they bring them back.
u/Brochismo91
[Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo from Live Without a Net](https://youtu.be/mIpHZo7BsT8?si=SILCZ-uvRkz_Ybud)
u/skwaak16
https://youtu.be/78D00dYOBrM?si=k-DT629FnXaCvdog
Fight me
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Have to check it. Reminded me of BB king and gary moore performing Thrill is Gone, also fantastic!
u/doomnutz
Weld version is slightly better than the Rust Never Sleeps version IMO but both are fantastic
u/Nobodygrotesque
I listen to this on repeat to help me sleep sometimes. It’s so good but also strangely soothing.
u/RamonChingon
Yes
u/hellacrimey
I kinda thought it was self indulgent too, but then I saw or read an interview with the guy that produced the show. He said they had asked Prince to play the solo, but during rehearsals when
u/KimJongCusack
Hell yeah, Telegraph Road Hammersmith 83 for me, how in the zone every last member of the band is for the last few minutes too they really seem to enjoy it haha.
u/Fine_Sherbert3172
Randy Rhoads
Suicide Solution
https://youtu.be/MLYEgRLChwk?si=cCXt4xBMJc2vJb0x
(skip to the 2:10 mark if impatient)
*edit*
Nice one OP. I actually heard SRV's version before I heard the
u/Stevie_Rave_On
Look at my username and know I agree.
El Mocambo is my holy grail. I’d watched it 1,000 times. I loved seeing this alternate mostly crowd footage of that night.
https://youtu.be/bV
u/baconpancakes42
When he leans back into the crowd, and Tom Petty looks at him like "You motherfucker, this is the best shit I've ever seen, and you stole my spotlight, and I dont even care." Beautiful
u/trainwreck42
I’ll come back to this recording every few years or so, it’s such a great performance by masters at their craft.
Sorry, I was actually thinking of [this performance](https://youtu.be/dshrxsQ
u/Stevie_Rave_On
If you like his Little Wing at El Mocambo you might want to listen to the version he did in 1984 at the CBS Record Convention. It’s my favorite rendition by far.
https://youtu.be/hFleIs8
u/_PercCobain_
The entire performance at El Mocambo is just fuckin incredible. Texas Flood from this concert was the first thing I ever saw of SRV and I was immediately hooked. Now he’s second all time favo
u/ThePhantomStrikes
David Gilmour, Comfortably Numb, I forget which concert but both are extended.
It’s not how fast you go but the subliminal music
u/Electronic-Sun-2762
Yes! Telegraph Road from the same show is unbelievable too!
u/raymondcy
I have no doubt. To say I am envious is an understatement.
u/Umayummyone
My wife loves watching him live. She isn’t a blues or blues rock fan and most of what she likes is more straight ahead in an AC/DC groove. SRV is the exception on her playlists.