There’s a reason live performances from the 1960s still make an impact decades later. This era of rock was raw, experimental, and full of energy that could only be captured on stage.
Some performances, however, don’t get the attention they deserve anymore. Whether it’s because they’ve been overshadowed by bigger names or forgotten with time, they’re no less legendary.
Let’s take a trip back to five live rock sets from the 1960s that deserve another look, especially for fans who might have missed these iconic moments.
1. Muddy Waters at Newport Jazz Festival (July 3, 1960)
Muddy Waters delivered a memorable set at the Newport Jazz Festival on July 3, 1960. He was accompanied by Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker, making a striking entrance in black while his band wore white. The black-and-white footage adds to the performance’s classic feel.
The show began with “I Got My Brand On You” and ended with “Goodbye Newport Blues.” Waters was in top form, commanding the stage with unmatched intensity.
Remarkably, a riot between police and fans erupted just before Waters took the stage. Despite the chaos, his presence remained compelling and powerful.
2. Jerry Lee Lewis at Star-Club, Germany (April 5, 1964)
Jerry Lee Lewis’s performance at the Star-Club in Hamburg on April 5, 1964, was recorded for the album Live At The Star Club, Hamburg. The set was a masterclass in pure, hard rock and roll.
Lewis’s energy was explosive, and his piano playing was so intense it seemed like he might break the keys. The performance had a proto-punk edge, reflecting a raw, unfiltered intensity that made it unforgettable.
The sheer ferocity and brilliance of Lewis’s set were something extraordinary to witness live. It’s a testament to the power and excitement of rock and roll at its peak.
3. The Jimi Hendrix Experience at Monterey County Fairgrounds (June 18, 1967)
One of the most iconic and underrated live performances of the 1960s took place at the Monterey County Fairgrounds on June 18, 1967. It was here that Jimi Hendrix famously set his guitar on fire.
This unforgettable moment has since become a key piece of rock and roll history. A young fan in the crowd captured the stunt on film, with only one shot remaining on his roll.
Hendrix began the set with “Killing Floor” and closed with “Wild Thing,” delivering a nine-song performance that remains a cornerstone of live rock.
4. The Grateful Dead at Carousel Ballroom (February 14, 1968)
The Grateful Dead’s concert at the Carousel Ballroom on February 14, 1968, remains legendary, though no footage is available online. Fortunately, the audio recording of this performance is still accessible.
The show featured two sets, beginning with “Morning Dew” and concluding with an encore of “In The Midnight Hour.” It was one of the band’s most joyous, psychedelic, and raw performances.
The audio from this concert was later included in the Road Trip Volume 2 Number 2 live album, released in 2009. This recording captures the primal energy and vibrant spirit of the original event.
5. Big Brother And The Holding Company at Monterey County Fairgrounds (June 17, 1967)
On June 17, 1967, Janis Joplin and Big Brother And The Holding Company delivered a memorable set at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. This performance took place just a day before Jimi Hendrix’s famous show.
The band played five songs, starting with a cover of “Down On Me” and closing with Big Mama Thornton’s “Ball ‘N’ Chain.” Their energetic delivery left a strong impression.
Joplin’s performance was groundbreaking. She brought a new level of ferocity to the blues, setting a pivotal moment in her career, which would tragically end in 1970.