Live in London: 5 Live Albums Recorded in the Capital
It seems no matter where you’re from, playing a gig in London is a big deal. Korean boyband BTS recently released a live album of their performance at London’s O2, and on it the K-Pop sensations make no secret about how much it means to perform in the nation’s capital “We waited for today for… years!”
So in today’s post, we’re revisiting some classic London performances that were, thankfully, captured for posterity and released as live albums. Read on for our picks.
Bob Dylan, ‘The Bootleg Series, Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966: The “Royal Albert Hall Concert”‘ (1998)
This infamous bootleg sees Dylan premier his then-controversial new ‘electric’ sound. But while the album showcases plenty of favourites, including Mr. Tambourine Man, Like a Rolling Stone and Just Like a Woman, the most memorable moment isn’t a song, but a heckler shouting “Judas!” at the singer for abandoning his folk roots.
Bob Marley and the Wailers, ‘Live!’ (1975)
Recorded at London’s Lyceum Theatre, Live! remains one of Marley’s most famous recorded performances. The album’s live rendition of No Woman No Cry was released as a single and is one of the few live versions of songs that receive more airtime than their studio counterparts.
David Bowie, Welcome to the Blackout (Live London ‘78)
Hot on the heels of one of his darkest personas, but also some of his best work, Welcome to the Blackout is a must-listen for fans of Bowie’s Berlin period, with electrifying performances of Heroes, Sound and Vision and Station to Station, as well as older favourites like Rebel Rebel and Ziggy Stardust.
Amy Winehouse, I Told You I Was Trouble: Live in London (2007)
Recorded in 2007 at Shepherds Bush Empire, this live video album (later released on vinyl) captures the singer-songwriter at the peak of her powers. Featuring hits like Valerie, Back to Black, Rehab and You Know I’m No Good, the album gives fans a chance to remember Winehouse as the talent she was.
Marvin Gaye, Live at the London Palladium (1977)
This live recording remains one of the Motown legend’s best selling records and showcases Gaye’s power as a performer in spite of his curious mix of perfectionism and stage fright. Combining new and old songs into a series of epic medleys, Gaye delights his London audience with some scintillating versions Come Get to This, Let’s Get It On and Distant Lover.
That’s all for today’s post. Did we miss one of your favourites? Feel free to let us know in the comments. As always, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more of the best live music experiences in London.
