Top Five (5) Rock Concert Opening Songs Of All Time

[@Guitargate]

Join The Guitargate Masterclasses For $1/ Day - Guitargate.com/masterclasses

[@mruncletheredge]

Every intro gave me goosebumps. Well done ..

[@danielhendriksen9232]

This is why your videos get blocked. You're using their songs to promote your products. You are making money from someone else's work.

[@axlcorey]

@@danielhendriksen9232 I bet you're fun at parties.

[@williamreilly4786]

The location of that Metallica show wasn't Donnington, it was in 1991 Moscow, Russia with over 1,000,000 people in attendance.

[@matthewferguson7084]

@James Buxton Oh wont you please welcome home....

[@plvsoundman5148]

Queen…Live Aid 85… opened with the best they had. no special effects. Just walked out there and did it. 30 mins of pure music and the crowd.

[@bgarra]

I think queen should be in the list too. It’s an iconic concert

[@bgarra]

I think queen should be in the list too. It’s an iconic concert

[@josearraiza9784]

A new era began in Wembley that day.

[@michaelt3308]

LOVE me some Queen!

[@Lynjupiter1]

No question that you nailed it.

[@jonparton1115]

Queen, One Vision at Wembley Stadium in 1986 - I still get goose bumps every time I watch it. Just the best opening to a gig ever!

[@Rumit.A]

Exactly lol And Freddie Fucking Mercury bruh Best frontman ever-

[@chiaradigiorgio1821]

@@Rumit.Aabsolutely 💯👊👊

[@taunokekkonen5733]

I do prefer the Wembley gig to the Live Aid. Wembley had the full stage set, just for Queen, and opening with One Vision was electric.

[@Donna_Nola]

Rock concerts in the 80’s never needed anything fancy….just incredibly amazing music!

[@georgegarvey7338]

I remember going to Day on the Green in Oakland, CA open air.

[@terryfox1575]

Same in the 70s with the exception of Kiss of course LOL

[@terryfox1575]

@@georgegarvey7338 I would like to have seen the Skynyrd show show on the Green

[@debrahigh5039]

​@@terryfox1575❤

[@oz_medias]

The 80's also had some of the most elaborate stage productions to date. Priest Fuel for Life Tour, their biggest production yet. Maiden World Slavery tour, arguably one of the most incredible live metal productions they've even done. The second half of the 80's was all about massive live productions and huge stadium tours. I worked with a lot of touring bands at the time, in the 90's they started to cut it all back again.

[@RVGPCOCHA]

I am a professional drummer. My uncle was Billy Powell from Lynyrd Skynyrd. I started playing drums in 1969. Age 4.you and I could relate in a band formation. I have the same intense feelings for the moments of an opening act.. 🙏 Awesome video..

[@MedicCop]

I think your uncle was the greatest pianist in rock, ever. Better than Elton John and Billy Joel combined!

[@RVGPCOCHA]

@@MedicCop thank you, it means a lot. My name is Robert Powell. Yesterday I got a real bad comment, someone said things about Skynyrd that are not true and said I am only a distant relative... I am blood. Your comment picked me up... 🙏 ❤️ Thank you.

[@CleverDowed]

My favorite piano 🎹🎶🎶 of all time. bp

[@MedicCop]

@@RVGPCOCHA - Came from my heart Robert. Let the haters hate. You know your truth and no validation is necessary. I’ve loved the band since the mid 70s and seen dozens of shows. Most have been up here Lyve in Steel Town (Pittsburgh) but also in Cleveland, Buffalo and Lakeland, FL (on October 18, 1977). One day I’ll catch them in Jacksonville. Lots of my dad’s family is in Tallahassee, Quincy & Dothan, so I can couch surf.

[@RVGPCOCHA]

@@MedicCop thank you again... And when I lived in canada I was all over the states, from where I live now is a big difference though but my wife and I will be sure to cacth them a few times more... Again your comment means a lot to me.

[@matzki82]

That Metallica footage is from Monsters of Rock, Moscow 1991. Epic attendance of 1.6 million people with only 56 injuries and 0 deaths! Absolutely their biggest crowd ever!! So awesome!

[@paulreyes4626]

Shut the. hell up play the music

[@larrocovarry9027]

Mettallicka , literally took soviet era communist ideology and showed the door to the boushivic revolution!!! , they need to go back there & finish the job !!!

[@paranoidandroid6711]

Not the biggest crowd ever though impressive

[@Deke1]

more like 600,000

[@cferguson37]

while it is in the top five or ten crowd sizes (I think Rod Stewart holds the biggest record), still amazing!

[@jmartinez2367]

Great list. My additions: Iron Maiden - Aces High Rush - Tom Sawyer

[@davidbowser5534]

Saw Led Zeppelin in May of 1973 and they opened “Rock and Roll”. That one has been hard to beat for 49 years.

[@floydholder597]

You must have did that one wrong, I saw them in 78 and can only remember Stairway to Heaven and a 45 minute drum solo with Robert Plant switching out with John Bonham at some point in the concert and that's all I can remember other than getting lost after it was over.

[@rosemaryedwards7239]

That must have been sooo good!

[@craigwilliamson1331]

Absolutely the best opening song ever. Not even close! Bonzo saying "all right, let's go!" just before the first note. Classic.

[@patmenard4928]

Rock n roll Madison Square Garden yes this is the ultimate best opening ever!! 1973. Check it out the song remains the same full concert

[@ginobambino8596]

Saw them at Kezar Stadium in 73. Best. Concert. Ever.

[@davidl6757]

Saw lots of stadium concerts back in the day. I’m psyched at almost 70. Love the picks. Really glad your channel just popped up!!

[@1mattbutch]

I just took my niece out to a nice restaurant for her 15th birthday and on the 1.5 hour drive back to her home she wanted to listen to songs that she liked and it blew my mind that they still love 70s, 80s, music. I asked her why and she said it’s just better! I see this a lot with young people now and I’m so happy for it.

[@leeherring470]

Yea most if the new music does not have IT. i work with a couple you g guys & they are in to the Classic Rock era. Bad Company Rush all the stuff I grew up on. It us true they knew how to write with a lil magic Triumph was a great band with opener

[@Ron-tp5gr]

My daughter, now 23, Said to me on a couple of occasions while growing up "dad it just isn't fair, you grew up with all of the best music!" And she is right.

[@duzzitmatter8679]

I’m seeing a lot of this myself these days. It’s really cool.

[@Debbie-t8q]

Wow most of my grandchildren like the old rock and roll to.

[@GAZZA1960]

I was born 1960, music has been the biggest part of my life, iv just retired, but I still play in a gigging band. Music can be a physical, spiritual, emotional, experience. Some people just don't get it, but some do, I believe my life has been way better for it

[@eliascc]

Iron Maiden fear of the dark,en vivo. People singing guitar lines, bass lines...... every single Word. Breathtaking

[@trustydodgesbcgloba]

When they opened with Aces High was awesome also

[@joeqb5992]

@@trustydodgesbcglobaaces high opening was insane!

[@JorgeZuniga-l5g]

Iron maiden opens their concerts with a tribute to UFO Doctor ,Doctor

[@Easyslush]

Michael, I am a HUGE fan of your enthusiasm, your love for music. I'm no musician myself but I am a music lover and I LOVE your joy of sharing music with us. Thank you - just thank you.

[@OMC5428]

Spot on!

[@satyb]

Queen mid 70's opening with Now I'm Here, great starting riff, Freddie running from one side of the stage to hot the spotlight and suddenly an explosion with Roger's screams. Got the blood pumping.

[@zeke7237]

one of my favorite shows of all time .. and I got in on a used ticket :)

[@martinbutchers9497]

@@zeke7237 I was thinking the same. 1st time I saw Queen and they teased you. Little glimpse of Freddie and then they crashed in. 7 rows from the front . Memories

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Please , no openly gay bands !

[@walterpadovani1777]

Took my partner who didn’t know or like Pink Floyd to Roger Waters the Wall concert. She was blown away with the start, middle and end of this concert ( all of it ) and wanted to go again. Was the most amazing spectacle we have ever seen.

[@philstone3859]

Even though they aren’t my favorite band, hands down, the first time I saw PINK FLOYD on The Momentary Lapse of Reason tour was easily the best concert I’ve ever seen to this day. And I’ve seen A LOT! All the big bands, numerous times each. It’s impossible to describe what that live show is like. That’s the power of a good concert. It hits you point blank right between the eyes and ears! PINK FLOYD is next level live performance. What A SHOW! Saw them 3 times.

[@ickleman28]

saw waters 3 maybe 4 years ago in Madrid,watched the best and waters absolutely blew my mind ,for 50 euro so good lol Mr waters I salute you

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

How do you not know them and also don’t like them?? That’s impossible. Not know of Pink Floyd. Is he or she Amish?? Never mind rumspringa even they know Pink Floyd.

[@walterpadovani1777]

@@fuzzybutkus8970 she likes Bay City Rollers, Paper Lace, Abba, Dolly Parton, Dr Hook etc Although she did know Another Brick in the Wall

[@Jreb1865]

@@philstone3859 Same...Opened with "Welcome to the Machine"...

[@Emerson278]

"Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends. We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside !"

[@johnloupis2347]

Soooo, sooo GOOD!!!

[@Emerson278]

@@johnloupis2347 Yeah, and Carl Palmer has stated that a movie studio ( Radar Pictures ) has secured the rights to the lyrics from "Karn Evil 9" and is in the process of making a feature length movie based on those lyrics ,which hopefully should be in theatres sometime in the future.

[@donnadubyak6504]

ELP

[@funnyfunny6842]

That is exactly what I thought when I saw the title of the video

[@alanthomas8736]

@@funnyfunny6842 same here!

[@trekkintexan5160]

Wow! This guy is able to put into words what millions have felt at these shows

[@ptboland]

unfortunately using the wrong prepositions ;)

[@andreaskaleve3299]

Queen opened 79- 81 with" We will rock you"( fast version) nothings better to power up an audience

[@perryb5984]

Tom Sawyer - Rush in Rio was absolute perfection when the Brazilian crowd heard the first note and went into a frenzy. The energy in that stadium was incredible!

[@ja9999999999]

Rush Tom Sawyer with the South Park intro

[@deebedwell580]

I saw a few shows on the Vapor Trails tour - and it was insane to see them open with TS.

[@larsrons7937]

For 15+ years I went to the Roskilde Rock Festival during the late 1980's, '90's and 2000's. But I never went to Rock in Rio. In 1985 many of my Brazilian friends had been to Rock in Rio, I really want to experience that festival some day.

[@greatloverofmusic1]

They also open with Limelight a lot. Hail Rush. R.I.P. Neil. Yep Rush in Rio is my favorite live album of all-time. Cheers.

[@geoffoakland]

​@@larsrons7937I was at Roskilde Fest in 1983. Simple Minds, Marilion, Mek Pek Party Band . Don't remember the first song of Simple Minds. ...I think New Gold Dream. 😁

[@garybewick4774]

Iron Maiden starting off their 2013 Download festival set by buzzing the crowd with a Spitfire, whilst the Churchill "we will fight" speech starts up, launching into Aces High on the "we will never surrender" was a hell of an opening

[@docrob5320]

That was excellent. I've seen Maiden play almost every year since 1983...every opening is pretty epic

[@weff14]

Awesome! But they opened with Moonchild on the 2013 tour.

[@johnshevlin8032]

😂😂😂😂😂😂. Are you for real. Pure garbage

[@caseyynelmss]

When you say buzzed with a spitfire, do you mean a Spitfire warbird went over the crowd?

[@garybewick4774]

@@caseyynelmss Yes, at a reasonably low altitude. Given the proximity to East Midlands Airport, I'm surprised they were allowed to do it

[@jonasdienstrup1558]

Enter Sandman performance was at the Tushino Airfield in Moscow 91. You can see all the Russian soldiers in the 1,6 million crowd. But hey great video as always.

[@nicolamurtas4344]

Harvester of sorrow in that live in Moscow was absolutely insane

[@Aussieknuckleheads]

ac/dc opened that concert with thunderstruck, so good.

[@np9966]

Damnnnn

[@putrametallicagen7996]

Damn right..🔥🤘🔥

[@danielmoses4205]

I think he may have replaced it with Moscow for copyright after. His timing is off.

[@SaySomethingWorthHearing]

-Black dog-Led Zep -Back in black-AC/DC -You really got me-VH -Tom Sawyer-Rush -Photograph-Def Leppard -I don't believe in love-QR -Crazy train-Ozzy -Any way you want it-Journey -Juke box hero-Foreigner -Run to the hills-Iron Maiden -More than a feeling-Boston -Unchain the night-Dokken -Life in the fast lane-Eagles -Just what I needed-The cars -Welcome home (Sanitarium)-Metallica -No one like you-Scorpions

[@tt55899]

Kiss detroit rock city....the sustained bass line with the lights slowly moving. The announcer "AAAALLLRIGHT (insert city name) "YOU WANTED THE BEST YOU GOT THE BEST!"

[@IC27185]

Reo Speedwagon , Loverboy concert in San Diego, CA was amazing but It could have been just the pot 😵‍💫

[@deanlindholm8663]

@@tt55899 That's the comment I was looking for. Tim Rozners voice got EVERYONE on their feet, I'm not a massive KISS fan, but fantastic way to start a show.

[@debraray6698]

Any thing from marillion warmed up for rush actually put on a better show

[@awesome19611]

You can’t go wrong with the ACDC while my second choice is The Rolling Stones - START ME UP

[@albertosbaza3865]

I grew up in the 70s, I had the pleasure of listening to some of the most amazing rock and Roll bands of the era. Amazing

[@wendybutler1681]

Me, too, and we didn't go broke doing it.

[@BradKarr]

@@wendybutler1681 and all seats were the same price. It was first come first serve and a lot of times we camped out at the venue to get tickets

[@r.d.sandman6474]

The 70s were ok but they started off trying too hard to recapture what we lost in the 60s. I can’t stand this know it all hosting calling out chords

[@charlescollins6510]

Same here

[@scotniver7180]

Me too. Black Sabbath played like,, 4.. 4th of July in a row. Wet Willie back up

[@Jeflazb]

Man, I see in your face just what I feel in my soul when I watch these moments. Do you find it hard to explain to people in your life just how much this affects us? My God just great moments. Thanks for sharing

[@WoodRanger138]

YESSSSSSSSS! WOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@glennwhitlock1272]

For me, Queen at the NEC in Birmingham (UK) in the 80's with an explosive version of We Will Rock You

[@Loui.2002]

Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song is my favorite opening song! Been listening to bootlegs from june 28, 1970 to 1971

[@Fiona2254]

War Pigs and Ozzy, who really does love his job ♥️ Rush… always an experience to see them live and then we took our kids. 💕 they are sorely missed RIP Professor 💔

[@matthewferguson7084]

Taurus pedals on A Show of Hands🔥👍

[@HeatherDavis-wd2bo]

Indeed!! R.I.P., The Professor! Never be another one like YOU😢

[@stevetarrant3898]

As a 56 year old rocker I look back and realise we all took for granted the great music and amazing concerts back then. It just seems so lacking today, the youth today really missed out. That's why all these great intros are from a bygone era, but never forgotten. I guess you always have America's got Talent...😄

[@TLww4soup]

Couldn't agree more. Original and raw art.

[@vincevarano1187]

@steve tarrant I whole hearty agree with you. Today's young people don't understand what real must is.They think listening to techofunck and synthetic sounds is music. They couldn't be more wrong.It takes original thoughts,patients,and most importantly "SKILLS ". Not like OZZY who had to buy his songs from LEMME. K.from MOORHEAD.Now a days they write one or two lines repeat them over and over and they.WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSER. So yeah I'm with you, am happy with my old music on vinyl. LONG LIVE RO

[@nancyannschroeck]

59 & proud of all the concerts I saw starting in 1978!! It was a golden era for live music, REAL music!! Im still going strong. Pearl Jam at MSG on 9/11/22. Be excellent to each other & party on dudes!!! 🤘🎶🤘

[@liveforbass]

Agree still rockin 57 years young

[@vincevarano1187]

@steve tarrant I blame the Millennium AND GEN-Z.

[@songnotes]

Amazing video! And likewise so great to see the submissions/stories from other commenters. Let there be songs to fill the air = yeah yeah yes of course, but the song that comes FIRST? Such a magical thing. Thank you Michael.

[@georgefotopoulos1200]

True!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks brother!!

[@boomerdell]

David Pots rocks!

[@1969utube]

Simplicity, stage presence, audience participation, THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE- QUEEN, Freddy Mercury, We Will Rock You. Light years ahead!

[@TexMexGenX]

🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@chiaradigiorgio1821]

Freddie is the GOAT ❤️❤️

[@robertritchie2860]

Highway Star - Deep Purple... The adeline rush and build up is second to none...

[@jaysantos536]

"Burn" is a VERY close second.......

[@jerrywoods4066]

Both my favorite openers of all time. Spotlight kid and kill the king is next .

[@scottkinsey4392]

I can definitely agree with that ✊🏼

[@robertritchie2860]

Blackmore: four epic openers - Burn, Highway Star, Kill the King, and Spotlight Kid. Name another guitarist who has equalled that?

[@jerrywoods4066]

@@robertritchie2860 none

[@hubbsllc]

1) Rush, following their film intro with cartoon figures arriving at a concert while the Three Stooges theme music plays, followed by the band launching into "The Big Money." 2) Emerson Lake and Powell running down the first four numbers of their new self-titled album, starting with "The Score." What's so cool about that song is that it starts off with a series of drones announced with cymbal hits, and then Emerson starts up a kind of keyboard retrospective from his side of the stage: a sequenced FM-synth throb (1980s - i.e., the present), a fanfare from the all-analog Yamaha GX1 (1970s), and an open octave on the Hammond with Leslie spin-up/spin-down (1960s). To me at least, it was incredibly exciting.

[@coldshot1723]

Yeah, Big Money was a great opener.

[@thomasturner8064]

As soon as I saw the video title I thought of Rush. When I saw them after the Three Stooges theme they launched into Spirit of Radio. Great, great opening for a show!

[@bigpawrescuetrapping5331]

The Southpark open to Tom Sawyer was the best intermission comeback I've ever seen.

[@grahamhill2130]

Stumbled across this video - the best part is not the 5 songs... its your enthusiasm .... we all get that feeling when we go to see a band we love. Thanks for posting this.

[@jameslimewater9398]

Agree! This is one of the great parts of social media. The love.

[@jasonBrown-ol2lz]

Absolutely the exact same for me, came by it on accident and WOW!! What band were u talking about that u can’t say

[@louf7178]

.....until Sabbath

[@utingabernardo8205]

Great video Michael. I love the energy and focus you put into describing the events. It's clear that you're an artist with a keen aesthetic and musical sensibility.

[@ththejackjumper]

Whatever song AC/DC starts with is automatically top five.

[@vandyman9957]

as usual, Tom is correct

[@nickcampbell7198]

AC/DC could start off with Mary had a little lamb and it would be epic.

[@BJMauck]

When I saw AC⚡️DC live, I don’t even remember what song they opened with, but I had goosebumps for 90 minutes straight!

[@dennisperin2989]

@@BJMauck Hells Bells Seattle Wa Feb 11 82’ Angus on top of 12x12” stacks ( 3 4x12”) playing opening riff, jumps down on stage right when Malc & Co. kick in.

[@robphifer9112]

Same with KISS.

[@shaunhumphrey1362]

I have to admit, I just discovered your channel today, and I'm absolutely loving it. I myself am not a musician, but a big lover of music and really love being educated on all of the intricacies that make a song great. You really broke this video down in terms I, again being a non-musician, was able to clearly understand, and now have a deeper appreciation for artists I already loved.

[@dplunk13]

Van Halen opening with Unchained on the 1984 tour. Ed starts with a pick slide that goes into the intro riff, Alex comes in on the snare, and then Michael comes in with both of them when the lights hit and Dave has done the splits off the stage. And the tempo is kicked up a notch from the studio version. So it just adds to the epicness.

[@scottbabb4485]

Yup. Unchained... it just kicks you in the ass.

[@np9966]

Coliseum Cleveland The one woman bawled when it ended. We all wanted more.

[@Guitargate]

YES.

[@CanuckQuest]

In Vancouver Canada, they opened with Unchained as well. Just imagine it. Dave did 10 flips across the entire stage in succession as Edward played that most epic riff. I thought it was a dream. It was so surreal. It was so crazy noise wise from the crowd before the show and even louder during.. Never heard anything like it. Louder than the band!

[@Eric_K_Sr]

Absolutely! I was going to say the same thing. I was at the 1984 show at The Forum in Inglewood, probably the best entrance of any show I have been to! Dave jumping off the drum riser to kick off the show was as good as it gets!

[@joecrowaz]

ELP... Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends We're so glad you could attend, Come inside, come inside There behind a glass stands a real blade of grass Be careful as you pass, move along, move along

[@DNR5586]

First time viewer here. I love your passion for these openers, and I'm glad you gave a nod to Rush with Spirit of Radio. IMO this was their best opening during the Grace Under Pressure tour 1984. So energetic!!

[@tommysaulter9171]

Limelight from there “Snakes and Arrows” Tour was always my fave, but I’ve seen them over 20 times, so it’s really hard to pin it down...

[@Fiona2254]

Tom Sawyer in Rio is pretty epic!

[@Fiona2254]

Rush concerts were always amazing. When we took our kids it was pretty amazing. My 11 yr old daughter earned the respect of those around us because she also knew every song Long Live Rush!!!

[@Steveoqotsa]

Best opener has to be “best intro ever” on KZbin….absolutely immense

[@jmcmike1]

Dude, just discovered you today. You're a lot like Rick Beato in terms of your value to the world. To a non-musicians (but trying now in mid life) I find your content compelling. Keep up the good work.

[@lauroboska230]

Man, I never commented on any video ever but this one is top of the charts, never knew nor payed attention to these details, and yes these are all crowd killers, goose bumps all the way, great job man!

[@Guitargate]

THX!

[@kas10163y]

In 77, at summerjam at Arrowhead stadium, Linda Ronstadt did an awesome set, then it got dark and there was a 20 min delay before the headlining act, it was dark and all of a sudden you heard Don Felder play the open to Hotel California, then at the 3 beat drum beat the lights come up and the hotel California back drop was up. The crowd went absolutely crazy! Best concert open I have ever seen.

[@SteveLeSueur-ju6hg]

Highway Star deep purple hands down

[@michelebrotman5345]

Yes!!!!!

[@msh6865]

Or possibly Burn.

[@craigsbuyer2270]

Yup, Highway Star Made in Japan from beginning to the end……Damn!!!!

[@johnlarsen5273]

Yes

[@tomh.2405]

Rush. "The Spirit of Radio." The house lits dim, the audience roars, the "Three Stooges" theme plays, Alex sends those sixteenth notes sailing out into the still-dark auditorium, then the stage lights blaze on with the first big downbeat. Perfection.

[@Jreb1865]

Agree completely... I seen that opening a couple of times and no other word describes it but... Perfect.

[@edwardlassiter1479]

I only missed one tour since Hold Your Fire 88

[@nickhoagland6568]

Saw Rush 70 times but my most memorable show - and a Top 10 moment in my life - was my first show when they played Radio City in ‘83 . Your comment was how they opened the show and it was 2 hours of ecstasy for me followed by another 4+ decades of them as my Favorite band

[@tomh.2405]

@@nickhoagland6568 Seventy?! Dang, man! That's Deadhead-level dedication. Good for you. (Just three for me. I feel like a piker now.)

[@JasonSmithPsychedelicTherapist]

Perfect...

[@Rocky-N-Angel]

KISS _ Detroit Rock City they only opened with it on one tour and a few others appearances. Just the way they hit the stage and the bombastic opening is as iconic as Rock and Roll All Night's finale.

[@rickbailey1339]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6nLioqwls9-h80

[@robphifer9112]

Actually I've seen KISS open with Detroit Rock City on several tours. Sometimes the opening song is changed during different legs of a tour. A lot riding on location at the time.

[@steelcityowl1]

They've opened with drc on loads of tours

[@olachristianbardsen3171]

I remember in 96 when they had the semi transparent curtain where you could read KISS. The guitars started, the drum roll. A flash and a bang and it fell down, revealing the band. That is an opening!

[@KCCheez]

I took my two (barely) teenage sons to see Kiss on their (latest) farewell tour. They opened with DRC and they shot more fireworks during that one song than most 4th of July celebrations. It was my boys first ever concert and they had their jaws literally dropped. I’ve see Kiss in their prime but I wanted my kids to see them while they still could. It was awesome for them but more awesome for me.

[@psytron939]

Always loved the Churchill Speech + Aces High opening from Iron Maiden. That shit makes you go for a ride real fast

[@charlestelk6526]

100% Marco - To me after 500 plus concerts - that is the #1 concert opener. And I've seen all the top metal acts and have enjoyed them all. But Maiden - and specifically Dr Dr, then Chruchills Speech, then Aces High just cannot be beat. If that doesn't make your hairs stand up then too bad for you!!!

[@bigstevej0460]

The whicker man opening at rocking rio which heralded the return of adrian smith

[@charlestelk6526]

@@bigstevej0460 I wasn;t at that show but was at the Irvine Meadows and also Universal Ampitheater show on the BNW tour and that was a pretty damn good opener I agree. But for me not quite to the level of Aces High.

[@psytron939]

@@bigstevej0460 I was debating which one to use for the comment lol

[@bigstevej0460]

@@charlestelk6526 Churchill speech was killer . To me every intro is great 👍. Starting listening to them in 1980 when I was 10 and seen every tour since 1984 up until this June at download Festival in the uk 🇬🇧

[@TripleRevolution]

Good list… but I miss Queen at Wembley with one man, one goal. It chills me up every time I see it… love it ❤️

[@mrvlsmrv]

First time I saw Queen they opened with Tie Your Mother Down. Full quad sound pyro and you were blown away immediately. Then it kept going. Boom! Day at the Races tour.

[@derekcole5593]

I saw Queen in 78, opened with Tie your mother down.

[@asm1]

One Vision the songs called.

[@jasonturbeville2241]

Iron Maiden with Churchill’s speech then they come in with Aces High is just absolutely kills it with a Supermarine Spitfire out over the stage and audience

[@WolfsPyroFX]

Exactly! I've seen them quite some times, but The Legacy of the Beast tour opening.... It's in a different league, soooo good!! Gonna see them again in June and i can't wait haha

[@GCMadej]

The Spitfire is my absolute favorite WWII aircraft. That flying overhead and Iron Maiden?!?! 🤘🙃 Oh Hell Yes!

[@robertmetzjr2335]

Absolutely a kick ass opening song.

[@gavinkitchen1472]

Yes got to include Iron Maiden. Also Richie Blackmore with or without Deep Purple. Give him a few guitars, amps, petrol, gun powder, & a cameraman, & he will put on an unforgettable show.

[@andrewphillips3973]

@@WolfsPyroFX snap, roll on june

[@chrisjoosten9819]

Nice choices and great commentary. I've been playing guitar for 30 years and I learned quite a bit here. THANKS!!

[@jeffpotts2466]

For me, it will always be the opening to the 1996 KISS reunion tour. Rock and roll by Led Zeppelin ends. Lights dim, spotlights bath the arena. Amplifiers hit, then you hear “Alright (whatever city they’re in). You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world, KISS!!!!!!!!!!” Opening chords of Deuce hits the kabuki curtain drops to explosions and there are the original 4 members in makeup

[@jhuncaballa8393]

so talkative, i thought its a rock concert. but it becomes a talk show

[@chelseafn104]

Agree. Deuce will always be my Number one Opening. Close second Priest with The Hellion! Electric Eye.

[@GB-zy6nk]

Another great opener is hearing Axl’s scream “ You know where you are?!… You’re in the jungle baby!!” while the music around Slashes lead builds up. Then boom, the epic riff melody that sends crowd crazy

[@HailAnts]

I love how he followed it with, _”Wake up! Time to diiiiiiiiiiiiie!!”_ a line from the film _Blade Runner…_

[@AdamRankNFL]

But Guns opens with Its So Easy

[@crusheverything4449]

Axl Rose is absolutely the most overrated rock vocalist of all-time. He is absolutely the best worm-dancer, however. 🤘🏼

[@marybrunner1058]

I saw GnR at the Hubert H Humphrey metrodome when they toured with Fairh No More and Metallica, and their first song was Welcome to the Jungle, and Axl screamed, "Minneapolis, do you know where the fuck you are?" Staduim went wild.

[@UnbotheredLA]

Chills.. yes!!

[@MrManMuff]

Van Halen used to start concerts with "Running With the Devil" really set the mood.

[@scottyb3511]

1st song 1st album 1st song live. Live it. The times ive seen VH (not since 81) they opened once with Light up the Sky (only had 2 albums out then) and On Fire. Never opened with RWTD when i saw them. 5×. Rock on dude!

[@jonathanlund6708]

Until they wrote unchained which blows rwtd out of the water

[@AZKathy07]

Van Halen was excellent in the stadium!

[@kudukilla]

Romeo Delight was the opening song first time I saw them.

[@Tom-ok2rh]

I saw them on their maiden tour in 78 and they pretty much played their entire first album and was completely blown away by EVH and his unbelievable skills on a guitar..

[@mavrick6499]

Amazing. I have just come across this video - I just love it when someone knows so much about music. It explains why music is so intimate and explosive and chilling and spine-tingling.

[@Talen1976]

I love this guy's enthusiasm and pure joy when discussing music.

[@valerieb3195]

seriously 💥💥💥

[@barefootbillymusic]

Bonus: he's a damn good guitar instructor too.

[@Bulshitero]

My favorite opening was Rock and Roll by Led Zeppelin in 1973 at madison square garden from the movie The Song Remains The Same, to me it's the most memorable.

[@franram7426]

Try that movie on LSD..... Words can not describe the change it undergoes.....

[@rabarebra]

Rock And Roll

[@joelewing4498]

+Bulshitero: Yeah bro, I saw Zep in Tucson in '73 also....those were the days.

[@philweeks8459]

I'm guessing you know that opening very well. The next time you're watching it, look for my late friend Tex as the camera pans the audience. He and some others watched it on premier night while I was working. He called me the next morning thrilled, "Dude! Steve, me, and Donny are in the movie!!" (Tex was a light skin Black kid. Mistaken for Peurto Rican, often.) When I questioned him if it was really him, he replied, "There aren't many brothers at a Zeppelin show. It's like finding a raisin in the sugar bowl!"

[@franram7426]

@@philweeks8459 I FOUND HIM ! ! ! 1 minute and 13 seconds into Rock N Roll. He's standing behind two guys wearing white shirts and he's a head taller. I've watch that movie a thousand times..... 100 of them flipping my lid on LSD. I've often wondered about people in the audience and how many of them ever saw themselves.... Now I KNOW that at least 3 did. I'll never watch it again and NOT see Tex. Thank you ! ! ! p.s. This movie is two COMPLETELY different movies. It changes into something indescribable on acid. I've turn so many of my friends on to it.... Never a disappointment. Thanks again.

[@flyfish1995]

Epic list. I truly enjoyed the way you arranged this along with your musical knowledge. I came to be entertained, but got an education as well.

[@glennotf]

Great video. Thanks for being so musical about it. You made it nice to remember how to listen.

[@joelewing4498]

I began going to arena concerts way back in around '70. I have seen so many shows.....but for me, nobody kicked everybody's ass like Joe Walsh prior to his Eagles days. His band was called Barnstorm....and they ripped the sky apart from the opening bell. Steve Miller also had epic entrances. Remember.....I'm talking the OLDER days now. Still have my rock 'n' roll soul very intact at age 67....no intention of quitting now.

[@kathybrown9472]

I’m right there with you my friend. I’m 62 and there’s no better music than the rock of the 70’s and 80’s. If you’re paying close attention to the music in TV and movies you’ll hear a huge resurgence of this era of music.

[@BunnEFartz]

Deep Purple: Highway Star. The bass/drums buildup for the intro is clearly one of the best of all time.

[@aluminumfalcon552]

Love highway star, especially when in a leadfoot driving mood.

[@nicholasg.savino6570]

Made in Japan and Get Yer Ya -Ya's Out - Highway Star and JJ Flash the two greatest openers - they still give me goose bumps after almost 50 years!

[@kevsol7665]

I saw them in 1973 they open with Highway star. The rhythm section is so tight bass player and I think his name was Glover and Ian pace on drums. I probably haven’t seen as many shows as some of you have but that was an awfully good opening song.

[@jamesstewart1129]

All windows down, moon roof open, and Highway Star at volume 11, how can you beat that?

[@Zeppo2024]

Highway Star is a classic.

[@viking_2112]

Detroit Rock City from Kiss is such a great opener so energetic and such a great song

[@willdenham]

Ozzy was the best cursing front man. He always says 'I love you' and 'God bless you' as well. You can tell how much he loves being on that stage. Like he was born to it.

[@davidstout6051]

Very enjoyable and educational. Thanks for putting this together. Also thanks for tossing in War Pigs- one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands from my high school days.

[@heatherqualy9143]

Good choices. My 5 picks would be any opening by Queen. Dang! They know how to grab you and not let go from the first beats. Brian and Roger always say their intention was to “blind and deafen them in the first 15 minutes”. Now I’m Here and the fast version of We Will Rock You are two particularly electrifying openers. Even to this day (please, check all your Adam Lambert insults at the door) the production level and theatricality of their concerts is off the charts!

[@richiebarrettjr3629]

I would say live in Montreal on queen in 1977 big blast of lights and sound on opening I was there at Boston same as mtl

[@normatible9795]

Agreed. A little thing called love Will do

[@DrSleep-ep6cw]

Adina Lambertina. 🤗

[@geneobrien8981]

💯 EXACTLY....GEE let me see 1975 Stone cold crazy ..1976 tie mother down....1977-rock u...1978 fast version rock u...come on, Oh u got the legend of all rock stars singing Freddie Mercury can't be beat with slashing Brian May-with the power pack John Deacon Roger Taylor playing to 350,000 stadium Argentina...no1 does it better...

[@kevinferris3007]

Queen tie your mother down epic opening guitar rif

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Nightwish openings at Wacken 2013 "Dark Chest of Wonders" and at sold out Wembley arena 2015 "Shudder before the Beautiful" are the best openings of this Century. ⛄👍

[@Duskwind_]

You beat me to it 😁 much love

[@rahamimful]

Without question the best opening of all time.

[@steevidrums]

Shudder Before The Beautiful in Wembley is a GREAT choice!

[@hansv.d.hooven5232]

Hi you all, i 100% agree with you! Nightwish is of a higher level for sure! Michael problaby never heard of the magnificent Finnish band.. Greetings from the Netherlands 🤘🇳🇱🤘

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

@@hansv.d.hooven5232 Probably so. Luckily you and I know better. 😅👍

[@EnjoyTheSurface]

Great and an interesting video. I clicked the subscription bell at once. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Sweden!

[@swordmonkey6635]

I'd include Rush's Tom Sawyer performance from their Rio concert. The energy is insane and the mic drop factor of opening with Tom Sawyer....

[@raelmozo6118]

That Rio crowd - WOW! Wish I'd been in amongst that lot. They even sing along to the instrumentals. Those deep keyboard tones in the intro have such weight to them, just awesome.

[@Pandion8131]

Came here to say this. Opening chord and 6 seconds later 40,000 Brazilians are singing along. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWPNc399qrurldEsi=pgWhcKwkffyQzw8M

[@jamesfetherston1190]

Rush’s Spirit of the Radio was always my favorite opener. Speaks so well to the majesty and mystery and magic of music.

[@michaelcottle6270]

Good call, Rush had a lot of iconic openers: Bastille Day, 2112 Overture, Spirit, Limelight, Tom Sawyer

[@annettereynolds7457]

Definitely agree with that.

[@johnnyrocker5161]

Rush 🇨🇦!

[@jimmy7144]

I don't know mang. I have been to three Rush concerts in the highest prime of their career and the best thing I can say about Rush live is Mediocre in concert and this almost applies to most true 3 piece bands I've seen live it's because the layers used in recording studio doesn't carry over to playing live

[@jamesfetherston1190]

@@jimmy7144 OK…

[@timb350]

Queen...Tie Your Mother Down. Power rock at it's best! Great selection Mike.

[@annemaassen5576]

I love that song. When I was about 24 and visiting my Mom, if she started squawking, I would start singing this song. She would just start laughing.

[@StephenRada-q6g]

You nailed it ! 🎵 reaches my soul .... Rock On 🤘

[@albertdimatteo531]

Nobody…and I mean NOBODY, had a more incredible opening to a concert than the Mighty Van Halen did, in their prime! The lights go down, giant white lights circling about to the intro guitar squeal from the greatest guitarist that ever lived, Edward Van Halen. Then Alex Van Halen joins in along with Michael Anthony as the rhythm section symphony gets the crowd going. THEN up top on the drum riser a spotlight on Dave, as Roth holds his one hand up to greet the fans, leaps 20 feet off the riser in to the splits lands perfectly on the stage and UNCHAINED begins!!! It didn’t get better than that and I’ve witnessed thousands of concerts! Long live the Mighty Van Halen🎸🦁🎤🥁

[@necrom4454]

Can you link it pls?

[@davehenry7262]

Agreed. I saw Van Halen at their touring peak on the 1982 Diver Down tour. I haven't been the same since.

[@thomaskauser8978]

Brown m&m pueblo colo. Oh. My. They were changing the laws and adding up the fines hours after that show!

[@albertdimatteo531]

@@necrom4454 Check out this link. This was from the 1984 tour in Montreal - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2qThIOua72ZrdE - I must add that Van Halen had the best MC to introduce the band before they hit the stage. I believe I read in one of Van Halen’s documentaries, Dave recruited one their roadies with the best voice, to introduce the band in each city as “Hellllooo (insert city name) are you ready to get down, I give you the Mighty Vannnn Halennn” That was enough to give you goosebumps,😀🎸!!!

[@kevinhill6079]

I have tried and tried to make myself like EVH. I can always admit when someone is a supreme talent, and Eddie sure as hell was! ...but there's just an element of 80's pop in their sound that I just can't make myself like. It would be like trying to make myself like 'Take on Me.' - I can admit it's a catchy song, I clearly see why so many people add it to summer/party mixes... but I hate that sound. That goddamned 80's pop sound. I think, had I had the opportunity to see him live, it would have done the trick... but, alas, I wasn't ever able to catch a show before he passed (and I really made an effort!). So I think Eddie will always be the guy I have the utmost respect for and greatly admire the technicality and innovation of his playing but can't stand to listen too. I really love how passionate EVH fans are about his music. I really want to share in that, but I've always felt Van Halen was the missing link in my playing. I have never learned an EVH lick. Either way, that intro sounds incredible, Friend!

[@TheBlondeOak]

My favorite opening song was at my first RUSH concert --- Moving Pictures in the spring of 1981. The arena was dark (stage not lit with lights) and they opened with 2112 Part I - Overture. FANTASTIC!!

[@nutt1674]

I sure wish I could've been there for that

[@loafersheffield]

Or the compilation from the R30 tour that is doing the rounds on KZbin leading into Spirit of Radio. Here's some tunes we may or may not play tonight. We're only on stage for 3 hours and we may well miss some out. Saw Rush on that tour in Manchester.

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

just as my ass hit the seat the lights went out :)

[@JedWunderli]

I saw that tour - such a great concert.

[@ceilingunlimited2430]

@@loafersheffield There's a reason you can look that up as the "Best Intro Ever!"

[@Peter-oh3hc]

I didn't go to many concerts, but my first concert was in 1973 at madison Square garden I was heading to my seat in the dark and led zeppelin started playing "rock and roll". Thought my head would explode. May not be top five, but I liked it

[@jasonpitts8395]

The fact you saw them live is amazing. I'd cut off one of my balls to see them back in the day.

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Awesome, you were fortunate to see Led Zeppelin live!

[@cindymckenna9910]

That's probably the best first concert ever. You win!

[@Peter-oh3hc]

@@cindymckenna9910 I am the least cool person on the planet, but yeah, that was good

[@smokingun397]

Kiss in 1980. Amazing start. The stage and stadium lights were all turned off and suddenly Kiss 'appeared' on the stage. Was very clever how it was done. I think they came up through the stage floor and a spotlight on each of them slowly got brighter and brighter

[@lolociarlotti]

Times Like These by Foo Fighters is a huge opener. The build up, the explosion. Just magnificent.

[@jamesfoley5407]

I agree with AC/DC but in 1981 at the Old Boston Garden they opened with “HELLS BELLS 🔔 THEY ROCKED THE PLACE! That should be Your #1 for sure! I Can Still Hear Those Bells Ringing! Hell Yeah!

[@ralfhenke8148]

I am surprised that I had to scroll that far to find Hells Bells mentioned. Personally, I think that Thunderstruck is a bit overrated, has been overused and can in fact be a bit boring. To me Live Wire and Hell Bellsare the ones. Hells Bells was their opener on the BiB Tour in 1980. It was the very first concert I ever attended (went with a friend, we were both 14). We got to enjoy the bluesy 1980 incarnation of Whitesnake as support - and enjoyed that a lot. Then came on the bell and that spine tingling lick, the crowd just went mad with "I'm roaring thunder, pouring rain ..." and my life was never gonna be the same. That concert - of similar intensity as 1979 Let there be rock in Paris - has stayed with me until this very day. The insane performance of Angus in his early to mid-twenties is something you may love and appreciate from a film recording but in truth ... you'll really have no idea what it was like to be there. That sound, that drive and that level of complete and utter madness on stage just could never be bettered.

[@c6chili]

I saw the San Francisco show at the Cow Palace. Greatest opening I ever witnessed! Bon recently passing I really didn't know how this new guy would measure up in a live show. Angus playing the picking riff in the dark while the bell slowly descends bathed in a golden light, here comes Brian Johnson running around on stage carrying a sledgehammer. He hit that bell so hard you could feel it in your chest. I still get goosebumps remembering that moment.

[@Nelson-ok2jv]

I was there. I'm tingling right now

[@TheRealLucifer_Morningstar]

I saw Pink Floyd on Animals in Tampa in 1977, twice on MLOR, (1987-88) Tampa and Orlando, and once on the Division Bell tour in Tampa in 1994. They were and always will be the definitive live music experiance. Sight and sound. 👍😳👍

[@deborahthomas1313]

I was at Tampa twice, Division Bell, and The Wall

[@s7centnickel915]

Saw it at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Starts off with their jet taking off from Burke Lakefront Airport and buzzing the stadium, then all of the sudden they are playing. WOW!

[@markcoluzzi5754]

​@@s7centnickel915 Yep.....I was there too.

[@Brian_ON]

I was late to the party so I’ll never see Pink Floyd but I’ve seen RW twice and was unreal…

[@wagonet]

I like how you talk and explain in intervals. It's helpful

[@cheddarcheese7928]

People have already said this but to reiterate..U2 “where the streets have no name” Joshua Tree tour..The slow church like beginnings to the band members coming to stage one by one..Song is very powerful

[@BooksForever]

Agreed. I attended one of the the Denver shows of this exceptional tour.

[@SuppersReady8880]

Was at one of the two Tempe shows where they were recording "Rattle and Hum". Epic show for sure.

[@MithunOnTheNet]

U2 “where the streets have no name" from their Superbowl show or at Slane Castle are both amazing!

[@geoffnelson4530]

November 1987, BC Place Vancouver. Lights go out, start keyboard chords for “Where The Streets Have No Name”, then guitar, then kick, then stage lights gradually come up..chills. U2 in the day could do it unbelievably well.

[@stevenw7623]

That was on my list.

[@robphifer9112]

I was really disappointed that KISS was nothing more than an honorable mention. All of their openers are over the top. From Deuce to I Stole Your Love to Detroit Rock City. Epic!🤘😎🤘

[@markgrovenor389]

100% love all the KISS openings!

[@kennycamaro2361]

Deuce kills every time. Everytime

[@Guitargate]

Totally agree!!

[@bethany_dawn5222]

Yes Kiss has some great opening songs. Though I always thought that they should open with Creatures of the Night or Psycho Circus since they were recorded.

[@adamwilliams3963]

Detroit Rock City, 2000, East Rutherford

[@P_E_P_1966]

GJ great choices & well spoken 🤟

[@j.landismartin5397]

My wife got us tickets to RUSH in 2005 for my 40th birthday, I had seen them in '86 but don't recall what they opened with then but in '05 they opened with "Spirit of Radio". When a band opens with one of their biggest hits, one that is on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's "Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" list, you just know the rest of the show is going to be awesome. It was.

[@ruds2600]

I think in 1980 I saw them open with 2112.

[@leonelfederico245]

That must have been incredible. Spirit of the Radio is the greatest rock song IMHO.

[@BradKarr]

@@ruds2600 seen them two or three times in the 70s and they always opened with

[@BradKarr]

@@leonelfederico245 2112

[@lemm24]

Rush in Rio opened with Tom Sawyer blew me away. Seen them 10 times over the years and each time they left me speechless.

[@ks8452]

Saw Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the old Cleveland Colosseum in '79. Lights went out, Introduction was made. They started playing Fanfare For The Common Man as the stage floor opened up and they came up through the floor. The entire band was wearing white and all of the instruments were white as well. Totally blown away. I still vividly remember that 40 years later.

[@SabrSuave23]

Lucky bastard!!!!

[@danielpape1431]

Saw ELP in Milwaukee. 'Works' tour. Unbelievable show. They started out with Karn Evil 9 and the system was shorting every time Greg Lake hit a note. The lights went out for about 10 minutes and then they started over - wow! Carl Palmer's solo in Tank was pretty danged awesome, too.

[@johnloupis2347]

I also saw EL&P 3 times. Boston Garden was the first time. The crowd went so crazy for 5 minutes you couldn't even hardly hear them play. They were also using the cutting edge quad system that night. Sooo very special.

[@dominicseanmccann6300]

Refer to Rics reply below!☺

[@billpowley5882]

Man always wanted to see EL&P doing Brain Salad Surgery. I always thought they were every bit as good as Pink Floyd.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Am I the only person that thinks Workin' For MCA (also in B Minor) is a great concert opener? It pretty much showcases the whole band, has great dual guitar parts, states the history of the band that brought them to that point, and even sorta functions as a joke in the sense that it's almost like saying "this is what we have to do for MCA". Skynyrd honestly doesn't get enough credit from all the "elites" it seems like to me. Ronnie Van Zant was a genius.

[@scottyb3511]

Agreed Workin For MCA is a great opener. Great song and just the right energy.

[@JoshSchmoyerMusic]

I Ain't the One is also a pretty epic opener as far as Skynyrd goes. Seen them do Pronounced in its entirety on one show, and the way they brought that in was pretty epic

[@dyerstrayts1734]

I'd say it was a One, Two Punch of Workin for MCA and I ain't the one as their opener. I agree it was a powerful full on 3 guitar assault.

[@spuds6423]

@@JoshSchmoyerMusic It is so good, Brandon Nimmo of the NY Mets uses it as his walk up song.

[@kyledomini5142]

Working for MCA into I Ain’t The One is fantastic and of course the greatest closing song is Free Bird.

[@GoldGauntletComix]

Great video brother! One of my friends got to play with AC/DC locally. They did a fundraiser for a hurricane relief that we had and he said they were the coolest dudes you ever played with but they just had local musicians play with them. It was really neat but I don't know if you care so I'd throw that in there. They are really cool

[@Rybanez120]

All My Life by Foo Fighters. Probably not the elite tier of openers but it just launches you from the opening riff like a jet taking off from a carrier.

[@sour37]

100% elite tier, the expectation, the quiet build, the drop

[@christhmatist]

I went to the Go Fund Me show here in Richmond, Va. They closed the Invictus Games at Wembley (90,000 people), flew to the US, played to 1,500 people at The National. Totally dark stage - "chu-chu...chu-chu-chu...chu-chu-chu...all my life I've been searching..." Set the goddamn place of fire.

[@sour37]

@@christhmatist one the one by one tour they started with it, big sheet over the front of the stage. Back lit with the band in silouette. Dropped the sheet and hit the lights on the drop. Unreal.

[@jsbogen]

100% elite. Definitely in my top 5

[@ginpok6640]

Rush - 'Best intro ever' into 'Spirit of Radio' is my all time favorite intro.

[@frankvolpe4965]

Love Bastille Day on Rush... All the world's a stage

[@joemanifesto8742]

Xanadu has always been my number 1. When I finally made it to a Rush concert, (I think it was Presto), I was way too high to remember much. I don't know when it was played during their set, but I remember thinking that I had to remember that song as they played it.🤓

[@kaliimc]

I realized after many concerts that I enjoy and remember more wh3n sober. Delayed intelligence. . .​

[@deebedwell580]

I don’t know - Tom Sawyer was an awesome opener. Not necessarily my favorite song by then, but always great, live - and just really kicked off those shows.

[@chrisst.germain]

Yep Texas Jam early 80s

[@bobeagle7383]

Saw the Tragically Hip open with Grace,Too once and it was a killer way to start. All that tension builds until the beat drops halfway thru the first verse, and the crowd just explodes.

[@andreww6026]

Love that. Thanks for sharing. Gord could wrangle a crowd with the best of them

[@5yearsout]

My favorite Hip song, never got a chance to see them live.

[@joegislason]

The Hip!🔥💯❤️

[@kidglove14]

Great tune! Am partial to 50 mission cap opening, but I can roll.

[@NamathCB]

Ok AWESOME that the first comment is saying the very first song that popped into my head with what I'm guessing is the first one Thunderstruck

[@munkifrog328]

late to the party as usual..... sorry! not really a rock person, i'm 58, but i do love music, good music, and genuine enthusiasm about music! i really enjoyed this!! good job :) :)

[@jeffallan3140]

I know I'm biased, but Kickstart My Heart is an amazing opener. I have seen bands in bars, clubs an small venues play it...often to start a second set...when the crowds seem uninterested...because no matter how quiet and boring the crowd, that gets them all on their feet.

[@pdxwarrior]

Glad to see you mentioned “In the Flesh” but I have to add one more thing. I saw Roger Waters in 2000 at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington. They kicked off the show by flying a plane down the Columbia River and over the stage from the back, then directly over the audience as they kicked it off! Absolutely Epic!!

[@Nite37]

I was there as well.

[@Willard50jv]

Saw him in Winnipeg Canada and the show started with that

[@classygary]

Too bad Waters is a closeted Nazi with humongous “daddy issues” . Am Israel 🇮🇱 Chai !!!

[@jussitikkuri6991]

I actually thought "Pink Floyd" before the list started, but I said..."nah ,Pink won't make it" . But I did think of "Thin Ice" before the bands started playing . I used to walk thru the warehouse where I worked as a cabinetmaker for many years sing the lyrics to "Thin Ice" and people would have a brain spasm when they realized what I was quietly singly. I'm very impressed Guitargate used Pink Floyd, as I am with Black Sabbath. My first Black Sabbath was on an 8 -track tape. They came outta the gate in 1968 playing some of the heaviest metal .

[@DrSuess-ot9vj]

So you thought youd might like to go to the show*

[@johnakers7451]

With almost 40 years of seeing live performances under my belt and a wide array music genres, Iron Maiden's "Aces High" with Churchill's speech as the intro, is still my number show opener of all time.

[@jmillh01]

Am at 36 years, and nothing tops Aces High. Nothing.

[@johnakers7451]

@@jmillh01 up the Irons!

[@matteljupa2411]

Agree

[@nodaysback1]

I saw the Powerslave tour at Radio City Music Hall.. They must have opened with Aces High??? We were drinking tall boys and SoCo that night. I haven't drank SoCo ever since.....

[@tasomusictv7345]

Closest second is the wicker man intro in Rio

[@twhhickerson]

Teach me! Your insights are amazing. Thank you!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Enjoyed this. My personal favourite opening track is Rush The Spirit of Radio. With Rush’s cinematic videos creating excitement and anticipation, that opening riff just sent a charge down my spine. And the crowd ALWAYS got involved. Air drumming, hands in the air and we were all immediately connected to the band. Awesome!

[@dougk359]

Hello Hello Hellooo.....Hello.

[@JasonSmithPsychedelicTherapist]

Yes!

[@cygnus1965]

Greatest band ever. They proved it over and over again. To stay together as long as they did is something no other band has done before or since. Even though the first album has Rutsey on drums they changed quite a bit on fly by night so that is where Rush really started being great.

[@krisruffner3585]

Honestly my last U2 concert began with Where the Streets Have No Name. Seems like it would be no big deal but the stadium is roaring with people waiting for the show to begin when all of a sudden you hear this faint string of the chord progression of the song and as it repeats, it gets louder and louder and louder. Then the just the guitar part starts filling in, building, then the Bass and drums bring it home and the whole thing explodes! I don't know if it was the build of it but it was spectacular!!!!

[@ytizzy1]

This is my favorite opening ❤

[@f.w.1318]

When they asked Larry Mullen Jr what’s his favorite song to play, he said opening with Streets have no name.

[@WoodRanger138]

GOOOOOSE BUMPS BROTHA! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@palermothegoalgod-wd2wp]

If the version in the movie rattle and hum is the same it must have been epic

[@Pokersmith]

U2 is pop not rock

[@Emma77x7]

I saw Led Zeppelin in Tampa Stadium June 1977. Still the most remembered concert experience, 2 1/2 songs, rain and a riot! I was a junior in high school, my parents freaked, it took 4 hours to get out of the parking lot, Any way, they began with "Song Remains The Same".

[@leechild4655]

I think Jimmy really wanted to kick off each show going full blast to get people going.They did it with Immigrant Song in the early `70s then used RocknRoll then Song Remains the Same. All powerhouse songs to start with.

[@o-n-o837]

I was a sound roadie for Showco on that tour .That gig is in the top 10 gigs I did .As you can imagine the load out was fucked ! Also I dodged many whiskey bottles and other flying debris as I pulled all the mics after it was announced the show was over . IT'S ONLY ROCK & ROLL!!

[@Emma77x7]

@@leechild4655 No matter how short and crazy it was, it was worth every minute of those 2 1/2 songs...

[@leechild4655]

@@Emma77x7 I know having see the band maybe at the lowest point healthwise in Feb.`75 Nonetheless we all looked past Robert`s horse voice and Jimmy`s busted finger and were all just happy as clams just to see them right in front of us.

[@Weiwuwei1000]

Thank you so much 🙏 for putting Roger Water intro in the list. He deserves it.

[@MJCPeters]

There’s an old saying “You had to be there.” Everyone who’s been to more than a few concerts will have their own favorites, and if you weren’t there you won’t get it.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

I saw Molly Hatchet open with flirting with disaster in 1979. I would say that this band is most definitely not on most peoples lists here in this post but talk about a band that would blow the fucking roof off the place they waged war when they came out and this was the original lineup it was glorious.

[@juliedodge900]

I never saw them in concert, but I just wanted to add an Oh Yeah!

[@juliedodge900]

Boy that album brings back good memories.

[@jerrywoods4066]

I saw that tour

[@DwightPruitt-uj1ty]

I saw them in 79 in Nuremberg Germany. I believe they opened with Gator Country

[@peterquin499]

Not an opening song, so not exactly answering the question, but every Yes concert opening was epic. Lights down and the aura of expectation grew and grew. Then Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite blared out, and then there they were. Awesome

[@xenraebones4216]

We might be getting old, but we got to see all the best bands live. Btw, your face, my dude, said it all. Best video ever.