6 Classic Rock Songs That The Band Refused To Play Live

While many classic rock songs have become concert staples, some bands have chosen not to perform certain tracks live. Here are six notable examples:

1. “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)” by Led Zeppelin

Released in 1969 on the album Led Zeppelin II, “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)” is a track that the band rarely, if ever, performed live. Guitarist Jimmy Page reportedly disliked the song, considering it a “throwaway track,” which led to its absence from their concert setlists. Despite its catchy riff and radio popularity, the band’s lack of enthusiasm kept it off the stage. Fans hoping to hear it live were consistently disappointed.

2. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” by AC/DC

This 1975 anthem from the album T.N.T. features bagpipes played by lead singer Bon Scott, adding a distinctive sound. After Scott’s death in 1980, AC/DC chose not to perform the song live out of respect for their late frontman. The bagpipe section was integral to the track, and without Scott, the band felt it couldn’t be replicated authentically on stage. As a result, the song became a rare piece in their live repertoire.

3. “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones

“Brown Sugar,” released in 1971 on the album Sticky Fingers, was a regular part of The Rolling Stones’ live performances for decades. However, in 2021, the band decided to remove it from their setlists due to concerns over the song’s lyrics, which reference slavery and have been considered controversial. Guitarist Keith Richards acknowledged the decision, stating they didn’t want to get into conflicts over the song’s content. This move sparked discussions about the appropriateness of certain lyrics in modern times.

4. “The Show Must Go On” by Queen

Featured on the 1991 album Innuendo, “The Show Must Go On” was recorded during a challenging time as lead singer Freddie Mercury was battling illness. Due to Mercury’s declining health, Queen never performed the song live with him. After his passing, the remaining members have played it during tribute concerts and with guest vocalists, honoring Mercury’s legacy. The song’s powerful message and emotional depth resonate with audiences, even in the absence of its original singer.

5. “My Man” by Eagles

From the 1974 album On the Border, “My Man” is a tribute to Gram Parsons, written and sung by Eagles’ guitarist Bernie Leadon. After Leadon’s departure from the band in 1975, “My Man” was no longer performed live. The song held personal significance for Leadon, and without him, the Eagles chose to exclude it from their concerts. Fans of the track would have to listen to the studio version to experience its heartfelt homage.

6. “When the Tigers Broke Free” by Pink Floyd

Released as a single in 1982 and later included in the 2001 reissue of The Final Cut, “When the Tigers Broke Free” is a deeply personal song written by Roger Waters about his father’s death in World War II. Due to its intimate nature and specific subject matter, Pink Floyd rarely, if ever, performed it live. The emotional weight of the song made it a challenging piece for live performances, leading to its omission from their setlists. Fans appreciate its raw honesty, even if only through recordings.