Top 10 Live Music Performances of the Century So Far

MsMojo

There's nothing like a live performance. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most impressive and/or iconic live music from 2000 to the present.

Transcript

00:00 Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.

00:06 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most impressive and/or iconic live music from 2000 to the present.

00:15 [Music]

00:20 Number 10. Neil Patrick Harris opens the 2011 Tonys.

00:25 If people don't know Broadway, this is a great entry point for the excessive talent at the Tonys.

00:31 [Music]

00:37 Host Neil Patrick Harris uses this moment as an opportunity to welcome outsiders into musical theater with a hilarious song.

00:45 [Music]

00:52 Along the way, the presenter shows off his ability to get laughs, dance, and sing complicated verses.

00:58 [Music]

01:05 There's also some audience interactions that add to this already enjoyable performance.

01:10 [Music]

01:15 Fans and even haters of musicals can find something to love here in the self-aware look at the medium.

01:21 With Harris at the helm, this funny number ranks as one of the award show's finest moments.

01:26 [Music]

01:31 Number 9. Pink at the 2010 Grammys.

01:34 Anybody that thought of this artist as just another 2000s pop star will reconsider after this performance.

01:40 [Music]

01:47 While singing "Glitter in the Air," Pink goes one step beyond by taking it to the air.

01:52 She proves that she's as gifted in her choreography as she is as a vocalist.

01:56 Most people would have trouble even carrying a tune, but she doesn't miss a beat, floating several feet above the stage.

02:03 It's a death-defying act that could have easily found its way onto Cirque du Soleil.

02:08 [Music]

02:16 There's also water effects, making a difficult routine look even more impressive.

02:21 This ultimately serves as much as a work of art as it does pure entertainment.

02:25 [Music]

02:33 Number 8. George Harrison tribute at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

02:38 When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted George Harrison, they pulled out all the stops to honor the musician's memory.

02:45 [Music]

02:53 The rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" features an all-star lineup of rock legends.

02:58 Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty bring their talents to this beautiful rendition, but the real highlight comes from Prince's guitar skills.

03:06 [Music]

03:13 Standing out among musical luminaries, the musician proves he's arguably the most gifted person on the stage.

03:20 His extended solo caps off an amazing tribute that also includes Harrison's son Donnie.

03:26 You can't find many rock performances this electric, soulful, and extraordinary.

03:31 [Music]

03:37 Number 7. Paul McCartney does Glastonbury.

03:40 Still exciting crowds in his 80s, Paul McCartney shows no signs of slowing down with this appearance.

03:46 [Music]

03:52 It narrowly beats out other fun performances like his surprise return to Shea Stadium.

03:57 McCartney glides through many of the best songs in his solo and Beatles catalog.

04:02 There's a number of musical guests that include Dave Grohl for "Band on the Run".

04:06 [Music]

04:13 The legend brings pure joy to every track, combining nostalgia and gravitas to some of the most iconic works of the 20th century.

04:21 He also makes room for a tribute to John Lennon that will have any music fan tearing up.

04:26 With classic tunes and a natural stage presence, the musician proves that you can rock out at any age.

04:32 [Music]

04:36 Number 6. Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Center Honors.

04:40 At the Kennedy Center Honors, Carole King received praise for her contribution to music.

04:45 [Music]

04:50 Aretha Franklin arrived to salute the artist singing "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman".

04:56 The singer plays piano and performs one of King's classic compositions with youthful energy.

05:01 [Music]

05:08 She reminds everyone of her inimitable voice and one-of-a-kind talents.

05:13 Franklin finally stands up, drops her coat and unleashes her powerful vocals to the theater.

05:19 It's such a profound moment that the audience can't help but respond with huge cheers.

05:24 [Music]

05:29 Bringing President Obama and others to tears, this performance captures the emotional peaks of music.

05:36 [Music]

05:42 Number 5. Hart at the Kennedy Center Honors.

05:45 Anybody in rock music knows that "Stairway to Heaven" is considered something close to sacred.

05:51 [Music]

05:58 Few people dare to cover it, but Hart steps up to the challenge and succeeds.

06:02 The Wilson sisters and Jason Bonham bring together a spectacular arrangement of this classic.

06:08 [Music]

06:14 Singer Anne Wilson gives a standout vocal performance, paying tribute to the work of Robert Plant.

06:20 The original members of Zeppelin watch in awe as a choir rounds out the stellar sound.

06:25 [Music]

06:30 Bringing an epic sound to the Kennedy Center, this assembly of musical talent can't be overstated.

06:36 Aside from the first release, this version might be among the best covers of its kind.

06:42 [Music]

06:48 [Applause]

06:51 Number 4. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film.

06:55 In one of her most successful years as a singer, Taylor Swift came up with a brilliant business and artistic decision.

07:02 She created the Eras Tour and subsequently turned it into a concert film.

07:07 [Music]

07:13 For anyone that couldn't get tickets to the real thing, this movie reveals all of Swift's musical excellence.

07:19 The slickly edited experience shows off her elaborate and effective vision for a career retrospective.

07:25 [Music]

07:31 Including many of her most beloved songs, the show-stopping work highlights everything from the costumes to the other stage performers.

07:39 [Music]

07:44 It might not be the same as seeing it live, but audiences can find lots of love about this incredible production.

07:51 [Music]

07:54 Number 3. Muse at Glastonbury.

07:57 In the early 2000s, Muse were steadily building up a catalog of acclaimed albums.

08:02 They capitalized on their early success with this appearance at Glastonbury in 2004.

08:08 [Music]

08:13 Considered by the band to be one of their greatest live shows, this serves as a perfect example of their musicality.

08:20 [Music]

08:26 Playing many tracks from their Absolution record, the group sounds both self-assured and ready to conquer the world.

08:33 [Music]

08:40 Matt Bellamy's roaring vocals soar over the crowd as his bandmates keep up the energy on every song.

08:46 Nothing short of an incredible rock performance, this concert shows that they've been musically adventurous long before the days of Uprising.

08:54 [Music]

09:01 Number 2. Prince at Super Bowl XLI.

09:04 Considered among the most versatile musicians ever, Prince reminded everyone of this fact with his performance at the Super Bowl.

09:12 [Music]

09:16 He plays many of his finest songs as well as some surprising covers.

09:21 Even his unexpected rendition of the Foo Fighters' "Best of You" feels like his own work.

09:26 [Music]

09:31 Showcasing his abilities as a singer and instrumentalist, the performer brings an effortless charm to every second of this show.

09:39 He also proves that he can't be stopped by any bad weather.

09:43 [Music]

09:47 As if he summons it himself, the artist performs in the rain without missing a beat.

09:52 This makes the impact of his hit "Purple Rain" feel even more special here.

09:56 [Music]

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10:17 [Music]

10:18 Number 1. Beychella.

10:21 To some people, they might say that there's a Coachella before and after Beyoncé.

10:26 [Music]

10:32 Her performance here ranks among the festival's best shows.

10:35 Bringing along a troop of backup dancers and an elaborate set, the artist bears no expense in showcasing her musical abilities.

10:44 [Music]

10:49 There's a marching band, amazing production design, and a few surprises along the way.

10:55 Singing her heart out, the vocalist provides audiences with a rush to their senses throughout.

11:00 She even works in a spectacular Destiny's Child reunion.

11:04 [Music]

11:09 Few people can encompass their career into one presentation.

11:12 But she does that and more in an appearance that rivals her halftime show.

11:17 [Music]

11:21 Did we forget any worthy musical performances? Let us know in the comments below.

11:26 [Music]

11:34 Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.

11:38 And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.

11:42 [Music]

11:52 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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