Throughout the 1980s, some of the biggest stars in music gave live performances so unforgettable that they still resonate decades later. Some of these occurred on the biggest award stages in the world. Others were part of benefit concerts, supporting many different causes. Then, there were those where the artists were simply performing at one of their scheduled shows, but their historical value makes them legendary.
Some of the songs performed can be considered classic rock karaoke essentials. Additionally, some of these songs have become the perfect covers for other great artists. Nonetheless, the one thing they all certainly have in common is that they could have been number one hits. If performances could appear on the charts, they would all have reached the very top at the time. For these legends provided a live production unlike any before or after them.
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Willie Nelson – Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (1986)
Farm Aid II
Before his legendary performance in 1986, Willie Nelson was actually one of three musicians who helped make Farm Aid happen. The other two were John Mellencamp and Neil Young. The first event took place in 1985 and, over the years, it has continued, featuring many great artists. Of course, Nelson was very present at this, but there was something special about 1986.
Being that it was only the second year of the event, it adds to the allure, as it takes many successful ones to solidify the tradition. Additionally, it was an amazing sight to see the massive crowd in front of the stage as Nelson performed his cover of the 1946 song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” His version remains a fan favorite, standing out among others who attempted this tune, including Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Sr.
9
Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You (1985)
Live On Wogan
In 1985, a young Whitney Houston was just beginning her professional career as she released her self-titled debut album. To promote her record, she appeared on Wogan, a talk show hosted by Terry Wogan on the British Broadcasting Channel. Throughout the show’s 10-year run, this performance by Houston remained one of the highlights.
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Houston was young at the time, but her voice shone through as she performed her cover of the 1978 song, “Saving All My Love for You.” In her memory, this performance serves as a crucial piece of the start of her career. It’s not only a reminder of the song that she helped make legendary, but also of the raw talent that she possessed.
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Lionel Richie & Diana Ross – Endless Love (1982)
54th Academy Awards
The stage at an award show can be the perfect place for epic collaborations to occur. During the 54th Academy Awards in 1982, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross performed a duet of their song “Endless Love.” This was a tune that they had recorded for the movie of the same name, which debuted in 1981, and thus was part of this award ceremony.
Their performance was more than just two singers performing together. It was the combination of two legends, both of whom had respectable careers on their own. From their attire to their voices, they exuded grace and elegance. Their duet became so popular that it has even been covered separately by two other big stars, Mariah Carey and Shania Twain.
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U2 – October/New Year’s Day (1983)
Live From Red Rocks
Since it hosted its earliest documented performance on May 31, 1906, Red Rocks Amphitheater has been a sight to behold for concertgoers. This venue, located near Morrison, Colorado, is breathtaking, creating a beautiful atmosphere for performers. Unsurprisingly, the incredible U2, known for their great live shows, were able to make the most of this stage.
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In 1983, the band was still young, but they were already on their third album. Up to this point, they had released plenty of hits, and this performance showcased two of them. “October” came from their sophomore record, and “New Year’s Day” came from their third. They combined beautifully and made for an unforgettable moment for them and their fans.
6
Elton John – Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) (1980)
Central Park, New York City
Perhaps one of the best places to perform a big song from an even bigger album is in one of the largest cities in the world. This is exactly what Elton John did when he played “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” in front of a large crowd in Central Park, New York City. The song came from his massive seventh studio album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
It created the kind of atmosphere that seemed like it was out of a dream.
It was one of the best tunes he could perform in this setting, as it is upbeat and allowed him to showcase his abilities. During this time, he not only played the piano but also got up and danced. The crowd could be seen going crazy for him, and it created the kind of atmosphere that seemed like it was out of a dream.
5
Madonna – Like A Virgin (1984)
MTV Video Music Awards
After MTV launched on August 1, 1981, it quickly became the go-to channel for music. After a few years of growth, they decided to host their own award show called the MTV Video Music Awards. Among the musicians and celebrities present that night, one of the standout performances was by Madonna, playing her song “Like a Virgin.”
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The tune was the lead single from her second studio album and, of course, would become a big hit. One of the main reasons was its airplay on MTV, making this a perfect opportunity for her to help launch the song on the channel. Madonna would become one of the leaders of the MTV Generation, and she is just as synonymous with the channel as any of their early happenings.
4
Luther Vandross – Never Too Much (1989)
Live In Concert – Wembley Stadium
In 1989, one of the most iconic voices and well-known venues collided as Luther Vandross performed an unforgettable set at Wembley Stadium. One of the songs he performed was his 1981 hit, “Never Too Much,” from the album of the same name. Although it peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, it reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Additionally, it was known as a fantastic dance hit, making it the perfect tune to elevate the energy inside the large stadium. Vandross was elegantly dressed as he moved and grooved, performing the beloved hit. This live show now serves as one of the fondest memories of the singer. It demonstrated how he could captivate a large audience and fill a venue of any size with his voice.
3
Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror (1988)
30th Annual Grammy Awards
The night of the 1988 Grammy Awards was supposed to be a very special one for Michael Jackson, as he was not only a performer but also nominated for four prestigious awards. Unfortunately, he did not end up winning any of the awards he was nominated for, much to the shock of many. However, he still delivered a tremendous performance.
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Jackson began his act with some signature dance moves as he sang “The Way You Make Me Feel,” before transitioning into “Man in the Mirror.” This was where things truly became epic, as a choir joined him. It became more than just a performance; it was a spectacle and still stands as one of the best Grammy moments ever.
2
Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind (1980)
North Sea Jazz Festival
One of the greatest covers of all time occurred when Ray Charles sang “Georgia on My Mind” for his 1960 record, The Genius Hits the Road. His version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, adding to its success. This is a song Charles would constantly perform throughout his career as it was a fan favorite.
The festival was a perfect setting as it was the kind of music that Charles mastered.
One of his most well-known performances of the song came at the 1980 North Sea Jazz Festival. For this, Charles sat at his piano with an orchestra behind him, playing the song with all his might. The festival was a perfect setting as it was the kind of music that Charles mastered, allowing him to shine. This serves as a great reminder of just how legendary he was.
1
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (1985)
Live Aid – Wembley Stadium
Live Aid is one of the most famous benefit concerts ever held, taking place at two venues with some of the biggest names in music. Queen was one of the acts performing at Wembley Stadium, where they played seven songs. After they walked out onto the stage in front of the massive crowd, they began with one of their signature tunes, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
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This demonstrated how great the band was at controlling the crowd, as you could see them hang on to every word while lead singer Freddie Mercury played the piano and sang. His voice was so captivating that it filled the stadium that day. The warm sun shone down and illuminated the crowd, showing them going wild for Mercury as he sat on the stage like the phenom that he was.
