Twelve overlooked but excellent live albums from the 1980s

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As a die-hard fan who has spent countless hours immersed in the music of The Jam and Black Sabbath, I must say that each of these live albums holds a special place in my heart. Each one transports me back to the days when I first discovered their unique sounds and the raw energy they brought to their performances.

How about this instead? Let’s revisit the 1980s for some fantastic live albums. Just like the 1970s, that decade was filled with amazing stage performances that were recorded and shared.

Some individuals, myself among them, are quite fond of live albums. Others appear to have a strong dislike for them and find it difficult to engage with them regularly.

Perhaps they haven’t picked one that suits them yet, given the abundance of options available, it’s quite possible a few have slipped through the cracks or remained unknown. Revisiting the 1980s, let’s not forget about the prominent ones and those that might have been overlooked. All of them are worth listening to.

Twelve occasionally overlooked but excellent 1980s live albums

Ian Hunter – Welcome To The Club – Live

As a dedicated gamer and die-hard rocker, I, Ian Hunter, have always been known for my powerful vocals and no-nonsense attitude. Following the success of Mott The Hoople, I released a string of solo albums and was eager to create another hit, especially after the triumphant launch of You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic in 1979. With my schedule packed with tours, finding time to write or record in a studio became quite challenging. Consequently, I decided to release a live album instead.

1979 saw the recording of “Welcome To The Club,” which hit stores as his first live album in 1980. Although labeled as live, it was actually a double-disc set with three out of four tracks on the last side being recorded ‘in studio’. Regardless, it’s full of fantastic live music from Hunter, and an extra treat with the new tunes included.

As a gamer, I’d say: This album really took off thanks to the guitarist Mick Ronson. It’s packed with some classic hits from Mott The Hoople that we made together back in the day. Plus, it includes several of my old songs from previous albums, a rockin’ cover of “F.B.I.” by The Shadows, an electrifying rendition of Mick’s album title track “Slaughter on 10th Avenue”, and let me tell you, this collection is a powerhouse with me at my best!

Skyhooks – Live In The 80s

Step Back into the Vibrant ’80s: A Journey Through the Best of Iconic Australian Band Skyhooks! Despite their immense success in Australia throughout the ’70s, they disbanded in 1980. However, their greatest hits collection resonated strongly, prompting a reunion for a tour in 1983.

In Melbourne during 1983, several live performances were compiled to create the album titled “Live in the 80s” – a collection of popular tunes, fan favorites, and crowd-pleasers from this unique band. They were famous for their glam rock style, which had an Aussie twist similar to Kiss, backed by great music. While they may not have found much success elsewhere, this album offers a glimpse into what might have been overlooked.

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Joe Jackson – Live 1980/86 

As a long-time fan of Joe Jackson, I must say that “This is the Time” (1988) is a truly unique and fascinating collection of live performances from this remarkable artist. Throughout my journey as a music lover, I have had the privilege of witnessing different phases of his career, spanning from 1980 to 1986. What makes this album so special is that it showcases various lineups of his band and an eclectic mix of sounds and styles, all while maintaining the exceptional quality that Joe Jackson’s music is known for. This record serves as a testament to his versatility and artistic growth, making it a must-have for any fan or casual listener seeking a diverse and engaging musical experience.

Four distinct tours are featured across this double-disc album, with each tour taking up a side. The music spans from his initial keyboard days to more complex sounds featuring horns, and even a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Given the diverse phases in his career, the album provides a unique listening experience that caters to different tastes. Remarkably, Jackson’s hit single, “Is She Really Going Out With Him?”, is repeated three times throughout the album, allowing listeners to choose their favorite version or simply enjoy them all.

The entire album showcases Michael Jackson’s broad range of musical abilities. It not only highlights his exceptional songwriting skills, evident even beyond his most famous track, but also reveals numerous other compositions he has to offer. This album presents a rare opportunity to appreciate his talent and versatility across various music styles.

Meat Loaf – Live At Wembley

Over a decade has passed since the phenomenal success of “Bat Out Of Hell” (in 1984), when this Meat Loaf album was actually recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, in March 1987. It was launched in October of that year, marking another attempt to maintain the singer’s popularity, contemporary appeal, and financial stability. Despite the impressive heights scaled with his debut album, his career saw a considerable decline in the following years.

Due to financial struggles, poor management, and other factors, Meat Loaf faced bankruptcy and lost the rights to his songs. His reputation in the U.S. suffered after he temporarily lost his voice. However, he found success in the UK where his talents were more valued. There, Meat Loaf dedicated himself to rebuilding his career and fan base.

All these elements contribute to understanding why he was performing in stadiums and recording a live album in London. Interestingly, this was his debut live recording, but despite previous vocal challenges, he delivered an exceptional performance for it. His energy and that of his band were vibrant, lively, and invigorating throughout the show. The performances of his iconic songs such as “Bat Out Of Hell” and “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” are arguably superior here compared to their studio versions.

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Simple Minds – Live In the City Of Light

Back in 1987, I found myself captivated by an outstanding album that Scottish rock legends Simple Minds put out in May – a gem worth highlighting. This masterpiece was named after its recording location, Paris, where it was created the previous August. The album’s sound and production are nothing short of epic, fitting for the stadium and arena rock titans they had become by then. It truly complements their collection of large and majestic songs.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that most tracks on this double album are drawn from some of their biggest sellers, such as “New Gold Dream”, “Sparkle in the Rain”, and “Once Upon a Time”. These albums, numbers six to eight in their extensive discography, have been carefully selected to offer an exceptional live snapshot of the band’s music at its peak between 1982 and 1985.

As a gamer, I’ve got to mention one tune that stands out from the rest on this playlist – “Don’t You Forget About Me” from the classic movie, The Breakfast Club. This rock anthem was a massive hit for the band and a significant milestone in their North American career. You can feel the crowd getting into it, singing along to their favorite parts and the catchy chorus. It’s a must-have on an album like this, one I wouldn’t want to forget.

As a gamer, diving into this live album feels like leveling up to the next stage without a studio-released game in between. From May 1985, right after “Once Upon A Time,” until May 1989, when “Street Fighting Years” dropped, it’s been an epic journey filled with top-notch tracks, crowd chants, and all the good vibes a live album can offer. Truly an unforgettable way to bridge those years!

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Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes – Reach Up & Touch the Sky

Initially, an album by a band that has recently switched their line-up and record label might seem less appealing, particularly when it involves the departure of talented guitarist Stevie Van Zandt. But don’t be alarmed with Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes and their live album “Reach Up & Touch the Sky“.

In their initial years, Van Zandt was among several links the band shared with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, offering a clear sense of their style and methodology if you’re not familiar with them. A live album recorded during the summer of 1980, released in 1981, serves as an excellent resource to learn more about the band and truly appreciate their music.

Despite having produced numerous excellent studio albums, their true greatness shone through as a live act. Their performances embody raw rock ‘n’ roll with a hint of blues, bolstered by the addition of horns, reminiscent of the E Street Band. The atmosphere is gritty, charged, and electrifying – think sweat dripping from every pore, an explosion of energy on stage. This live album brilliantly captures that exhilarating vibe.

Give a listen to songs such as “The Fever” and “Stagger Lee.” This group should be recognized in the same breath as Springsteen and Bon Jovi, having significantly contributed to the music scene in New Jersey during that time.

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Whitesnake – Live In The Heart Of The City

Listening to live albums can be an excellent method to catch up on a band’s most popular tracks at significant moments in their timeline. In 1980, Whitesnake provided such an opportunity by releasing Live In The Heart Of The City, offering fans a snapshot of their first four albums.

Since three former members of Deep Purple, Jon Lord, David Coverdale, and Ian Paice, are part of this band, it isn’t surprising to find some of their previous band’s tunes included. And let me tell you, that’s not a negative aspect at all, especially with an impressive rendition of “Mistreated” serving as the final number for their live performances and the closing track on the album.

Originally issued as a two-disc set in the UK, the first CD was taped at Hammersmith Odeon, London back in 1980. The second disc, however, was recorded at the same venue but a few years prior, specifically in 1978. This second recording had already been distributed as a live album in Japan during the same year, 1980. Unfortunately, this second disc didn’t feature in the US release. Although it might have caused some confusion initially, subsequent releases and online streaming platforms now make both discs easily accessible to all.

As a lifelong fan of classic hard rock, I must say that “Whitesnake’s Live at Hammersmith ’84” is more than just a tribute to Deep Purple for me. Growing up in the 80s, I remember Whitesnake as a band with their own set of hits, and this album showcases them brilliantly. The live rendition of “Fool For Your Loving” is simply fantastic, but it’s “Lovehunter” that truly takes me back to my younger days, with its powerful stage performance and amazing slide guitar solos. I have always believed that hard rock shines brightest on stage, and this album only reinforces that opinion for me. The energy and passion of the band members are palpable, making it a must-listen for any fan of classic hard rock.

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Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson – Live & More

As a music enthusiast, it’s not common to see soft soul or R&B artists gracing top live album charts, but an exception that truly deserves its spot is the collaboration between Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson. Having worked together extensively before, sharing the same management, they decided to create this album, which undeniably showcases their exceptional talent.

The live show, recorded in 1980, features these two artists performing both as solo acts and as a duo. They start off with a few songs together, showcasing their incredible harmony. Their voices blend beautifully, and the harmonies during the choruses are perfectly balanced.

Solo spits follow and Flack naturally performs a super version of “Killing Me Softly”. It starts simply but look out for the point where her backing singers (including Luther Vandross) come in, it adds more magic to the song. Bryson likewise does his own thing very well. He sounds brilliant on “When Will I Learn” in particular. 

Furthermore, ‘More’ in the album title refers to three additional studio recordings by Flack and Bryson. This supplements the live performance, demonstrating their exceptional chemistry as a duo. Following this release was another album together, Born To Love, from 1983. While it’s worth a listen, this live set is where they truly shine at their best.

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The Jam – Dig The New Breed

In 1982, when Paul Weller revealed he was departing The Jam, it left fans shocked and even his bandmates Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler speechless. For years following, there was no communication between them and Weller. The last tour dates must have been quite tense! On the eve of their final concert in Brighton on December 11, 1982, the live album titled Dig The New Breed was unveiled.

As a die-hard music fan who has attended countless concerts spanning decades, I can confidently say that this album is a must-have for any enthusiast of classic rock. Compiled from live performances between 1977 and April 1982, it beautifully captures the raw energy and transitions that characterized the trio’s music during their early years. The sound quality throughout is exceptional, allowing one to truly appreciate the unique blend of talent and chemistry among the band members. For someone like myself who grew up listening to this group, it feels like a trip down memory lane, reminding me of the electric atmosphere that filled concert halls during those days. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to the power of live music and the enduring legacy of this iconic band.

Initially, the feedback was diverse due to the recent breakup’s shock. Mainly, criticisms centered around the selection of songs, given the abundance of quality tunes and constraints on a single disc album. Among the tracks, the iconic “In The City” starts things off, with “Going Underground”, in my opinion, being their greatest hit. Other notable hits and album tracks are also included.

In essence, this five-year reign of the Jam was fleeting, but vividly preserved on this album, making it an enjoyable listen.

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Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne

For quite some time, there were no new Black Sabbath albums released. However, suddenly, three live albums featuring their songs surfaced consecutively, which is quite characteristic of them. As expected, each release sparked a lot of debate. Although you might not have missed any one of these albums, it’s possible that you may have overlooked one or even both of the others.

Black Sabbath – Live at Last

The first Black Sabbath live album, titled “Live At Last,” may have seemed straightforward, but there’s more to its story. Although the band collaborated with their former manager Patrick Meehan on this release in 1980, they had actually dismissed him back in 1975. This means that the rights to the songs were in Meehan’s possession before the band was aware or gave approval for the album’s release. Despite its unusual origins, “Live At Last” is not a bad album. In fact, it led to a couple of subsequent live releases from the band.

Sometimes you have to just appreciate what is released. Live at Last was all there was for a Black Sabbath live album. Sure the sound quality wasn’t at its best and it was missing a couple of trademark songs. It even had a typo, you’d have thought Meehan would have known it was Ozzy, not Ossy Osbourne singing as the record stated. But what’s there is good enough and all we had, well for a short while anyway. 

Ozzy Osbourne – Speak Of The Devil

It’s not just Meehan who was let go by Black Sabbath; their lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne, was dismissed in 1979 due to his escalating drug and alcohol problems. However, in 1982, Ozzy organized a live album featuring Black Sabbath songs, which allowed him and the other composers to reclaim the rights to the songs that had expired by then. It seems Taylor Swift isn’t exactly breaking new ground with her new albums as she has already followed in the footsteps of Ozzy and the band!

Regardless of disagreements within the band about performing Black Sabbath covers, and Ozzy Osbourne having a notebook full of lyrics for the stage, this album is strong and well-executed. It almost feels like a live Black Sabbath performance, filling a void until that unofficial album was released. Ozzy’s voice is stronger than many anticipated, the band sounds great, and some fans believe it’s the best live album of their original music to date.

Black Sabbath – Live Evil

Dissatisfied with their previous album “Live At Last” and its release, the band decided to produce a fresh live album following their disappointment. The album titled “Live Evil” was recorded during the US tour in 1982 and hit the shelves in January 1983 – only a couple of months after Ozzy Osbourne’s live album release.

As a longtime fan of Black Sabbath, I must say that “Live Evil” stands out as one of their most significant live albums. Having grown up with their music and witnessing the evolution of their sound through various lineup changes, I find “Live Evil” to be a testament to their versatility and enduring legacy.

Regarding which of the three is superior, it seems like a matter of individual preference and affiliation towards Osbourne. Interestingly, his album sold more than a million copies globally, significantly outperforming the other two. However, they are all worth giving a listen to.

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2024-08-22 13:32