10 Great Classic Rock Songs That Bands Don’t Play Live

Some classic rock songs have become so iconic that audiences expect to hear them live, but not every band is eager to oblige. In some cases, the very tracks that made them famous are the ones they’d rather leave behind. There are a variety of reasons for this, from frustration with the song’s overexposure to personal connections that have changed over time.

For some musicians, performing certain hits feels like an obligation rather than a joy. They may have grown tired of the song or outgrown the emotions that once made it meaningful. In other instances, the lyrics no longer resonate with the band, making the performance feel forced or inauthentic.

Yet, these songs remain fan favorites, and many people still dream of hearing them live. In this article, we’ll dive into 10 classic rock songs that bands rarely, if ever, play live — songs that have become legends but are often left off the setlist for reasons only the artists themselves can fully explain.

“Creep” – Radiohead

Radiohead’s iconic hit “Creep” has been noticeably absent from their live performances since the mid-1990s. Despite being one of their most requested songs, the band grew tired of it and even told fans to “fuck off” when pressured to include it in their setlists.

In 2016, they surprised audiences by playing “Creep” a few times, explaining it was an experiment to “see how it feels.” The unexpected revival brought a mix of nostalgia and curiosity among fans.

However, these rare performances didn’t signal a permanent return. It’s unlikely “Creep” will become a regular fixture in future setlists, as the band seems content leaving it behind.

“Fluorescent Adolescent” – Arctic Monkeys

Once a staple of Arctic Monkeys’ live shows, “Fluorescent Adolescent” has gradually faded from their setlists. It was even a regular closer during their earlier tours but was largely omitted from the Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino tour, with only a few exceptions for hometown performances.

Frontman Alex Turner hinted at the song’s absence in a BBC Radio 1 interview, admitting there are tracks the band feels ready to retire. He specifically mentioned the sentiment of thinking, “we’ll probably leave that one out now.”

Their current tour supporting The Car suggests the trend will continue. While fans may hope for its return, it seems “Fluorescent Adolescent” has been left behind for now.

“Shiny Happy People” – R.E.M.

R.E.M. quickly abandoned “Shiny Happy People” after performing it live only twice in 1991. By 2003, the song’s omission from their greatest hits album In Time further cemented its status as a track they were eager to leave behind.

Despite its chart success, the song has been mocked over the years, even landing on several “worst songs of all time” lists. However, lead singer Michael Stipe remains unfazed, stating that he has “always been at peace” with the track.

Stipe admits he finds its success somewhat “embarrassing,” but he doesn’t regret its place in their catalog. Still, it’s clear the band has no plans to revisit the polarizing hit anytime soon.

“It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock’ n’ Roll)” – AC/DC

AC/DC has left “It’s A Long Way to the Top” off their setlists since 1979. Former bassist Mark Evans revealed that the band avoided playing it after Bon Scott’s death, with Brian Johnson feeling it would be disrespectful to perform such a raw and rebellious anthem without Scott.

The track’s final live performance took place just months before Scott’s untimely passing. It served as a bittersweet farewell to one of their most iconic songs.

Though fans continue to celebrate the song’s legacy, it remains untouched in AC/DC’s live shows, forever tied to Scott’s memory and spirit.

“All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You” – Heart

Heart’s lead singer Ann Wilson has been vocal about her dislike for “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You.” In 2017, she criticized the song’s lyrics, calling them “empty” and “weird” for how they portrayed the man in the story.

This strong aversion led the band to avoid performing the track for years. It wasn’t a part of their live shows, despite its commercial success, reflecting Wilson’s refusal to sing something she didn’t connect with.

Recently, Wilson has revisited the song in her solo performances. However, she now performs it with revised lyrics that better align with her values and artistic vision.

“(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” – The Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys retired “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” from their live shows in 1987, just two years after its release. Despite its massive success, the group distanced themselves from the track early on.

While the song occasionally resurfaced during special performances, these were rare moments. By the time of their final show in 2009, it had become more of a nostalgic nod than a setlist regular.

The decision to step away from the song reflected the band’s evolving identity. They moved past its rebellious energy, focusing instead on a broader musical and lyrical range.

“Empty Garden” – Elton John

Elton John admits he rarely performs “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” because of its deep emotional impact. Written as a tribute to John Lennon after his tragic death, the song remains a poignant reminder of their friendship.

In a conversation with Sean Lennon, Elton shared how difficult it is to sing the song live. “If your dad was alive today, can you imagine what he’d be doing? It’s very hard for me to sing it, I get quite emotional,” he confessed.

The grief and admiration poured into the song make it incredibly moving, both for Elton and his audience. It stands as a heartfelt reaction to an irreplaceable loss.

“Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin

While “Stairway to Heaven” is a beloved classic, Robert Plant has never shared the same enthusiasm for it. By the late 1970s, he had largely stopped performing the song, distancing himself from its immense popularity.

Since then, Led Zeppelin has only revisited the track on rare occasions. One notable performance took place at the 1985 Live Aid event in Philadelphia, providing a fleeting moment of nostalgia for fans.

Plant’s reluctance to embrace the song likely stems from its overexposure and personal disconnect. Even with its legendary status, “Stairway to Heaven” remains more of a memory than a live staple.

“21st Century Schizoid Man” – King Crimson

“21st Century Schizoid Man” may be King Crimson’s most iconic track, but it has not always been a live staple. The band shelved the high-energy, jazz-infused epic for an astonishing 22 years, pausing performances in 1974 and only bringing it back in 1996.

The song’s intricate guitar solos and chaotic brilliance make it a must-hear live, yet shifting band lineups contributed to its absence. By the 1980s, the song had become tied to an earlier era of King Crimson, making it harder to fit with their evolving sound.

When they finally revisited the song, it served as a nostalgic callback to the group’s roots. Despite its periods of dormancy, “21st Century Schizoid Man” remains a defining piece of the band’s legacy.

“Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” holds a deeply personal connection, written after the tragic loss of his four-year-old son in 1991. For years, Clapton avoided performing the song, struggling with the intense emotions tied to it.

Despite being his best-selling U.S. single and a highlight of his Unplugged live album in 2004, Clapton chose to stop playing it temporarily. He explained that the feelings he had while writing the song no longer resonated in the same way.

Clapton shared with the Associated Press that reconnecting with those emotions felt unnecessary. “I didn’t feel the loss anymore,” he said, adding that revisiting the pain wasn’t something he wanted. Now, he views life through a new lens, making selective performances of the song even more poignant.