Legendary Rock Musicians Who Struggle Playing Their Hits

Some songs become so iconic that fans expect to hear them every time an artist steps on stage. But behind the scenes, not every hit is as effortless to perform as it sounds on the record. For some legendary rock musicians, playing their most beloved tracks can be a surprising source of frustration.

Whether it’s the emotional weight of the lyrics, technical challenges, or simply years of repetition wearing down the thrill, these artists have opened up about why certain hits are harder to revisit live. These aren’t just obscure B-sides—they’re the very songs that helped cement their legacy, making the struggle all the more fascinating.

This article dives into the unexpected reality that even rock legends sometimes hesitate when the opening notes of a fan favorite ring out. It’s a revealing look at how fame, fatigue, and artistry intersect on the live stage.

Angus Young and the Wrath of “Thunderstruck”

It’s easy to assume Angus Young can shred through any AC/DC song without breaking a sweat. He’s known for his blistering solos, duckwalk strut, and boundless stage energy. Most of the band’s catalog leans into straightforward, hard-hitting rock riffs—but “Thunderstruck” is the exception.

What fans might not realize is that the song’s hypnotic riff began as a simple finger exercise. Angus used it as a warm-up routine, until Malcolm Young suggested turning it into a full track. The result was one of the band’s most iconic anthems, but also one of their trickiest to perform night after night.

In interviews, Angus admitted he needs to carve out time before shows just to prep for that one song. “I have to sit down for an hour and make sure I’ve got my fingers warmed up,” he said. It’s a reminder that even seasoned legends have to put in the extra work when the riffs get relentless.

Slash vs. the Complexity of “Estranged”

Slash has always carried the mystique of a guitarist who makes complicated solos look effortless. Guns N’ Roses, with their sprawling arrangements and explosive guitar work, never aimed for simplicity. Still, even Slash has one song he considers a serious challenge to pull off live: “Estranged.”

Unlike the band’s more aggressive tracks, “Estranged” is a slow-burning epic packed with shifting moods and intricate arrangements. It requires finesse rather than brute force, and that change in pace makes it uniquely demanding. Slash once noted that the song requires “a lot of concentration to get all of the nuances throughout the whole song.”

He described it as anything but a plug-in-and-play moment. Instead, it demanded precision and focus, which isn’t always easy during a high-energy show. “Estranged” may not be the most famous GN’R track, but it’s the one that puts Slash’s skills—and patience—to the test.

Billy Joel and the Pain of “Just The Way You Are”

Billy Joel’s trouble with “Just The Way You Are” had nothing to do with technical skill or stage fright. The difficulty came from the song’s emotional baggage. Written for his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, the ballad became a massive hit and a staple of his live performances.

After the couple’s divorce in 1982, however, Joel found it harder and harder to sing those lyrics with the same sincerity. What was once a heartfelt gesture of love had turned into a painful reminder of a failed marriage. Over time, the emotional weight of the song made it one he avoided performing live.

Fans still request it, of course, and for many, it’s one of his most beloved tracks. But for Joel, the song’s personal history overshadows its popularity. It’s a case where the past can haunt the present—even in front of thousands of cheering fans.

Brian Johnson and the Ghost of Bon Scott

Brian Johnson stepped into an almost impossible role when he became AC/DC’s frontman following Bon Scott’s death. While he brought his own edge to the band, some of Scott’s songs carried emotional baggage that Johnson didn’t feel comfortable shouldering—especially “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll).”

The track was closely tied to Scott, not just in vocal delivery, but in spirit. It was a song about the grind of the rock lifestyle, one that echoed Scott’s own chaotic and self-destructive path. Johnson felt that performing it would come off as disrespectful, considering how tragically things ended for his predecessor.

As a result, Johnson rarely touched the song in live performances. It wasn’t about hitting the notes—it was about honoring the legacy and pain behind them. Even for a powerhouse like Johnson, certain tracks are best left in the past, out of respect for those who came before.