Linda Ronstadt’s 1976 Performance Of “You’re No Good” Got Us On Our Feet

Linda Ronstadt performing live on stage with a red flower in her hair, holding a microphone during a vintage concert.

via ReelinInTheYears66 / YouTube

Back in 1976, Linda Ronstadt took the stage and delivered a version of “You’re No Good” that still stops people in their tracks. Even in a short clip pulled from a half-hour set, she brought enough fire and finesse to make you feel like you were right there in the room. It wasn’t just a great performance — it was a moment.

At that point in her career, Ronstadt was already a superstar, known for weaving together rock, country, and pop in a way that felt effortless. Her take on “You’re No Good” had already topped charts, but hearing it live brings out something different — something raw, unpredictable, and totally gripping.

What really pulls you in, though, is the vibe between her and the band. There’s a spark — a connection — that makes the whole thing feel alive. It’s one of those performances you can’t just watch once. You go back to it, again and again, because it feels like something real.

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The Band That Brought It All Together

Linda didn’t just have a good band behind her in ’76 — she had a killer band. We’re talking Andrew Gold, Kenny Edwards, Waddy Wachtel, Dan Dugmore, Brock Walsh, and Michael Botts. These guys weren’t just playing instruments; they were building the sound from the ground up, piece by piece, with real personality.

Andrew Gold was kind of the Swiss army knife — jumping between guitar, keys, and vocals with ease. Kenny Edwards laid down basslines that grounded everything, while Waddy Wachtel’s guitar brought that punchy, slightly dangerous energy. And then there was Dan Dugmore, sliding in those pedal steel parts that gave the whole thing a country-rock flavor without ever overpowering it.

Brock Walsh’s keys and Michael Botts’ drums kept the whole machine moving, with just the right amount of groove and drive. More than anything, it was clear these musicians listened to each other. They weren’t just backing a singer — they were part of the story, every step of the way.

 

 

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“You’re No Good” Like You’ve Never Heard It

If you’ve only heard the studio version of “You’re No Good,” you’re missing out. Live, the song hits different. Linda’s voice digs a little deeper, pushes a little harder, and you can hear that edge — that bite — that makes the heartbreak in the lyrics hit home.

She doesn’t just sing it. She lives it. In this performance, you hear the hurt, the strength, the moment of letting go. And because it’s live, there’s room to play — she stretches lines, leans into certain words, and throws in these subtle vocal runs that catch you off guard in the best way.

The band, of course, matches her energy at every turn. From the gritty guitar solos to the steady rhythm section, they build the mood without stepping on her delivery. It’s a perfect balance — fiery, tight, and so much fun to watch unfold.

 

 

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Why We’re Still Talking About It

Nearly 50 years later, people are still pulling up this performance for a reason. It’s not just a nostalgia trip — it holds up. Linda Ronstadt had a way of making even a well-known hit feel brand new, and in this video, you can feel every ounce of that magic.

You don’t need to know her whole discography to get it. This clip alone tells you everything: the voice, the confidence, the connection to the crowd. It’s music stripped of the fluff — just pure talent and emotion, right there in front of you.

At a time when so many performances are edited to perfection, this one reminds you why live music matters. It’s messy in the best way — unpredictable, honest, and full of soul. And that’s exactly why it still gets us on our feet.

 

 

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