The Biggest “Final” Concerts In Classic Rock

Final concerts in the world of classic rock are like a musical rollercoaster – sometimes anticipated, occasionally surprising, and not always as final as they seem. Let’s embark on a journey through the annals of rock history, exploring some of the most significant farewell shows, where emotions ran high and the notes echoed the end of an era.

1. Cream – Nov. 26, 1968

Cream’s farewell announcement in 1968 left fans stunned, only to reunite unexpectedly in 2005. The Royal Albert Hall in London witnessed their temporary goodbye, marking the end of a short but influential era.

 

2. The Beatles – Jan. 30, 1969

The rooftop concert at 3 Savile Row remains etched in history as the Beatles’ unofficial farewell. A spontaneous performance that lasted 42 minutes, it echoed over London, creating a unique moment captured in the ‘Let It Be’ album and documentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYwVcK3XQlE&pp=ygUbVGhlIEJlYXRsZXMgLSBKYW4uIDMwLCAxOTY5

 

3. Jimi Hendrix – Sept. 6, 1970

Jimi Hendrix’s final act at the Open Air Love & Peace Festival in Germany showcased his genius just 12 days before his untimely death. A soul-stirring set featuring classics like “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze.”

 

4. The Doors – Dec. 12, 1970

The Doors’ reputation as a live powerhouse met its end at the Warehouse in New Orleans. Despite a messy performance, the band regrouped briefly, only to face the tragic loss of Jim Morrison three months later.

 

5. The Band – Nov. 25, 1976

The Last Waltz at Winterland in San Francisco was meant to be the Band’s grand farewell, complete with an array of musical friends. However, the Band reformed in 1983 without Robbie Robertson, extending their musical journey.

 

6. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Oct. 19, 1977

A tragic turn of events followed Lynyrd Skynyrd’s concert at South Carolina’s Greenville Memorial Auditorium, just two days after the release of ‘Street Survivors.’ A plane crash took lives, but the band eventually reunited in 1987.

 

7. Led Zeppelin – July 7, 1980

Led Zeppelin’s final show in Berlin marked the end of their European tour. Drummer John Bonham’s subsequent death led to sporadic reunions, but a full-fledged tour remained elusive.

 

8. The Eagles – July 31, 1980

The Eagles’ implosion onstage in Long Beach, Calif., revealed internal tensions. Dormant until the Hell Freezes Over tour in 1994, the Eagles persisted despite lineup changes and the passing of Glenn Frey.

 

9. The Who – Dec. 17, 1982

The Who’s pre-announced farewell in Toronto sparked ongoing reunions, proving that “never say never” applies to rock legends. Despite intermittent goodbyes, the Who continued to grace stages for years to come.

 

10. Guns N’ Roses – July 17, 1993

Internal conflicts and lineup changes characterized Guns N’ Roses’ turbulent ‘Use Your Illusion’ tour. Axl Rose’s emergence with a new lineup in 2001 preceded the iconic reunion with Slash and Duff McKagan in 2016.

 

11. Elton John – July 8, 2023

Elton John’s farewell tour, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road, concluded emotionally in Stockholm. After 330 stops, he bid adieu, reflecting on a remarkable 52-year journey since his first show in Sweden.

 

12. Kiss – Dec. 2, 2023

Kiss declared the end of the End of the Road Tour at Madison Square Garden, but the notion of a final goodbye seemed uncertain. Like an unstoppable force, Kiss hinted at the possibility of future incarnations, proving that the rock ‘n’ roll spirit knows no bounds.