Searching the history books to look for the final songs performed by some of the rock legends. They didn’t end their careers in their own terms, but the legacy that they left behind will be forever cherished.
Below are the Final Songs Performed by 10 Classic Rock Bands We Miss:
The Beatles, “Get Back” – Jan. 30, 1969
One of the most famous final live performances, the Beatles delivered their final public appearance on the rooftop of the Apple Corps in London. Luckily, the people of the internet can watch the live set, footages were kept, and once used in the documentary ‘Let It Be.
AC/DC (Bon Scott), “Let There Be Rock” – Jan. 27, 1980
After completing their ‘Highway To Hell’ tour, the band performed in Southampton, England, it was then when they achieved worldwide recognition, and had their first impact on the U.S. and U.K. charts. Sadly, Bon Scott never had the chance to see his band become one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. His final performance was “Let There Be Rock,” in Southampton show.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Keep on Chooglin’” – Sept. 19, 1970
They made music about democracy, peace, and anti-war. But John Fogerty turned into a dictator, controlling CCR and other members were not happy about it. His brother, Tom wanted to involved in the songwriting and was frustrated leading him to quit in early 1971. CCR continued without him until John decided to disband the band a year later, and their final show with Tom as a member was in Toronto.
Pink Floyd, “Comfortably Numb” – July 2, 2005
Pink Floyd, after founding member Syd Barrett was dismissed due to his drug abuse, saw few lineup changes throughout the years. Pink Floyd’s last true show with David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright was the 2005’s Live 8 performance. The band played five-song set ending their reunion with “Comfortably Numb.”
Queen (Freddie Mercury), “We Are the Champions” – Aug. 9, 1986
Freddie Mercury’s final song was “We Are the Champions” with Queen, which took place at Knebworth. Queen played “God Save the Queen” as their final performance during the night but Freddie didn’t sing, due to his health. So, technically, “We Are the Champions” remains the final song Freddie ever performed.
John Lennon, “Imagine” – April 18, 1975
Lennon, during the night of April 18, 1975, performed two covers and closed the show with his timeless song, “Imagine. Several years after, his life was cut short by a fan who gunned him down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5mqmUeT4U0
Led Zeppelin (John Bonham), “Whole Lotta Love” – July 7, 1980
The final date on Led Zeppelin’s European tour was in Berlin, John’s final performance with the band. They closed the evening with “Whole Lotta Love,” and for a few months, Bonham was found dead due to alcohol poisoning.
The Who (Keith Moon), “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – May 25, 1978
The band’s final performance with Keith Moon was at Shepperton Studios in England on May 25, 1978. They were to record a performance for ‘The Kids Are Alright’ documentary. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” was their final song – the drummer passed away due to an overdose that September of the same year.
The Doors (Jim Morrison), “Light My Fire” – Dec. 12, 1970
Jim Morrison was a known alcoholic, and when they were performing at the Warehouse in New Orleans, he was insanely drunk. Midway through, Jim was already out of control, but still pushed forward to perform what would have been his final song ever, “Light My Fire.”
The Allman Brothers Band (Duane Allman), “Trouble No More” – Oct. 17, 1971
On Oct. 17, 1971, the band performed at the Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mill, Md. And what would have been Duane Allman’s final performance with the band was a cover of Muddy Waters’ “Trouble No More.” 12 days later, Duane Allman would pass away due to a motorcycle accident.