I saw Tull four times in the 70’s (TAAB, War Child, Songs From the Wood and Stormwatch tours). I was never disappointed. Am going to Ian Anderson’s current tour here in Vegas in October...haven’t seen him since 1979, so it will be an interesting time. I think the bands that didn’t do the drug scene (like Tull) were likely the best bands to see...can you imagine wallowing through Jim Morrison when he was flipped out on some drug cocktail...ack.
I thought Stones druggie beggars banquet to goats head was their best work though admittedly live was always sloppy
I never saw the Doors but Jims excess was part of the warped charisma though he did write most of the lyrics some of which were quite good
Southern rock guys were self conscious about recreating studio sound
Both Van Zandt and the Allmans
Another good recreator on stage was Steve Winwood
Clapton not so much
Some of the punch out bands were good onstage
Black Sabbath
Van Halen excellent on stage even in big venues
If one likes grateful dead and they are behaving relatively speaking
They are better live
I saw Husker Dü and the Jesus and Mary chain in 87 and the Chain were perfect live
I saw Depeche Mode kick into Route 66 in 86 at the China Club with Bowie coming up from the audience
Nailed it
Talking Heads and INXS same era and again great live
Zepplin live?
Not so good
Fleetwood Mac during the Bob Welch Heroes Bare Trees Future Games days
Again perfection
Ted Nugent 1976.....110%
The Animals and Vanilla Fudge 1967 at the old Armory
Poor sound but they played great