Reviews (page 2 of 12)
I freaking loved this one.
quelle energie!
This is an all time fantastic album, one of the best live albums ever, particularly in the expanded edition. (The original only had six songs.) When folks argue over the greatest rock band of all time, and typically it's the Stones or Led Zep that are being argued, I always bring up this record and say the greatest rock band of all time is The Who.
The Who is an always under rated band. This album is rock solid.
ANIMAL BEAT DRUMS!!!
Classic rock
This may be one of the best live albums I've heard. It's raw, energetic, blues rock that doesn't let up. I listened to the full concert version (Deluxe Edition), but only the tracks that are on the 77 minutes CD version that seems to be commonly available for streaming. These tracks are all very good to great, with little distracting crowd noise. The banter with the audience is a bit much, and it drags a bit at points. This version is a 4. The 6 tracks from the original album cuts out some good stuff but gets the time down to the point that you can't get bored with it. It's a 4.5.
Really good! I always like the live versions especially if they are recorded and mastered well.
I got lost listening to this. I clicked on the deluxe version and found myself on a completely different playlist than the original. So I have no idea at what point I listened to the entire album but it was awesome. Ive never been a die hard fan but there is a lot I love about them. This live album is as good as you can hope for. It was a great listen through, and one I will start injecting into my rotation of them.
Man I can listen to Keith Moon drum for days
I was going to give it a 4, but... Keith Moons drums!! HOLY $HIT!!!
Hearing Live at Leeds again—especially after getting bounced to that sprawling 77‑minute expanded edition—is a reminder of just how ferocious the original six‑track LP really was. At a lean forty minutes, the vinyl still feels like being plugged directly into The Who’s live circuit: no polish, no studio discipline, just a band absolutely flooring it. What jumps out most is the contrast with their studio sound. Those records are tight, clever, sometimes even ornate; Live at Leeds is none of that. It’s loose, ragged, explosive—alive in a way their studio work rarely tries to be. Townshend’s guitar feels like it’s right in your ear, Daltrey’s vocals are a controlled bellow, and Moon… well, Moon sounds like he’s trying to outrun the band at every turn. Hearing it with fresh ears, especially after not spinning my old vinyl in ages, makes its reputation obvious all over again. It’s the sound of a group at its peak, not trying to be perfect—just trying to blow the roof off. Raw energy is exactly it. And it still hits.
Birthday album!
Greatest live album ever
An already great band manages to keep sounding great live. Fast and energetic without being sloppy
This album is more than 5 stars. I love The Who, without them we wouldn't have Led Zeppelin, Queen etc. Greatest rock band of all time. Recommend The Who live at the Isle of Wight and Live in Hull
One of the best live albums. It's not actually originally released as over an hour, the 6 song 40 minute runtime is perfect. 3 of these I am very familiar with due to being famously fun (and difficult) to play in Rock Band. Keith Moon is a fucking monster, and Entwhistle kills it on bass. "Magic Bus" was a perfect ending
I ended up listening to the 25th anniversary version. It wasn't notated as such, but I'm glad I did. The venue felt really intimate, and the show itself was fun and wholesome. That was great. "Young Man Blues" is maybe more topical today than it has been in 60 years
Perfection. Daltrey and Moon in particular steal the show for me, but the whole band sounds absolutely amazing and as powerful as any rock and roll band has ever sounded. One of my favorite live albums of all-time, the original tracklist or the expanded edition. 5/5
Way better than I'd anticipated
A powerhouse album from a band at the height of its powers. Possibly the greatest live rock album ever
It’s hard for me to overstate the impact this album has had on my life (and consequently the bias which I bring to this review). It is one of the first albums I had on an iPod nano I got when I was about 12 years old (an incomplete burn of the 1995 CD release). I played this virtually on repeat as I rode the bus to and from school each day and learned the drum patterns to every song when I got home. Sitting down with it 20 years later, it’s still just as thrilling and immersive as ever. For this review, I listened to the original vinyl release, which is devastatingly short and lacks some of my favorite tracks from the show (such as “Heaven and Hell” and “A Quick One”). But thankfully it includes the transcendent 23 minutes of “My Generation” and “Magic Bus,” which to me are perhaps the rawest, most powerful, demonstrations of rock and roll as an art form. Each player’s performance is so charged that there is no need for backup musicians or overdubs. It’s a complete wall of sound made with the simplest of means. A side note about John Entwistle: I don’t really understand what he’s doing, but I’m pretty sure he’s not playing the strings at all, he’s playing the actual wooden guitar. That tone and modulation is absolutely impossible to comprehend, and maybe even illegal.
Legendary live album. Truly a benchmark.
5/5 qué banda increíble
This is what Rock 'n' Roll is all about. Nevermind the pussies complaining about it being a live album.
Powerhouse record of one of the hardest rocking bands ever. Yeah, they peaked in 1970, but it was a helluva peak. Pretty much every hard rock band from Sabbath to Maiden to Metallica are direct descendants of this version of the Who - not the bloated version of the 1970s.
On one hand, there are just too many Who albums on this list. On the other hand, they are all great and should be heard prior to leaving this earthly existence. I begrudgingly concede that Mr. Dimery got this one right.
This album has the best version of A Quick One, the version used in the movie Rushmore. That song, and it's scene I. The movie, give this the bump up into 5 star territory.
Love it. Own it.
i had low expectations, since the previous live album i listened to was a total disappointment. turns out, this one was great!!
Die Bewertung bezieht sich auf die 6-Song-Standard-Version, die tatsächlich ziemlich viel Spaß macht, eine schöne Sammlung an Standalone-Singles und Cover-Versionen bietet und The Who von einer bis dato nicht bekannten härteren Seite zeigt. Mit dem "My Generation"-Medley gibt's sogar noch einen jammigen Part. Der große Vorteil ist, dass man die meisten Songs hier noch nie bzw. nicht im LP-Kontext hören konnte. Die 14-Song-Version verwässert das Ganze leider, weil hier verstärkt bestehende Album-Tracks eingebunden werden und vom The Who-Frühwerk wirklich einige Songs nicht zünden. Daher alles richtig gemacht bei der Komprimierung aufs Wesentliche.
Shit rips. Next.
Так лень было слушать час с лишним какого-то лайва. Немножечко стендапа, немножечко подкаста, множечко гитар. Какие чудеса с моим мозгом творит почти любая бритоская музыка, записанная в одном из любимых городов. Поэтому даже понравилось. 14ти минутная my generation помогла дойти от метро до офиса, без желания убить кого-нибудь по пути. Спасибо. За это 5.
Не пони но кайфанула за прослушиванием альбома. Получилось передать концертную движуху в полной мере. Сначала скептически отнеслась к 15-минутным треками, но тут они были очень к месту. Гитары очень раскачали. Возможно, даже здорово, что от этой группы первым попался этот альбом, который полностью передал страсть в музыке
The 1,001 book argues the Who was best experienced live, not in the studio—and considering that, Live at Leeds may be their best album, period. It recommended the two-hour version for the full experience, and it's hard to imagine the Who ever sounding better than this. Two hours of material can't help but blur after a while—even live, I suspect—and I could do without the covers, but those aren't real complaints. "A Quick One, While He's Away" rules (thanks for introducing me, Rushmore soundtrack!), "Heaven and Hell" is great, and the nearly 16-minute version of "My Generation" works. And even the stage banter is charming.
One of greatest live albums ever
This album is wildly good! It's not just that the songs are magnificent (some more than others, of course), but it is also such a great live album. It all sounds great. It's such a very enjoyable album that flows really well. A great one, for sure.
One of the best rock and roll live albums.
One of the greatest live albums of all time. I highly recommend you listen to the deluxe version with the full concert in its original order for the best experience.
The epitome of rock n roll. Yeah The Who’s studio work is amazing but it’s live where they shine — whether it’s with the all star original line up or in their current state.
nice
The raw power of the Who on this performance is stunning. Probably not for everyone given how heavy and loud it is, but man they were good live!!
Amazing
This album kicks ass so deeply. If you are not up and shaking , moving or just plain gone goofy, there is something wrong with you.
Absolute classic. A great example of what The Who had to offer. Some of their best songs, better renditions than the album versions of most songs. Fantastic Friday album.
This was awesome - love The Who. Always seems like they don’t get the props that other British bands of that era get like led zep, stones, Floyd etc. Each member ridiculously talented but the stand out for me on this one was Keith Moon - just something manic about his playing that was so unique. Glad they include live records on this list. It was awesome.
Whoever made a project by this name was just begging to be "hacked". "penis" is literally the name if anyone wants to have fun.
Listening to the expanded edition from 1995 (77 minutes). The raw energy of the band is on display straight away in Heaven And Hell, the guitar and bass keeping up with Keith Moon's incessant hammering on the drums. It's such a great live sound, the bass loud in the mix and slightly fuzzy, the guitars cutting through with precision and power. After 3 pretty hard rocking tunes, Tattoo slows it down a bit and then they play Young Man Blues - you'd think there'd be time to catch a breath, but not for Roger Daltrey who belts out some unaccompanied vocal lines. The bass and chugging guitars rumble along. This ain't your father's blues. Hell, it could be Deep Purple. Then they launch into a trio of singles from the mid 60s, and the first of two longer songs, which is...a little weird. The medley that follows gets us back on track, including an extended instrumental section with some nice guitar parts and more frenetic drumming. Two more solid rockers - I like Shakin' All Over, more great heavy stuff - and then the 15-minute medley version of My Generation. Suitably epic, with so many notable riffs and solos and some nice quieter parts. Then an extended version of Magic Bus to close, pyschedelic with some blues flair in the form of harmonica. If you weren't in Leeds in 1970, this is the next best thing.
Along with ‘get yer ya yas out’, kick started the trend of the live album. This capitalised on the success of Tommy and contains some great rock n roll covers which were updated for the rock audience. The band were one hell of a four piece - ramshackle and spectacular at the same time. A true classic of its time - heavy rock being born
Love this album. Already own it.
Listened to the original track listing via YouTube. Despite its short length, the raw energy from this album could likely power an entire city for 7 days straight (maybe longer). Loved it.
1 - good instrumental but would listen too on regular basis 2 - liked - loved bass beat line 3 - certified BANGER 4 - good..chill listen 5 - like yes 6 - LOVEED lyrics ate down 7 - solid song..drums cooked 8 - it was chill not fav or anything but good sing all around 9 - loved the intro speech.. long song but very good loved the different parts of the song 10- instrumental pretty fire loved when it broke down to build back up again 11 - was smth for sure 12 - YES YES YES PERFECTION 13 - i like it..good lyrics nice break downs and builds and solid drum line ending = fire 14 - more instrumental…sounded a lot like 13 j continued electric guitar went hard 15 - uhhhh yes please sad it was so short 16 - im a fan they cooked smth here love the story aspect 17 - HELL YA BUDDY 18 - it was a song..didn't stick out 19 - i mean j short as hell but i liked it 20 - i mean like ya fiddle that shit 21 - um okay 22 - ts all abt tommy ig not feeling it 23 - i like this it’s chill and the build to instrumental is good 24 - i need a longer version please…give me those raspy vocals rn 25 - bruh what 26 - AHHHH I LOVE IT..great chill and lyrical song. fantastic such a fav 27 - well yes another banger 28 - genuinely what’s up with tommy 29 - this all abt tommy huh…very good..long ofc but like it overal..seeing the vision 30 - OOOO HELL YA love love love it 31- yes bop 32 - HELLL FREAKING YA ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE yes its long buts its so good i can’t again guitar. goes. hard. af. 33 - what an end to an album..it’s great overall - don’t understand what’s up with tommy or the huge amounts of time differences but thourouly enjoyed the album and will be listening to some of these bangers on repeat. great album to find and it ate down. 5/5 stars
The best live rock album ever in my opinion. The energy is off the charts. Pete is absolutely ripping his guitar shreds and Keith Moon gives a pummeling and ferocious performance on drums. Wonderful stuff. Favorite track: Young Man Blues
The Who demonstrate their sheer power and recklessness on this explosive live record, which extended is better than the original cut. This shows why they have arguably one of the best rhythm sections in rock music. Entwistle’s gnarly tone and lead bass melodicism, Moon pounding the kit with abandon, Townsend strumming with power interspersed by some feedback…but they can all pull it together and exercise restraint when needed. The Who were different than a lot of classic rock in that Townsend isn’t a typical guitar god, so they don’t rely on lengthy wanky solos - they rip together as one.
Excellent album very Zappa Influenced
This is the album i can give 5 stars and not be disapointed when I'll look back on it later. I knew The Who as the band which wrote Behind the blue eyes and never listened to them more in depth. But after this album I think I'll start listen to them. This man has beautiful voice and I loved the instruments. I like live albums especially 'cause they are interactive and it feels like they have a soul. I will play that on CD in my car because this is the vibe it's giving.
This album is why I liked The Who way back when, but the original version excludes all the weird Tommy stuff, which is why I don't like them much now. This rating is for the original vinyl:4.5
I guess I’m in the minority cause I LOVE live albums. I feel like they showcase artists at their rawest - for better or worse. The Who is one of those bands I’ve been meaning to get into for years and just never know where to start. This live album made me a fan, and now I’m probably gonna consume their discography over the next week or so and make them my hyperfixation. It’s fun, raw, and just a good old fashioned rock and roll show. As an aside, I listened to the extended album cause that seemed to be the only version available on Spotify. Definitely didn’t regret the experience.
I fucking loved this album when I was 14 and it still hits as hard today. 🎯
This album has the perfect guitar tones in my book. The deluxe version is amazing with the complete live version of Tommy. Simply incredible live band. Perhaps the best live album of all time.
Excellent record.
Again, another one from my favorites list! Awesome album. Great music recorded very well.
I have never connected with The Who the same way I have with other heavyweights of their era because of their conceptual rock operas, but the songs are massive on their own on this live album.
Grandes
Excellent live album and always worth a listen.
The best live albums should make you feel the energy of a live show and not just sound the same as the studio versions. Live at Leeds does that excellently. It’s way more energetic and aggressive than the Who normally sound
I found "Tommy" too theatrical. But this one is like American Idiot with all the tempo changes. Only it’s done life and like 30 years earlier and tongue in cheek as hell. Bigger discovery on this list so far.
Amazeballs
5/9
Can’t remember how I ended up with a copy of this album in 1980, but we played the cogs off this cassette. It became an anthem of sorts for our wilder side of youth, and we stomped along in blissful ignorance and performative outrage. Young Man’s Blues, My Generation, Magic Bus? Are you kidding?? So badass, such rebellion! Townsend and Moon going nuts on stage! The whole spectacular package was undeniably glorious! Were they Punks? Hell yes! God Bless The Who!
Some critics dismiss live albums, suggesting they don't belong on definitive lists like 1001 Albums. To them, I argue that certain live recordings can be as vital, influential, and sonically superior to their studio counterparts. Robert Dimery's inclusion of The Who's "Live At Leeds" proves this point, it captures the band at their absolute peak. Initially released as a concise six-track LP, the album has seen many reissues. I highly recommend the 2001 release, which finally presented the full concert, including the electrifying performance of "Tommy" as the second half of the set, and it features delightful, between song, stage introductions. While I personally champion the 2001 expanded version for its completeness, the original track listing remains a phenomenal, condensed snapshot of their power. From the thunderous opening of "Heaven and Hell" (originally the B-side to "Summertime Blues"), raw, loud, and live, to the final track, "Live At Leeds" is brilliant. It perfectly encapsulates an era when rock acts toured globally, fiercely competing to be crowned the best live band in the world. The Who truly earned that title here. (Rating: 5/5) The standout moments included "I Can't Explain," a powerful rendition of "Substitute," "Happy Jack," "I'm a Boy," a fantastic take on "A Quick One, While He's Away," "Shakin' All Over," an epic, extended version of "My Generation," the main set closer "Magic Bus," and a near complete performance of "Tommy" (which I reviewed as a single piece). Side One - Original Track Listing 1 "Young Man Blues" (4/5) 2 "Substitute" (5/5) 3 "Summertime Blues" (5/5) 4 "Shakin' All Over" (5/5) Side Two - Original Track Listing 1 "My Generation" (5/5) 2 "Magic Bus" (5/5) Total - 29 Average - 4.83 Disc 1 - Act 1: Full Original Set List (2001 Deluxe Edition ) 1 "Heaven And Hell" (5/5) 2 "I Can't Explain" (5/5) 3 "Fortune Teller" (4/5) 4 "Tattoo" (4/5) (4/5) 5 "Young Man Blues" (4/5) 6 "Substitute" (5/5) 7 "Happy Jack" (5/5) 8 "I'm a Boy" (5/5) 9 "A Quick One, While He's Away" (5/5) 10 "Summertime Blues" (5/5) 11 "Shakin' All Over" (5/5) 12 "My Generation" (5/5) 13 "Magic Bus" (5/5) Disc 2 - Act 2: Full Original Set List, Tommy In Full (2001 Deluxe Edition ) 1 "Overture" (5/5) 2 "It's a Boy" (5/5) 3 "1921" (5/5) 4 "Amazing Journey" (5/5) 5 "Sparks" (5/5) 6 "Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)" (5/5) 7 "Christmas" (5/5) 8 "The Acid Queen" (5/5) 9 "Pinball Wizard" (5/5) 10 "Do You Think It’s Alright?" (5/5) 11 "Fiddle About" (5/5) 12 "Tommy, Can You Hear Me?" (5/5) 13 "There’s A Doctor" (5/5) 14 "Go to the Mirror!" (5/5) 15 "Smash the Mirror" (5/5) 16 "Miracle Cure" (5/5) 17 "Sally Simpson" (5/5) 18 "I'm Free" (5/5) 19 "Tommy’s Holiday Camp" (5/5) 20 "We're Not Gonna Take It" (5/5) Total - 162.00 Average - 4.91 155/1001 84/155 albums reviewed were new to me.
When I had a look at the set list of the album (the deluxe version) I was pretty apprehensive. An hour and 20 minutes of live Who tracks, most of which I didn't recognize by name. I tossed the album on and by halfway through I was won over. By the time they got to the My Generation medley toward the end of the album I was looking forward to listening to the whole thing over again. While the who are an iconic band, I have never held them in quite the same regard as some of their counterparts form the same era and genre. I always thought they were just a bit too gimmicky and theatrical for my taste. I found out yesterday that the who live are the version of them I love best. There is just an ass kicking intensity to how they play. Pure rock ethos and this album captured it perfectly.
Non capisco l'odio verso gli album live. Alcuni dei migliori album di sempre sono live album e questo è uno di quelli
John Entwistle is a stone-cold killer!
While I have certain preferences for other records, therefore this doesn’t top my list, I would not argue with anyone saying this is among the greatest live recordings ever commercially issued.
I love The Who since way back when. My childhood, teen years, and beyond. This album is like being at a concert after you have the benefit of reviews from the internet and social media. Despite all of that, The Who gets 5 stars for their classic rock and roll.
Now we’re getting into an album I know about, though, by the time I began listening to it, it wasn’t a six-track, 40-minute album. I was listening to the four-hour extended version. For my money, The Who Live at Leeds is the best live rock album ever. I know some might want to say KISS Alive is the best, and it’s good, but it’s been known for quite a while that KISS went in and did a lot of touchups, if not re-recorded whole songs. I’m not complaining, because it’s a killer album. But Live at Leeds is at the height of the Who’s power, right before they get into the Who’s Next era. They're so ferocious on this album, they sound like a punk band. The Who had just released Tommy, which I expect will be on the 1,001 list, and were touring in support of the album. They were looking for a way to follow up Tommy and thought a live record might be the thing. They made some recordings during the Tommy tour, but didn’t really like how they’d turned out. So two shows were booked, one at the University of Leeds and the other at Hull, specifically to record for a double live album, including a live version of Tommy. The show at Hull issues recording John Entwistle's bass. Pete Townsend, guitarist and leader of the band, also decided not to go with a double album. So, the Leeds show would have to do. And it did well. Of the six songs on the album, three were covers and three were songs written by the Who. The three covers are so good, they might as well be songs by the Who at this point. Young Man Blues, Summertime Blues and Shakin’ All Over are the covers and the Who rip through them like they want to destroy their instruments. The Who originals were Substitute, My Generation and Magic Bus. I’ll admit, none of these are my favorite songs by the Who, but these live versions just explode into your earholes. My Generation is also a medley containing snippets from Tommy. I watched a documentary on Keith Moon and how he was the most unorthodox drummer ever in rock music and at one point, someone said of the Who, it was like all four members were playing lead on the songs. Each one of them was doing their own thing during their songs, but it all seemed to come together beautifully or explosively. Live at Leeds helps you hear that, especially with John Entwistle on bass. His playing is just amazing. Now, this was first released as a six song album, but as we move forward through time, reissues pop up with more songs and more songs until we finally get the Live at Leeds extended version. The extended version contained all the songs at the Leeds show and the Hull show. To correct the bad recording of Entwistle's bass at the Hull show, engineers used the bass from the Leeds shows to replace what was needed. I could write about this album for another hour, but I’d just be regurgitating what you’d find on Wikipedia if I haven’t already done that. All I can say is the Who are on my Mt. Rushmore of rock bands and I love this album so much, in all of its iterations. The original album is a tight 40 minutes of incredible songs, but the four-hour version is just as amazing. You must hear this before you die.
I love all live albums but this one was amazing. It’s so cool to hear the commentary.
This album is a monument in itself. Often hailed as the greatest live record ever made — and certainly one of the most influential — it captures The Who at their most feral and combustible. The band that never really fit in at Woodstock — too loud, too aggressive, too fond of blowing things up — set out to make a live album that bottled their onstage chaos. What they delivered was Live at Leeds: raw, explosive, and, let’s be honest, a glorious mess. Everything about it feels deliberate, even the shambolic packaging. The sleeve was designed to look like a bootleg — a plain cardboard cover with a crooked sticker — a wink to the underground tape culture of the time. A style icon of a live album was born. The original 1970 LP contained just six tracks and ran a lean 39 minutes — half of it taken up by a sprawling medley built around “My Generation.” Remarkably, it included barely a trace of Tommy, the rock opera they were touring at the time. Over the years, the album’s scope ballooned through reissues and deluxe editions, eventually swelling into a four-disc behemoth that includes complete performances of Tommy from Leeds and Hull. From six songs to four CDs — excess, meet rock history. I’m sticking to the original release here. Half the tracks are covers: “Young Man Blues,” “Summertime Blues,” and “Shakin’ All Over.” It’s an odd choice for a band that already had four albums under its belt, but no matter — this is loud, snarling, blues-drenched music, brimming with manic energy. Even much of what later passed for “heavy metal” sounds like nursery music in comparison. The highlight, of course, is the “My Generation” medley — a 15-minute descent into instrumental mayhem, with John Entwistle’s distorted bass soloing like a lead guitar, Keith Moon attempting to destroy his drum kit by sheer force, and Pete Townshend veering from clean arpeggios to full-on sonic detonation. It eventually morphs into fragments of Tommy — mainly “See Me, Feel Me” / “We’re Not Gonna Take It” — and becomes something close to transcendence. The finale, “Magic Bus,” is another seven minutes of glorious racket, capped by Roger Daltrey howling into a harmonica for good measure. It’s not perfect — too chaotic, too uneven, too dependent on covers — but perfection was never the point. Live at Leeds is the sound of a band at war with its own limits, and that’s precisely what makes it monumental.
First off I love The Who, I love The Who, and I don't care if you don't or do because I love The Who. I sometimes see people on here rating each song so here we go. Original Album: A1 Young Man Blues = ∞/10 A2 Substitute = ∞/10 A3 Summertime Blues = ∞/10 A4 Shakin' All Over = ∞/10 B1 My Generation = ∞/10 B2 The Magic Bus = ∞/10 1995 Release: 1. Heaven And Hell = ∞/10 2. I Can't Explain = ∞/10 3. Fortune Teller = ∞/10 4. Tattoo = ∞/10 5. Young Man Blues = ∞/10 6. Substitute = ∞/10 7. Happy Jack = ∞/10 8. I'm a Boy = ∞/10 9. A Quick One, While He's Away = ∞/10 10. Amazing Journey / Sparks = ∞/10 11. Summertime Blues = ∞/10 12. Shakin' All Over = ∞/10 13. My Generation = ∞/10 14. Magic Bus = ∞/10
Perhaps the greatest illustration that all you really need to sound big and strong as hell is drums, bass, and a guitar (with delay pedal). Admittedly it helps to have Moon, Entwistle, and Townshend playing those instruments.
An album overshadowed by Tommy. Thankful to listen to this rediscovery.
Well this was a great live album, with a ton of hits and tons of energy. I really enjoyed this one, I haven't revisited The Who in a long time but glad I listened to this.
The greatest live album ever recorded. The End. Review kept short so you can stop reading about great music & go listen to some. One million words would fail to describe how essential this album is.
Day 63, 12th record I own. It’s late but I think I’ll put this on with some headphones and close my eyes. This is the most famous live record if you ask me, MC5 and the Allman Brothers Band be damned! It's honestly depressing reading negative reviews on this site; folks are so unreceptive. One person wrote "live albums are terrible" despite the fact that they like the band. It is now past midnight and I'm spinning Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy.
Some of the banter is pretty tedious, but man, that fuckin guitar tone is hard to beat. This one blew the lid off The Who for me, even as a casual fan of their regular material. Best version of I Can’t Explain, Shakin All Over, my Generation and on the version including Tommy live - Sparks/Amazing Journey 👌
One of the best live albums ever. I listened to the original album with 37 minutes, not a single second is wasted on it. It's The Who at their best in the best era of rock.
In my personal top 5 live albums ever.
loved it
classic great live album
classic
This is the greatest live Rock 'n Roll album ever!! This set the standard for what live albums should be like.
Excellent live album.
Let me preface this with the fact that I am a huge Who fan. Have been for 50 years. With that being said, this is one of the best live albums ever recorded. Period. The live version of My Generation stands apart from all live recordings of any song ever. The sheer power of the band is felt through every note. I like the original version. The deluxe edition is pretty cool but there really aren't additional songs that hold up to the original pressing.
Banger
I know this one very, very well. Definitive versions of Young Man Blues and Summertime Blues. And while I'd have voted for tighter arrangements of Magic Bus and My Generation, I still love it.
The greatest live album of all time. Putting all the mod/invasion shite behind them, The Who help invent hard rock. Shoutout to Townshend for playing off his own echo from the back of the theatre on My Generation and Magic Bus. If anyone you know doesn’t like the Who, play them this and they change their mind (100% success rate). 5/5 JF
Normally, I am not really a fan of live albums, but this guitar sound is just perfection
A potbury of thr best songs of The Who. Excellent performed live on stage.
There are a couple of "new", deluxe editions of this album... with extra songs... all of which are great... but i'll just keep my review to the original six songs on the original record... the original album opened up with a FANTASTIC cover... Mose Allison's "Young Man Blues"... how fantastic is this version? well... Mr. Allison... HIMSELF... called this the COMMAND PERFORMANCE of his song... Pete Townshend playing some amazing guitar... the OX, John Entwistle jamming on bass... and the inimitable Keith Moon pounding the drums in the way only he could... Roger Daltrey singing, shouting, and giving it his all... what a way to open a record! "Substitute" comes next... contrasting the bombastic opener with a "pop" song... that ROCKS... listen to Moon's drums on it... amazing... "Summertime Blues" comes next... and it is the DEFINITIVE version of the song... Townshend, one of the greatest songwriters in rock history, but, The Who were a BAND... and these covers prove it... The Who no longer even play this one live because without Entwistle, it wouldn't have the same effect... yet another cover "Shakin' All Over"... which is a bad ass rendition... you are now through side one and only heard one original... "Substitute"... side two... was just two songs... both originals... a 15 minute version of "My Generation"... why don't you all... F*** OFF, er... Fade away... lol... they were punk before anyone knew the term musically, lol... the song goes into a "Tommy" medley... Townshend and the band letting out all the stops... and the album closed, originally, with a nearly 8 minute version of "Magic Bus"... just when you thought it couldn't get any better... after "My Generation"... you are treated to one of the coolest songs, ever, in my opinion... a song that... every day... i'd get in the cue... to get on the bus.... that takes me to YOU... too much!!!!! FIVE STARS... only because i'm not allowed to give it TEN... this album is right up there with "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out" by The Stones, as one of the greatest live albums in Rock history"
front to back, this album is great. one of my favorite live albums of all time. one of the best live bands of all time recorded in their prime. keith moon is frenetic, townshend soars, daltrey wails, and entwistle glues it all together. there may not really be any hits on here (if you're listening to the original track listing) but it is packed wall to wall with attitude and, boy, do i love it.
One of the best live album of all time.
I gave a listen to the original LP version on YouTube this morning as not only a refresher but just to hear it and it's original intent. I do prefer the longer version only because it feels more like a full show even though it's still missing the Tommy segment of the lead show. (That also was subsequently released on the Leeds box set). But it's still hard to deny the energy of the set I'm actually still not going to give it a full but I will up at to a 9.8 this listen. I quite honestly needed the energy burst this morning 9.8 ★★★★½ (five on the app)
4.5/5
The most lively, classic and rockingest of all live classic rock albums. Whether it’s the punchy single LP version or the Deluxe Edition with most of Tommy on it, it’s all very very fine. Not much to make this a better live gig unless they did a costume change and pretended to be a different band called What’s On and then later on a third band called I Don’t Know.
Awesome
First I always like live performance albums more than studio ones. The energy and musical improvisations draw me in. Second it's the Who!
The vest live album!
Love this album - have had it on CD for years so very familiar with the extended double album issue rather than the original shorter vinyl issue. Favourite track is the mini opera of a "quick one while he's away" - which is only on the double album.
Truly one of the best live bands of all time - and when John Entwistle’s bass comes forward and starts driving with Keith Moon shotgun, there is nothing I like better.
Usually when I listen to albums for this, I try to listen to them as they were when first released. No bonus tracks or legacy editions or whatever. However for this one I decided to just listen to the expanded edition since it was easy to find on Spotify, and it was so worth it. Live albums are really hit or miss for me, but this one was fantastic. Totally understand why it's considered one of the best live albums of all time.
It was great to listen to this old time favorite live album. One of the better live albums of the era. The drumming by Moon is amazing and Daltrey's voice is in fine tune mode. Great riffs and extended plays by Townshend. The Ox holds it all together with that heavy thunderous bass playing.
Nice
There are two really bloated reissues available. They can be skipped. The original version is incredibly pleasing. Worth it for the version of Magic Bus alone.
one of the greatest live albums
No notes. 10/10
Snelle inhaal review #1: I love the who, denk wel mijn favoriete classic rock band. Ik weet niet of dit de beste introductie is voor the who tho, het zijn ietwat simpele rocknummers en hun beste materiaal kwam pas een aantal jaren hierna. Enfin, I still love it, het klinkt fucking hard en het feit dat het live is maakt het alleen maar zieker.
Sicko drumming Raw harmonies
One of the best LIVE albums, period The album was packaged with tour info and 'swag' It was a great find for a teenage fan. Always crank this album up. On the lp there were scratches inserted that made if feel old when new
great live album. saved for later. really enjoyed
I remember hearing this one for first time (the original 6 track version). I had been only familiar with the band's studio work by then, and I just couldn't believe how ferocious and powerful their live performances were. I still can't believe it. It is also noteworthy to mention that this is probably the moment when Roger Daltrey fully came into his own as a vocalist.
Unlike some of the reviews I loved that this was a live album. I actually listened to the extended version which goes for almost an hour and a half I loved the rawness of it, the wild guitar solos and revelled in the difference between the live performance and studio recordings of their hits.
Pure rockers. Not all my favorites but they would have been so fun live.
An excellent live album.
This is another exception to the general rule that I do not like Live albums. It rattles and hums and screams and absolutely blows your head off. I listened to the original release, not the extended versions with all the extra tracks, and what you get there is a perfectly condensed shot of the raw power of The Who in their prime. The hardest, rawest blues rock of this or any era.
Epic
The Who has had a strong musical influence growing up
As someone who considers Deep Purple's Made In Japan as the pinnacle of live recordings and who was raised on 1970s and early '80s 'double lives' like Live and Dangerous and Strangers in the Night, it can be difficult to know how to react to Live at Leeds. Which version are we listening to? For 25 years the only version of the album was the original. It is undoubtedly great but, at 37 minutes, 6 tracks, only 3 of which are Who originals, it is not really a representation of a Who show. It is a snapshot. It is powerful. But it leaves you wanting more. The vinyl equivalent of coitus interruptus. I am not sure what the logic was for choosing the original 6 songs. In 1995 we got a CD which doubled the running time and restored the wonderful, heavy rock cacophony of the John Entwistle sung, "Heaven and Hell". The Who enter like a thunderstorm, the bass rumbling ominously, the drums clattering all over the place like only Keith Moon's could, Townsend's power chords crashing exclamation points. It is powerful and breathtaking. The re-release adds other songs which increases the enjoyment level, but only a short teaser from Tommy in "Amazing Journey/Sparks". 2001 brought the full gig, 33 songs, with the full performance of Tommy on the second disc, even though this meant the running order was broken. My favourite version (I own several) is my 3-record vinyl version which has the whole gig in order. If I am completely honest, each of the longer versions dips a little in "A Quick One, While He's Away" and you don't always want to hear Tommy in full. So choice is a good thing. The original 37 minutes distils the energy and power but, listening to what else was in the can, could easily have done the same thing as a double. That said, Made in Japan was seen as a risk only two years later. In any case, any version, Live At Leeds is a time capsule, capturing one of the greatest rock bands of all time at the height of their powers.
Right, so Keith Moon just goes particularly apeshit during this gig then? Daltrey's vocals sound exactly like the studio after the first track as well.
Four guys that never got along joined to make great rock-n-roll in spite of themselves. Brilliant!
An excellent record—one of the best live albums ever recorded in rock history. This performance hits like a sledgehammer—heavier than what The Who typically played or was known for. It's amazing how Pete Townshend’s guitar manages to fill every space, soloing and laying down rhythm at the same time, all with great weight and taste. And that praise extends to the whole band. Sometimes it’s hard to believe there are only four musicians on stage. In short, a raw and visceral live recording that even reveals a heavier side of the band compared to what we're used to hearing on their studio albums. -------------------------------- Excelente disco, um dos melhores ao vivo já gravados na história do Rock. Esse registro é uma paulada, é de um peso acima do que o The Who estava, e sempre esteve, acostumado a executar. É incrível como a guitarra de Pete Townshend consegue preencher todos os espaços, solando e faze a base simultaneamente, tudo com muito peso e bom gosto. E esse elogio se estende a todos. Às vezes fica até difícil de acreditar que são somente 4 músicos no palco. Em suma, um ao vivo cru e visceral, que parece até mesmo mostrar uma faceta mais heavy dessa banda em relação ao que estamos acostumados a ouvir em seus álbuns de estúdio.
Oh my god.
One of the Masterpieces Love the who and the live version is amazing
Taking only 6 songs from such a long set feels so funny, as it really feels like a sampler. The quality of the recording is just amazing, even to this day. You can clearly hear every instrument and has a perfect mix with the vocals, as well. The entire band was completely on point, and the songs are just classic. And the banter is funny and entertaining. I just think it would have been better with at least 2-3 more songs on the original release. It's hard to not give it a 5, but I do wish I could give it a 4.5 due to it being too short and just not feeling as complete as I think it should - even with the extended My Generation, which is cool but still not the same as if there were just more songs.
One of the best live albums ever. The remaster with the full Tommy included is the way to go. It's pure rock fury. "A Quick One" is a masterpiece.
By the early 1970s, live albums in rock music were going the same way as studio albums: as an act of musical expression increased solely by documents of the strongest performances eked out of certain songs and enhanced by a rapturous audience. No live album fits that description better than Live at Leeds. Sure, there are prime examples from this time period that may attempt to dwarf this album's purpose. But those were attempts. They may mark a moment in a band's trajectory where they were at a pinnacle but they would not match up to the sheer ferocity of three dynamos and a steady ox. This is the moment where The Who is captured amidst the peak of their powers, where they'd not let up until an untimely end. It's exhilarating, it's an endurance test, it's The Who.
great
c'mon
Ohhhhhh how my heart has been stolen
Perfect Live!
Why shouldn't live albums be on the list? This one certainly deserves its place. I was already going to give this a 5 having listened to it sober, but I relistened to it drunk and want to give it 6 stars.
Furious I had to listen to a vinyl rip of this on YouTube, but astounded at the quality of both the rip, and the album itself. For a recording from 1970, I'm immensely impressed with the sound quality. The guitar and drum work on this thing are fucking off the charts. Emphasis on the guitar work. My Generation was absolutely peak and I was genuinely blown away by the instrumentals. I usually tend not to favour live albums favourably, but this doesn't even sound like one. Just an incredible listen start to finish. Genuinely this is probably one of my favourite live performances I've ever heard, just from first listen. Fuck me. I had no idea The Who put it on like that. Currently sitting at a trifecta of 5's. Can't wait for some more Britpop today to even things out!!
The only versions available on Spotify are the expanded and deluxe versions. Just give me the original release instead of making me cobble it together. Everyone who dumps on George Lucas for going back and fucking with the original Star Wars movies should think about why they're complaining because bands have been doing this for just as long with reissues and special edition albums. That being said, this album and No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith show the quality of live recordings that can be possible. Young Man Blues is good. The Who has to be The Ramones favorite band. I like this Who better than My Generation Who. I think 70s rock is most superior to 60s rock, maybe the Stones are the only band that I like their 60s stuff better. Maybe there is a cutoff in the 60s now that I'm thinking about it. Pre-67? Ending the album on two super long versions of songs is a risky move although so far I like this version of My Generation better than the studio album version. There's nothing not to like about this version except that it plays better live than as a super extended cut of one song on an album. You can definitely hear what came next for the Who. Pete Townshend is really on it in this one. Why would anyone listen to the studio version of Magic Bus. This version is vastly superior.
A beyond excellent live recording a raw document that is still in incredibly polished because of the musicianship on display
It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to this album all the way through. I don’t remember so many cover songs. I don’t remember all the talking during the concert. But the quality of recording is awesome. And the drumming with Keith Moon was always phenomenal. One of the best live albums ever.
Always found this one overrated from previous listens but gave it another chance and also listened to some of the tracks from the extended edition and found more to enjoy here. They were clearly a legendary live act and you get a taste here.
KEITH MOON DRUMMING!!! One of the best live albums start to stop, not a bad song in the whole album. Sound production is top notch. Entwhistle’s bass is on fire! Fave tracks: I can’t explain, a quick one while he’s away, young man blues, substitute
Nice Albums
Of course The Who get a 5 for everything they do!
It took me a while to listen to this album because it did not have a lot of songs, much less hit songs, by the Who on it. Regretfully, it took too long because this is a really great live album. I can see where there is an issue with a live album being in the book, except this album does not replicate other songs that are already represented. In fact, there is a bizarre lack of The Who in here. Who's Next isn't even in this book, instead their first album and The Who Sellout are in here. I listened to the expanded edition of this album because Spotify only has that available and do not regret it. Live albums do not necessarily deserve to be in this book and it's hard to justify a live album that does not have many hits on it. This one is worth the listen though.
very awesome
Awesome. Incredible live sound from artists in their prime at the top of the rock pyramid
Many say this is the best live album ever. It's good but I wouldn't say best. Not my ideal Who set list but still good. The rhythm section is powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline
Original 1970(!) LP track listing is great - 5 star, love the live sound, play it LOUD Side one "Young Man Blues" (Mose Allison) – 4:52 "Substitute" – 2:23 "Summertime Blues" (Jerry Capehart, Eddie Cochran) – 3:27 "Shakin' All Over" (Johnny Kidd) – 4:24 Side two "My Generation" – 14:47 "Magic Bus" – 7:50 Later expanded, then deluxe reissues get overwhelming, too much of a good thing, don’t bite off more than you can chew - 4/3 star Not sure which album we are meant to be rating, I’m going with the original.
Hands down, the greatest live album of all time. (Search for my Spotify playlist with the original 6-song version.) Liked Songs Added: Fortune Teller* Young Man Blues Substitute Summertime Blues Shakin' All Over My Generation/Medley Magic Bus *Extended Version
Great album
Liked track 4, 5.
This was my formal introduction to The Who. I'd heard "Who Are You," and that's about where it ended at the time. My dad had this album when he was in high school, and when I was in high school it was re-released, including the entire set they played at Leeds. This was new. Until this point, only the six-track version of the show was officially released. So my dad bought it on iTunes and shared it with me. I ran with it. I listened to this thing front and back and front and back and again and again and again until I knew ever nuance, every inch of every track. I knew all the little jokes and banter between songs, most of Pete's ridiculously long introduction to "A Quick One While He's Away," the timing of the back and forth in "Magic Bus," and more. So much more. I'm confident that I can say that if you searched my entire city, maybe my entire state that you would not find anyone as well-versed in this album as me. That might be hyperbole, but you know what I'm saying - I love this album. I was conflicted about which version to listen to for this project. I settled on listening to the vinyl version I have for the first time, and then supplementing with my favorite tracks from the expanded version. I consider that a full-enough listen for this. Anyway, a review. The sheer amount of raw energy, musicianship, and hard work displayed on this album is astounding. It's four guys. Only three of them are playing heavily amplified instruments. So why do they sound like a full eight-piece band? It's insane. Townshend's guitar playing is completely full of this incredibly manic-but-under-control energy and sound that completely melts your face. His solos here are completely insane. Why he isn't considered one of the best guitarists of all time is beyond me. Entwhistle's bass is, as always, what really fills out that Who live sound, that gives it that weight and helps it feel bigger than it should. Daltrey's voice is in peak form here, and it's such a delight to be able to hear him absolutely destroy line after line. And then there's Moon. If Townshend is manic-but-under-control, Moon is just manic. I have copied so many licks he uses on this album that I probably could be sued for plagiarism if it were allowed. He's an absolute god and you need only listen to this album to understand why. That's the thing about The Who - they're four musicians who each are some of if the very best at what they do. And this album is exhibit A as to why and how. If you didn't listen to the entire thing, I really encourage you to do so. It's mind-boggling. Five stars. Couldn't have been easier. Standout Tracks (from the full version): Heaven and Hell, Young Man Blues, A Quick One, While He's Away, Magic Bus, Overture, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight to the Blind, The Acid Queen, Pinball Wizard
Fun! Makes it easy when they're playing their best, I imagine, but they seem a lot better Live than in the albums I've listened to so far. 'Amazing Journey / Sparks - Live / Medley' was my fave from this set!
I usually roll my eyes when I see critical reviews like “best live rock album” But holy shit they were right. It’s so fucking good.
Damn. This was great. I feel crazily stupid for never checking this out before.
The best.
Loved this. Damn good for a live album.
Rock and roll babbbyyyyy
Man that guitar tone explodes on Heaven And Hell. Young Man Blues is rad. An absolutely beautifully mixed record. Summertime Blues is great. Magic Bus is a great closer.
The original 6 song album is really good.
Forgot how amazing John Entwhistle is on bass
Love it
Love!
Never heard this album before but certainly very familiar with all the songs and the who. I listened to the 6 title original album. Had to create my own playlist on Spotify. The only versions Spotify had were the extended versions. Sometimes a concise high energy lineup listens better. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/49FOLFw33KMpZqbw2UEnxD?si=HBboCYpiTKWKOLMi8Zt9qA&pi=u-w5qRuUUmSyy_ Definitely will listen again. High energy live album with fantastic drums
JUST thinking about how this is my favorite WHO album, unfortunately, the original vinyl running order isn't available (apparently) on Apple music. There are (it looks like) three versions of what is called "Live at Leeds" on Apple Music, one of them a heart wrenching 4 hours in length. All are remastered and have material that wasn't on the original, mostly the rest of Tommy stuff. This was a time in their history when they played the entirety of Tommy at their shows, along with extended jams of My Generation, blues covers, and it was the most exciting thing in rock. Better than the theatrics of Led Zeppelin, I would argue, because of the pure spontaneity and intensity The Who brought to those performances. Singular. So are we thinking about albums or are we thinking about The Who's live performances from this era? Whoever is managing the music post 2000s wants us to hear the whole concert and ignores the single LP as the sonic explosion that it was. The Tommy stuff is intellectually stimulating, but I think the original LP RIPS YOUR FACE OFF from front to back, whereas throwing some of the softer more thoughtful stuff onto the second half sort of moistens the whole proceedings. Subject two - if you see films of this stuff, try to watch Keith Moon and how his playing intersects with Pete. Ungodly. Absolutely some of the best rock music ever created.
I’m me of the best live albums ever!
A classic for the ages, very jam band
Great album. Awesome classic live rock album. Really actually enjoyed this one. Loved My Generation. Hated Summertime Blues even though its one of my favorite songs. Terrible cover
ok, Keith, here we go again. "It's funny, isn't it? Two peak who albums back-to-back. Heard that 'Tommy' is here too, but never mind about that. the thing about it, is, that it captures the Who's high energy live so fucking perfectly. I... I just can't say how much I admire this. That's the beauty of live albums, isn't it? with al those improvisations, solos and applauses, it makes you feels like that you are there, although you aren't there. OK, hipsters, motown lovers, and indie dogs who give this album something less than a 3, i understand your point. But I just simply wonders,“why don't you all f-f-f-fade away”, as I shall give this album, another five! (This time, me and Keith had an agreement on the rating.) 5/5
Ok
Best band!
This album shows how strong of a live act The Who was.
Love this album - especially the mini opera of a "quick one while he's away".
This is rock music at its finest. I remember my roommate blasting it out of our off campus housing windows, speakers in the windows facing the street, at maximum volume. Take that, fuckers!
The Who at their best - skip the fussy stuff and the overwrought concepts and get right to the rocking. John Entwistle is just a pure monster in the bass rampaging all over the place with a powerful rumble, Pete Townsend isn't that good of a guitar player but just rips hard into some unbridled noise, Keith Moon slams the drums like they banged his mum, and Roger Daltrey is fine, doing classic classic rock guy stuff, but happily gets out of the way to let the band cook.
Noisey, messy, and pure rock and roll. A good live album should show you another side of the artist you won't get from the recordings and this one sure does. At times here the Who sound more like Black Sabbath ("Young Man Blues" seriously sounded like "Paranoid") or Led Zeppelin than their traditional selves, but they prove here why they belong on the Mt. Rushmore of British rock bands (W/ the Beatles, Stones, and Zeppelin). It’s wild to me how four guys could create such a big sound (and one is just singing!) and I can't imagine how loud and exciting this must have been in person. Though I wish the sound quality was a bit higher, this goes hard, and gives us another perspective on the birth of punk rock. Low 5 but it gets there.
One of the best live albums. The Who were insane. The drumming by Keith Moon is so good!
great live album
## Overview of *Live at Leeds* *Live at Leeds* is the first live album by the English rock band The Who, recorded during a performance at the University of Leeds Refectory on February 14, 1970, and released on May 11, 1970. The album is often hailed as one of the greatest live albums in rock history, capturing the raw energy and ferocity of The Who's live performances. It features a mix of original songs and cover tracks that showcase the band's diverse influences and musical prowess. ## Lyrics and Themes The lyrics in *Live at Leeds* reflect a range of themes that resonate with the youth culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s. - **Rebellion and Identity**: Songs like "My Generation" encapsulate the spirit of youthful defiance and the struggle for identity. The famous line "Hope I die before I get old" serves as a rallying cry for a generation rejecting societal norms. - **Social Commentary**: Tracks such as "Young Man Blues" provide a critique of adult expectations and societal pressures. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and yearning for freedom, resonating with listeners who felt similarly constrained. - **Nostalgia and Reflection**: Covers like "Summertime Blues" evoke feelings of nostalgia while addressing themes of youthful disillusionment. The song's narrative about the struggles of adolescence connects with listeners on a personal level. Overall, the lyrical content is characterized by its emotional depth, reflecting both personal and collective experiences of the era. ## Music and Production Musically, *Live at Leeds* is a powerful showcase of The Who's dynamic range and instrumental prowess. - **Instrumentation**: The album features Pete Townshend on guitar, Roger Daltrey on vocals, John Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon on drums. Each member contributes to a sound that is both cohesive and explosive, highlighting their individual talents while maintaining a unified band identity. - **Performance Style**: The live renditions are marked by extended improvisations and energetic performances that differ significantly from studio versions. For example, "My Generation" stretches to nearly 16 minutes, incorporating various riffs and themes from other songs like "See Me, Feel Me" and "Naked Eye." This improvisational style adds an element of unpredictability that enhances the listening experience. - **Production Quality**: Recorded by sound engineer Bob Pridden, the production captures the rawness of a live performance without excessive polishing. This decision aligns with the band's ethos at the time—embracing authenticity over commercial polish. The album's sound is described as "brutally loud," reflecting the band's hard rock roots while also preserving the nuances of their performance. ## Influence *Live at Leeds* has had a profound influence on both rock music and live recording practices: - **Defining Live Albums**: The album set a benchmark for future live recordings by emphasizing authenticity and energy over studio perfection. Critics have often referred to it as one of the best live albums ever made, influencing how subsequent artists approached live recordings. - **Cultural Impact**: Released shortly after their acclaimed rock opera *Tommy*, *Live at Leeds* reaffirmed The Who's status as one of rock's leading bands. It showcased their ability to blend theatricality with raw rock energy, paving the way for future rock operas and ambitious projects within the genre. - **Legacy**: Many contemporary bands cite *Live at Leeds* as an inspiration for their own live performances. Its influence can be seen in various genres as artists strive to capture similar levels of energy and authenticity in their work. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Raw Energy**: The album captures an exhilarating performance that feels alive, showcasing The Who's reputation as one of the best live bands in history. - **Musical Diversity**: A mix of original songs and covers highlights the band's versatility and influences from different musical styles. - **Innovative Structure**: Extended jams and improvisational elements create a unique listening experience that differs from conventional studio albums. - **Cultural Significance**: Reflects the spirit of rebellion prevalent during its release era, connecting deeply with its audience. ### Cons - **Limited Track Selection**: The original release contained only six tracks, which some critics argue does not fully represent The Who's extensive repertoire at the time. - **Sound Quality Variability**: While many praise its rawness, some listeners may find certain moments in sound quality lacking compared to modern recordings. - **Lengthy Improvisations**: Extended versions may not appeal to all listeners; some might prefer more concise renditions typical of studio albums. ## Conclusion *Live at Leeds* stands as a monumental achievement in rock music history. Its blend of powerful lyrics, dynamic performances, and authentic production creates an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians today. While it has its limitations regarding track selection and sound quality variability, its pros far outweigh any cons. This album not only showcases The Who at their peak but also encapsulates a pivotal moment in rock history where raw energy reigned supreme over polished perfection.
Great live album from a great rock and roll band.
Energetic and powerful, a special mix of genius script and fluid spontaneity
This is an excellent live album. The original album only has a few tracks, but I listened to the expanded edition, which has 14 tracks. There is also a deluxe edition which contains a full version of Tommy. Each one provides a very different experience. The original release is very short, at just 6 songs and 37 minutes, but it certainly goes hard for all of it. I personally like the 14 track version best, unless I am specifically in the mood to hear all of Tommy. This is easily one of the best live albums of all time, and it is definitely the best live Who album. It's definitely a fun listen.
Some say that this is the best live album in the history of Rock n' Roll. I can't say anything. I'm not an expert on this. But I know one thing. Few things in this world can be as exciting as the original lineup of The Who live. I heard someone say once that the members of The Who are all solo. Keith Moon is a solo drummer. John was a solo bassist. Roger was the singer. And Pete was a damn guitarist. Keith beat the drums at the speed of a Formula 1 car and with the strength of a steam locomotive. John beautifully walks his bass lines through the harmony of the song in the most free way possible. Roger sings the verses with the delicate voice of an angel and the ferocity of a lion. and Pete designs spectacular solos and riffs underneath it all! Everyone was doing their part, in very different ways, but everyone was working for the common good of music. They made Rock concerts sound like real spectacles! And there were only 4 guys...
Amazing album. In the top five live albums of all time.
Good old Classic Rock Songs - Great musicians
Fucking fantastic.
Still powerful!
I am in love. The best fuckkng band ever.
As a fan of mental films which make outrageous choices I am a certified SUCKER for all things Tommy - rest of it also good fun, though the talking bits were so quiet I could not hear them all that well- glad they were having fun though xx
Absolutely shredding intensity and energy. The album is unrelenting in raw force, yet still accessible and not overwhelming. I also have to highlight what might have been the greatest rhythm section performance I've ever heard, truly masterful drumming and bass playing. Incredible album
Live at Leeds was the Who's release that followed Tommy, their rock opera that made international stars of the band. The Who toured extensively through their career; after Tommy, the band refined their energetic performances through a prolonged world tour. Live at Leeds has been recognized as among the best live rock albums of all time. This album captures the Who as they were developing into one of the biggest bands in the world. They had been propelled into stardom through their first masterpiece(s), and their performances were potent, technical, and engaged for their storytelling - among other reasons. Townshend's lyrics and Daltrey's vocals give the band part of its distinct sound, and are among the reasons the band is one of the most influential bands in rock - and in all of modern music.
Excellent
I like Leeds
Anything Leeds related gets an extra 2 points, the Badger bonus. Also just seen a cat use a pelican crossing so I'm in a good mood.
an immaculate snapshot of the band in that sweet spot between scrappy psych band and ginormous dinosaur rock band. a perfect live album in any iteration you listen.
The Who's Live at Leeds album is like watching a band possessed by rock and roll gods, unleashing fury of energy that's both exhilarating and exhausting. Every track is a highlight, from the raw power of "Won't Get Fooled Again" to the frantic energy of "Substitute." This is a must have album.
The version on Spotify id the extended one. But for the authentic experience you can't beat the condensed 6 track original release. Side two is pure magic.
Legendary!
This is incredibly fun.
The bass tone of Thor himself! Destructive, loose and chaotic. You can feel that they have something to prove with how much they can push the envelope in terms of heaviness. The panning of John Entwhistle’s bombastic and gnarly swinging bass chugs on the left and Pete Townsends almost whimsical at times, composed yet blistering guitar riffs on the right are only somehow glued together by Keith moons chaotic, otherworldly rhythmic drive. It’s punk before punk. Great 5 stars to me
Loved this, captured Keith Moon's exceptional drumming
The greatest live rock and roll album ever!
Отличный альбом, крутая группа
how did I not comment on this. in your face guitar smashing cymbal crashing brilliance - Mike and I were raised on the Who our dad loved them - I agree with everything he said in his review. Raw power personified, reminding me of Zeppelin. Fantastic.
Best of all time…
unbelievable live album - the live riffing is incredible
Incredible. The one thing that grabs you listening to this is Keith's drums. It feels like you are getting thumped in the chest with the power through the speakers.
Three Who albums in and this is by far the best. Instrumentation and overall energy went crazy. Best song was young man blues. 4.5/5 ⭐️
One of the best live rock albums ever.
That was a great album, all the classics, good quality for being live
I love the Who and this album beautifully captures their raw buck wild unchained energy. Daltrey is a force but Moon, Entwistle, & Townsend bring another level of unbridled intensity. I can’t think of any bands in recent memory that even come close to how these guys absolutely own rock & roll.
One of the best hard rock concert recordings of all time.
One of the greatest, loudest live albums ever. As if the regular 1970 set The Who puts on isn't enough why not do a full runthrough of Tommy as well. Awesome
In my rotation of live albums that I listen to frequently. The band sounds great. A classic gig.
Fabulous
you know i've always liked the who. these guys were the original kings of classic rock, and this live album showcases that. despite being played live it really sounds like a studio recording. if that's not enough to convince you, i don't know what will. those guitars will sweep you off your feet, and so will those drum fills.
B O O M !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And away we go! This was such an amazing album. When it came out, everybody bought a copy and just blasted it - made loud to be played loud. Excellent production...bold concepts in several songs...though not all the songs have carried their relevance for the 54 years that the album's been out, it was pretty cutting edge for the time. An excellent Tommy medley and, of course, the mega-hits (SUMMERTIME BLUES, SHAKIN' ALL OVER, MY GENERATION, MAGIC BUS) close the album. [[ A lot of 1001 reviewers complain that live albums suck, and, yes - many do. But in 1970, who got the chance to see The Who? This album is a slice of reality from that era. ]] ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 60 🎧 LPs left to review: 941 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 13 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 17 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 17
This is actually the first time I've heard this album with its original vinyl track listing. Before now, I've always listened to it as it was expanded in 2001, which pushed its runtime from under 40 minutes to nearly 90. Hearing how it sounded with only six tracks to its name, though... Well, to start, in either case the music was electric. This is prime Who performing live here, after all. How they sounded in the studio was always great, but in a live setting, especially in the days this was recorded, they went to the next level. It was some of the wildest, hardest rock of its time, and even still now, and I'm thankful they got an album that captured that. And in this six song format? The expanded edition was always enjoyable, but 83 minutes **is** a lot, no matter how good the material is. With just the 40, however, this is **tight** shit. No nonsense, just three covers and three hits, including the mega-medley-extended "My Generation". That thing's gracious enough to give us a little "Listening To You" in there, and, like, I understand people who balk at its runtime, but with that, and energy and playing like this, I could never come close to disliking it. Speaking about people who balk at this album, by the way—I mean, I hate to make my review about other people's reviews, but I wanna defend not just this album's inclusion on this list, but the decision to include live albums at all. It needs to be realized—they can be just as, if not more important than studio albums. Take what I said above: The Who were great in the studio, but they could only come so close to capturing their live sound in there. I think it'd be a tragedy if we didn't have this album to preserve it for people who couldn't be there. And look at enough album on this list, James Brown's LIVE AT THE APOLLO. That was the album that **made** him into the star he was and household name he remains. He put his own money for that, 'cuz he knew he needed a good representation of his live shows that studio recordings couldn't. And, hell, take a look further into the metal scenes—with exceptions, I don't think you can be a good metal band without a classic live album to your name. Iron Maiden's LIVE AFTER DEATH, Judas Priest's UNLEASHED IN THE EAST, Motörhead's NO SLEEP 'TIL HAMMERSMITH, Thin Lizzy's LIVE AND DANGEROUS, Deep Purple's MADE IN JAPAN... I could go on. Point is, they all serve a purpose and provide a sound and energy that studio albums could never hope to. LIVE AT LEEDS very much deserves its spot on this list, right alongside WHO'S NEXT and TOMMY. It's an essential part of who they were as a band that cannot be missed. If you don't like live music, fine. I don't expect everyone to be 100% with how songs get changed or expanded on stage, especially when they **can** devolve into wankery sometimes. (Bonzo, I love you, and I'm in awe of your playing intensity, but I cannot deal with your 30 minute drum solos.) But don't say it doesn't belong here. It's more worthy than a lot of studio albums I've heard, and that's a fact. Also, the album packaging's got a really cool "bootleg" design, and that's just neat shit, man. I always love seeing bands intentionally do this kind of thing—like, Aerosmith's got one, too, that's even called LIVE! BOOTLEG, and that's just great. I hear actual material on it's not up to snuff—and in fact, from everything I've come across, I don't think Aerosmith has a single good live album. But I **did** say that were exceptions, after all. Sorry, Steven.
The critics weren't lying. This album starts at 100 and stays there for the entire runtime.
Yeah, that’s a 5. I’m really just blown away by how captivating and energetic that felt for its entire runtime; even during the lulls in the My Generation medley, they just had me baited like a fish on a hook, waiting for every little next step in the song. The structure to the whole thing is perfectly done, going from stuff that’s sort of theirs, sort of not theirs and just using it to really build the crowd's energy up, to breaking out their big stuff and absolutely smashing it out of the park once they do. The instrumentation was nothing short of incredible here to me throughout the entire album, and Pete Townshend… that motherfucker can sing, god damn. I got no complaints, and no more gushing to do; I’m just gonna call it how I see it – one of the easiest 5’s I’ll ever give. Absolutely spectacular.
Okay I loved this
five star album
I doubted the need for another album by The Who. I was wrong. This was epic. (I will admit, however, that I only listened to the tracks on the original release. That was enough.)
All of the Who's early maximum R&B with the tight orchestration of Tommy and beyond. This is a recording that makes you wish you were at the show. An assault on the senses: loud, driving and relentless rock.
The Who always delivers. They are pretty great live.
One of the rare live albums that deserves to be played just as loud as the real band (within reason). Thunderous, always just a hair away from chaos, and every member at the height of his power.
Easy five stars. What a show from beginning to end. It showcases everything that made The Who great, even before their greatest album (Who’s Next, not a close second other than this one IMO) was released a year or so later. Pete’s playing and background vocals are great, Roger’s singing is fantastic, and of course the rhythm section is otherworldly, on the Moon even (sorry…).
What an album. Perfect for listening to really loud in the car. Let’s have a smile for an old engine driver
"Live at Leeds" is the first live album by English rock band the Who. It was recorded at the University of Leeds after the Who recorded and toured for their album "Tommy." It was also their only live album released while the group was actively recording and performing with the line-up of Roger Daltrey (vocals, harmonica), Pete Townsend (guitar, vocals), John Entwistle (bass, vocals) and Keith Moon (drums, vocals). The album is considered one of the best live albums ever. Commercially, it hit #3 in the UK and #4 in the US. The original album has six total songs including three cover songs. They open with a cover of Moe Allison's "Young Man Blues." The first thing you notice is the incredible sound of Townsend's guitar. He slashes riffs. Moon's drums are chaotic as expected. A driving interpretation with a number of starts and stop. "Substitute" sounds petty similar to album version with a clean and very loud sounding guitar in the mix. John Entwistle gets a chance to assist with the vocals on their cover of Blue Cheer and Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues." Guitar blasts and solos highlight this version. Roger Daltrey shines on their cover of "Summertime Blues." Moon's drums are non-stop. The version of "My Generation" is a medley with parts of their songs also including "See Me, Feel Me," "Sparks" and ending with "Naked Eye." There's a bass solo and the band never really stops in the 15-plus minute long song. Moon's percussion opens the album closer "Magic Bus." Townsend's guitar is in and out. Daltrey on Harmonica. Maybe, Moon's finest performance. The song ends with a jam and in chaos appropriately. Well, I agree this is one of the best live rock albums that I've heard. Unhinged is a good description of the band but the performance is also loud and both loose and tight at different times. I've heard a few musicians say that Townsend's guitar tone and sound is what every rock guitarist is trying to achieve. Maybe exaggerated but I'll go with it. His guitar sound and Moon's drums are just spectacular. A great album that everyone should listen to. It's also worthwhile listening to the expanded versions of this album as well.
This confirms that I love The Who.
Audio battle between guitar and drums
Who - The Who - Who else :-)
The Who are really good and what I consider classic Rock. 5/5
BEST LIVE ALBUM, EVER!
A lot of it was a different style than I was used to from them, and I liked it a lot.
Always love the Who..the guitar, the drums, the sincerity, the humor
schöner frischer 1970er Rock, klassiker und unbekanntes
A perfect live document of pre arena Who.
One of the best live rock albums ever. The Who was on their game that night and recorded some legendary tracks, including all of “Tommy” live
I live near Leeds. Not actually in it but visit at least every two weeks to watch the mighty Leeds United (WAFFL, WACCOE, MOT etc). Speaking to others about this album I wish I had a pound for everyone who says they were there because I’d be rich. I’m a massive Who fan and a regular gig goer in 1970 so I often wonder why I never went. As I recollect it wasn’t until the album came out that I knew it had taken place at all so wonder if it was a low key by invite affair as the gig was specially organised with another at Hull so that it could be recorded. Anyhow I bought the album on release day and still have it intact with most of the memorabilia tucked inside the inside pouches. The only thing missing is the “Maximum R&B” poster which took pride and place on my bedroom wall. Wish I still had this and no idea where it went. Think Mum must have binned it when I moved away from home. As regards the music - well “It’s the bleedin’ Who innit” Was there ever a better live band? I love every second of this recording and often play it. The recording captures the energy and excitement of the gig wonderfully. You can’t exactly close your eyes and be there as this would need 100’s of sweaty bodies next to you jumping and swaying, but it goes damn close. The 6 songs on the original album are all you really need to get a flavour of The Who in those times. Later releases included the other songs on the set together with the Hull gig recording’s and are great to have but the original 6 work just right for one solitary listen. Highlight for me is My Generation. Begins with a great rendition of the classic song and then meanders beautifully but powerfully against the backdrop of the Underture from Tommy enabling every band member to display their undoubted talents. They were really on top form. This album means a lot to me and my memories of that time in 1970. Even as a live album it hints of the greater things yet to come. Certainly in my Top 10 of all time and at the top (so far 66 albums in) of this list.
Amazing
Short and sweet, this one has good tracks with great highlights. The ending tracks of the live versions of My Generation and Magic Bus are amazing. The other tracks are cool as well, all the tracks have this young and careless energy. I understand why people don’t like live albums, but this is lit.
So good 1 2 blues punch on first side my generation with medley 2nd side substitute all era banger. Doesn’t even need future baba, fooled or 515 or o’er me to be so great. Once heard who live was a bit scary - this reinforces that idea. Notes: ive never got the magic bus thing. Still 5 stars easy
Hard to be unbiased about this one- The Who was my favorite band growing up. And this is the best live album of all time- dont @ me!!!
The embodiment of dad music so I love it
I've always found The Who to be made up of talented and fascinating musicians, but I've never found any of their songwriting compelling. There are moments where it comes together to sound great but it'll be a minute of a 6 minute song, really hoping it'll click one day but currently to me it's a lot of awesome bells and whistles attached to a piece of plywood. That being said, a live album is a way better way to experience this setup and Townshend's playing on this album absolutely rips a lot of the time so fuck it, I had fun
If only for the second half
The original album has 6 songs and half of them are covers. I used to hear the cover tunes on the radio and it made me disinterested in getting the album. I've been a Who fan for a long time and there are lots of their albums I'd pick to listen to before this one. But it's a smokin' live document of a great band.
One of the best live albums
This makes me feel like my head is being split open, I'm drenched in sweat, and the third beer is hitting. Imagine being at this show. If you're reading this and enjoyed Live at Leeds, please check out their performances at Isle of Wight and Hull. They absolutely rip.
None
Best live album of all time.
Strong performance by one of the all-time greats.
Previously rated: Who's Next (5/5) ******************** There were three versions of this on Apple Music (Bonus Tracks, 40th Anniversary, and Deluxe Editions), none of which resembled the order or run time of the original listed on Wikipedia. They were all at least twice as long. I made a playlist with just the original songs and it was still 5 minutes longer than it should be. Close enough. It simply rocks. Daltrey's voice sounds great. Drums and bass are thumpin'. Guitar wailing. 5/5
Le son aurait probablement été meilleur sur un disque non live, mais j'ai hoché de la tête tout le long.
love it!
More punk than punk. More heavy than metal. The Who were a different breed live. (10/10).
I Can’t Explain the Amazing Journey of this album. My Generation will be Shakin’ All Over when they listen to this. Who is this album by again?
Best live album ever
Loved it
One of the greatest live albums ever.
Awesome live album
Probably the best live album I’ve ever heard
Greatest live album of all time? That's what they say. And they're right.
YES
Incredible fun. Pure, simple, electric. The drums sound incredible! The snare sounds like machine gun chatter. Impossible not to love. My Who knowledge isn’t as good as it should be so I imagine my experience would only be heightened if I knew their previous discography really well.
I never like "Live" albums due to the excessive crowd noise. This album is the exception. John Entwistle has great tone and wo derful bass lines beyond what's heard on the studio recordings. I loved these songs before hearing this album, but these recordings took it one step further.
Here I am again, cherry-picking what albums to rate - either an album I know really well or one I have always wanted to get to know better. So here goes. If you listened to a version that had more than 6 tracks, you didn't hear the version everyone fell in love with decades ago. The original is a tight 38 minutes of the magic of The Who live. As a Who fan, the reissues are fun to hear the whole concert with them talking between songs. But the original 6 songs (three of which are covers that the band has been playing live since the early days) with no breaks between is just amazing. This is the record that made we want to be a guitarists AND a drummer AND a bass player. Still don't understand how everyone is playing lead on most songs and it works. Highly regarded as the best live album of all time and I agree.
My review of the original, six-song LP: Goddamn this is some ferocious shit. I love how all four guys are on lead instruments. They are a true jazz band in a way that their rock contemporaries weren't. They listened to each other and responded and changed direction, and each live performance was different. And before you say, "What about the Dead?": No. Just no. I know no one would ever rank Pete Townsend as the greatest guitarist ever, but I'll take him over your Claptons, Hendrixes, etc. as a live guitarist every single time. Why? Because he doesn't just go weedly-weedly for ten minutes. He uses dynamics and drama and composition to keep things interesting. Also, I love how goofy these guys were. They could rock with the best of them, but they were also funny and fun; qualities profoundly lacking in many groups from that era. My review of the Expanded version, which is the shortest version I can find on streaming services: I love it, especially because you get great versions of their early goofy hits, but good lord that's a lot of rawk.
live masterpiece
I always forget that I like The Who. They were just as creative as the Kinks, a legendary "hard rock" live band, and this is a great live album. Some surprisingly kickass extended jams. John Entwistle's bass playing is fantastic... I need to spend more time listening to him and how he fills up his space in a trio, ie makes his bass sound like a bass + another guitar :) I was all set to rate this a 4 for most of the listen but the 2 closing songs are just sooo good and sold me on why people call this the best live album of all time. 5 - All-time classic
i like it
Top notch maximum R&B
John Entwistle is god!
Dahhhh Who!!!!
Loved this ..been a Who fan sine I was born lol
Love the band. Many songs I like. But I don‘t like listening to live albums on a device usually. So I searched manually for the songs. Quite enjoyed it. „Amazing Journey“ I already knew(and many more) from the album „Tommy“ which I would never have listened to if it wasn‘t for this challange! Big Keith Moon fan;) Best Album is „Who‘s Next!!!!!! Personal top3 in no order: Young Man Blues Substitute My Generation
One of my favorite live albums
Yeah!!!
All time favorite
Easy 5 classic
Good
4.6
Keith Moon killed a man and yet was still an amazing drummer
I did a longish review of this, and the browser jammed and reset and I lost it. What it basically said was if you don’t like the who, you don’t like rock, and this album shows why. It’s better to watch them, thank the great spaghetti monster for YouTube, but this captures the sonic power. Summertime blues is a juggernaut. My generation shouldn’t work. But does. And the insane genius of a quick one… leading eventually to tommy. The rock and roll covers are superb. The who songs are incredible. There were a lot of punk bands that wanted to sound this anarchic, this powerful, this relevant and happening, and didn’t come close. And there’s essentially only three instruments and three voices. It’s not quite musical dna for me, but it gets five stars. Who’s next - now that’s musical dna.
I tried desperately to embrace Tommy in 1969, but, except for a few tracks, the whole rock opera thing sounded bloated & unnecessary. This album, on the other hand, jumps out at you from the start & takes no prisoners. All the band members are in great form, but, for me, it’s the drumming of Keith Moon that has always made this album so special. He’s all over this. And also the song selection. To start with the great Mose Allison’s Young Man Blues, which had been part of their set at the beginning, & also include Eddie Cochran’s Summertime Blues (which I’d see them performing live 6 months later when the Woodstock film was released) & Johnny Kidd’s Shakin All Over (which had been a huge hit in Australia for Normie Rowe) - all on Side 1 - was almost exhausting. They play Substitute very much like the original single. The long version of My Generation, interspersed with pieces of other Who tracks, works well, as does Magic Bus, although it’s not a patch on the original. I think this is a cracker of an album. I’ve listened to it half a dozen times in the last few daze & it just gets better.
holy shit, this was amazing. didn't expect myself to like a live album but FUCK, this was really good.
Fantastic performance with limitless energy. An all time great live record even in its original abbreviated form. Never get tired of it.
One of the great live albums of all time, a real pleasure to listen to. It's one of just a few live albums that I would recommend over an artist's studio work to give an idea of what they're all about. This is the Who in their element, an electrifying presence playing at the height of all their powers and rocking surprisingly hard. If you don't understand what the big deal is about the Who after listening to this, go check your ears. I have always favored "Summertime Blues," as a quintessential Who live track, but man, that side 2 combo of the "My Generation" medley and "Magic Bus" is a freaking revelation. Rating this just based on the original 6-song track list, which is an easy 5. I'm lukewarm on the tracks that were added for the reissues. They don't add much, other than getting to hear live versions of some of the band's more recognizable songs. Fave Songs (All songs on original release, from most to least favorite): My Generation, Magic Bus, Summertime Blues, Young Man Blues, Shakin' All Over, Substitute
My new all time favorite live album
Super album!!
This is easily one of the best live albums I’ve ever heard. The Who are playful with the crowd and each other and this live album let’s each member dine in ways the albums don’t always get to do. Listening to John Entwistle thunder away on bass and Keith Moon hammering out beats is a real thrill.
Was putting off listening to this one as I generally don't like live albums. The Who are tighter than Axls 90s hot pants here. Wow.
5-