If you’re a fan of music that pulses with raw energy, unforgettable improvisation, and the electricity that only comes from a live audience, then Live From The Vault on Live Jam is your ultimate Saturday night destination. Airing every Saturday at 9 PM EST, the show takes listeners on a curated journey through some of the most iconic live recordings in music history, delivering a countdown of the Top 50 Live Albums of All Time as celebrated by the writers at Variety Magazine. This is not just music; this is a full immersion into the artistry, passion, and spontaneity that define live performance.

Tonight, the countdown continues, showcasing albums that have transcended their original release dates to become definitive documents of musical brilliance. From rock legends to jazz innovators, from country trailblazers to soul powerhouses, each album in the lineup captures the unique alchemy of performer, audience, and moment.

The evening kicks off with the spirit of the Rolling Stones’ Got Live If You Want It (1966), a seminal live recording that epitomizes the restless energy of rock in its golden era. As the pandemic continues to limit in-person experiences, Live From The Vault reminds us of the enduring power of live albums—offering fans the next best thing to being in the crowd. Over decades, live albums have preserved the raw emotion of performances by The Who, Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, and countless others, allowing listeners to relive unforgettable musical moments from the comfort of home.

One highlight of tonight’s broadcast is the legendary At Fillmore East (1971) by the Allman Brothers Band, listed at number 50 in the countdown. A defining moment in Southern rock, this album exemplifies the improvisational skill and seamless interplay that live music can deliver, providing an electrifying showcase for guitar virtuosos Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. Tracks like “Whipping Post” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” demonstrate how live performances can elevate songs beyond their studio versions, adding dynamic solos, audience interaction, and an unmistakable sense of immediacy.

Listeners can also expect a deep dive into live albums that have shaped genres and eras. Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison (1968) captures the outlaw country icon connecting directly with a raw, real audience. James Brown’s Live at the Apollo (1962) is a masterclass in soul and showmanship, while Fleetwood Mac’s The Dance (1997) immortalizes the emotional depth and chemistry of one of rock’s most storied lineups. Jazz aficionados are treated to Coltrane’s Live at the Village Vanguard (1962), a recording that remains a touchstone for improvisational genius.

The variety doesn’t stop there. The countdown spans multiple decades, highlighting performances by Nirvana (Unplugged in New York), Led Zeppelin (How the West Was Won), Queen (Live at Wembley ’86), and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (Live 1975–85). Each album is a testament to the undeniable magic of live music—the way artists feed off the energy of the crowd, stretch the boundaries of their songs, and create moments that can never be replicated in a studio.

For those seeking new discoveries as well as nostalgic favorites, Live From The Vault provides an unmatched listening experience. Each week, DJ Don Edwards curates the countdown with context, stories, and insights that bring the albums to life, allowing audiences to appreciate not just the music, but the cultural and historical significance of each performance. It’s a chance to hear the spontaneity, audience reactions, and unfiltered energy that make live albums so compelling.

As the countdown progresses, expect performances from soul legends like Sam Cooke’s Live at the Harlem Square Club (1963), jazz virtuosos like Miles Davis in The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965, and rock trailblazers like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Peter Frampton. Each week, Live From The Vault reminds listeners why live music remains a vital and transformative experience, capturing moments that studio recordings alone can never fully replicate.

Tonight’s show promises a blend of nostalgia, discovery, and pure musical bliss. From the timeless energy of KISS’s Alive! (1975) to the precision and passion of Beyoncé’s Homecoming: The Live Album (2019), there is something for every live music enthusiast. Tune in at 9 PM EST on Live Jam to experience the Top 50 Live Albums of All Time, celebrate the power of live music, and rediscover the magic that only a stage, an audience, and a band can create.

For music lovers, this is more than a radio show—it’s a front-row ticket to the greatest performances ever captured on record. Don’t miss tonight’s edition of Live From The Vault on Live Jam, your ultimate Saturday night soundtrack.

Live From The Vault Radio Show Brings Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums to Life

Live Country Radio, Live From The Vault, Live Jam News / By DJ Don Edwards

Music lovers, gear up for an electrifying Saturday night journey through the history of live music! This week on Live Jam, the Live From The Vault Radio Show takes you deep into the magic of live performance with a countdown of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time. Airing every Saturday at 9 PM EST, this show is your ultimate live soundtrack, spotlighting albums that have defined generations, crossed genres, and captured the raw energy of music in its purest form.

Johnny Cash, ‘At Folsom Prison’ (1968)
James Brown, ‘Live at the Apollo’ (1962)
Bob Dylan, ‘Live 1966: The Royal Albert Hall Concert’ (1966)
Fleetwood Mac, ‘The Dance’ (1997)
Beyoncé, ‘Homecoming: The Live Album’ (2019)
The Band, ‘Rock of Ages’ (1971)
Allman Brothers Band, ‘At Fillmore East’ (1971)
Ellington, ‘Ellington at Newport’ (1956)
Sam Cooke, ‘Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963’
Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’
Daft Punk, ‘Alive 2007’
Cheap Trick, ‘At Budokan’ (1978)
Bob Marley – Live! (1975)
Spiritualized, ‘Royal Albert Hall October 10 1997’
Led Zeppelin – How the West Was Won (1972)
Grateful Dead – Europe ’72
U2, ‘Under a Blood Red Sky’ (1983)
Ramones, ‘It’s Alive’ (1977)
Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive! (1976)
Rolling Stones, ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!’ (1969)
Queen, ‘Live at Wembley ’86’ (1986)
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, ‘Live 1975–85’
Nirvana, ‘Unplugged in New York’ (1993)
Jimi Hendrix – Live at Monterey (1967)
The Velvet Underground, ‘Live 1969’
Stop Making Sense, Talking Heads (1984)
Frank Sinatra, ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ (1966)
Kiss – Alive! (1975)
MC5 – Kick Out the Jams (1969)
Aretha Franklin – Live at Fillmore West (1971)
Joni Mitchell – Shadows and Light (1979)
Tom Petty, ‘The Live Anthology’ (2009)
Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive! (1976)
Jay-Z – MTV Unplugged (2001)
Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’
Spiritualized, ‘Royal Albert Hall October 10 1997’
The Velvet Underground, ‘Live 1969’
Coltrane, ‘Live at the Village Vanguard’ (1962)
Humble Pie – Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore (1971)
Motörhead – No Sleep ’til Hammersmith (1981)
Buck Owens and His Buckaroos, ‘Carnegie Hall Concert’ (1966)
Radiohead, ‘I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings’ (2001)
Simon & Garfunkel, ‘The Concert in Central Park’ (1981)
Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’
Led Zeppelin – How the West Was Won (1972)
Spiritualized, ‘Royal Albert Hall October 10 1997’
Miles Davis, ‘The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965’
David Bowie, ‘Live Nassau Coliseum ’76
The Allman Brothers, ‘At Fillmore East’
Brandi Carlile, ‘Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony’

Celebrating the Art of Live Performance

There’s nothing quite like a live album. Unlike studio recordings, live albums capture the spontaneity, energy, and electricity of artists performing in real time—moments that can’t be recreated or replicated. From stadium-filling rock legends to intimate jazz ensembles, live recordings are sonic time capsules, preserving iconic performances for generations to enjoy. On Live From The Vault, listeners will experience the drama, passion, and virtuosity of these legendary performances, from the bottom of Rolling Stone’s list all the way to number one.

Expect to hear electrifying performances from Jimi Hendrix at Monterey, the soul-stirring resonance of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, and the timeless magic of Aretha Franklin at Fillmore West. You’ll relive the stadium-shaking power of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as the intimate genius of Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane, and Sam Cooke.

Whether it’s the funk grooves of Fela Kuti, the reggae pulse of Bob Marley, or the raw punk energy of The Ramones, this countdown celebrates the diversity and enduring influence of live albums across rock, soul, jazz, blues, country, and beyond.

A Deeper Dive Into Live Music History

Every Saturday, Live From The Vault does more than just play music. We explore the stories behind these legendary albums—how they were recorded, the historical context, and the moments of improvisation and genius that made them unforgettable. For example:

Little Feat’s Waiting for Columbus captures a New Orleans-funk powerhouse at its finest, blending tight grooves with breathtaking improvisation.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s Arc-Weld showcases 14-minute epic versions of classics like “Like a Hurricane,” a masterclass in live intensity.
Jimi Hendrix’s Jimi Plays Monterey immortalizes the guitar pyrotechnics and showmanship that set Hendrix apart from any performer before—or since.

Listeners also get to experience lesser-known gems alongside celebrated classics, from the raw chaos of The Replacements’ The Shit Hits the Fans to the jazz innovation of Miles Davis’ Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965. Every week brings a new slice of live music history, highlighting not just the songs but the performances, the crowd, and the electricity that makes live albums essential listening.

TuneIn for the Ultimate Saturday Night Live Experience

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re front row at some of the greatest concerts in history, Live From The Vault Radio Show is your destination. Every live track played on Live Jam is the real deal—no studio polish, no overdubs, just raw, unfiltered musical energy.

So mark your calendars and set your radios: 9 PM EST every Saturday night. This week, join us as we celebrate the artistry, the legends, and the unforgettable moments of Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time. From explosive guitar solos to heart-wrenching vocal performances, it’s a live music journey you won’t want to miss.

Last year the countdown was by Rolling Stone Magazine – Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums Countdown – Every Song Played Live

Calling all live music enthusiasts and devoted fans of rock history! Last year, in 2024, Live From The Vault kicked off a monumental journey celebrating the very best in live recordings with Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums Countdown. This isn’t just any music show—on Live Jam, every song played is a live version, capturing the raw energy, the audience connection, and the unrepeatable magic of iconic performances.

A Celebration of Legendary Live Performances
From the searing guitar solos of Jimi Hendrix at Monterey to the heartfelt storytelling of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, this countdown brings together the finest live recordings in music history. Rolling Stone’s editors curated the list to highlight albums that not only defined the artists’ careers but also changed the way audiences experience live music.

Unlike studio recordings, live albums carry a special electricity: the spontaneity of improvisation, the thrill of a responsive crowd, and the small, unforgettable moments that can never be replicated. That’s the essence of Live Jam, and it’s exactly what makes this countdown a must-listen event for fans of live music.

Countdown Format: From 50 to Number One
Each Saturday night, listeners are taken on a week-by-week journey from #50 to the ultimate #1 greatest live album of all time. The series spans decades, genres, and styles, including:

Rock Legends: Experience the sheer power of bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Queen as they ignite the stage.
Soul & R&B Greats: Feel the passion of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye commanding audiences with unforgettable live vocals.
Country & Folk Icons: Relive the intimate yet electrifying performances of Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Bob Dylan in front of rapt crowds.
Jazz & Fusion Masters: Savor the improvisational brilliance of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock live in the moment.

Each week’s episode delivers not just the songs, but full live versions, letting listeners experience the energy, the solos, the crowd reactions, and the little improvisations that make live albums timeless.

Why Live Albums Matter
Live albums aren’t just recordings—they’re time machines. They capture:

The Energy of the Crowd: Roars, claps, and sing-alongs create a shared experience between the artist and listener.
Spontaneous Musical Brilliance: Extended solos, unique arrangements, and on-the-spot improvisation make live performances unpredictable and exciting.
Historical Moments in Music: Iconic performances often define careers, genres, and even cultural movements.

For fans of Live Jam, this countdown is more than a playlist—it’s an education in the artistry and adrenaline of live music. Each album tells a story of a moment in time when the music came alive in front of an audience and was immortalized for the world to hear.

Highlights from the Countdown
While every album in the Rolling Stone Top 50 is a treasure, here are a few standout performances you’ll experience on the countdown:

Jimi Hendrix – Monterey Pop Festival (1967): Hendrix’s explosive guitar work and showmanship set a new standard for live rock performance.
Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison (1968): A raw, intimate, and revolutionary recording that bridged the gap between artist and audience.
The Who – Live at Leeds (1970): An unparalleled demonstration of energy, precision, and rock theatrics.
Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York (1993): Stripped-down, emotional, and hauntingly beautiful, this performance remains a defining moment in live alternative rock.

Every song played on Live Jam during this countdown is a live recording, preserving the authenticity and excitement of the original performances.

TuneIn: Live From The Vault – Saturdays at 9 PM EST
Every Saturday night, Live From The Vault invites listeners to experience music history like never before. Hosted by the Live Jam team, the show offers:

Full Live Versions: Every track is authentic, raw, and electric, exactly as performed.
Curated Context: Insights, stories, and historical background on each performance deepen appreciation for the artistry on display.
Rolling Stone’s Countdown: Hear the Top 50 Greatest Live Albums as celebrated by one of music journalism’s most trusted authorities.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of classic rock, a devotee of soul and R&B, or simply a lover of live music, this countdown is your front-row ticket to some of the most legendary performances ever captured on record.

Why Live Jam Fans Can’t Miss This Countdown

Authenticity: Nothing compares to the electricity of live music.
Education & Context: Understand why these performances are celebrated and revered decades later.
Immersive Listening: Feel the crowd, the stage presence, and the raw power of artists performing at their peak.

Experience Live Music History Every Week
Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums Countdown on Live From The Vault isn’t just a show—it’s a journey. Every Saturday at 9 PM EST, Live Jam delivers a musical time capsule where every song played is the live version, bringing legendary performances to life with the intensity and authenticity only live recordings can provide.

Live Jam Live from The Vault’s Variety Magazine Top #12 Live Album of All-Time: Cheap Trick – At Budokan (1978) | Every Song Played is Live

For fans of Live Jam, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of live music—the raw energy, the spontaneous improvisation, and that electric connection between performers and audience. Tonight, we’re turning the spotlight on a landmark live album that helped define the art of rock performance: Cheap Trick – At Budokan (1978), ranked #12 in Variety Magazine’s Top 50 Live Albums of All Time.

Why At Budokan Is a Live Album Masterpiece
Variety Magazine’s countdown celebrates live albums that have left a permanent mark on music history. By placing At Budokan at #12, Variety recognizes Cheap Trick’s ability to transform their studio hits into unforgettable live performances that balance precision with pure rock ‘n’ roll energy. Recorded at Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan, this album captures the band at the peak of their early career, delivering every song as a live version packed with intensity, charisma, and stagecraft.

What Makes At Budokan Legendary

Dynamic Performance: From the opening notes to the final encore, Cheap Trick’s stage presence is magnetic, creating an experience fans feel rather than just hear.
Technical Excellence: Tight rhythm sections, soaring guitar riffs, and layered vocals are executed flawlessly, proving that live doesn’t mean sloppy.
Audience Interaction: The roar of the Budokan crowd isn’t just background noise—it’s part of the performance, driving the band to new heights.
Historical Impact: At Budokan didn’t just entertain—it defined the arena rock live album format and inspired generations of musicians to capture their live energy on record.

Tonight’s Live Jam Track-by-Track Highlights
Every track on At Budokan is performed live, perfectly illustrating why Live Jam insists that “every song played is the live version.”

“Hello There” – A high-voltage opener that grabs attention immediately with energetic guitars and a vocal delivery that commands the room.
“Come On, Come On” – Showcases the band’s tight rhythm and signature guitar riffs, proving why Cheap Trick were live perfectionists.
“I Want You to Want Me” – The live version that became an international hit, featuring crowd sing-alongs, handclaps, and the kind of infectious energy that can’t be recreated in the studio.
“Ain’t That a Shame” – A Fats Domino classic turned rock powerhouse, blending old-school roots with Cheap Trick’s electrifying live sound.
“Surrender” – Closing the album like a celebration, this live rendition amplifies the song’s hooks while letting the audience’s ecstatic response shine through.

Every performance on the album is a testament to why Live Jam celebrates the power of live music—the improvisation, the extended solos, and the unmistakable atmosphere of being in the room with the band.

The Budokan Shows: A Defining Moment in Rock History
Cheap Trick’s 1978 Japan tour, especially the performances at Nippon Budokan, represented a turning point in their career:

Arena Acoustics: The Budokan’s acoustics elevated every riff, fill, and vocal, creating a pristine live sound that still resonates today.
Audience Energy: Japanese fans provided nonstop enthusiasm, feeding the band’s energy and pushing them to new heights.
Extended Arrangements: Live improvisations and extended solos allowed the band to showcase their skills and interact directly with the audience.
Cultural Impact: The success of At Budokan opened international doors, cementing Cheap Trick as one of the era’s definitive live acts.

Live From The Vault Radio Show – Tonight at 9 PM EST
Every Saturday night at 9 PM EST, Live From The Vault continues to deliver a musical journey like no other. Tonight’s broadcast celebrates Variety Magazine’s Top 50 Live Albums of All Time, with a spotlight on #12: Cheap Trick – At Budokan (1978).

Every Track Live: Listeners experience full live performances, capturing every spontaneous moment.
Curated Insights: Behind-the-scenes stories, historical context, and performance analysis deepen your appreciation.
Top 50 Countdown: Learn why these albums are celebrated, from rock and soul to jazz and country.

Whether you’re a longtime Cheap Trick fan or discovering their live magic for the first time, tonight’s episode delivers the full Budokan experience—the electricity of the band, the roar of the crowd, and every riff, drum fill, and vocal flourish exactly as it happened.

Why Live Jam Fans Will Love This Episode

Authenticity: Nothing beats the raw energy of a live performance.
Historical Significance: Discover why this album helped define live rock albums for decades.
Immersive Listening: Feel as if you’re in the front row, experiencing every moment with the band.

The Lasting Legacy of At Budokan
Decades after its release, At Budokan continues to influence live rock performance. Its blend of technical precision, energy, and audience connection remains a blueprint for live albums everywhere. For Live Jam listeners, it’s a perfect example of why live music is irreplaceable—the spontaneity, improvisation, and electricity of the moment can’t be recreated in a studio.

Tune in Tonight
Join Live Jam and the Live From The Vault Radio Show tonight at 9 PM EST, and experience Cheap Trick – At Budokan like never before. Every song, every note, every cheer—live.

Live Jam – Where Every Song Played Is the Live Version. For more live music coverage and features on legendary performances, check out Live Jam.