Who or Zep for fav live act

In their heyday who do you think was the most dynamic live band, The Who or Led Zeppelin? In my book they both exuded great power, charisma and musicianship along with great songwriting.

Zep were messy and often disappointing, 'tis true, and though I only saw the Who much later in their career (early 80s), I suspect they were more consistent and professional on stage.  However, as a former Zep bootleg collector, even on a 'bad' night - say when Plant's voice was not cooperating or Page could barely stand - I think they gave more in their performances.  The band loved to play together and the chemistry was so incredible and explosive, the creative electricity made possible by that particular combo so undeniable, and the range of things they could do with Page and Jones' studio background and experience so large.  Zep was ambitious if sometimes overwhelmed by their own music, and it was quite a thing to witness.  And when it all worked, whether a 25 minute 'No Quarter' with Jonsey taking an extended grand piano break or an extraordinary version of D&C, their performances and spontaneous inventions out did most other acts, even cats as Floyd and Yes.

I saw Zeppelin in the late 70s and they were already past their prime; I saw Heart in concert the same year and they sounded more like Zep in their prime than Led Zeppelin themselves. Plant couldn't hit the high notes anymore, Page was sloppy, but Bonham and Jones were still great. Then saw the Who in mid-80s and they too were on the downside of their career, but were still good. In their prime, though, Zep was the best (based on live recordings I've heard).

Too young to have seen Led Zep live (I'm 27, they broke up two years before I was born). But I've heard many of their live recordings. They sounded phenomenal live, in my opinion. Wish I was there to see it.

lazland wrote: I saw Zeppelin at Knebworth at their final UK gig. In spite of being young and very excited, I thought they were absolutely awful, and no amoubt of listening to live albums or clips has changed my mind since.

The problem is surely with you not with them, as the same material can make people - like me, but not only - stand in awe The footage included in the DVD may be better than the rest of the concert, but still, that version of Achilles Last Stand is to these humble ears not only their best ever performance, but the best ever rock performance of any band

of course I've never seen either in their prime in the flesh... but general consensus is among those that have... and the history books tend to back it up that no one... not even Zeppelin touched the Who for a greatest live band.  Again... simply watch the Stones 'Rock and Roll Circus'  That is everything a live performance should be... the Who completely embarrassed one of the greatest rock bands of all time to the point where they hid the complete performance for years.

what is interesting.. if off topic...  is among people I've talked to who saw live shows during the era.  ELP is mentioned as one of the best concerts and live acts they EVER saw.

Blowin Free wrote: As one who's seen Zep live and once grinded The Who live videos, I can easily say Zep. Maybe it's because I saw them in real life, but their performance was so great and unique, it's one i'll never forget.

Really don't like Zep live.  They had some good live stuff early on, but most of the time it was just sloppy jamming that seemed to go nowhere (I love jam bands, they just weren't good at it).  Them "jamming" is everyone repeat everything while Page solos for twenty minutes.

himtroy wrote: harmonium.ro wrote: lazland wrote: I saw Zeppelin at Knebworth at their final UK gig. In spite of being young and very excited, I thought they were absolutely awful, and no amoubt of listening to live albums or clips has changed my mind since. The problem is surely with you not with them, as the same material can make people - like me, but not only - stand in awe The footage included in the DVD may be better than the rest of the concert, but still, that version of Achilles Last Stand is to these humble ears not only their best ever performance, but the best ever rock performance of any band Couldn't disagree more.  Achilles Last Stand from that period just shows me how much smack Jimmy was shooting.  He never goes more than 15 seconds without making horridly obvious mistakes.

Obviously your opinion is biased by this

himtroy wrote: Really don't like Zep live.

himtroy wrote: harmonium.ro wrote: himtroy wrote: harmonium.ro wrote: lazland wrote: I saw Zeppelin at Knebworth at their final UK gig. In spite of being young and very excited, I thought they were absolutely awful, and no amoubt of listening to live albums or clips has changed my mind since. The problem is surely with you not with them, as the same material can make people - like me, but not only - stand in awe The footage included in the DVD may be better than the rest of the concert, but still, that version of Achilles Last Stand is to these humble ears not only their best ever performance, but the best ever rock performance of any band Couldn't disagree more.  Achilles Last Stand from that period just shows me how much smack Jimmy was shooting.  He never goes more than 15 seconds without making horridly obvious mistakes. Obviously your opinion is biased by this himtroy wrote: Really don't like Zep live. Biased?  Biased is a term used when irrelevant points are brought up.

Yeah I don't know, I'm not a native English speaker and I didn't even knew this word before finding this forum a few years ago. The idea was that you may find that concert bad because you don't like them.