The 1970s were the commercial peak for live albums in rock history. Many of the best known and loved live albums were recorded and released in the 70s – from Kiss’ Alive II to Thin Lizzy’s Live and Dangerous. In addition, some artists had career moments with live albums such as Cheap Trick At Budokan and Peter Frampton’s Frampton Comes Alive.
By the 1980s, live albums were still important but certainly slowed down and by the 90s live albums began to stall commercially. The list below represents the live albums released during the 1980s that charted in the Top 10 on the Billboard 100 album chart. As you will notice, most of the albums that peaked in the Top 10 during the 80s were released in the first part of the decade. In fact, six of the eight live albums that were Top 10 were released from 1980-1982. Only two more live albums hit the Top 10 in the final seven years of the 80s.
Just One Night by Eric Clapton (1980) – peaked at #2
Eagles Live by Eagles (1980) – peaked at #6
Captured by Journey (1981) – peaked at #9
Nine Tonight by Bob Seger (1981) – peaked at #3
The Concert in Central Park by Simon & Garfunkel (1982) – peaked at #6
Still Life by Rolling Stones (1982) – peaked at #5
