Top 6 Most Memorable New Year’s Eve Shows of All Time
If you’re the type who loves the energy of an outdoor celebration on New Year’s Eve, chances are you’re also interested in who’s gonna put up a show, what performers will turn up and what kind of concert you should expect.
Over the past decades, some performances managed to stand out in the crowd. And not necessarily because of a top-notch organization, but because of the musicians behind them. Here are some of the most memorable New Year’s Eve shows of all time.
- Jennifer Lopez, 2009
If you remember that show from the Times Square stage, there wasn’t really anything special about it, no major effects or anything. However, Jennifer Lopez’s energy took the audience over. She came out with a medley of some of her best hits.
In the end, the show lasted for about seven minutes. However, those seven minutes were phenomenal. That was the artist’s opportunity to show what it means to be a true professional on a major stage, especially in terms of energy and performance.
- Gene Simmons, 1973
Gene Simmons from Kiss took live concerts to another level at a party in 1973. It was the first time the famous performer set his hair on fire during a concert. It happened while playing Firehouse. He also said he’s no stranger to doing it.
The stunt became a hit, so the band performed it a few more times during other concerts. Luckily for him, there’s always someone next to him with a wet towel, ready to prevent a tragedy. So far, so good, he’s never had any major injuries.
- Jack Black, 2003
Jack Black doesn’t sound like the type of name you would see performing a top show at a New Year’s Eve party. However, 2003 brought him to public attention when he took the stage over at an MTV show, making a surprise appearance.
Foo Fighters were on the stage performing a cover of Back in Black by AC/DC. Jack Black stepped in and quickly took over as the lead singer. The performance was flawless, causing the crowds to go ecstatic once the shock passed.
- Plain White T, 2010
Nothing can smash a live performance better than a massive singalong crowd. That’s exactly what happened in 2010, when the New Year’s Eve Live show on Fox brought in Plain White T and the band’s famous song from 2006 Hey There Delilah.
The performance wasn’t just for the band, as everyone in the crowd decided to sing along, turning this show into one of the biggest singalong parties ever witnessed. Imagine being in that crowd and hearing the result.
Finding tickets for New Year’s Eve shows is much simpler now with online portals. But do you think Is Stubhub legit for tickets for such shows? What about Viagogo, is Viagogo legit? Is Ticketmaster legit to book New Year’s Eve? Absolutely, yet it depends on where the show is held. Sometimes, people can attend for free.
- Mariah Carey, 2016
This performance in Times Square became memorable because of how disastrous it was. Stepping onto the stage just minutes before the time ticked the end of 2016, she was put down by a technical issue. She couldn’t hear the music, and while the audience didn’t figure it out, anyone watching TV could see it.
With lips way out of sync with the actual music, she couldn’t help but admit that she couldn’t hear anything. Instead of trying, she gave up at some point and started talking to the crowd instead. She defended herself on social media later, claiming that she reported the problem before the show.
- Bruce Springsteen, 1978
Bruce Springsteen’s show from 1978 didn’t end well when a firecracker hit him. As soon as the year ended, he started performing a cover of Good Rockin’ Tonight. Someone from the audience threw a firecracker on the stage. It came to his face and exploded, but he only had a small cut.
He didn’t let the incident ruin the show for others, so he kept going. But when you’re about to watch a legend perform live, you’ll have to hurry, or you may face disappointment.
In the end, these top 6 most memorable New Year’s Eve shows of all time have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, showcasing incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and setting the stage for future iconic celebrations. Sure, the list could be longer, but nothing beats hair on fire or a failing lip-sync artist.