10 Best Classic Rock Triple LP Live Albums

Feature Photo: Jim Summaria., CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Our 10 Best Classic Rock Triple LP Live Albums article showcases some of the best 3 LP sets released originally on vinyl. While we took into consideration all the CD releases of live shows that expanded on single albums and double albums, we decided to focus just on the original live records that were released as three record sets. Additionally, this article only presents live albums. So you won’t find albums like All Things Must Pass, a studio album on this list. You may be surprised to discover that there were not a lot of three-record live sets released in the ’70s, the ’60s, and even the ’80s. It probably just did not make sense economically for record companies to release three record sets, considering the weight of the albums, the extra cost of shipping and packaging, and more. However, there were some three-LP sets that have become legendary, and this article takes a fun look at them.

# 10 – The Concert for Bangladesh – George Harrison

In a groundbreaking fusion of music and humanitarianism, George Harrison’s The Concert for Bangladesh set a new precedent for benefit concerts and live albums. Recorded over two historic performances on August 1, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the album captured a star-studded lineup of musicians coming together to raise awareness and funds for the Bangladeshi refugees suffering from war and natural disasters. The event was organized by Harrison and Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar, with all proceeds going to UNICEF. The resulting triple album became a powerful document of rock and world music uniting for a cause.

The album featured an eclectic mix of performances from some of the era’s most influential musicians. George Harrison led the way on guitar and vocals, joined by his former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr on drums. Bob Dylan delivered an electrifying acoustic set, while Eric Clapton, despite his struggles with addiction at the time, contributed iconic guitar work. Leon Russell provided a fiery presence on bass and piano, delivering some of the night’s most raucous moments. Billy Preston’s gospel-infused energy, Klaus Voormann’s steady bass, and the drumming of Jim Keltner added to the dynamic nature of the performances. Ravi Shankar and his ensemble opened the concert with a mesmerizing Indian classical music segment, giving the event a deeply spiritual and cross-cultural atmosphere. Produced by George Harrison and Phil Spector, the album preserved the concert’s raw energy and emotional impact.

Upon its release in December 1971 in the UK and January 1972 in the US, The Concert for Bangladesh was both a commercial and critical success. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, staying in the charts for several months. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1973, further cementing its status as a landmark live recording. The album’s powerful blend of rock, folk, and Indian classical music, combined with its humanitarian mission, made it a unique cultural milestone. Harrison’s performance of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Dylan’s haunting rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and Russell’s electrifying take on “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” all became standout moments that elevated the album’s legacy.

Read More: Top 10 George Harrison Songs

# 9 – Europe ’72 – The Grateful Dead

By the early 1970s, the Grateful Dead had built a reputation as one of the most dynamic live bands in rock music, and Europe ’72 captured the group at the height of their improvisational prowess. Recorded during their 22-date European tour in April and May of 1972, the album featured performances from cities across the continent, including London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam. This triple album was produced by the band alongside Bob Matthews and Betty Cantor-Jackson, and it was released on Warner Bros. Records in November 1972.

The lineup for this tour showcased the Dead’s classic early-’70s formation: Jerry Garcia on lead guitar and vocals, Bob Weir on rhythm guitar and vocals, Phil Lesh on bass, Bill Kreutzmann on drums, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan on keyboards, harmonica, and vocals, and Keith Godchaux on piano, with Donna Jean Godchaux contributing backing vocals. The album also featured overdubs recorded later at Alembic Studios in California to enhance vocal harmonies and instrumental clarity. Europe ’72 was the final album to include McKernan before his death in 1973, marking the end of an era for the band.

Commercially and critically, Europe ’72 became one of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved live albums. It reached No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum, solidifying its status as one of their best-selling records. The album featured definitive versions of songs like “Jack Straw,” “China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider,” and “Morning Dew,” capturing the band’s ability to blend folk, blues, and psychedelic rock into a seamless live experience. Songs such as “Tennessee Jed” and “Ramble On Rose” also made their debut on this album before becoming staples of the Dead’s extensive catalog.

Read More: Top 10 Grateful Dead Songs

# 8 – Lotus – Santana

Released 1974

In the early 1970s, Santana had already established itself as one of the most electrifying live bands in rock, and Lotus captured the group at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Recorded on July 3 and 4, 1973, during a performance at Osaka’s Koseinenkin Hall in Japan, this triple live album showcased the band’s seamless fusion of rock, jazz, and Latin rhythms. Produced by the band alongside Tetsuda Koda, Lotus was originally released in Japan in 1974 as a three-LP set before receiving a wider release in later years. The album stood out not only for its expansive musical scope but also for its elaborate packaging, featuring a stunning multi-fold-out cover designed by Tadanori Yokoo.

The lineup for this performance reflected Santana’s shift toward a more jazz-oriented sound, a transition that had begun with Caravanserai in 1972. Carlos Santana led the group on guitar and vocals, with Tom Coster on keyboards, Richard Kermode on additional keyboards, and Doug Rauch on bass. Michael Shrieve, one of the band’s longest-tenured members, played drums, while Armando Peraza and José “Chepito” Areas handled percussion, infusing the performance with the band’s signature Latin groove. This era of Santana saw the band moving further into improvisational territory, influenced by the likes of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and Lotus reflected that ambition with extended instrumental passages and intricate musicianship.

Critically, Lotus was widely regarded as one of the band’s finest live recordings, earning praise for its energy, precision, and dynamic interplay between musicians. The album featured reworked versions of Santana classics like “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen” and “Oye Como Va,” alongside deeper cuts such as “Incident at Neshabur” and “Every Step of the Way.” Despite being released only in Japan upon its initial release, Lotus became a highly sought-after import and later saw reissues that brought it to a global audience. The album did not produce charting singles but solidified Santana’s reputation as a live powerhouse, bridging the gap between rock, jazz, and world music.

Read More: Top 10 Santana Songs

# 7 – Leon Live – Leon Russell

Released 1973

Leon Russell’s dynamic live album, Leon Live, was recorded on August 28, 1972, at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California. Released in 1973 under Shelter Records in the U.S. and A&M in the U.K., this triple LP captured Russell’s electrifying stage presence and musical versatility. The album was produced by Denny Cordell and Leon Russell himself, with mixing handled at Ardent Studios.

The ensemble featured Leon Russell on bass, guitar, keyboards, piano, and vocals; Chuck Blackwell on drums; Ambrose Campbell on congas, drums, and percussion; Joey Cooper on guitar and backing vocals; Nawasa Crowder on backing vocals; John Gallie on keyboards and organ; Rev. Patrick Henderson as arranger, and on keyboards, percussion, piano, and vocals; Phyllis Lindsey on vocals; Don Preston on guitar and vocals; and Carl Radle on bass.

Upon its release, Leon Live achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and earning a gold certification for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The album’s energetic performances and Russell’s charismatic delivery were lauded by critics, solidifying its place as a standout live recording of the era.

Read More: Top 10 Leon Russell Songs

# 6 –Fillmore: The Last Days

Released 1972

Fillmore: The Last Days captured the end of an era, documenting the final performances at the legendary Fillmore West before its closure in 1971. This triple album, released in 1972, was produced by Bill Graham and recorded between June 29 and July 4, 1971, at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, California. The album featured a remarkable lineup of artists who had graced the venue’s stage over the years, marking a historic moment in rock history.

The album included performances by Santana, The Grateful Dead, Hot Tuna, Boz Scaggs, and Quicksilver Messenger Service, among others. It also featured contributions from lesser-known acts, demonstrating the eclectic mix of artists that made the Fillmore West a legendary venue. The album showcased the energy and musicianship of the era, with live recordings that captured the raw intensity of these farewell performances. The house band, known as the Fillmore All-Stars, provided backing support on various tracks. The recordings were produced by Bill Graham and engineered by Glen Kolotkin, ensuring a high-quality live sound that preserved the venue’s atmosphere.

Fillmore: The Last Days received positive reviews for its historical significance and diverse setlist, though some critics noted the challenge of condensing such a momentous event into one collection. The album was initially released as a triple LP set with a booklet documenting the final nights at the Fillmore West, adding to its value as a collector’s item. The album charted modestly but remains an essential piece of rock history, serving as a tribute to Bill Graham’s impact on the live music scene.

# 5 – The Last Waltz – The Band

On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, The Band bid farewell to the stage with a monumental concert at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom. This event was immortalized in their live album, The Last Waltz, released on April 7, 1978, by Warner Bros. Records. The concert, produced by Bill Graham, was a grand affair, featuring a Thanksgiving dinner for 5,000 attendees and a stage set borrowed from the San Francisco Opera’s production of La Traviata.

The album captures The Band performing their classic hits alongside a stellar lineup of guest artists. Notable collaborations include “Who Do You Love” with Ronnie Hawkins, “Helpless” featuring Neil Young, “Coyote” with Joni Mitchell, and “I Shall Be Released,” which brought together the ensemble cast for a memorable finale. The Band’s lineup for this performance featured Rick Danko on bass and vocals, Levon Helm on drums and vocals, Garth Hudson on keyboards, Richard Manuel on piano and vocals, and Robbie Robertson on guitar.

Critically, The Last Waltz is hailed as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. It peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been lauded for its rich sound and historic significance. The album’s production, overseen by Robbie Robertson, involved post-concert overdubs to address recording issues from the live performance.

The original release was a triple LP, with sides one through five featuring live recordings from the concert, and side six presenting “The Last Waltz Suite,” a series of studio tracks recorded in 1977. The suite includes new compositions by Robertson, with guest appearances by artists like Emmylou Harris and The Staple Singers.

# 4 –Welcome Back, My Friends, to the Show That Never Ends – Ladies and Gentlemen – Emerson, Lake & Plamer

# 3 –Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More

Released on May 11, 1970, Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More is a live album capturing select performances from the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival held in Bethel, New York. Produced by Eric Blackstead and released under Atlantic Records’ Cotillion label, this triple album offers a curated experience of the event that defined a generation.

The album features a diverse lineup of artists who performed at the festival, including Richie Havens, Canned Heat, Joan Baez, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Who, Joe Cocker, Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Sly and the Family Stone, and Jimi Hendrix, among others. Notably, some tracks underwent post-production enhancements, such as overdubs, and a few were not recorded at the festival itself. The packaging includes a triple-gatefold sleeve with a panoramic photo of the crowd taken from the stage by photographer Jim Marshall.

Upon its release, the album achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and earning a 2× Platinum certification in 1993. In 2014, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a pivotal recording in music history.

# 2 – Yessongs- Yes

Released 1973

By the early 1970s, Yes had established itself as one of the premier progressive rock bands, known for intricate compositions, virtuosic musicianship, and grandiose live performances. Yessongs, released on May 18, 1973, captured the band at the peak of its creative and commercial ascent. This triple live album documented Yes’s performances from their Fragile and Close to the Edge tours in 1972, showcasing both the original lineup with drummer Bill Bruford and his replacement, Alan White. The album was produced by the band and Eddie Offord, who had also helmed the studio versions of many of these tracks. The recordings took place at various venues, including the Rainbow Theatre in London and Nassau Coliseum in New York.

A defining feature of Yessongs was its ability to translate Yes’s ambitious studio work into a live setting. The performances retained the complexity and grandeur of the original recordings while infusing them with fresh energy. Jon Anderson’s soaring vocals, Steve Howe’s dexterous guitar work, Chris Squire’s thunderous bass lines, Rick Wakeman’s intricate keyboard passages, and the powerful drumming of both Bruford and White combined to deliver a mesmerizing sonic experience. The album opened with “Opening (Excerpt from ‘Firebird Suite’),” an orchestral piece by Igor Stravinsky, setting the stage for the band’s dramatic entrance. It then launched into “Siberian Khatru” and “Heart of the Sunrise,” both delivered with remarkable intensity.

Critically, Yessongs was lauded for capturing the band’s technical prowess and theatricality. It reached No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 12 on the Billboard 200, a testament to Yes’s growing influence. The album’s striking cover art, designed by Roger Dean, further cemented its status as a landmark in progressive rock. Dean’s surreal landscapes became synonymous with the band’s visual identity. While some critics pointed out that the live sound was occasionally rougher than the polished studio recordings, Yessongs remains one of the most revered live albums in rock history, celebrating Yes at their most dynamic and adventurous.

# 1 – Wings Over America – Paul McCartney & Wings

Released on December 10, 1976, this ambitious triple live album documented their 1976 North American tour, showcasing McCartney’s return to full-scale touring after The Beatles had stopped performing live in 1966. The recordings were taken from concerts held across the United States, including shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The album was produced by Paul McCartney and engineered by Mark Vigars, with overdubs and final mixing completed at Abbey Road Studios in London.

The performances on Wings Over America displayed the band’s versatility, spanning McCartney’s post-Beatles career and even revisiting select Beatles classics. The lineup included McCartney on vocals, bass, and piano, along with Linda McCartney on keyboards and backing vocals, Denny Laine on guitars and vocals, Jimmy McCulloch on lead guitar, and Joe English on drums. The album featured standout renditions of hits such as “Live and Let Die,” “Jet,” and “Band on the Run,” as well as a surprise inclusion of “Yesterday,” marking McCartney’s first live performance of the song with Wings. The band’s tight musicianship and energetic delivery cemented their reputation as a formidable live act.

Wings Over America received widespread acclaim upon release and became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart. It was praised for its faithful recreation of the band’s studio recordings while adding a dynamic live energy. The album’s iconic artwork, featuring an airplane fuselage with the Wings logo, became one of the most recognizable images of the era.

Check out more similar articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……

10 Best Classic Rock Double Live Albums Released In The 1970s

10 Best Classic Rock Double Albums Released In The 1970s