Because the pandemic lastly started to recede, 2022 noticed the entire return of live shows and touring.
The one individuals seemingly extra excited than followers concerning the return of reside music have been the rock acts themselves. Seemingly each main artist headed again on the highway stuffed with gusto, taking part in to audiences throughout the globe.
There have been loads of memorable onstage moments, together with reunions, mishaps, collaborations and fist fights. One in every of music’s largest stars received married throughout a live performance, whereas one other pulled down his pants and mooned hundreds of followers. We recap these and extra in our listing of the 22 wildest onstage moments of 2022:
March 17: Duran Duran’s Rooftop Live performance
Duran Duran delivered a 12-song set on the rooftop of the Aster, a members membership and resort within the coronary heart of Hollywood. The efficiency was held simply weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and in view of the close by Capitol Data constructing, which was illuminated with the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag. “We’re interesting to our followers in Russia to have an open coronary heart and to assist peace,” John Taylor mentioned in an official assertion. “We’re all hoping you will get again to an ‘Atypical World.’” Footage from the rooftop live performance was later launched as a part of Duran Duran’s documentary movie, A Hollywood Excessive.
Learn Extra: Duran Duran Play Hollywood Rooftop Present
March 26: Genesis Play Their Final Present
Genesis introduced their farewell tour to a detailed in March with a live performance at London’s O2 Area. The Final Domino? dates had already been postponed by the pandemic, with the ultimate present going down greater than two years after the trek was initially introduced. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks celebrated the band’s lengthy and spectacular profession with a 23-song efficiency. Included have been basic tracks from their prog-rock period – together with “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” – in addition to pop hits like “Invisible Contact” and “I Can’t Dance.” Making the night time additional particular, former frontman Peter Gabriel was readily available to soak up the present.
Learn Extra: Genesis Play Final-Ever Present With Peter Gabriel in Viewers
March 30: Wolfgang Energy Trio
Because the outdated saying goes, the present should go on. That’s precisely what Wolfgang Van Halen’s band Mammoth WVH did throughout a tour cease in New Jersey. The five-piece group was down to simply three members on the night time. “That is enjoyable; that is attention-grabbing. It is harmful,” Van Halen instructed the gang early within the present. “You do not know what is going on to fucking occur, proper?” Certain sufficient, Mammoth WVH greater than held their very own as an influence trio. The night time additionally featured an particularly poignant second when Van Halen carried out a solo acoustic rendition of “Distance,” a tribute to his late father Eddie Van Halen.
Learn Extra: Wolfgang Van Halen Performs ‘Distance’ Solo at Mammoth WVH Trio Present
April 6: Backing Tracks Go Flawed
Santa Cruz discovered themselves within the middle of controversy after footage of the exhausting rock band clearly performing with a pre-recorded vocal monitor went viral. The clip drew the ire of musicians and media personalities alike on social media, who blasted the group’s “blatant fakery.” Santa Cruz later insisted the entire thing was a publicity stunt. “Professional-tip: fuck up a monitor reside on function & get a shit-ton of free publicity,” frontman Archie Cruz argued.
Learn Extra: Rock Band Santa Cruz Will get Blasted for Utilizing Backing Tracks
April 8: Jack White Married Onstage
Followers in attendance at Jack White’s April live performance in Detroit didn’t simply see a present, they witnessed a marriage. White was was within the midst of performing the White Stripes’ 2001 single “Resort Yorba” when he proposed to his girlfriend Olivia Jean, whose band opened the present earlier that night time. When White returned for his encore, Jean, her father and White’s mom additionally got here onstage. The couple then exchanged vows and have been wed in entrance of the gang, with Third Man Data co-founder Ben Swank serving as officiant.
Learn Extra: Jack White Will get Married Onstage Throughout His Live performance in Detroit
David James Swanson
Might 12: Fan Fills in For Pearl Jam
Drummer Matt Cameron examined optimistic for COVID and was unable to carry out throughout Pearl Jam’s tour cease in Oakland, so a trio of musicians stepped as much as take his place. One was Josh Klinghoffer, the Pearl Jam touring member and former Purple Sizzling Chili Peppers guitarist. One other was Richard Stuverud, an Oakland-based drummer who’s performed in a number of aspect tasks with Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament. However Cameron’s very unlikely substitute was Josh Arroyo, a neighborhood fan who Pearl Jam introduced on stage to carry out the closing track of the night time, “Yellow Ledbetter.”
Purple Extra: Josh Klinghoffer and Fan Fill in on Drums at Pearl Jam Live performance
Might 12: Metallica Group Hug
Even the world’s biggest rock stars doubt themselves generally, and James Hetfield has all the time been open about that. Metallica’s efficiency in Brazil discovered him detailing how bandmates helped throughout a current powerful time: “I’ve gotta let you know I wasn’t feeling excellent earlier than I got here out right here,” Hetfield admitted. I used to be “feeling slightly bit insecure, like I am an outdated man, cannot play anymore – all this bullshit that I inform myself in my head. So I talked to those guys they usually helped me, so simple as that. They gave me a hug and mentioned, ‘Hey, in case you’re struggling on stage, we have your again.’ And I let you know, it means the world to me.” At that time, the others joined him for a gaggle hug, cheered on by greater than 60,000 followers. Metallica then proceeded to rock by means of a rendition of “Unhappy However True.”
Learn Extra: James Hetfield’s Heartfelt Revelation Prompts Metallica Group Hug
Might 15: The Who Return to Cincinnati
The Who returned to Cincinnati greater than 4 a long time after a stampede left 11 useless at Riverfront Coliseum. They honored the 1979 tragedy by taking part in a free charity live performance, with lots of the sufferer’s households in attendance. “I’ve been making an attempt to think about what to say – what can be cool to say, what can be uncool to say,” Pete Townshend instructed the gang. “There’s no phrases that we will say that may imply [as much as] the truth that you guys have come out tonight and supported this occasion. Thanks a lot.” The poignant present included a rendition of “Love Reign O’er Me,” throughout which the 11 victims have been proven on display.
Learn Extra: The Who Honor Victims of 1979 Cincinnati Tragedy in Metropolis Return
Might 28: Vinnie Vincent Performs With Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick
Kiss followers could possibly be forgiven for doubting Vinnie Vincent would truly carry out his introduced set on the Creatures Fest in Nashville. In any case, he’d develop into infamous for canceling current appearances after being out of the limelight for the higher a part of 20 years. But, Vincent dutifully took the stage in Might in entrance of roughly 900 Kiss followers, opening with quarter-hour of fiery riffage earlier than welcoming fellow Kiss alumni Bruce Kulick and Ace Frehley to hitch him for a number of classics. The efficiency was briefly marred by a number of technical issues, however that did little to dampen the joy round Vincent’s return.
Learn Extra: Vinnie Vincent, Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick Performed Reside Collectively
Might 31: Judas Priest Hell Bent With out Leather-based
Judas Priest launched the European leg of their 2022 tour with out their customary outfits. This membership present in Germany additionally featured no stage design and no pyrotechnics – however they hadn’t left behind their distinctive leather-based and studs for a public present since debuting the look in 1978. The sight of Rob Halford in denims and a T-shirt might have been uncommon, but it surely didn’t cease Judas Priest from delivering a usually incendiary set. “Final night time in Berlin was superb and one thing I’ve by no means carried out with the band earlier than,” guitarist Richie Faulkner mentioned the following day. “No leather-based, no studs. No screens, no motorcycle. No large gentle present or inflatable Birmingham bull. Uncovered audio system, simply denims, T-shirts, a small membership and it was all purely concerning the music – all of us collectively and the uncooked energy of the music.”
Learn Extra: Watch Judas Priest Carry out With out Leather-based and Studs
June 23: Tracii Weapons Performs in a Rest room
Tracii Weapons has lengthy battled anxiousness, although he is discovered to manage a whole lot of it. One set off he nonetheless can not deal with, nonetheless, is warmth. So, when L.A. Weapons was scheduled to play a sweltering membership in Plano, Texas in the midst of June, it appeared seemingly that Weapons must sit out. That’s, till bassist Johnny Martin got here up with an ingenious thought. “I proposed that we discover an air-conditioned spot close to the stage – and … voila!” The band ran cables from the stage again to a close-by toilet, the place Weapons might carry out and work together in consolation. He even reside streamed the set so followers might get a glimpse at his distinctive expertise.
Learn Extra: Watch Tracci Weapons Carry out L.A. Weapons Present From Backstage Rest room
Aug. 2: Vince Neil Performs the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is understood for a long-standing connection to nation music, but it surely often welcomes performers from different genres – together with Vince Neil. He took the venerable stage in August, delivering a rendition of Motley Crue ’s basic 1985 single “Residence Candy Residence” that earned loud approval from the followers in attendance. Neil appeared honored to be included, tweeting about his pleasure to be featured on the Opry.
Learn Extra: Watch Vince Neil Make His Grand Ole Opry Debut
Sept 7: Kane Roberts Returns to Alice Cooper
A well-known face joined Alice Cooper as he kicked off his fall tour in Bethlehem, Pa. Guitarist Kane Roberts returned to the lineup for the primary time since 1988, serving as a substitute after Nita Strauss departed earlier within the 12 months. Roberts’ first reunion set lasted 23 songs, and featured the return of his well-known machine gun guitar. Cooper celebrated the homecoming, proclaiming “the beast is again – Kane Roberts!” because the band took their bows.
Learn Extra: Watch Kane Roberts Return to Alice Cooper’s Band
Sept. 9: Tommy Lee Moons Followers
Tommy Lee provided a sequence of eyebrow-raising antics all through Motley Crue’s extremely profitable Stadium Tour trek with Def Leppard. Spoiler alert: All of them had one thing to do with nudity. After posting a unadorned image of himself on social media, Lee started commonly encouraging followers at Motley Crue exhibits to reveal their genitals. He provided to point out the gang his “wiener” at a cease in L.A., solely to tug a dachshund out of his pants. Issues inevitably hit their pinnacle on the closing Stadium Tour cease in Las Vegas, the place Lee introduced he was becoming a member of the adult-streaming web site OnlyFans by flattening his pants and mooning the gang.
Learn Extra: Tommy Lee Moons Crowd to Announce He Has Joined OnlyFans
Sept. 24: 9 Inch Nails Authentic Lineup Reunion
The unique members of 9 Inch Nails got here collectively for an surprising reunion, as Richard Patrick, Chris Vrenna, Danny Lohner and Charlie Clouser joined Trent Reznor for present in Ohio. They carried out alongside the present lineup, delivering the ultimate six songs of the night time – together with “Want,” “Sin” and “Head Like a Gap.” The live performance befell sooner or later after 9 Inch Nails members previous and current took half in a fan day Q&A on the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame.
Learn Extra: Watch Authentic 9 Inch Nails Lineup Reunite Onstage
Sept. 27: Wolfgang Performs ‘Panama’ for Taylor Hawkins
In an August 2021 tweet, Wolfgang Van Halen mentioned he honors his late father “by current and doing what I do on daily basis. I am not fuckin’ taking part in ‘Panama’ for you guys.” Seems, there was one exception to this rule. Van Halen delved into hits from his household’s namesake band on the Taylor Hawkins tribute live shows in London after which in Los Angeles. On the first present, Wolfgang delivered “On Fireplace” and “Sizzling for Instructor,” whereas “Panama” was an L.A.-only deal with. Actually, his rendition of the 1984 hit was an unquestioned spotlight on an evening that featured a few of rock’s brightest stars.
Learn Extra: Watch Wolfgang Van Halen F—ing Play ‘Panama’ Taylor Hawkins
Oct. 17: Iron Maiden’s Prop Aircraft Falls Flat
Issues didn’t go in line with plan for Iron Maiden throughout an October present in Worcester, Mass. Their closing track “Aces Excessive” is usually accompanied by a World Warfare II fighter airplane rising above the band on stage, however the usually spectacular duplicate Spitfire stalled on the way in which. Anxious crew members tried to make things better, pulling and tugging on numerous assist wires. When the prop nonetheless refused to deploy, they opted to take away it completely from view. All of the whereas, Iron Maiden continued taking part in.
Learn Extra: Watch Iron Maiden’s Prop Aircraft Malfunction Throughout ‘Aces Excessive’
Nov. 5: ZZ High Convey Out the Massive Bass
ZZ High debuted a giant addition to their band throughout a November cease in Huntsville, Ala., as bassist Elwood Francis pulled out a comically outsized instrument throughout the opening quantity, “Obtained Me Underneath Strain” from 1983’s Eliminator. “I used to be doing night time web looking [and] turned up an image of this loopy 17-string bass,” Francis later defined. “I despatched an image to Billy [Gibbons] and we laughed about it and made some jokes about truly making an attempt to make use of it. A couple of weeks later, after I had forgotten about it, Billy exhibits up with [the 17-string bass],” Francis added, describing the state of affairs as “a type of ‘maintain my beer’ moments.”
Learn Extra: Here is Why ZZ High Simply Carried out With a Large 17-String Bass
Nov. 5: Dolly Parton Leads Corridor of Fame Rendition of ‘Jolene’
Some traditionalists might have bristled at Dolly Parton’s induction into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame, however there’s little doubt she was the shining star of the this 12 months’s induction ceremony. Parton led an ensemble to shut the star-studded occasion that included fellow inductees Rob Halford, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon and Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox by means of a rendition of “Jolene.” The sight of Judas Priest’s frontman earnestly vocalizing alongside a glittering Parton was well worth the value of admission.
Purple Extra: Dolly Parton Leads Rock Corridor ‘Jolene’ Jam With Rob Halford and Extra
Nov. 22: Black Crowes Stage Invader
The Black Crowes ventured to Australia as they continued their Shake Your Cash Maker tour, and the journey was not with out incident. A rowdy fan tried to get on stage as they carried out the track “Stare it Chilly” throughout a present in Melbourne. Safety tried to apprehend the invader, earlier than brothers Chris and Wealthy Robinson took issues into their very own fingers. Chris jabbed him with a mic stand earlier than Wealthy bludgeoned the invader along with his guitar. The fan was quickly escorted out of the venue, and the Black Crowes restarted “Stare it Chilly” as soon as extra.
Learn Extra: Watch Black Crowes Bludgeon Stage Invader With Guitar, Mic Stand
Dec. 2: Pantera’s Return
The remaining members of Pantera started touring once more greater than 20 years after their final live performance. Frontman Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown have been joined by guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, who took the place of deceased members “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul. Pantera’s return started in December on the Hell & Heaven Steel Fest in Texcoco, Mexico, with greater than 30,000 followers readily available to rejoice. They will proceed with intensive excursions of Europe and North America into 2023.
Learn Extra: Pantera Performs First Reunion Present
Dec. 8: Axl Rose Injures Fan With Microphone
Fan Rebecca Howe was apparently unaware of Axl Rose’s behavior of creating mic-tossing farewells, and received badly injured throughout a November live performance by Weapons N’ Roses. “He took a bow after which he launched the microphone out to the gang … after which bang, proper on the bridge of my nostril,” she later reported. The incident apparently put a cease to the custom. “You’ve got heard of AA, proper? I’ve to go to TA: Tossers Nameless,” Rose mentioned at a subsequent live performance, incomes a wave of laughter and applause from the gang. “Sure, it is true. It is a 12-step factor. I do not know what I am on. I am solely originally. Step one, you already know, you have to admit you will have an issue. So, my identify is Axl, and sure, I am a tosser.”
Learn Extra: Axl Rose Says He is in ‘Tossers Nameless’ After Microphone Drama
