GUITAR'S GREATEST LIVE MOMENTS!

From the iconic to the infamous to the (literally) incendiary, we’ve tracked down the absolute wildest on-stage antics in six-string history

- AMIT SHARMA, JOE BOSSO

A GREAT LIVE moment can mean so many different things. It can be an experience that forever binds the minds of those on stage with the audience in front of them — the perfect setlist matched by the right atmosphere and sonic treatment. A formula that, as easy as it sounds on paper, is like catching lightning in a bottle. But an historic event is often so much more than a strong performance; it can be anything from an unexpected guest appearance or collaboration, something with some unexpected socio-political ramifications — or one of those times when things don’t quite go as planned, which, as every guitarist knows, is always an ever-hovering possibility. If anything, it’s how musicians have reacted in the face of adversity that has left the longest-lasting impressions — rare opportunities to prove their talents are more than just a simple rehearsal to perfection.

There have been a number of on-stage victories for any of the artists featured in this list, though — in our humble opinion — these are 40 of the most definitive events in guitar history. (P.S.: We’ve promised you 40, but our math isn’t so good, so, as always, we’ve thrown in a few extras. Enjoy!)

Mary duels with Paul — on Les Pauls

THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR, 1954