The Fillmore East and Fillmore West were sanctuaries for music lovers, where legendary artists delivered some of the most electrifying live performances ever recorded. Bill Graham’s iconic venues saw career-defining moments, improvised brilliance, and sheer musical transcendence—all captured in some of the greatest live albums of all time. Here are 15 of the best that truly bring the spirit of the Fillmore to life.
1. The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East (1971)
This isn’t just the greatest Fillmore album—it’s one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. Duane Allman and Dickey Betts rip through extended jams of “Whipping Post” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”, while Gregg Allman’s soulful vocals ground the chaos. This album defined Southern rock and proved that the Allmans were a force unlike any other.
2. Jimi Hendrix – Live at the Fillmore East (1999)
Recorded during Band of Gypsys’ legendary New Year’s Eve 1969-70 shows, this posthumous release showcases Hendrix at his most experimental. Tracks like “Machine Gun” and “Power of Soul” feature searing guitar work, politically charged lyrics, and a raw, unfiltered intensity that solidified his live performance legacy.
3. Aretha Franklin – Live at Fillmore West (1971)
The Queen of Soul in a rock setting? Yes, and it’s absolutely stunning. Aretha delivers powerhouse renditions of “Respect”, “Dr. Feelgood”, and a show-stopping take on The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” With King Curtis’ blistering saxophone and a backing band that included Billy Preston, this album is pure magic.
4. Derek and the Dominos – Live at the Fillmore (1994)
Eric Clapton’s short-lived supergroup turned “Layla” into an extended, slow-burning blues epic during these Fillmore shows in 1970. Duane Allman wasn’t there for these gigs, but Clapton and his band dug deep into the blues, delivering gut-wrenching solos and raw, emotional performances.
5. The Grateful Dead – Fillmore West 1969 (2005)
Arguably the best representation of the Dead’s psychedelic glory, this four-disc set captures the band as they refined their signature sound before recording Live/Dead. Cosmic jams of “Dark Star” and “St. Stephen” are jaw-dropping, proving why Fillmore was their ultimate playground.
6. Humble Pie – Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore (1971)
Steve Marriott’s scorching vocals and Peter Frampton’s blues-drenched guitar make this one of the rawest, grittiest live albums ever. Their 14-minute version of “I Don’t Need No Doctor” is pure fire, and the entire set is filled with boozy, bluesy swagger.
7. Santana – Live at the Fillmore 1968 (1997)
Before Woodstock, before Abraxas, before international superstardom, Santana cut their teeth at the Fillmore. This album captures the early, jam-heavy, Latin-tinged blues sound that would make them icons, with an electrifying version of “Soul Sacrifice” that foreshadowed their breakthrough.
8. Miles Davis – Live at the Fillmore East: March 7, 1970 (2001)
Miles went full electric at the Fillmore, embracing fusion with a vengeance. Featuring Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, and Dave Holland, this set finds Davis pushing jazz into the rock world with relentless, exploratory energy. Mind-melting.
9. Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Live at the Fillmore East (2006)
Neil Young and Danny Whitten create some of the grungiest, dirtiest, most emotionally charged guitar duels ever on this 1970 performance. The 16-minute version of “Down by the River” is otherworldly, showing why Crazy Horse was Young’s greatest band.
10. The Byrds – Live at the Fillmore West (1969)
Roger McGuinn’s 12-string jangle, Clarence White’s country-rock licks, and a high-energy setlist that included “Eight Miles High” and Bob Dylan covers make this a hidden gem. The Byrds rarely get credit for their live chops, but this album proves they could bring the heat.
11. Jefferson Airplane – Bless Its Pointed Little Head (1969)
Forget the studio versions—this is what Jefferson Airplane was meant to sound like. Grace Slick’s commanding vocals, Jorma Kaukonen’s bluesy licks, and extended psychedelic jams make this one of the best live albums of the era.
12. Joe Cocker – Mad Dogs & Englishmen (1970)
Cocker’s massive, ragtag band (including Leon Russell) tore through rock, soul, and gospel like a traveling circus of sound. This Fillmore-recorded album is wild, untamed, and filled with musical euphoria.
13. The Doors – Live at the Fillmore East 1968 (Bootleg Recording)
While an official release remains elusive, bootleg recordings of The Doors’ 1968 Fillmore East shows capture Jim Morrison at his most theatrical and unpredictable. The deep, bluesy energy of “When the Music’s Over” and “Light My Fire” is haunting.
14. Albert King – Live Wire/Blues Power (1968)
Blues legend Albert King delivered one of the most electrifying performances in Fillmore history with this tight, razor-sharp set. His soulful, expressive guitar playing on “Blues Power” and “Crosscut Saw” is the definition of blues mastery.
15. Frank Zappa & The Mothers – Fillmore East – June 1971 (1971)
This album captures Zappa at his absurd, theatrical best, blending jaw-dropping musicianship with satirical insanity. With Flo & Eddie’s wild antics and a mix of jazz, rock, and humor, it’s the perfect document of the Mothers’ controlled chaos.
What made the Fillmore shows legendary wasn’t just the talent—it was the energy of the crowd, the unpredictability of the performances, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments that were captured on tape. These albums aren’t just recordings—they’re time machines, transporting you to a time when music wasn’t just played, it was felt.