Duff McKagan Reveals the Only Live Band That Managed to Beat Led Zeppelin in His Opinion

For millions of rock fans, Led Zeppelin represents the absolute pinnacle of live performance. The combination of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham created some of the most legendary shows in music history. However, for Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan, there is a band that has managed to go further. According to McKagan, the only band that truly eclipsed Led Zeppelin in terms of live impact was AC/DC during their classic period led by Bon Scott. The statement may surprise many fans, but the musician explained that AC/DC shows had an energy that was almost impossible to replicate. While Zeppelin impressed with its technique, improvisation and musical grandeur, AC/DC delivered a visceral and explosive experience that transformed each performance into a true event. Duff recalled that watching AC/DC at that time was like witnessing a force of nature. The Australian band managed to maintain a constant intensity from the beginning to the end of the show, something that deeply marked their musical formation. The bassist also highlighted Bon Scott's charisma, whose stage presence helped to further elevate the atmosphere of the shows. Combined with riffs from Angus Young and Malcolm Young, the result was a performance that left a lasting impression on any viewer. Even though he recognizes the historical importance of Led Zeppelin, McKagan believes that AC/DC reached a level of connection with the public that few bands were able to achieve. Decades later, both groups continue to be absolute rock references, but Duff's opinion shows how different artists can see musical greatness from different perspectives.