On This Day: Janis Joplin Performs Her Final Performance Ever in 1970

Janis Joplin was one of the most unique and powerful vocalists of the 20th century. She passed away at the age of 27 long before her time, and one can’t help but wonder what she would have done with her career if she hadn’t left us so young. We can look back at a short but rich career full of stellar performances to remember her by. One important performance, in particular, was her 1970 set at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. On this day in 1970, that particular set marked Janis Joplin’s final performance before her death two months later.

Janis Joplin kicked off her final performance on August 12, 1970 at Harvard Stadium in Boston. The stadium was absolutely packed with fans, and the headcount was likely around 40,000. Joplin headlined the performance with her new band at the time, Full Tilt Boogie Band.

The set almost didn’t happen, too. The performance was delayed after a thief stole the band’s sound equipment that afternoon. Two opening acts managed to keep the crowd calm, but everyone was more than ready to hear Joplin by the time the issue was semi-resolved and she took the stage.

Though little in the way of footage remains of Janis Joplin’s final performance, there is audio out there of her full set. You can listen to it below:

Remembering Janis Joplin’s Powerhouse Final Performance on August 12, 1970

Joplin’s final set only lasted about 30 minutes. She performed a variety of different songs, which included both original tracks and a few covers. Fans were entranced by her performance of “Mercedes Benz” and cover of “Summertime” by George Gershwin. Most of her set was a capella, likely because of all the missing sound equipment that put a damper on the band’s performance.

Surprisingly, Joplin did not perform most of her massive hits. “Piece Of My Heart” and “Me And Bobby McGee” were notably missing.

Despite the short set and lack of hits, Joplin put on an incredible show. Unfortunately, it would be the powerhouse singer’s very last.

Joplin struggled with a drinking habit and the use of hard drugs for years, especially after she became famous. But her addictions didn’t get in the way of her stage presence. Even at her worst, she still managed to have an absolutely explosive presence on stage. That energy lasted all the way to the very end, with her last performance punctuating a truly legendary career. 

RIP, Joplin. They don’t make them like you anymore.

Photo by Crawley/Kobal/Shutterstock

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