Top 10: Highest Attended Concerts Of All Time

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Number 4

Steve Wozniak's 1983 US Festival

670,000 people

Steve Wozniak is one of the co-founders of Apple Computers and he wanted to give something back to the community for having made him rich beyond his wildest dreams. In 1982 and 1983, he organized the US Festival, which was a musical and technological orgy of every imaginable style.

In 1983, it was held from May 28th to May 30th, with a country music day on June 4th, in Devore, California. All the greatest performers of the era were there such as Flock of Seagulls, Willie Nelson, Motley Crue, Hank Williams Jr., Wall of Voodoo, Scorpions, INXS, U2, Stevie Nicks, Van Halen, and David Bowie. That second and last year the festival was held, 670,000 people showed up although Wozniak needed 800,000 people to break even.

Highlight: On the 1983 festival's second day, hard rock acts like Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Triumph, and Quiet Riot took to the stage. That day is regarded by some as the best metal concert in history and became known as the US Festival's "Heavy Metal Sunday."

Number 3

Garth Brooks in Central Park

750,000 people

Who would have thought a country star could pull in such a crowd? On August 7th, 1997, Garth Brooks became one of the rare performers to be granted access to Central Park for a concert. Not only was the show broadcast live on HBO, but it was also free for anyone who wanted to attend.

In addition to performing some of his most popular songs, the crowd was given a rare treat. While no one was expecting it, two surprise guest stars appeared on stage with Garth: Billy Joel and Don McLean. Together they offered an acoustic version of the McLean hit "American Pie." Needless to say this brought down the house, or in this case, the park.

Highlight: As a treat to New Yorkers, Brooks and Joel got together and sang "New York State of Mind."

Number 2

New York Philharmonic in Central Park

800,000 people

The New York Philharmonic orchestra has a long tradition of offering its music to people worldwide. In the summer, it often plays free concerts in New York City's Central Park. But on July 5th, 1986, it broke records.

During this time, the people of New York were celebrating Statue of Liberty Weekend and the New York Philharmonic played under the direction of Zubin Mehta. To this day, the 800,000 people in attendance form the largest audience for a classical concert, which at the time was the largest concert crowd ever.

Highlight: Come on, it's a classical music recital; getting 800,000 New Yorkers to sit down for it is a highlight on its own!

Number 1

Rod Stewart at Copacabana Beach

3.5 million people

It was December 31st, 1994 and the people of Rio de Janeiro were prepared to kick off the New Year in style. In the Guinness Book of World Records ' largest free rock concert of all time, Rod Stewart did things differently.

Instead of opting for a traditional venue like a stadium — and those Brazilian soccer fans sure have large ones — Stewart performed, his way, and staged the concert at Copacabana Beach as a gift to the many poor people of Rio. An estimated 3.5 million people showed up to listen to this rocker's greatest hits.

Highlight: Three and a half million Brazilians counting down seconds to the New Year with Rod Stewart is simply phenomenal. Statistically, that's almost two million women awaiting the stroke of midnight, and the ensuing kiss. Tempting...

rock & roll, baby!

Although ticket prices increase every year to maximize profits, there are bands that people are willing to pay big money to see, and luckily, there are also free concerts that allow superstars to give back to their fans. It's always fun to be on the receiving end and the trend is certainly not over. Are you ready to rock?