10 Classic Rock Songs To Play At Sporting Events

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Our 10 Classic Rock Songs to play at Sporting Events article presents a list of songs that we think might be helpful to blast through those stadium speakers. Whether it’s a small little league baseball game, over 40 league team, or any other sort of sporting event that you’re looking to play some music to get your team pumped, these 10 songs will definitely do the job. Many of the songs on this list have been played for years in stadiums and still are played. We tried to combine some classics that everyone knows along with some original ideas that no one might have thought about. This one is fun.

# 10 – Centerfield – John Fogerty

Why not start with an all-time classic that was written about what many believe is the greatest game in world history? “Centerfield” is an iconic rock song written and performed by John Fogerty, the former frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Released in 1985, the song serves as the title track of Fogerty’s third solo studio album, “Centerfield.” It has since become a classic anthem, celebrated for its catchy melody and its celebration of America’s favorite pastime, baseball.

Recorded in 1984, “Centerfield” was produced by John Fogerty himself. The song was released as a single in January 1985 and quickly gained popularity, reaching No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success was also propelled by its association with Major League Baseball, as the song became a fixture at baseball stadiums across the United States.

“Centerfield” is a lively and upbeat track that celebrates the joy of playing baseball. It features Fogerty’s distinctive raspy vocals, and the lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia for the game, invoking images of the baseball diamond and the excitement of being the centerfielder. The song’s driving rhythm and twangy guitar riffs capture the essence of rock and roll and the spirit of the sport.

# 9 – Crazy Train – Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train<” is another classic song that’s often played at sporting events around the world. The lyrics do not drive the song use at arenas and stadiums. It’s that iconic Randy Rhodes guitar riff, the laugh, the bass, the drums, the chord changes, the entire feel of the song that makes you jump out of your seat and root for your team.

“Crazy Train” was recorded by Ozzy Osbourne and released in 1980 as the lead single from his debut solo album, “Blizzard of Ozz.” Produced by Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake, the song marked Osbourne’s departure from Black Sabbath and his first venture into a solo career. “Blizzard of Ozz” was recorded at Ridge Farm Studio in Surrey, England, with Randy Rhoads on guitar, Bob Daisley on bass, and Lee Kerslake on drums, forming the core lineup for the album.

# 8 – Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses

This is a common one, but it’s so good we could not keep it off the list. “Welcome to the Jungle” is a classic rock song by the American band Guns N’ Roses. It was released as the second single from their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction,” in 1987. Recorded at Rumbo Studios in Canoga Park, California, and produced by Mike Clink, the song is loved by everyone. It is perfect to be played at all sports events because this one gets a crowd pumped.

# 7 – Driving Wheel  – Foghat

We can’t keep one of our favorite bands on this list.”Driving Wheel” is a blues-rock song by the British-American rock band Foghat. It was released as a track on their 1976 album “Night Shift.” The song was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, and produced by Dan Hartman. Foghat, known for their energetic live performances and bluesy rock sound, featured Lonesome Dave Peverett on vocals and guitar, Rod Price on lead guitar, Craig MacGregor on bass, and Roger Earl on drums.

“Driving Wheel” showcases Foghat’s trademark blues-infused rock sound and their ability to deliver catchy, guitar-driven tunes. Lonesome Dave Peverett’s raspy vocals and Rod Price’s slide guitar work give the song a gritty and soulful quality, which is characteristic of Foghat’s style. This one is perfect.

# 6 – Out To Get You – Grand Funk Railroad

This is the real sleeper on this list as far as popularity. It’s not a really well-known song, but boy does this one rock. The song is released on Grand Funk Railroads’ 1976 album Good Singin’ Good Playing. It’s an instrumental with some sparse singing in between the verses. The song is written by Don Brewer and produced by Frank Zappa who also played the guitar solo on this killer track.

# 5 – Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin

This one is fueled by easily one of the most recognized opening vocal lines in classic rock history. If it was good for Shrek it’s good enough for all of us.”Immigrant Song” is a classic rock song by the legendary British rock band Led Zeppelin. It was released in 1970 as the lead track of their third studio album, “Led Zeppelin III.” The song was recorded in May 1970 at Headley Grange, a remote country house in Hampshire, England. The album was produced by Jimmy Page, the band’s guitarist and producer extraordinaire. Led Zeppelin consisted of Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums.

“Immigrant Song” is known for its powerful and iconic opening riff, played by Jimmy Page on a double-necked guitar. The song’s lyrics were inspired by Norse mythology and Viking imagery, with Robert Plant’s vocals invoking the imagery of a Viking expedition and their battles. Plant’s wailing vocals and the band’s energetic performance create a sense of epic adventure and power.

# 4 – All Revved Up With No Place To Go – Meat Loaf

Something about this song just screams Friday Night High School football. “All Revved Up with No Place to Go” is a classic rock song performed by Meat Loaf. It is featured on his iconic 1977 album “Bat Out of Hell,” one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album was produced by Jim Steinman and recorded at various studios, including Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, and The Hit Factory in New York City. The song’s musicians include Todd Rundgren on guitar, Kasim Sulton on bass, Roy Bittan on piano and keyboards, and Max Weinberg on drums, among others.

# 3 – Stranglehold – Ted Nugent

There’s nothing like crazy Ted to get the rock and roll happening at a ball game. “Stranglehold” is a classic rock masterpiece by the American rock musician Ted Nugent. It was released in 1975 as the lead track on his self-titled debut solo album, “Ted Nugent.” The song was recorded at The Sound Pit in Atlanta, Georgia, and produced by Cliff Davies. Ted Nugent, known for his virtuosic guitar skills and powerful stage presence, performed lead vocals and lead guitar on the track. The rhythm section featured Rob Grange on bass and Cliff Davies on drums.

“Stranglehold” is celebrated for its exceptional guitar work, particularly Ted Nugent’s extended guitar solo that spans nearly eight minutes. The song’s opening riff, played with a distinctive Gibson Byrdland guitar, has become one of rock music’s most recognizable and iconic guitar riffs. Nugent’s fiery guitar work throughout the song showcases his technical prowess and his ability to create intense, bluesy rock solos.

# 2 – Godzilla – Blue Oyster Cult

Blue Oyster Cult defines the term classic rock. “Godzilla” was released in 1977 as a track on their album “Spectres.” The song was recorded at Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, and produced by Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman. Blue Öyster Cult’s lineup for the album included Eric Bloom on vocals and stun guitar, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser on lead guitar and vocals, Allen Lanier on keyboards and rhythm guitar, Joe Bouchard on bass and vocals, and Albert Bouchard on drums and vocals.

“Godzilla” is notable for its infectious and memorable guitar riff, played by Buck Dharma, which is often likened to the sound of a stomping monster. The lyrics playfully reference the iconic Japanese movie monster Godzilla, depicting the havoc and destruction caused by the creature. Eric Bloom’s distinctive vocals and the song’s dynamic shifts in tempo contribute to its engaging and energetic quality.

# 1 – Hells Bells – AC/DC

This is the perfect song for setting up that opening kickoff. “Hells Bells” is a classic rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was released in 1980 as the opening track of their iconic album “Back in Black.” The song was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. AC/DC’s lineup for the album included Brian Johnson on vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums.

The distinctive opening of “Hells Bells” features the tolling of a massive church bell, setting a somber and ominous tone. Brian Johnson’s gravelly vocals then kick in, delivering lyrics that evoke dark and foreboding imagery. The song’s driving rhythm and Angus Young’s searing guitar riffs create a sense of power and urgency, typical of AC/DC’s signature sound.

Critically, “Hells Bells” has been praised for its iconic riff, memorable lyrics, and Brian Johnson’s strong vocal performance. It has become one of AC/DC’s most recognizable and enduring tracks, often featured in their live performances and receiving heavy airplay on rock radio. “Back in Black” reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and is one of the best-selling albums of all time. We had to close it out with this one.

10 Classic Rock Songs To Play At Sporting Events article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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