I have only once been to a concert that had a kickass opening song that didn’t also open up one of their albums.
The best opening songs I have heard all DID open albums. Off the top of my head I recall:
Call to Arms/Do or Die - Dropkick Murphys
At Your Funeral - Saves the Day
The only exception I can think of is “Kick it Out” by Heart, which isn’t the first song on Little Queen, but given the subject matter is jumpstarting things in an upbeat tune, it was appropriate.
Any other examples?
Genesis has used *Turn it on again * as an opening song as well as Land of Confusion The opening song for their reunion concert was Back in New York City
“Waiting Man” was the 4th song on Side 1 of King Crimson’s “Beat,” but it made a good opening number on their 1982 tour.
The Stones, Under My Thumb.
Fleetwood Mac, “The Chain”. They have opened with it forever, and it kicks major ass live.
I’ve seen Pearl Jam open with “Release” and it worked out really well. I’ve also seen Tori Amos open a few shows with “Precious Things” which is a good opening song as well.