
These 33 songs have been played at least 2,000 times by some of the biggest names in rock and metal.
Let that sink in for a moment. There are at least 33 songs out there that have been played live more than 2,000 times and fans keep coming back for more.
Not to mention, only nine different rock and metal acts account for these 33 songs.
READ MORE: Songs 18 Huge Rock + Metal Bands Have Played Live More Than 1,500 Times
That means a band not only needs to be around for a long time, but it also needs to play a ton of shows on a somewhat annual basis.
A band like The Rolling Stones, for example, has almost become a punchline for how many years they've been playing live. At the same time, The Stones rarely go back-to-back years playing shows.
Not a single Rolling Stones song has been played more than 2,000 times.
Bands like KISS and Def Leppard certainly deserve credit, not only for their relentless touring over the years, but also for finding ways to be entertaining while continuously dipping into their hits.
There's also at least one name on the list that has had two songs appear on his setlist more than 3,000 times each. The two songs have already been played a combined 100 times just in the past year.
Here is what we came up with using statistics from Setlist.fm.
33 Songs Legendary Rock and Metal Bands Have Played Live More Than 2,000 Times
Here are nine acts that have at least one song they've played live more than 2,000 times. (Totals via Setlist.fm on Sept. 5, 2025)
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
The 101 Rock + Metal Songs With Over One Billion Spotify Streams
Recapping the rock and metal songs that have eclipsed one billion streams on Spotify.
NOT INCLUDED: The definition of rock is incredibly broad today and, in this list, we've elected not to include pop/rock acts such as Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5, Twenty One Pilots, 5 Seconds of Summer, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Gym Class Heroes and Train.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita