Well when comparing the live performances they seem to be a lot more controlled nowwich can be both good and bad.
of course i only know the lived performances in the 80's from bootlegs and archival footage I've gotten a hold of through the years.
I mean obviously there's Jon's voice to consider, but that's gotten enough attention on other topics.Tico's hasn't lost a beat, except he just doesn't add as much to the new songs, but he still plays the older stuff just as good if not better.
To me they were best in '95-'96.
Of course I may be a little biased since my first bj concert was during that time but screw it.