Concert industry veterans enjoyed a stellar 2023, highlighted by Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour as the star attraction. However, numerous rock music tours also took place and provided unforgettable experiences for concert goers.
Pantera are making a comeback and hitting the road this fall, while Foreigner will perform their last show before going their separate ways. Both bands are eagerly anticipated by fans.
Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones have long been known for their signature style of constant reinvention, making them one of the most revered bands in rock. Backed by drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman’s steady rhythm section, they spent the 1960s and 70s producing classic singles that defined rock ‘n’ roll culture.
Let It Bleed (1969), their second album, marked their breakthrough into music history. This record led directly to the Altamont Speedway concert disaster wherein an unsuspecting young man was fatally attacked by members of Hells Angels motorcycle gang during an outdoor show – an incident which sent shockwaves through music circles worldwide and caused major shifts in their style of playing music.
But the Stones continued touring and winning over fans worldwide. Their breakthrough came with the release of Blue & Lonesome album which showcased all-blues cover songs, calling back to their early roots and earning critical acclaim.
In 2024, The Stones will enthrall fans once more with a tour that marks their latest album release of Hackney Diamonds. Tickets go on sale December 1, with AARP members eligible for presale of tickets to attend 16 North American tours across 16 dates starting in early 2024. When attendees attend concerts they’ll witness iconic band performances of hits from its extensive back catalog as well as songs off of Hackney Diamonds as well as fan favorite deep cuts!
Bruce Springsteen
After more than five years off the road, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are finally back on tour! After embarking on an international trek that is set to end this month in Barcelona, Spain; several dates in America – with MetLife Stadium and Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park set as venues – will also take place with onsale taking place this Friday – check the band website for full list of shows!
The second show on the first North American leg of Bruce Springsteen and The E Streeters’ 2023 tour didn’t quite reach the high standards set by its inaugural night in Madison Square Garden forty-eight hours prior, but was nonetheless an energetic rock and roll performance that satisfied fans. Springsteen and company revisited songs that have made this tour such a hit while giving Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren an opportunity to showcase their musical skills on guitar and sax respectively.
Veteran music writer Geoffrey Himes examines two essential eras in Springsteen’s career with this entry in Bloomsbury 33 1/3 series. He explores both Nebraska (1982) and Born in the U.S.A (1984) from their inception through creation, making an argument for their status among history’s great records.
Deftones
GRAMMY-nominated alternative metal band the Deftones have long been considered an experimental music group, making them must-see rock musicians. Since 1988, this Sacramento outfit is famed for their unsettling soundscapes and poignant lyrics exploring themes of alienation and death – leading vocalist Chino Moreno is particularly passionate, howling his heart out with extraordinary passion while Abe Cunningham on drums, Chi Cheng on bass, Stephen Carpenter on guitars, turntables & keyboards player Frank Delgado add color – songs such as Digital Bath or Passenger showcase their wide dynamic capabilities!
Deftones continue to progress over the years, and their latest album Gore received critical acclaim as a return to their original sound. After this success was met with an extensive North American tour with Alice in Chains and Mastodon as well as headlining Dia de los Deftones festival in San Diego.
Fans who attend a Deftones show can expect an immersive rock experience, featuring pumping beats and atmospheric melodies; their distinctive style has won them an enormous following among hardcore music lovers. Similar sounding bands to the Deftones include alternative metal outfits Team Sleep (featuring Chino Moreno from Deftones) and Thrice, who combine post-hardcore, alternative, and progressive rock in an ever-evolving sonic landscape.
Journey & Def Leppard
Next summer, two iconic rock acts – Journey and Def Leppard – will join forces for an unprecedented co-headlining tour across North America. Each band’s legendary hits as well as newer music will come together for one unforgettable concert experience that is sure to delight their fans! Don’t miss this epic show!
Def Leppard and Journey are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year with a tour that begins February and runs through April 2024. Additionally, Cheap Trick and Heart have joined Def Leppard at certain shows; also in 2022 came Diamond Star Halos which featured classic tracks reimagined by London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra while Drastic Symphonies was released as well.
After their successful 2018 tour with Motley Crue, Def Leppard have revealed plans for an arena and stadium tour in 2023 with Journey as special guests on some dates – marking their first co-headlining tour since 2008.
Def Leppard and Journey are two iconic bands with extensive catalogues of hits. Last summer they toured together, and will once more join forces for 23 concerts across America this summer – opening acts will vary depending on venue; possible acts could include Steve Miller Band, Cheap Trick or Heart; tickets are on sale for all performances now!
Metallica
Metallica are one of the best-known heavy metal bands ever, and continue to break new ground while connecting with new generations of fans. Their 1980 debut marked one of the first thrash groups to make an indelible mark on rock music, while “Enter Sandman” is regularly played at major sporting events and music festivals worldwide. Metallica have since released 10 albums, won multiple awards, and made regular TV and radio appearances – they remain one of rock music’s biggest icons!
After exhausting themselves on tour, the band took time off to create their ninth studio album: Load (1996). This record marked an exciting sonic shift for them as it signalled deeper exploration of their musical style; its success even allowed for their first ever North American arena shows and DVD release: Cunning Stunts.
Metallica continued their relentless touring schedule throughout the 2000s, taking their M72 world tour across all seven continents (including Antarctica) as the decade progressed into 2024. Along the way they made numerous TV appearances and even created concert film Metallica Through the Never which was shown exclusively in IMAX theaters.
Metallica then performed two hometown shows in the Bay Area that marked Levi’s Stadium’s debut as an arena concert venue. After this, Metallica joined All Within My Hands again to relaunch the Helping Hands Concert and Auction 2020 benefit, which was streamed worldwide and made available via pay-per-view for the first time ever.
Van Halen
Van Halen’s legendary rock band has left an immeasurable mark on hard rock and metal music, revolutionising it into mainstream audiences with their high-energy live shows that never fail to please. Led by lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen and drummer Alex’s heart-pounding double bass drumming, their sound has shaken up what audiences thought possible on stage.
David Lee Roth left Van Halen in 1985, yet its remaining members – drummer Michael Anthony, bassist Eddie’s brother Alex and guitarist Sammy Hagar – continue performing as Van Halen. Their 1978 self-titled album has been widely credited with revitalizing hard rock in music culture; since then the group has also released multiple platinum records.
Red Rocker Hagar recently announced in an interview that his Circle band would embark on a Van Halen-themed tour in 2024, employing Chickenfoot guitarist Joe Satriani and inviting former bandmates like bassist / singer Michael Anthony along. This tour is being called The Best of All Worlds.
Loverboy will open all dates. Tickets go on sale Friday.