Kendrick Lamar, gorillaz, Blondie and garbage, planetarium, queens of the stone age, Interpol, chance the rapper, paramore, outlaw music festival tour, tool, spoon, father John misty, Phoenix, rancid n Dropkick Murphys, Lindsey Buckingham and Christie McVie, metallica, j Cole, slowdive, incubud with Jimmy eat world, Erykah Badu, Tycho with Todd Terje and Jaga Jazzist.
But we’re not here to dwell on recorded music. We’re here to talk tours, a task we take on a few times a year to highlight the most exciting artists coming to a club, theater, arena, or stadium near you. This is the summer edition, meaning we’re not repeating any of the artists that appeared on our 2017 kickoff list. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not still anticipating some of those acts. U2 remains one of our most anticipated shows of the summer with their anniversary presentation of The Joshua Tree. Others, like Fleet Foxes, A Tribe Called Quest, Hans Zimmer, and King Crimson are still high up on our list of shows to catch as the days get longer and warmer.
But over the past few months, a host of new tours have been announced, and below you’ll find the 25 that we’re most itching to check out. Put on your sunscreen, get a Tinder date, and be sure to catch as much live music as possible this summer. You won’t be sorry.
Some ascents are so gradual that you hardly even notice them. That could be said for Tycho, who quietly has grown from playing small clubs and daylight festival sets to the run they have planned for early summer on the West Coast. Scott Hansen and his post-rock crew will be headlining bigger venues than ever before in support of last year’s Epoch, all of them outdoor and featuring support from like-minded soundscape crews Todd Terje and Jaga Jazzist. These are shows that feel catered toward the setting and the atmosphere, looking to milk the warm weather for all its worth and ring in the summer with proper experiences under the stars. –Philip Cosores
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, but hippies won’t be hogging all of the nostalgia this year. Emo kids and alt-rockers will also get their moment in the proverbial sun thanks to a tour featuring the revitalized co-headliners Incubus and Jimmy Eat World, both of which inconceivably released solid albums in recent months. JEW’s Integrity Blues is the standout of the two, though we have to give Incubus credit for thinking outside the box and bringing in Skrillex to co-produce their new record, 8. It’s the kind of move that could easily backfire, and fans will only have a few chances to see how it all comes together, as this “mini” tour only features a handful of North American dates. –Collin Brennan
We’re living in a golden age of hip-hop, and few artists have done more to push the genre to new heights than the Frankfurt, Germany-born, North Carolina-based artist known as J. Cole. Rather than try to top 2014’s massive 2014 Forest Hills Drive with an even bigger follow-up, the 31-year-old rapper scaled things back a little with last year’s 4 Your Eyez Only, and it will be interesting to see how the mature, concise record will translate to the stage. Cole will have plenty of chances to test out different approaches, as his massive world tour features dates scheduled all across North America, Europe, and Australia. Whether you’re based in Cardiff, Copenhagen, or Columbia, SC, it’s time to get hyped. –Collin Brennan
20. METALLICA
Photo by Philip Cosores
The debate has never really been whether or not Metallica are the biggest metal band in the world. The point of contention over the last couple decades returns to at what album or point in their career should the demarcation line be drawn between Metallica the thrash/heavy metal pioneers and Metallica the sellouts. It’s a sad commentary on our society that you rarely can talk about a band that brought heavy metal to the masses in the late ’80s and early ’90s without falling into this lame debate. Regardless, Metallica will hit the road this summer and, like they always do, pack their shows with whippersnappers and longtime diehards alike. Oh, and most importantly, James Hetfield has assured Metallica fans that all mics will be working. Give me fuel, give me fire, working mics, I require! –Matt Melis
Summer Tour Dates:
05/10 – Baltimore, MD @ M&T Bank Stadium *^
05/12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field *^
05/14 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium *^
05/17 – Uniondale, NY @ New Coliseum ^
05/19 – Boston, MA @ Gillette Stadium ^
05/21 – Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range
06/04 – St. Louis, MO @ Busch Stadium ^
06/07 – Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field *^
06/09 – Newton, IA @ Iowa Speedway
06/11 – Houston, TX @ NRG Stadium *^
06/14 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome *
06/16 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium *
06/18 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field *
07/05 – Orlando, FL @ Camping World Stadium *^
07/07 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium *^
07/09 – Atlanta, GA @ Suntrust Park *^
07/12 – Detroit, MI @ Comercia Park *^
07/14 – Quebec City, QC @ Festival D’Ete
07/16 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre *^
07/19 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean-Drapeau *^
07/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Rose Bowl *+
08/04 – Phoenix, AZ @ University of Phoenix Stadium *+
08/06 – San Diego, CA @ Petco Park *+
08/07 – San Francisco, CA @AT&T Park
08/09 – Seattle, WA @ Centurylink Field *+
08/11 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival
08/14 – Vancouver, BC @ BC Place *+
08/16 – Edmonton, AB @ Commonwealth Stadium *+
09/02 – Denmark @ Royal Arena
09/04 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome
09/06 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome
09/08 – Paris, FR @ AccorHotels Area
09/10 – Paris, FR @ AccorHotels Area
09/12 – Lyon, FR @ Halle Tony Garnier
09/14 – Cologne, GER @ Lanxess Arena
09/16 – Cologne, GER @ Lanxess Arena
* = w/ Avenged Sevenfold
^ = w/ Volbeat
+ = w/ Gojira
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19. LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM AND CHRISTINE MCVIE
Fleetwood Mac is like a long-lasting theater company. It’s been dramatic, it’s been epic, and it’s been incestuous. The love, the heartbreak, and the psychological damage each one of the members have put upon one another will someday make for one of the greatest biopics to ever hit the silver screen. (Hey, Cameron Crowe, make it happen.) The latest chapter in the band’s long and winding career finds lead guitarist/vocalist Lindsey Buckingham and fellow vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie hanging out over a collaborative album that’s been too accurately titled, Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie. Due out June 9th, the pair will hit the road shortly after for what will likely be an emotional couple of hours each night consisting of new cuts, old sounds, and must-hear classics. As long as Buckingham stays away from hideous deep cuts like “Time Bomb Town” and guarantees a long encore presentation of “Holiday Road”, well, then we’ll be right there for the harmonies. What do you say to that, Lindsey? C’mon, don’t hold out on me…
Alright!
–Michael Roffman
Summer Tour Dates:
06/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park
06/23 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheatre
06/24 – Raleigh, NC @ The Red Hat Amphitheater
06/26 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap
06/28 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
06/30 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for the Performing Arts
07/02 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
07/03 – Chicago, IL @ Northerly Island
07/05 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
07/19 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle
07/21 – Murphys, CA @ Ironstone Amphitheatre
07/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Park Theatre
07/25 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
07/27 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
_________________________________________________________
18. RANCID AND DROPKICK MURPHYS
Photo by Philip Cosores
Punk rock never really had the same coastal rivalry as hip-hop, but its emphasis on locality meant that kids growing up in different parts of the country gravitated to their own weird subset of pop punk or hardcore. For Bay Area brats in the ‘90s, nothing beat the slurry Clash worship of Operation Ivy and its liberty-spiked hellspawn Rancid, while over in New England, punks with names like Sully slammed brews to the sound of the Dropkick Murphys.
It took more than two decades (and a whole lot of Warped Tours) for Rancid and the Murphys to hit the road on their own supertour, and the result is a dream come true for anyone who ever tried to jam a safety pin through their ear. The 24-date From Boston to Berkeley Tour kicks off July 27th in Bangor, ME, and includes stops in the Murphys’ hometown of Boston and Rancid’s native Berkeley. The bands will cap off each show with a joint encore, which should be worth the price of admission alone. Then again, punks are notoriously cheap. –Collin Brennan
Summer Tour Dates:
07/27 – Bangor, ME @ Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion *
07/28 – Montreal, QC @ ’77 *
07/29 – Toronto, ON @ Echo Beach *
07/30 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica *
07/31 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill *
08/02 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE *
08/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier *
08/04 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage *
08/05 – Boston, MA @ Brockton Fairgrounds *
08/06 – Brooklyn, NY @ Ford Amphitheatre at Coney Island Boardwalk *
08/08 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island *
08/09 – Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Harris Pavilion *
08/11 – Denver, CO @ Sculpture Park ^
08/12 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Saltair ^
08/13 – Nampa, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheatre ^
08/15 – Vancouver, BC @ UBC Thunderbird Arena ^
08/16 – Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theater ^
08/18 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ Avila Beach ^
08/19 – Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Auditorium ^
08/20 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek ^
08/22 – Chandler, AZ @ Rawhide Event Center ^
08/24 – San Diego, CA @ Petco Park In The Park ^
08/25 – Las Vegas, NV @ Downtown Las Vegas Events Center ^
08/26 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA
* = w/ Bouncing Souls and Jake Burns
^ = w/ The Selector and Kevin Seconds
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17. PHOENIX
Photo by David Brendan Hall
It’s been a long four years without new Phoenix in our lives, but it looks like that wait is finally just about over. The long-awaited Ti Amo drops in June, and the anticipation heats up with each and every trickle of information. It’s fitting, too, that the new material has hit the web through video of their return to the stage, as the French outfit long ago established themselves as one of the most thrilling acts in indie rock. Their massive global tour will take them from Miami to Japan and seemingly everywhere in between, from festival stops to auditoriums. But no matter the space, frontman Thomas Mars will make the place shake with his otherworldly bravado. –Lior Phillips
Summer Tour Dates:
05/12 – Miami Beach, FL @ Fillmore *
05/13- Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues *
05/14 – Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Festival
05/15 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium *
06/02 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore +
06/03 – New York, NY @ Governors Ball Festival
06/04 – Toronto, ON @ Field Trip Festival
06/05 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom +
06/07 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks + %
06/10 – Mountain View, CA @ Live 105’s BFD
06/11 – San Diego, CA @ 91x Presents: X-Fest
06/13 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre +
06/14 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl +
06/15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl +
06/21-06/25 – Worthy Farm, UK @ Glastonbury Festival
06/29 – Vilanova i la Geltru, ES @ Vida Festival
06/30 – Marmande, FR @ Garorock Festival
07/06 – Lisbon, PT @ NOS Alive
07/07 – Bilbao, ES @ Bilbao BBK Live
07/08 – Herouville-St-Clair, FR @ Beauregard Festival
07/09 – Belfort, FR @ Les Eurockeenes
07/12-16 – Dour, BE @ Dour Festival
07/13 – Aix-les-Bains, FR @ Musilac Festival
07/14-16 – Berlin, DE @ Melt! Festival
07/14 – Carhaix, FR @ Festival Les Vieilles Charrues
07/20-22 – Wiesen, AT @ Out of the Woods Festival
07/22 – Roma, IT @ Rock in Roma
08/11-12 – Bali, ID @ Sunny Side Up Festival
08/11-13 – Jakarta, ID @ We The Fest
08/15 – Manila, PH @ Araneta Coliseum
08/18-20 – Osaka, JP @ Summersonic Festival
08/18-20 – Tokyo, JP @ Summersonic Festival
09/02 – Dublin, IR @ Electric Picnic
09/24 – Munich, DE @ TonHalle Munchen
09/25 – Cologne, DE @ Palladium
09/26 – Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit 36
09/28 – Esch Sur Alzette, LU @ Rockhal
09/29 – Paris, FR @ AccorHotels Arena POPB
09/30 – London, UK @ Alexandra Palace
* = w/ Whitney
+ = w/ The Lemon Twigs
% = w/ Miike Snow
__________________________________________________________
16. FATHER JOHN MISTY
Photo by Ben Kaye
In many ways, Father John Misty is the perfect musician for The Year of Our Lord 2017. His recently released Pure Comedy traces the contours of a society crumbling beneath its own narcissism and self-obsession — a society you might recognize from its starring role in the news media. Perhaps more than any other white male artist working today, FJM fluently speaks the language of our times, and his rapid rise to indie stardom hasn’t diminished his desire to irk and troll audiences whenever he sees fit. Fans of Pure Comedy will snap up tickets to Mr. Tillman’s Wild Ride to see hits like “Total Entertainment Forever” performed live, but at least a few of them will get more (or less) than they bargained for. –Collin Brennan
Summer Tour Dates:
05/10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
05/11 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
05/12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
05/13 – Mayer, Arizona @ FORM Arcosanti Festival
05/15 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
05/24 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
05/26 – Burnaby, BC @ Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park
06/07 – Mexico City, MX @ Metropolitan Theatre
07/21 – Byron Bay, AU @ Splendour in the Grass Festival
07/23 – Sydney, AU @ The Metro Theatre
07/24 – Southbank, AU @ Melbourne Recital Centre
08/04-06 – Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Festival
08/06 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest
08/18 – Winnipeg, MB @ Interstellar Rodeo
08/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Surly Brewing Festival Field
08/20 – Kansas City, MO @ Crossroads
08/23 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
08/26 – Portland, OR @ Project Pabst
08/31-09/03 – Dorset, UK @ End of the Road Festival”
09/13 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
09/14 – Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theatre
09/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at the Mann
09/18 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
09/19 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall
09/20 – Chicago, IL @ Auditorium Theatre
09/22 – St. Louis, MO @ Peabody Opera House
09/23 – Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre
09/25 – Asheville, NC @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
09/26 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
09/27 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
09/29 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall
09/30 – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
10/01 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
10/02 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall
10/04 – Phoenix, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre
10/05 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory
10/06 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory
10/07 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre
10/11 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Arlington Theater
10/12 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
10/14 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater
11/01 – Edinburgh, UK @ Usher Hall
11/02 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow
11/05 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo Manchester
11/07 – London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
11/08 – London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
11/11 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon
11/12 – Brussels, BE @ L’Ancienne Belgique
11/13 – Utrecht, NL @ Tivolivredenburg
11/14 – Berlin, DE @ Huxleys
11/16 – Milan, IT @ Frabrique
11/18 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
11/19 – Madrid, ES @ La Riviera
11/20 – Lisbon, PT @ Coliseu Do Recreios
15. SPOON
Photo by Heather Kaplan
Whereas most indie rock bands struggle to stay relevant for the length of a season, Spoon have somehow carved out a 20-year niche of relevancy that shows no sign of letting up with their latest and typically solid release, Hot Thoughts. Groovy, dynamic, and laced with a sensuality we haven’t heard from the band in ages, the new songs translate seamlessly to the stage, giving Britt Daniel and co. the chance to strut their middle-aged stuff and show the young’uns how it’s done. They’ll have plenty of competition on a nightly basis, as they’ll be sharing the stage with such indie luminaries as The Shins, The New Pornographers, and Belle & Sebastian. –Collin Brennan
Summer Tour Dates:
05/11 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall %
05/12 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
06/17 – Berlin, DE @ Festaal Kreuzberg
06/18 – Mannheim, DE @ Maifeld Derby Festival
06/19 – Munich, DE @ Technikum
06/20 – Hamburg, DE @ Uebel & Gefahrlich
06/22 – Oslo, NO @ Piknik i Parken
06/24 – Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio
06/25 – Ewjik, NL @ Down the Rabbit Hole
06/27 – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla
06/28 – Glasgow, UK @ The Arts School
06/30 – London, UK @ O2 Forum
07/02 – Arras, FR @ Main Square Festival
07/03 – Cologne, DE @ Gloria Theater
07/05 – Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie
07/06 – Bilbao, ES @ Bilbao BBK Live
07/07 – Madrid, ES @ Mad Cool Festival
07/08 – Lisbon, PT @ NOS Alive Festival
07/15 – Birmingham, AL @ Sloss Festival
07/16 – Louisville, KY @ Forecastle Festival
07/18 – Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre &
07/19 – Charlottesville, VA @ Sprint Pavilion &
07/21 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
07/22 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre &
07/23 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis &
07/25 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall #
07/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE &
07/28 – New York, NY @ Panorama Festival
07/29 – Camden, NJ @ XPoNential Music Festival
07/30 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion ^*
08/01 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore #
08/03 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/06 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl ^
08/08 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
08/09 – Bellvue, CO @ Mishawaka Amphitheatre
08/27 – Portland, OR @ MusicFestNW Presents Project Pabst
08/28 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory +
08/30 – Edmonton, AB @ Winspear Centre +
08/31 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall +
09/02 – Vancouver, BC @ Malkin Bowl +
09/05 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory +
09/06 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot +
09/10 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theatre $
09/11 – Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium $
09/13 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater $
09/14 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theatre
09/15 – Saint Paul, MN @ Palace Theater $
09/16 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theater $
09/30 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theater !
10/01 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union !
10/03 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater !
10/05 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheater !
10/17 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
10/20 – Columbia, SC @ Music Farm
10/21 – Jacksonville, FL @ Mavericks
11/02 – Brussels, BE @ Orangerie at Botanique
11/06 – Brighton, UK @ Concorde 2
11/07 – Liverpool, UK @ Invisible Wind Factory
11/09 – Cambridge, UK @ The Junction
11/11 – Basel, CH @ Kaserne
11/12 – Milan, IT @ Santeria Social Club
11/14 – Barcelona, ES @ Sala Apolo
11/15 – Madrid, ES @ La Riviera
11/16 – Porto, PT @ Porto Coliseum
11/17 – Lisbon, PT @ Coliseu dos Recreios
% = w/ Tennis
& = w/ The New Pornographers
# = w/ Cherry Glazerr
^ = w/ Belle & Sebastian
* = w/ Andrew Bird
+ = w/ White Reaper
$ = w/ Twin Peaks
! = w/ The Shins
__________________________________________________________
14. TOOL
Photo by Philip Cosores
Tool fans subsist on one very basic principle: Where there is life, there is hope. So, if Tool, Puscifer, or A Perfect Circle hit the road or one of the latter two release new songs, that means Maynard James Keenan still draws breath and may one day put an end to the torments of the damned and release Tool’s fifth studio album. It’s hard to live on that type of faith, though, and it’s not getting easier anytime soon. A Perfect Circle’s Twitter account just responded to fans with the bad news that neither a new Tool nor a new APC album will surface in 2017. So, if Tool fans must continue to wander the desert, at least they can follow their prophet this summer, as the band plays a handful of dates, including shows in towns they haven’t played in over a decade. But seriously, when’s gonna be our time, Lord? –Matt Melis
Summer Tour Dates:
05/24 – Fairfax, VA @ Eaglebank Arena
05/25 – Hershey, PA @Giant Center
05/27 – Bangor, ME @ Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
05/28 – Boston, MA @ Boston Calling
05/30 – Rochester, NY @ Blue Cross Arena
05/31 – Hamilton, ON @ First Ontario Centre
06/02 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
06/04 – New York, NY @ Governors Ball Music Festival
06/05 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center
06/07 – Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
06/08 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena
06/09 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
06/12 – Calgary, CAN @ Scotiabank/Saddledome
06/13 – Edmonton, CAN @ Rogers Place
06/15 – Vancouver, CAN @ Rogers Arena
06/17 – George, WA @ The Gorge Amphitheater
06/18 – Nampa, ID @ Idaho Center
06/21 – San Jose, CA @ Sap Center
06/23 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
06/24 – San Bernardino, CA @ Glen Helen Amphitheater
__________________________________________________________
13. OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR
Photo by Ben Kaye
Aside from Warped Tour, most of the traveling US festival tours have gone extinct. Rock the Bells is no more, Ozzfest doesn’t trot the country anymore, and Lollapalooza has long been stationary. But this year we have a new entry into that arena with the Outlaw Music Festival tour, a six-date run that will see Willie Nelson‘s rotating lineup event visit a lucky group of cities. The event debuted with a single incarnation last year in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but won’t be returning to that spot. Instead, cities like New Orleans, Dallas, Detroit, and Syracuse will play host to Nelson, along with The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, and My Morning Jacket. Bob Dylan even drops by at one stop. If he doesn’t play “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”, I’d demand my money back. (‘Cause the song is from Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. Get it?) –Philip Cosores
Summer Tour Dates and Lineups:
07/01 — New Orleans, LA at Shrine On Airline:
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Other Artists To Be Announced
07/02 — Dallas, TX @ Starplex Pavilion:
Willie Nelson & Family
Sheryl Crow
The Avett Brothers
Hayes Carll
Margo Price
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
07/06— Rogers, AR @ Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
Willie Nelson & Family
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Sheryl Crow
Margo Price
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
07/08 — Detroit, MI @ Joe Louis Arena:
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan and His Band
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
07/09 — Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest:
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan and His Band
Sheryl Crow
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Margo Price
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
07/16 — Syracuse, NY @ Lakeview Amphitheater:
Willie Nelson & Family
My Morning Jacket
Sheryl Crow
Margo Price
__________________________________________________________
12. PARAMORE
Photo by Jeremy D. Larson
Apparently, pop punk heroes Paramore were about to close up shop after their last album. “You can run on the fumes of being a teenager for as long as you want, but eventually life hits you really hard,” frontwoman Hayley Williams recently told The New York Times. But listening to their hot-off-the-presses follow-up, After Laughter, you wouldn’t guess this is the sound of a band running out of steam. They’ve even pushed further into a new wave stream, growing up some through their pop punk maturation. It’ll be interesting to see how those changes incorporate into their live show and whether it affects their riotous energy. But considering the fluorescent videos and blood-pumping tunes, we’re guessing not. –Lior Phillips
Summer Tour Dates:
05/20 – Carson, CA @ KROQ Weenie Roast Y Fiesta
06/15 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia
06/16 – Belfast, IE @ Waterfront
06/18 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo
06/19 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
06/21 – Bristol, UK @ Colston Hall
06/22 – Edinburgh, UK @ Usher Hall
06/24 – Köln, DE @ Palladium
06/25 – Tilburg, NL @ O13
06/27 – Paris, FR @ Grand Rex
06/29 – Wien, AT @ Arena Open Air
06/30 – Sopron, HU @ Volt Festival
07/02 – Berlin, DE @ Admiralspalast
07/03 – Hamburg, DE @ Stadtpark
07/05 – Hradec Kralove, CZ @ Rock For People
07/07 – Stockholm, SE @ Cirkus
07/09 – Turku, FI @ Ruisrock
07/12 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
07/14 – Tonsberg, NO @ Slottsfjell Festival
07/21 – Centre Hall, PA @ Karoondinha Music and Arts Festival
07/28 – Hinckley, MN @ Grand Casino Hinckley Events & Convention Center
07/29 – Minot, ND @ North Dakota State Fair
08/12 – Billings, MT @ Montanafair
08/14 – Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fair 2017
09/15 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
__________________________________________________________
11. CHANCE THE RAPPER
Photo by Ben Kaye
Each year, it seems the Chance the Rapper experience gets bigger, and considering the guy’s talent and charisma, that train won’t be slowing down anytime soon. On the back of the Grammy-winning Coloring Book (and establishing a multi-million dollar arts and literacy fund to benefit Chicago Public Schools), he turned those spiritually brilliant and rapturously fun songs into a couple of Magnificent Coloring World events. And while each show on his upcoming festival and arena tour might not have that same immersive physical experience, Chance’s sublime stage presence guarantees that you’ll feel wrapped up in his songs. With prime spots at festivals like Boston Calling and Eaux Claires, as well as massive stages like Red Rocks, Chance’s ebullient world will only get bigger. –Lior Phillips
Summer Tour Dates:
05/10 – Omaha, NE @ Centurylink Center Omaha
05/12 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
05/13 – Kansas City, KS @ Providence Medical Center Amphitheater
05/14 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
05/16 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
05/18 – Detroit, MI @ The Palace In Auburn Hills
05/19 – Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
05/20 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
05/21 – Gulf Shores, AL @ Hangout Music Festival
05/24 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
05/25 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
05/26 – Boston, MA @ Boston Calling Music Festival
05/28 – George, WA @ Sasquatch!”
05/31 – Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center
06/02 – New York, NY @ Governors Ball Festival
06/03 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loan Amphitheater
06/04 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
06/06 – Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
06/07 – Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex
06/08 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavillion
06/10 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
06/11 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
06/13 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
06/14 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
06/16 – Eau Claire, WI @ Eaux Claires Festival
06/17 – Dover, DE @ Firefly Festival
06/29-07/02 – New Orleans, LA @ Essence Festival
07/07 – London, UK @ Wireless
07/13-07/16 – Pemberton, BC @ Pemberton Music Festival
07/22 – Centre Hall, PA @ Karoondinha Music and Arts Festival
08/03-08/06 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
09/22-09/24 – Las Vegas, NV @ Life Is Beautiful
10/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
10/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
10/06 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
10/13 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
10/20 – Phoenix, AZ @ Lost Lake Festival
10. RYAN ADAMS
Photo by Heather Kaplan
Ryan Adams hasn’t exactly been keeping a low profile lately. Since he dropped his brilliant new record, Prisoner, in mid-February, he’s been on the road touring, a fixture on late-night television, and even designing a box set, which includes 17 B-sides from Prisoner that have leaked their way online. Looking at the expansive slate of dates, including several festivals, Adams has booked for this summer, it doesn’t seem as though he’ll be slowing down anytime soon either. No coaxing or arm twisting is ever required to get folks to turn out for a Ryan Adams set, but this summer has a chance to be something special. He’s touring arguably his best new material since Heartbreaker, and early reports from this tour have hinted that there’s absolutely something for everyone each night. –Matt Melis
Summer Tour Dates:
05/10 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion ^
05/12 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion ^
05/14 – Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Music Festival
05/20 – Auckland, NZ @ Civic Theatre
05/23 – Brisbane, AU @ The Tivoli
05/24 – Byron Bay, AU @ The Northern Hotel
05/26 – Melbourne, AU @ Margaret Court Arena
05/27 – Sydney, AU @ Hordern Pavilion
06/01 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Granada Theater
06/02 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
06/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
06/18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Eccles Theater
06/20 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
06/22 – Calgary, AB @ Jubilee
06/23 – Edmonton, AB @ Jubilee
06/25 – Victoria, BC @ Alix Goolden Hall
06/27 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theater
06/28 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
06/29 – Portland, OR @ Edgefield
07/06 – Lisbon, PT @ NOS Alive Festival
07/07 – Madrid, ES @ Mad Cool Festival
07/08 – Barcelona, ES @ Festival Cruilla
07/09 – Six-Fours-Les-Plages, ES @ Pointu Festival
07/11 – Roma, IT @ Cavea, Auditorium Parco della Musica
07/12 – Gardone Riviera, IT @ Anfiteatro del Vittoriale
07/13 – Zagreb, HR @ Culture Factory
07/15 – Munich, GER @ Muffathalle
07/16 – Berlin, GER @ Tempodrom
07/28 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
07/29 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
07/30 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theatre
08/01 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
08/04 – Saint Charles, IA @ Hinterland Festival
08/04 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/10 – Oslo, NO @ Oya Festival
08/10 – Gothenburg, SE @ Way Out West
08/11 – Helsinki, FI @ Flow Festival
08/16 – Utrecht, NLD @ TivoliVredenburg
08/17 – Kiewit, BE @ Pukkelpop
08/17 – Beacon, UK @ Green Man Festival
09/08 – Belfast, IE @ Ulster Hall
09/09 – Cork, IE @ Olympia Theater
09/11 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theater
09/12 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theater
09/14 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo
09/15 – Edinburgh, UK @ Usher Hall
09/17 – Gateshead, UK @ Sage One
09/18 – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy
09/19 – Bournemouth, UK @ O2 Academy
09/21 – Cambridge, UK @ Corn Exchange
09/22 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
09/24 – Franklin, TN @ Pilgrimage Festival
09/29 – Colombia, MO @ Roots N Blues N BBQ
10/06-08 – Austin, TX @ ACL Music Festival
10/13-15 – Austin, TX @ ACL Music Festival
+ = w/ Phoebe Bridgers
^ = w/ Jenny Lewis
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09. FUTURE
Photo by Sara Marjorie Strick
Coming off last year’s co-headlining Summer Sixteen Tour with Drake, the extremely prolific Future didn’t spend much time basking in his own glory. Instead, he burrowed into the studio and started planning a truly massive 2017, which he kicked off with the release of not one but two albums (FUTURE and HNDRXX) as the calendar flipped from February to March. He’ll likely draw heavily from both companion albums on his forthcoming “Nobody Safe” tour, which features the talents of Young Thug, Migos, Torey Lanez, Kodak Black, and A$AP Ferg. That stacked list of guest appearances raises the question: Drake who? –Collin Brennan
Summer Tour Dates:
05/11 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live *
05/12 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion *
05/13 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek *
05/14 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion *
05/16 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage *
05/18 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Banks Center *#
05/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center *
05/20 – Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theater *^
05/23 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center*
05/24 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center *
05/25 – Pittsburgh, PA @ KeyBank Pavilion *
05/27 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center *
05/28 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theater *#
05/31 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center *
06/01 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
06/02 – Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
06/03 – Indianapolis, IN @ Klipsch Music Center *
06/04 – Kansas City, KS @ Sprint Center *
06/07 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place *^
06/09 – Vancouver, BC @ Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena *^
06/10 – Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheatre *^
06/11 – Ridgefield, WA @ Sunlight Amphitheatre *#^
06/13 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center *
06/15 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre *
06/22 – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion *
06/23 – Austin, TX @ Austin360 Amphitheatre *#
06/24 – Dallas, TX @ Starplex Pavilion *^
06/28 – Phoenix, AZ @ Ak-Chin Pavilion *^
06/29 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheatre *^
06/30 – Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena *^
* = w/ Migos, Tory Lanez, Kodak Black
# = w/ Young Thug
^ = w/ ASAP Ferg
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08. FEIST
Photo by Philip Cosores
Feist really knew what she was doing when she named her new album Pleasure. The Canadian singer-songwriter has, for nearly two decades, amassed an incredible number of affecting earworms and clarion calls that will tickle your spine with every repeated listen. But that’s not to say that new album or her catalogue are exclusively focused on the good times; no one can capture emotion quite like Leslie Feist, whether that be a grinning sway or punctured heartbreak. That cathartic emotion comes through especially powerfully live, which will be verified as Feist hits the road and plays the new record in full. But even if you haven’t dug into Pleasure yet (and seriously, you should), she’ll certainly add “I Feel It All” and other favorites afterward. –Lior Phillips
Summer Tour Dates:
05/10 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
05/11 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
06/01 – Boston, MA @ Sanders Theater at Harvard
06/02 – Boston, MA @ Sanders Theater at Harvard
06/04 – Toronto, ON @ Field Trip Festival
06/07 – Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
06/08 – Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
06/10 – New York, NY @ Town Hall
06/11 – New York, NY @ Town Hall
06/12 – New York, NY @ Town Hall
06/14 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic
06/15 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic
06/17 – Eau Claire, WI @ Eaux Claires Festival
06/30 – Saskatoon, SK @ Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
07/02 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Jazz Festival
07/04 – Montreal, QC @ Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
07/09 – Winnipeg, MB @ Winnipeg Folk Fest
07/19 – Paris, FR @ L’Olympia
07/20 – Mainz, Germany @ Zitadelle – Open Air Gelande
07/22 – Wiesen, AT @ Out of the Woods Festival
07/24 – Berlin, DE @ Tempodrom
07/27 – London, UK @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
07/28 – London, UK @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
07/31 – Milan, IT @ Teatro Dell’arte
08/02 – Munich, DE @ Circus Krone
08/04 – Katowice, PL @ OFF Festival
08/05 – Luhmuhlen, DE @ A Summer’s Tale
08/07 – Trakai, LT @ Trakai Island Castle
08/10 – Oslo, NO @ Oya Festival
08/11 – Gotenburg, SE @ Way Out West
08/12 – Copenhagen, DK @ Haven Festival
08/14 – Brussels, BE @ Brussels Summer Festival
08/18 – Biddinghuizen, NL @ Lowlands Festival
08/19 – Winterthur, CH @ Winterthurer Musicfestwochen
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07. INTERPOL
Photo by Debi Del Grande
Interpol are American. Yes, the word Interpol might have European connotations, but the band is definitely from the US. You wouldn’t think that, though, to see the band’s tour dates celebrating 15 years of their landmark Turn on the Bright Lights. They aren’t just stopping by Europe; they’re setting up shop with a month-long expedition that includes headlining dates and festivals. In the US, there are but two announced shows, both large-scale events in NYC and LA that include Deerhunter and Battles in what should be a fitting homage to the aughts. Jokes aside, seeing Interpol play their classic record should be a memorable experience, regardless of what timezone you’re in. –Philip Cosores
Summer Tour Dates:
08/09 – Prague, CZ @ Lucerna Music Bar
08/10 – Vienna, AT @ Arena
08/12 – Buftea, RO @ Summer Well Festival
08/13 – Belgrade, RS @ Belgrade Fortress
08/15 – Budapest, HU @ Sziget Festival
08/16 – Munich, DE @ Muffathalle
08/19 – Luxembourg, LU @ Den Atelier
08/20 – St. Malo, FR @ La Route Du Rock
08/22 – Asolo, IT @ AMA Music Festival
08/23 – Milan, IT @ Carroponte
08/25 – Zurich, CH @ Zurich OpenAir
08/27 – Copenhagen, DK @ The Koncerthuset
08/29 – Tilburg, NL @ 013
08/30 – Groningen, NL @ Oosterpoort
09/01 – London, UK @ Alexandra Palace
09/03 – Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall
09/05 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon
09/09 – Madrid, ES @ DCode Festival
09/23 – Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium *
09/30 – Los Angeles, CA @ LA State Historic Park *
10/17 – Mexico City, MX @ Pepsi Center WTC
10/18 – Mexico City, MX @ Pepsi Center WTC
* = w/ Deerhunter and Battles
__________________________________________________________
06. LADY GAGA
Photo by Philip Cosores
Anyone who caught Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Halftime Show this past February probably thought the same thing: Good lord, I need to see this show live. Don’t get too excited, folks; it’s not like she’s going to bungee jump on to the stage every night. What she will do, however, is go H.A.M. for each and every one of her audiences. You see, Gaga is very old-school when it comes to performances, and it doesn’t matter what song she’s singing — it could be something obvious like “Poker Face” or something new like “A-YO” — she’s going to turn it into a singular event. It also helps that she’s the pop star that keeps on giving, as evidenced by her recent Top Song inclusion, “The Cure”, so who knows what else she’ll have up her meat-covered sleeve come summer time. For all we know, she could have three new singles by then. Mystery goes a long, long way… –Michael Roffman
Summer Tour Dates:
08/01 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
08/03 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
08/05 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
08/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
08/11 – Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
08/13 – San Francisco, CA @ AT&T Park
08/15 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
08/19 – Omaha, NE @ CenturyLink Center
08/21 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
08/23 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
08/25 – Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
08/28 – New York, NY @ Citi Field
09/01 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
09/04 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
09/06 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
09/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena
09/15 – Rio De Janeiro, BR @ Rock In Rio
09/22 – Barcelona, ES @ Palau Saint Jordi
09/24 – Zurich, CH @ Hallenstadion
09/26 – Milan, IT @ Mediolanum Forum
09/29 – Hamburg, DE @ Barclaycard Arena
10/01 – Antwerp, BE @ Sportpaleis
10/03 – Amsterdam, NL @ Ziggo Dome
10/06 – Paris, FR @ AccorHotels Arena
10/09 – London, UK @ O2 Arena
10/15 – Birmingham, UK @ Barclaycard Arena
10/17 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Arena
10/21 – Copenhagen, DK @ Royal Arena
10/23 – Stockholm, SE @ Ericsson Globe
10/26 – Berlin, DE @ Mercedes-Benz Arena
10/28 – Cologne, DE @ Lanxess Arena
11/05 – Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
11/07 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
11/10 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun
11/13 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
11/15 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
11/16 – St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
11/19 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
11/20 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
11/28 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
11/30 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
12/01 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
12/03 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
12/05 – Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
12/08 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
12/09 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Chesapeake Energy Arena
12/12 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
12/14 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena