It’s a mix of new and classic trendsetters, boy bands and bad boys, cutting-edge artists and fond farewells. Here are some of this summer’s hottest tickets.
Photo courtesy of Motley Records/Eleven Seven Music
1. Eminem/Rhianna
Em and RiRi will be doing six dates in August for their “Monster Tour.” Mr. Mathers will be hitting both Lollapalooza and the Squamish Valley Music Fest, as well.
2. OutKast
This long-awaited reunion tour kicks off in spring with Big Boi and Andre 3000 playing festival gigs in North America and Europe, including Delaware’s Firefly Music Festival and Lollapalooza in Chicago.
3. One Republic
These Rocky Mountain pop sensations will be bringing their boy band brand to venues around the U.S. all summer long, closing it up with a late-August gig in Aspen before heading across the pond.
4. Motley Crüe
Hang onto your hairspray, metalheads: the boys from Motley are officially calling it quits. It’s a first-time announcement for the L.A. rockers, so grab tickets. They might really mean it.
5. Cher
This Oscar-winning superstar was a one-word sensation before Madonna dropped her surname. Her last tour, a “farewell” endeavor, wrapped in 2005. It’s been a while since she’s graced fans with her sonorous, sequined presence. This summer she’ll be hitting arena venues with Cyndi Lauper.
6. Sturgill Simpson
Fans of genuine, unpolished, wry-written country, rejoice. Simpson will be headlining venues like Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in support of his sophomore release, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.”
7. The Voice Tour
At press time, just four of the hit series’ past performers were signed on: Dia Frampton, Will Champlin, Jacquie Lee and Tessanne Chin. Four more will soon fill out this hot summer ticket.
8. Lady Gaga
Whether for the songs or the spectacle or both, Gaga lines up concertgoers. This summer’s tour kicks off in Ft. Lauderdale in May and finishes up in L.A. in July.
9. Josh Groban
Hot on the heels of his Muppet movie cameo, Groban will be doing nine dates in August beginning with the 16th at the Booth Ampitheatre in Cary, NC.
10. Vans Warped Tour
Nearly 20 years strong, this touring summerfest kicks off June 13 in Houston with more than 100 bands participating: hip hop, metal, acoustic, indie, punk, folk, ska and more. Some you know. Some you need to.
