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The 27 Concert Tours You Can't Afford to Miss This Summer

From the Who to Neil Young and Beck, get ready for big shows and big stars — at good prices. Grab your tickets now!


Brad Paisley, Earth Wind and Fire, Keith urban and Wynonna Judd
Clockwise from top left: Brad Paisley, Earth Wind & Fire, Wynonna Judd and Keith Urban are among the performers hitting the road this summer.
AARP (Randy Holmes/Getty Images; Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images; Michael Nagle/Getty Images; Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

Artists of every genre will be crowding the circuit this summer, and you won’t get sticker shock at the box office. In 2024, the average ticket price for the top 100 concerts in North America was $136.45, an increase of only 0.42 percent (or 57 cents) over 2023, according to Pollstar. Ticket sales and concert grosses have been leveling the past two years, following the deep pandemic-related slump in 2020 and 2021 and a roaring comeback in 2022.

Last year’s record worldwide gross of $9.5 billion from the 100 top tours was substantially boosted by the two biggest tours ever, one for revenue, one for tickets sold. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour pulled in an estimated $2.2 billion, and Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour sold more than 10.3 million tickets (not counting the 48 shows that spilled into 2025). This year promises to be big business — and big fun.

Here are the acts worth catching this summer.

Stevie Nicks (Aug. 8-Oct. 25)

The singer/songwriter and road warrior, 77, draws concert material from parallel careers as a prolific solo artist and member of Fleetwood Mac. Last year, she released the women’s rights anthem "The Lighthouse." Add that to a warehouse of fan favorites, including “Stand Back,” “Edge of Seventeen” and such Mac hits as “Rhiannon,” “Gypsy,” “Dreams,” “Landslide” and “Silver Springs.” 

Dave Matthews Band (Through Aug. 31)

On early stops, Dave Matthews, 58, and his ensemble played staples “Ants Marching,” “Crash Into Me,” “What Would You Say” plus covers of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” and Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” DMB plans to divert at least 90% of fan-generated waste from landfills for the second year in a row and, through its Nature Conservancy partnership, reach a total of six million trees planted since 2020. 

James Taylor (Through Sept. 17)

The singer/songwriter, 77, brings back An Evening with James Taylor and His All-Star Band, an 11-member group that includes his son, singer Henry Taylor. Expect a greatest hits revue with such familiar fare as “Carolina In My Mind,” “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Shower the People,” and “Your Smiling Face.” Boston folk-pop group Tiny Habits is the opener.

Brad Paisley (Through Aug. 31)​

Coming off a two-night appearance at Wynn Las Vegas, the country star, 52, launches the first leg of his “Truck Still Works World Tour,” which includes his first shows at the Red Rock Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo., and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The tour is named after current single “Truck Still Works,” a sequel to his 2004 tune “Mud on the Tires.” Walker Hayes is a special guest on most shows, and Avery Anna, Mae Estes and Alexandra Kay rotate the opening slot. 

Keith Urban (Through Oct. 17)​

The country singer/songwriter, 57, promises his High and Alive World Tour will feature high-energy shows full of hits, new songs, lots of guitar “and things we won’t even think about until we’re onstage,” he said in a statement. Urban has 20 No. 1 country singles. The tour gets its name from his latest album, High, which entered Billboard’s album chart at No. 10. Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins are openers.

Heart (Through Aug. 30)

Expect a career-spanning songfest when the Wilson sisters roll out An Evening with Heart. Ann, 74, and Nancy, 71, have a fat catalog of hits from rockers “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You” to power ballads “Alone” and “These Dreams.” The band recently wrapped up Royal Flush Tour dates that had been postponed after Ann took time off for cancer treatment. Todd Rundgren, 76, opens most shows from Aug. 8-30.

Paul McCartney (Sept. 29-Nov. 25)

The Got Back tour featuring the longtime touring band of McCartney, 83, is selling out fast, so don't dawdle on buying tickets. Tickets tend to cost between $200 and $4,500, though some limited obstructed view seats are reportedly sold for $40. Expect to hear dozens of tunes from his solo, Wings and Beatles periods.

Counting Crows (Through Aug. 23)

​The band embarks on The Complete Sweets! Tour in support of new album Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!. Known for the raw, emotional vocals of Adam Duritz, 60, and the band’s mesh of rock, alternative and folk, Counting Crows have been a strong concert draw since ’90s hits “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here.” The Gaslight Anthem opens most shows.

Wynonna Judd (Through Sept. 13)

Wynonna Judd: The Greatest Hits Tour is the country singer’s first trek to span four decades of chart-topping hits. Judd, 60, will perform songs from her years as half of The Judds with late mother Naomi Judd and as a solo artist. On the set list: “Mama He’s Crazy,” “No One Else On Earth,” “Tell Me Why” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days).

Earth, Wind & Fire (Through Aug. 10)

The brass-heavy R&B band gets audiences moving with its high-energy sound and string of deep-groove hits, including “Shining Star,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Sing a Song,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “September” and “Let’s Groove.” Veterans Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson, both 73, will do the heavy lifting as Verdine White bows out to recuperate from a recent medical procedure. Raymond McKinley replaces him on bass. 

Lyle Lovett (Through Aug. 7)

After an extensive acoustic tour, the singer/songwriter/actor will go on the road with his Large Band in support of their current 12th of June album, a warm and witty rumination on fatherhood with titles like “Pants Is Overrated,” “Pig Meat Man” and “Peel Me a Grape.” Lovett, 67, released his first album with the ensemble in 1989. They whip up wry, eccentric narratives over swing, country, R&B and jazz.

Def Leppard (Through Aug. 31)

The British rock band, formed in Sheffield in 1976, rose to fame on the strength of such huge radio hits as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Animal,” “Hysteria,” “Rock of Ages,” “Armageddon It,” and “Promises.” Since 1992, Def Leppard has consisted of Rick Savage, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell, all in their 60s. Opening acts are Bret Michaels, The Struts and Extreme.

Steve Miller Band (Aug. 13-Nov. 8)

Wisconsin native Steve Miller, 81, explored Chicago blues before finding his footing in the mid-1960s psychedelic rock and blues scene of San Francisco. The Steve Miller Band gradually built a fat catalog of hits that still enjoy regular spins on classic rock radio. On this tour of theaters, arenas and amphitheaters, expect a career cross section, including “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Rock’n Me” and “Swingtown.” The Rascals open some dates.

The Offspring (July 11-Sept. 7)​

The California punk band is staging its Supercharged Worldwide in ’25 Tour to promote 11th studio album Supercharged. Boosted by the bratty vocals of Dexter Holland, 59, and aggressive guitar of Noodles, 62, the group’s clever pop punk conquered the mainstream with hits like “Come Out and Play,” “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” and “Why Don’t You Get a Job?” Openers are New Found Glory and Jimmy Eat World.

The Joe Perry Project  (Aug. 13-Sept. 17)​

The Perry, 74, will rock on with Aerosmith's Brad Whitford, 73, and Buck Johnson, 61, the Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, 58, and Stone Temple Pilots' Robert DeLeo, 59, and Eric Kretz, 59. "The set list is gonna include my fav JPP cuts, STP, Black Crowes, and with Brad we'll be hitting the Aero hits and and some deep cuts and then ya never know!" says Perry. 

Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls (July 25-Oct. 12)

​Songwriting takes top billing on the Yes We Are Tour, inspired by Melissa Etheridge’s 1993 album Yes I Am. The pop-rocker, 63, teams with Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, both 61, for shows that will be long on strong melodies and personal lyrics. Listen for “I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window” and “Bring Me Some Water” from Etheridge, recognized for her raspy, full-throated voice and traditional rock sensibilities. The alt-folk duo, whose opposing songwriting approaches produce harmonious gems, are likely to play “Closer to Fine,” “Galileo” and “Shame on You.”

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts (Aug. 8-Sept. 15)

The endlessly adventurous and prolific rock icon, 79, sets off on his Love Earth Tour to celebrate the June 13 release of Talkin to the Trees, the first recording by Young and the Chrome Hearts. Young plans a set list of old and new songs with band mates Spooner Oldham, 81 (Farfisa organ), Micah Nelson (guitar and vocals), Corey McCormick (bass and vocals) and Anthony LoGerfo (drums). Concessions will offer sustainably produced family farm food served on compostable service ware.

Billy Idol (Aug. 14-Sept. 25)

The snarling punk rocker, 69, is bringing It’s a Nice Day to …Tour Again! to stages across the country. The former singer for Generation X rose to solo fame during the MTV era with hits like “White Wedding,” “Dancing with Myself,” “Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without a Face” and “To Be a Lover.” Joan Jett (66) and the Blackhearts are the supporting act.

The Who (Aug. 16-Sept. 28)

The Song Is Over isn’t the band’s first farewell tour (that was in 1982), but the tenacious duo promises it’s the last, at least in the U.S. and Canada. Singer Roger Daltrey, 81, and guitarist Pete Townshend, 79, continued to tour and record as The Who after the deaths of drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle. Bank on a slew of Who classics.

Phish (Through Sept. 21)

The popular jam band has yet to score a top 10 single but thrives by releasing scores of live recordings and drawing teeming hordes to its live shows. Singer/guitarist Trey Anastasio, 60, co-founded the quartet in Vermont in 1983, and it soon drew parallels to the Grateful Dead. Intensely loyal fans are drawn to the band’s communal vibe, changing set lists and drawn-out jams that range from progressive rock and psychedelia to folk, pop and jazz-funk. Fans are permitted to record shows and trade tapes on message boards.

ZZ Top (Through Nov. 21)

Frank Beard, 76, is back on board for the summer leg of ZZ Top’s Elevation Tour. After spending months recuperating from foot and ankle injuries, the drummer is strong enough to keep the beat for the boogie, blues and rock That Little Ol’ Band from Texas is famous for.  Guitarist Billy Gibbons, 75, said the trio, founded in 1969, is “looking forward to turning it up and rocking out with him as has been the case for the last few hundred or so decades.” The Wallflowers, Night Ranger, Payton Smith, Black Stone Cherry and Molly Hatchet are among the openers.

Creed (July 9-Aug. 30)

Dates on the hard rock band’s Return of the Summer of ’99 Tour are selling out, evidence that its appeal didn’t fade during a 10-year hiatus. After forming in Tallahassee in 1994, Creed built commercial success with multi-platinum albums My Own Prison, Human Clay and Weathered. Despite failing to please critics, the heavy, earnest songs written by singer Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti, both 51, won over fans and radio. The band split and reunited twice, most recently in 2023. Creed’s popularity surged that year when the Texas Rangers, on their path to winning the World Series, repeatedly played the band’s hit “Higher.” Expect that tune along with crowd-pleasers “My Sacrifice,” “With Arms Wide Open” and  “One Last Breath.” Rotating on the bill are Daughtry, Sevendust, Big Wreck and Mammoth.

Daryl Hall (July 11-July 25, Oct. 16-Nov. 4)

Daryl Hall, famed for his years in Hall & Oates, is extending a U.S. tour that launched in the spring before hopping to the UK for dates in May. He will be playing classics by the blue-eyed soul duo, including “Sara Smile,” “Kiss On My Lips,” “Rich Girl” and “Private Eyes,” as well as such solo singles as 1986’s “Dreamtime” and “The Whole World’s Better” from 2024 album D. He also performs with Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook, the tour opener. Don’t hold your breath for a reunion with John Oates. The two are embroiled in a bitter legal battle over the sale of their business venture, Whole Oats Venture.

Dave Koz (July 17-Aug. 31)

The jazz-rock saxophonist, 62, promises to stage “the ultimate summer party” on his Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025 tour, which features Marcus Anderson on saxophone, Jeff Bradshaw on trombone, Leo P on baritone sax, Evan Taylor on trumpet and Marcel Anderson on vocals. Koz is known for delivering spirited, upbeat performances marked by superb musicianship. In March, he released Just Us, a duets album with jazz pianist Bob James that contains seven originals and three standards. It’s Koz’s 12th No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive (July 18-Nov. 3)

The Canadian rock band seemed finished after a split, a hiatus, the retirement of original bassist Fred Turner and the deaths of co-founders Tim and Robbie Bachman. But in 2023, their oldest brother, Randy Bachman, 81, pulled together a new lineup that includes his son, Tal (whose “She’s So High” was a hit in 1999), and BTO returned with its Roll On Down the Highway tour. The group’s arsenal of hits includes “Let it Ride,” “Takin’ Care of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet.” The first BTO song in 25 years, “60 Years Ago,” was released in March, and features Neil Young on guitar. Blue Oyster Cult, Marshall Tucker Band and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas are on the bill.

Little Big Town (July 24-Sept. 13)

The country vocal quartet, founded in Alabama in 1998, sets out on its first full summer tour since 2019 with plenty of ammo: 11 studio albums and four lead singers. Karen Fairchild (the oldest at 55), Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet (the youngest at 50) are beloved for their strong harmonies and genre hybrids. Listen for a wide range of material, including top 10 country hits “Boondocks,” “Bring it on Home” “Pontoon,” “Girl Crush” and “Better Man.” Rotating support acts include Wynonna Judd, Shelby Lynne, Carter Faith, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde and Russell Dickerson..

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia (Aug.21-Oct. 4)

The hip-hop heavyweights are joining forces, along with special guests Tech N9ne and DJ Quik, on an amphitheater outing dubbed the “Thuggish-Ruggish-Mafia-Tour.” With all five members recording for the first time in 15 years, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony recently released a single and plans to unveil its eleventh studio album, BTNH, later this year. “2025 is ours, let’s go!” Krayzie Bone, 52, declared on Instagram, where he’s shared studio recording snippets. Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia, rocked by three deaths and a lengthy breakup, is best known for its Oscar-winning song, “It’s Hard Out There for a Pimp,” from the movie Hustle & Flow.

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