Staying Fit
Last year, when the Rolling Stones tour grossed over $130 million and the Eagles earned $59 million, “we were all doing victory dances,” says Andy Gensler, editor of the concert industry bible Pollstar. His 2021 cover headline was “The Great Return. “Then came Omicron, and we stopped dancing,” he adds.
But now things are looking up again — way up. “There are more tours getting going right now than we know what to do with,” Gensler says. “Fans have so much to choose from in 2022.” To pare down that bounty, we’ve selected the 20 acts we’re most excited to see, based on both the rarity of the event and the sheer power of the performer.
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Paul McCartney
When: April 28-June 16
Why we’re excited: Brace yourselves. This year, the “cute” Beatle turns 80. Yet, in the lead-up to the event he has been as busy as a teenager. In 2021, Sir Paul released a solo album, McCartney III; spoke at length with Rick Rubin for an informative docuseries, McCartney 3,2,1; published a 900-plus-page tome that detailed the lyrics to his classic songs; and reappeared as his younger self in the eight-hour, you-are-there Peter Jackson version of the 1970 Beatles breakup film, Get Back. In cheeky deference to that last project, Paul has titled his new tour “Got Back,” studding it with stops in cities he hasn’t played in eons, including Fort Worth (which hasn’t seen the star since a 1976 gig with Wings) and Baltimore (where he last played in 1964). One hopes the tour doesn’t wind him, because two days after it concludes, 80 candles will appear before him, begging to be blown.
Get tickets: Paul McCartney, “Got Back” tour
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
When: June 1-17
Why we’re excited: Fifteen years have passed since the former Led Zeppelin howler toured with bluegrass/country star Alison Krauss. Their understated collaboration on the Raising Sand album in 2007 became an unexpected million-seller, as well as a top Grammy winner. Even so, they didn’t offer a follow-up until this past November, with Raise the Roof, a work that weaves British traditional elements into the Americana style that defined their debut. With material that compelling, it’s doubtful any attendee will miss yet another run at “Stairway.”
Get tickets: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Janis Ian
When: Now through Nov. 19
Why we’re excited: The artist who captured the full ache of teen rejection in the hit “At Seventeen” has decided to put a period on her career at 70. Thankfully, before Ian makes good on that promise, she’ll perform one last tour, in the process summarizing a 50-year run marked by consistently literary lyrics and sophisticated music. From her groundbreaking 1967 hit about an interracial romance (“Society’s Child”) through ravishing compositions like “Stars” (which has been covered by everyone from Nina Simone to Mel Tormé), Ian has distinguished herself as one of pop’s most empathic singer-songwriters.
Get tickets: Janis Ian
Foo Fighters
When: April-June and July-Oct.
Why we’re excited: Dave Grohl could well be the hardest-working man in rock. In just the last year, he released a new Foo album, published a memoir and starred in a horror film, titled Studio 666. Moreover, last June Grohl’s band became the performing equivalent of a canary in a coal mine by becoming the first act to play Madison Square Garden since the March 2020 shutdown. Now the Foos are back for a multi-continent run of shows that will shuttle between South American dates starting this month, U.S. stops beginning in late April and a European jaunt in June, only to culminate one month later with North American gigs that run straight through Halloween.
Get tickets: Foo Fighters
The Chicks
When: June 14-Aug. 13
Why we’re excited: Big changes have taken place in Chick-ville since the pandemic took hold. In June of 2020, the trio amended their name, axing the “Dixie” part to protest the term’s historic connection to slavery. One month later they released their first album in 14 years, Gaslighter, which shot straight into Billboard’s top 5. Together, that gives the Chicks both new songs to mix in with their hits and a renewed sense of purpose.
Get tickets: The Chicks
Elton John
When: Now until April 28, and July 15-Nov. 20
Why we’re excited: Talk about your long goodbyes. All the way back in September of 2018, Elton began his retirement tour. Four years later, he’s still at it. This month, the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” show picked up in Europe, leading to the Rocket Man’s 75th birthday, which will take place on the 25th. Directly after that he’ll continue a world jaunt that’s set to last through 2023. But don’t get complacent. Elton may never play your town again, so now’s probably your last chance to hear “Your Song” in person.
Get tickets: Elton John, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour
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