In case you haven’t been following very closely, 2012 has been one of the biggest years for highly-anticipated North American concert tours the music industry has seen in years.
Some of the artists that toured earlier this year included Rise Against with A Day to Remember, Aerosmith with Cheap Trick, Iron Maiden with Alice Cooper and Coheed and Cambria, Kenny Chesney with Tim McGraw, Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Halen, Jimmy Buffett, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Arguably one of the biggest tours yet this year, however, was the 50th anniversary tour of The Beach Boys, complete with the return of frontman Brian Wilson to the helm.
If by reading the aforementioned list of artists, you are under the impression that the best has come and gone for 2012, think again. There’s more to come yet, and it will be coming close and soon.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming shows.
September 2, First Niagara Pavilion – Mötley Crüe and KISS.
In the middle of a very successful tour simply and boldly known as “The Tour,” KISS and Mötley Crüe have both been reaching out to their fan bases as well as the diehard hard rock and glam metal fan legions, alike.
Both bands are individually highly-revered for their electric stage presence, pyrotechnics and highly energetic sets, but with both of them performing together under one roof in the same night, much excitement will be had for the fans.
September 15, Consol Energy Center – Eric Church.
Easily one of the most highly-regarded artists in country music today, Eric Church will be coming to the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins with Justin Moore and Kip Moore for “The Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour,” in support of his latest album, “Chief.”
Regarded by fans and music critics as the Bruce Springsteen of country music, Church is known to command the stage and audiences with similar swagger and relentless energy. Don’t be surprised if his set hits the three-hour mark, even after two opening acts.
October 27, Consol Energy Center – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
After the death of saxophonist Clarence Clemons in June 2011, nobody knew if “The Boss” and his band would continue on without “The Big Man” to swoon audiences nationwide, especially with his powerfully-moving solos in “Jungleland” and “Thunder Road.”
But with a newly added horn section for the E Street Band – led by Clemons’ nephew, Jake Clemons, on saxophone – all eyes were on Springsteen as he and the band hit the road for the “Wrecking Ball” tour, and jaws only continued to drop from there.
From the diehard rock ‘n rollers to those who primarily listen to pop, anyone who has the opportunity to go to see “The Boss” in action should go for an unforgettable experience.
Expect nothing less than a three-and-a-half-hour set, some surprise deeper cuts, and one of the best shows you will ever see in your life.
Period.
November 6, Consol Energy Center – Madonna.
After the over-the-top performance for this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, some would describe Madonna’s comeback into the musical spotlight as a pretentious, self-righteous act of a pop princess well past her prime. Others are beyond ecstatic about her return on tour in North America.
Regardless, one cannot deny Madonna’s ability to put on a spectacle of a show for pop lovers, and especially her ability to sell out shows all over the globe. Let’s just hope she stays away from the lip-syncing this time.
November 11, Consol Energy Center – The Who.
The years go on for Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, and their ability to play live shows seems to remain unaffected. Eyes were quickly drawn to The Who after Townshend revealed to Rolling Stone that the band planned to embark on a 33-date North American tour starting later this fall.
Eye-catching news as that is itself, what really grabbed the attention of music critics, however, was the news that the rumor of The Who doing a tour dedicated to performing their second rock opera, “Quadrophenia,” in its entirety was no longer a rumor.
No opening acts are set to perform for The Who, so expect “Quadrophenia” along with a slew of their hits. It is highly recommended to see this legend in concert before it’s too late.
