All Mixed Up 05.25.09: 2009 Summer Concert Preview

Posted by Tom Santoro on 05.25.2009

Since I have nothing better to do, I bring you a list of the Top 41(+1) bands and artists playing at an arena, stadium, club or parking lot near you. So get out of your mom’s basement and go see a show.


Ah, summer. The time of the year where bands do the majority of their live performances, while you upload videos to you tube of your thoughts on the new Star Trek movie. I have already seen a bunch of great shows this year and have tickets to many more.

I have already seen Elton John and Billy Joel, Death Cab For Cutie, Hall and Oates, Ben Folds, The Eagles, Modest Mouse and Jane's Addiction/Nine Inch Nails. I have tickets to see Metallica, No Doubt and Toby Keith. I have plans to see Taking Back Sunday, The Hold Steady, Def Leppard, Depeche Mode and Green Day, I just need to find money or motivate my friends.

Anyways, I scoured the internet to find all the up to date touring information about the most anticipated summer shows. I really tried to span genres, but there really are no Hip Hop or R&B tours out right now. So you will notice that this is very rock heavy.

The things I have noticed are that this is the summer or the 90s band. There are many reunions from bands that got their comeuppance in that decade. The other thing I have noticed is that the "service fees" for Ticketmaster and Live Nation are out of control.

Here is my short rant on these fees:

1. The fees have been more expensive than the ticket price itself. I get all excited a ticket to see No Doubt on the lawn (outdoor show) is $10 through Live Nation. Awesome. When I get to check out the total price was $24 per ticket. There is a $6 parking fee for each ticket, then $8 for service fees, taxes, etc. No I get the service fees for all that goes into reserving and buying tickets from an operational stand point. But if I buy four tickets for my wife and my friend's the total "parking" fee is $24 for 4 people in the same car. It is a sham. I would rather pay at the gate to park.

2. Print out fees. This one baffles me. If I choose to print out my own ticket using my ink and my paper, they charge me $2.50. If I opt to have them snail mailed to me it is free. WTF? Again, if I use my ink and paper, they charge me $2.50. If I have them mail it for me, they pay for postage, use their ink and paper and it is free. How does this continue to happen?

3. Beer prices. They have already killed you with fees and parking charges before you even get in your car and hear one note. Now you get there expecting an outrageous but expected price for beer and you find it is even more outrageous. Last year when I saw Radiohead, beers were $8. Outrageous, but I get the reasons why (cut down on drunk driving liability, lessen the fights due to drunken a-holes, make more money on vices). Exactly one year later, the price for the same beer is $10. I have never seen a beer line so short. I expect next year since sales will dwindle it will be $12 per beer. My advice pack a flask and pay an equally outrageous $5 for a Pepsi.

For specific information on dates and ticket prices, check pollstar.com, ticketmaster.com/livenation.com or the individual band's websites.



BIG TICKETS

1. Michael Jackson – DATES: July 13-September 29, 2009 (There are dates for Jan for 2010)

The King of Pop has appeared before a judge more than in front of a live crowd over the past 15 years. He now comes out of hiding poised for a comeback of epic proportions. All of the shows are in London at the O2 Arena and 50 dates are sold out. Rumors have it that he is going to unveil this millenniums moonwalk. Release the doves!



2. U2 – DATES: Europe 6/30-8/22/2009;North America 9/12-10/28/2009

The alleged biggest band in the world will be touring again for the first time in three years in support of 2008's No Line in the Horizon. The 360 Tour will feature, you guessed it, a 360 degree stage set where patrons can hear Bono tell you about world poverty from all from all sides. Oh, yeah, the shows take place mostly in European Soccer stadiums and American Football Stadiums and ticket prices are rather expensive. Way to oversize your live show during a global recession, Mr. Ambassador.



3. Metallica – DATES: Europe 6/4-8/2/2009; North America 9/14-12/12/2009

Rarely does this band disappoint live. It would take a freak accident to get them off the road once they get going. Rumor has it that the newly formed Alice in Chains will be opening during the fall, which would be great for me since I already have tickets. I hate to admit it, but this will be my first time seeing them live. Every time they have come to my vicinity, I have been getting married, attending the birth of my kids or unemployed. Unless James blows up again I should be ok on this one.



4. Green Day – DATES: North America 7/11-8/25;Europe 9/28-11/12/2009

After the huge success of American Idiot, the pop punkers have achieved legendary status. With the release of 21st Century Breakdown, they cement their place in music history. The band has said it wishes to play the new record in its entirety for this tour. The set list performed last week includes old favorites, audience participation to choose any song in their catalogue and a few covers. Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand will support. I'm sold.




I HEART FEST!

There are festivals all over the world but I will only focus on the U.S. Here is a look at some of the stationary and touring festivals around the US.

5. Bonnaroo – June 11-13, 2009 Manchester, TN

What once was a simple little hippie fest for people to get drugged out of their gourd while listening to Phish and Widespread Panic, has become one of the biggest festivals in the U.S. Only Coachella may rival it. This year's main attractions feature Bruce Springsteen, Nine Inch Nails, Beastie Boys and 2 nights of Phish. There are scores of indie bands on the schedule so watch the link below for most of them. Make sure to pack the ‘shrooms.




6. Lollapalooza – DATES: 8/7-8/9/2009, Chicago, IL
The once beloved traveling circus of freaks is now a prominent fixture in Chicago's Grant Park, as the festival has become stationary. Founder Perry Farrell leads the way with his newly reunited band Jane's Addiction. Other notable acts include headliners, Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Beastie Boys and Kings of Leon. Most of the bands on the small stages are also at Bonnaroo, so decide which one you wish to go to. (I would choose this one personally over Bonnaroo. No Boss is good).




8. Van's Warped Tour – DATES: North America 6/26-8/23/2009

The skate punk fest has slowly become a show of dynamics. It features music from all genres all doing 30 minute sets. The thing that has always interested me is the small bands sharing buses or driving their beat up vans following the tour around for 2 months without showers or anything to prove. I have only missed 2 Warped Tours ever and for the first time, I am not very inspired by the line up. I mean NOFX and Bad Religion are live favorites of mine, but I have seen then a dozen times each, however the new kids are not doing much for me. The one intriguing person is Shooter Jennings, seems Mr. Lyman has developed a fetish for country music this year and this may be his personal request.



9. Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival – DATES: North America 7/10-8/15/2009

I can finally answer the age old question, who is more evil? Marilyn Manson? Or Slayer? My money is on Slayer. Anyways, the Mayhem Festival is a fest full of high adrenalin, high octane metal to make your ears bleed. It is also the place where you will find the pasty white kids dressed up in black clothing in 100 degree heat. Hydrate metal kids!



10. Cruefest 2: The White Trash Circus – DATES: North America 7/19-9/5/2009

I love tours with sub-titles. For the second coming, Vince, Tommy, Nikki and Mick (he still alive?) take Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, and Drowning Pool out for the summer. The band promises to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Dr. Feelgood, by playing the entire album during its set. Next year is the 17th Anniversary of Vince Neil's solo record and they will play that in its entirety. I can't wait to hear "You're Invited But Your Friends Can't Come" live again!



11. Rock the Bells Tour – DATES TBA

There are only a handful of venues and no dates, but this is the only true hip hop festival around. This year it features Nas, The Roots, Common, KRS-One, House of Pain and others.



REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD

12. blink 182 – DATES: North America 7/24-10/3/2009

It took Travis Barker almost pulling a Buddy Holly to get these old friends together again. After a five year hiatus and petty squabbling, mostly from Tom Delonge, the band is back together. They are taking Weezer, All American Rejects, and Fall Out Boy (whenever Weezer is not playing) out with them. Should be a fun show and it shows how old I am that bands I listened to when I was a teen are now reuniting and it is considered newsworthy. I will admit I wish the excitement was behind a band better than this one. Can't wait to hear the same old fart jokes.



13. No Doubt – DATES: North America Now-8/11/2009

After 5 years of singing crap like "Hollaback Girl" and popping out a couple of kids, Gwen Stefani goes back to her boys to do a greatest hits tour. The band has said the tours theme will have an A ClockWork Orange theme to the stage show. She brings other female fronted bands Paramore and The Sounds to support.



14. Limp Bizkit – DATES: Europe Now-7/5/2009, North America TBA

Maybe I should consider myself lucky that no dates for the U.S.A have been scheduled. Maybe Wes Borland will come to senses and realize the money just is not worth spending more time with four foot Fred, Lethal and the other mongoloids in this band. Durst said they are back for good and this is not just a quick reunion. Why is this happening to me? I thought they were gone forever.



15. Creed – DATES: North America 8/6-10/14/2009

Maybe Mark Tremonti and the rest of Altar Bridge will come to their senses and realize the money is just is not worth spending more time with egomaniac mongoloid Scott Stapp. Stapp said they are back for good and this is not just a quick reunion. They even cut an album due this summer. Why is this happening to me? I thought they were gone forever.




16. New York Dolls – DATES: North America Now-6/16/2009

David Johanson and Sylvain Sylvain are touring small clubs in support of their really great album Cuz I Said So. It will be great to see how glam rockers age.



17. Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood – Dates: North America 6/10-8/13/2009

I know you have been waiting for 40 years for that Blind Faith reunion tour. Well here is your chance to relive the magic when Winwood and Clapton take the stage. They are not officially billing it a reunion as they are playing songs from both of their catalogues. Clapton is a legend and his shows are can't miss.



18. Sugar Ray – DATES: North America 5/29-9/6/2009

Ah, the reunion I have been waiting for.Mark McGrath takes a break from his crappy ACCESS Hollywood/Insider or whatever gossip show he hosts, to reunite with his old pals.





PACKAGE DEALS

19. Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction – DATES: North America Now-6/12/2009

The NIN/JA tour (clever) is notable because it is the start of what Trent Reznor says will be the bands last tour for a while (of course they go out with out Jane's Addiction after this date). Also of note is that the original line up of Jane's Addiction is touring together for the first time with Eric Avery on bass since 1991. I have already seen the show and the sets do not disappoint. I had one of the crappiest experiences at this show though because of Live Nation!





20. Billy Joel/Elton John – DATES: Canada only NOW-6/3/2009; Europe 6/6-7/8/2009 and 10/7-10/24/2009; North America 7/11-8/10/2009 and 11/4-11/20/2009

Already saw this at the start of the tour. This is a great show worth the price of admission. They play on stage part together part of the time, singing each other's hits. Then they do their own sets and then finish the encore together. Again a great show.



21. Blondie/Pat Benatar – DATES: North America 7/19-9/1/2009

A tour that should have happened a long time ago (add Heart and complete the trifecta) visits the country this summer.






22. Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick – DATES: North America 6/23-9/6/2009

I have been to events that feature Cheap Trick at least 10 times but never actually watched them perform. I have seen Poison 3 times and they put on a very fun show. I have never seen headliners Def Leppard. This should be a fun show and sometimes that is all you need.







23. Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson/John Mellancamp – DATES 7/8-8/15/2009

The three rock legends are set to visit minor league baseball stadiums around the U.S. I have a list of acts I want to see before they call it a career (or die). Dylan is my most endangered species. I would love to attend this show.








24. Slayer/Megadeth – DATES: Canada 6/24-6/29/2009

After years of hatred between the two bands, they decide to mend fences and go out on the road together in…CANADA??? The two bands bring their aural assault north of the border for 4 dates. That is it. Four dates? I guess that is all they could handle.





25. Aerosmith/ZZ TOP – DATES: North America 6/10-9/16/2009

I have seen Aerosmith twice before and they always put on a good show. I would love to see ZZ Top open for them, so it is hard for me to say no to this show. Because I have seen Aerosmith, my priority for this show is low.





26. The Offspring/Sum 41 – DATES: North America Now-7/18/2009; Europe 8/13-8/29/2009






NOT IF YOU PAID ME SECTION

27. Kid Rock/Lynard Skynard – DATES North America 6/26-8/10/2009

I have seen Kid Rock 5 times now and each time he gets worse. Lynard Skynard is great just so I can yell "Free Bird" all night until they play it (and they actually will). The fun thing about this show is that Skynard can watch Kid Rock as he rips off their entire catalogue in person. Awkward…







28. American Idols Live Tour 2009 – DATES: North America 7/5-9/15/2009

So half of the tour was barely exposed to America before they were voted off, which begs the question…why would anyone pay money to see a bunch of karaoke singers open up for the winner who has not recorded a damn thing yet? The fact that this tour exists shows you how stupid Americans are. I wouldn't go to this crap even if it featured the most successful winners of the talent show…Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks.



29. Jonas Brothers – DATES: North America 6/20-8/31/2009; Europe 10/26-11/24/2009

I mention this one because my daughters are three years away from falling in love with crappy music like this. I see my destiny in these young men and I accept it, unless I can convince my wife to let me play them more Pantera. So far, that endeavor has not played out well for me.



30. Nickelback – DATES: Europe NOW-5/29/09; North America 7/11-9/12/2009

Worst band ever…blah blah blah…their music is bland…blah blah blah. Now that that is out of the way, I will let you know that Papa Roach, Saving Abel and Hinder are opening up. I'll take bands that sound the same for people with no taste in music for $500 Alex.



31. Rascal Flatts – DATES: North America 6/5-10/18/2009

I used to work security at a venue to remain unnamed and this by far was the worst show I have ever seen. They didn't play any of their own songs, they kind of sucked at what they did play and yet the people enjoyed it. Check out Ben's Top 5 Worst Concert Experiences and I will have the full story.



BEST OF THE REST

32. Coldplay – DATES: North America Now-6/21/2009 and 7/10-8/9/2009; Europe 7/2-7/5/2009 and 8/16-9/19/2009

As much as I don't care for them they do give a great performance. No matter the venue, it somehow feels intimate. Last time I even saw Gwynethe Paltrow sitting at the sound booth. I also couldn't believe how many songs I recognized by them in their set.



33. Dave Matthews Band – DATES: North America NOW-6/26/2009and 7/18-10/2/2009; Europe 6/28-7/11/2009

This will be the first full length tour without original member LeRoi Moore who after puncturing a lung during an ATV accident. The band plays the sheds annually and it is the first time in four years they are touring in support of a new studio recording. You should see them at least one time. They are a great live band.



34. Depeche Mode – DATE: Europe NOW-7/12/2009; North America 7/24-10/3/2009; South America 10/8-10/24/2009

Hopefully, this tour will make it stateside. It has been on hiatus as Dave Gahan recovers from some stomach issues that has sidelined the European tour for two weeks. I look forward to seeing them and their string of hits.



35. Toby Keith – DATES: North America 6/18-9/19/2009

Out of all the country acts this is the only one I can stomach. I like Keith's no nonsense approach to things, though I may disagree with him politically. I am taking my wife to see him because I can not stomach Rascal Flatts. For those of you who don't like country shows, the scenery of girls in tight Wranglers is worth the admission alone.




36. Rancid/Rise Against – DATES: North America 6/4-7/31/2009

Looks like these guys escaped Mr. Lyman for the summer to make money on their own. I can't think of a better match of two punk bands that have had some modest success. Should be a great show.





37. Judas Priest/Whitesnake – DATES: North America 6/29-8/23/2009

I can't wait to see all the black leather in sweltering heat. That's going to chafe. I would opt for something in the crotchless variety to air out.



38. Taking Back Sunday – DATES: North America Now-6/27/2009; Opens for blink 182 on select dates

Fred is out, Matt Fazzi is in. Because of that change the band promises a new sound. They are touring in support of their new album New Again out June 2.






39. AC/DC – DATES: Europe Now-6/30/2009; North America 7/28-9/8/2009

They finish up the final leg of the tour started last winter. From what I can remember, it was a great show complete with all the sexual innuendo (including a giant inflatable ‘Rosie") that one could hope for.



40. Tori Amos – DATES: 7/10-8/17/2009; Europe 9/6-9/25/2009

Pain…$10
Suffering…$30
Cutting yourself in the bathroom during a show, with a razor blade you snuck in…priceless.




41. Incubus – DATES: North America7/9-8/25/2009

I never really got into this band. They have always just been there like ambience music. My friend's say they are a great live band so I will go with that.





42. Death Can for Cutie – DATES: North America 7/5-7/19/2009

This is just a quick jaunt along the West Coast, but I include them because I saw them at was the best thing I have seen in two years. Go see them if you have a chance.




So there you have it. These are just some of the shows I have or will be seeing this year. Comment on what you are looking forward to see this summer.