It takes more than a soft economy to scare rock & roll off the road — which is exactly where 20 of the biz’s biggest artists will be this summer. Though some artists are scaling back their set designs and others paying closer attention to ticket prices, the rock show is still burning rubber on America’s highways this summer, bringing acts like U2, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, No Doubt, Kings of Leon and Blink-182 to a venue near you. Where will Angus Young be hanging his schoolboy uniform? Where can Phish fans pick up their parking-lots burritos? We’ve got itineraries for 20 of the season’s hottest tours, from Green Day and Metallica to Pink and Taylor Swift. Plus check out previews of all the big shows and galleries of the bands’ best live shots. It’s all right here:
Plus, find out how pricey VIP packages are thriving in a weak economy and check out a guide to five of the best (including Poison’s awesomely named Nothin’ But a Good Time Experience). And here’s some bonus info that will definitely come in handy — a list of five opening acts worthy of your early arrival.
• The Ting Tings (opening for Pink)
The British pop duo can do dance rock (”Shut Up and Let Me Go”) and strip down like the Vaselines. But onstage they throw a sweaty, groovy party.
• Weezer (opening for Blink-182)
Now that Rivers Cuomo and Co. are tossing Lady Gaga and MGMT covers into their set, anything goes when they hit the road with some of rock’s biggest goofballs.
• Paramore (opening for No Doubt)
Hayley Williams’ band will debut tunes from their forthcoming Rob Cavallo-produced album, which Rolling Stone reports has some unexpected Smashing Pumpkins-style sonics and a Radiohead-esque ballad.
• Franz Ferdinand (opening for Green Day)
The Scots know how to host a dance-rock throwdown, so show up early to pogo to “Ulysses” before the mosh pit opens up.
• Street Sweeper Social Club (opening for Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction)
Tom Morello teams with the Coup’s Boots Riley for explosive Rage-esque rock that rattles the room before the NIN/JAs take over.
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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.
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