While the first day of spring was only a couple of days ago, our minds are already thinking ahead to that glorious season of tank tops, flip flops, and the best perk of all—no school! With all the free time you’ll encounter (aside from your summer internship, campus job, online classes, and general social life of course), concerts are a great way to spend those long warm nights. The acts with outstanding tours this year range from bright newcomers to classic veterans, but they all promise to be amazing! Without further ado, here is our comprehensive list (in order of opening dates).
The Who Hits 50! Tour, kicked off November 30, 2014
The Who, one of the greatest rock ‘n roll bands of all time, an original member of the British invasion, the creators of such hits (and CSI theme songs) as “Who Are You,” “Baba O’Riley” and “My Generation” is doing a 50th anniversary tour which will no doubt be legen—wait for it—dary! There are tons of dates listed for the North American leg of the tour which is perfect because we know collegiettes from all over the country will want the chance to see this incredible band live, especially as lead singer Roger Daltrey hinted that it is the start of a “long goodbye” for the veteran group. View the entire schedule here!
Billy Joel Tour, next date April 3, 2015
“Sing us a song, you’re the piano man! Sing us a song tonight!” It’s BILLY JOEL. Enough said! He’s got more classics to his name than just about any other artist out there, and his concerts are known to be extraordinarily great. He’s already sold out several Madison Square Garden dates for this year, so be sure to book as soon as possible! And since we’re feeling like grooving:
Bryan Adams Reckless 30th Anniversary Tour, kicks off April 11, 2015
Bryan Adams may be a little old school for some of us collegiettes, but he’s still a bonafide rock ballad legend, and his songs are the sounds of our childhood. That songs like “Heaven,” “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” and (of course) “Summer Of 69” have lasted 30 years and still get airplay today should be reason enough to take advantage of this tour—plus, this is one that mothers and daughters can bond over! View the schedule here.
Sam Smith Tour, kicks off April 22, 2015
This British pop star burst on to the music scene last year with his Grammy award-winning debut album The Lonely Hour and the accompanying tour here in America is going to be just as successful for this singer/songwriter, whose song “Stay With Me” had us singing in our cars (albeit off key) and clutching our hearts at his soulful sound. This tour has already sold out several shows abroad, so be sure to book quickly!
Taylor Swift 1989 World Tour, kicks off May 5, 2015
There’s no doubt in our minds that this may be one of the biggest and hottest tours to see this year. With the enormous success of T. Swift’s new album 1989 which boasts hits like “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space,” the accompanying tour is sure to be a sold out extravaganza, so if you are planning to go, make sure to book in advance! We would also be lying if we didn’t admit that half of our excitement over this tour is due to Taylor’s recruitment of Haim, whose debut album last year had us raving over songs like “Forever” and “The Wire.” While Haim is only scheduled for select dates, opening act Vance Joy will be there for all concerts of the tour, so this is guaranteed to be time and money well spent! See the entire schedule here.
U2 Innocence + Experience Tour, kicks off May 14, 2015
U2 suffered a slight dip in public appeal after the iTunes fiasco when iPhone users automatically received their new album “Songs of Innocence” in their library regardless of whether they wanted the album or not. The result of frustrated consumers desperately trying to get rid of the album did not benefit either the Irish rock band 5ror the technology giant, but let’s be honest—it barely fazed U2, which announced a worldwide tour to promote their new album (as well as all the great hits that we know and love). Even Bono’s unfortunate bike accident, which left into question whether he will ever be able to play guitar again, will not be stopping this whopping tour which boasts several North American stops in addition to European dates later this year. You can see upcoming dates and book tickets here!
Foo Fighters Tour, kicks off May 15, 2015
Without a doubt one of the best rock bands of our generation, the Foo Fighters’ recent album “Sonic Highways” debuted last year and the accompanying tour is going to be killer—but make sure to book fast because they don’t have many dates/locations planned. View the entire schedule here!
Imagine Dragons Smoke + Mirrors Tour, US leg kicks off May 29, 2015
Another band on this list which found fame fairly recently with their breakout single “Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons has proven to be musically gifted with their own unique sound, and fans cannot get enough. Their second album Smoke + Mirrors, which features “I Bet My Life” and “Shots,” is the foundation for their tour this summer, so be sure to check out the album as well as their tour schedule.
Kelly Clarkson Piece by Piece Tour, kicks off July 11, 2015
Who would have thought that a pop/country superstar and a vocals-only acapella group would make a fabulous combination? That’s what’s in store for you if you choose to see Kelly Clarkson’s new tour this year, featuring the sensational vocal group Pentatonix and Eric Hutchinson. It’s sure to be quite an experience, book tickets here!
Motley Crue Final Tour, US leg kicks off July 22, 2015
This may be an odd choice to include on the list, but it just so happens that it’s not going to be the “same ol’ situation” for Motley Crue—this will be the final tour for ’80s hair metal band, who decided to go out with a bang, joining forces with Alice Cooper in what is sure to be one crazy, weird, but unbelievably fun concert (see the schedule here).
We bet you just can’t WAIT for classes to be over now!