Upcoming Not-to-Miss Shows in Chicago
There’s pretty much always something great happening in Chicago, especially when it comes to concerts. Touring artists rarely fail to add the Windy City to their itineraries.
Here are some upcoming shows worthy of consideration:
Megadeth plays the Aragon Ballroom this Friday, February 10, as part of the Gigantour with Motorhead, Lacuna Coil, and Volbeat. And they will rock every face in the house. When TH1RT3EN dropped last year, it did so with a bang, entering the Billboard 200 at number 11 and garnering two Grammy nominations. Megadeth’s Dave Ellefson noted of the upcoming gig, “Chicago has always been a strong market for metal … There are a few surprises in the set that I think the fans will enjoy hearing.”
Van Halen, complete with David Lee Roth, rocks the United Center on February 24. For the first time in quite a few years, the original Van Halen line-up has issued a new record (A Different Kind of Truth) and hit the road. Sure, Sammy Hagar had his fans, but Diamond Dave can’t be beat. He’ll surely bring all of his swagger – along with a truckload of hits – so expect to have a rockin’ good time.
The Black Keys make their way to the United Center on March 16 after wrapping up a few weeks in Europe supporting their latest CD, El Camino. By most accounts, this new effort is an impressive musical feat. Symbolic logic would lead one to conclude, then, that the tour will also be a worthy investment of time, energy, and cash.
For a taste of what’s to come, check out the band’s new video for “Gold on the Ceiling,” which was shot largely at a live show this past December at Webster Hall in New York City.
Snow Patrol hits the Aragon Ballroom on April 21 in support of their new release, The End. Seeing this fantastic alt-pop band in a place like Aragon is the way to go because Gary Lightbody’s charisma will wash over every one of the 4,500 fans in the room. (Back at home in the UK, they have a three-night stand at London’s 20,000-capacity O2 Arena!) As one reviewer who caught a Birmingham show note, “The effortless confidence he demonstrates on the massive stage with a phenomenal lightshow and special effects is fitting for a man whose band have risen to the top slowly and earnestly and who plan to stay there.”
Roger Waters storms Wrigley Field on June 8 with his epic opus, The Wall. So far, the production has only been mounted about 150 times since its debut in 1980. In 2012, though, Waters has about 70 more dates on the boards spanning from Australia to Argentina, New Zealand to North America. And Chicago drew one of the lucky numbers.
Neil Diamond plays the United Center on July 6 having recently received the Kennedy Center Honors. And that was after issuing The Very Best of Neil Diamond: The Original Studio Recordings and appearing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time ever. Oh, and he just turned 71 in late January. Still, the pop legend is raring to go on the road, tweeting, “Look out USA and Canada, here we come again! See you in Summer 2012, this is going to be the big one!” Take his word for it.
Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw bring their Brothers of the Sun Tour to Soldier Field Stadium on July 7. Reports say that the trek has already sold more than a half million tickets, so don’t dally if you want to catch the Chicago stop. Also on the bill are Jake Owen and Grace Potter + the Nocturnals.
Coldplay lands at United Center on August 7 as part of their summer tour behind Mylo Xyloto. What’s admirable, balanced, and different about the band’s itinerary this year is that 10 days per month are reserved for the members to spend with their respective families. (Gwyneth and the kids must be thrilled!)