
Kendrick Lamar to Phoenix: Must-see 2017 summer tours
Every summer, music lovers around the world open their wallets and their calendar apps to plan their live concert schedule.
With the modern proliferation of festivals, artists have more ways than ever to connect the dots and reach fresh markets and new fans. Unlike festivals, however, seeing an act headline their own show provides the opportunity for a more immersive concert experience, with a deeper dive into a catalog along with higher stage production value.
What are some of the can't-miss headlining tours on the docket for this summer?
It's hard not to start with Kendrick Lamar. The GRAMMY-winning rapper will set out on a one-month arena run starting in July, culminating with three nights at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 6, 8 and 9. Based on the momentum of Lamar's latest album, DAMN., and the momentum of support acts Travis Scott and D.R.A.M., Consequence of Sound calls this the most anticipated tour of the summer.
Also making COS's short list, French indie rockers Phoenix return after a four-year hiatus for a world tour to capitalize on the release of their upcoming album, Ti Amo, due out in June. The group will launch their tour on May 12 in Miami, with the tour taking them to Japan, Europe and the U.K. Meanwhile, Future continues his landmark 2017 by kicking off a tour of his own today in Virginia, which will see him jaunt across the U.S. in support of the two back-to-back albums (FUTURE and HNDRXX) he's released this year.
For those about to rock, Loudwire's boisterous list of summer stints is highlighted by monster '90s-era bands Soundgarden, Tool, Green Day, Korn, Incubus, Bush and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Two-time GRAMMY nominees Gojira, another French outfit, hit the road in early May, including some select co-headlining dates with the eclectic Swedish metal band Opeth. Gojira will also join reigning GRAMMY-winning metal champions Metallica on their WorldWired summer tour, which also includes Avenged Sevenfold at select locations.
Some of the world's biggest pop artists are also hitting the road this summer. Harry Styles' world tour sold out in just seconds according to Billboard, tough news for those looking to see the One Direction star on his first solo outing. Styles' tour includes a 13-day North America run before he heads to Europe, Australia and Japan. Not to be outdone, Lady Gaga embarks on a world tour of her own this summer and Bruno Mars will set off on his 24K Magic World Tour, a stint that will touch on international markets in May and go around the States from July all the way through November.
With all of this and more at a venue near you, don't forget to wear hearing protection and support your favorite artists at the merch booth if you can.
How artists can skillfully add new material to their set lists