The 13 hottest summer concert tours
Summer is upon us, and what better way to make it memorable than with a concert or two. Instead of having to comb all your favorite bands' websites, we've compiled the must-see concerts coming your way.
1. Beyonce and Jay Z: On The Run Tour
This summer's hottest ticket is for America's favorite couple.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter are hitting 19 stadiums in the U.S., along with two stadium shows in Paris. The tour is thematically centered around the duo as criminals, and you may want to consider becoming a criminal to afford the ticket. But it's worth it, because this is, so to speak, the "it" concert this summer.
Dates: Now - Aug. 6
Who to Go With: The whole family!
2. One Direction: Where We Are Tour
The British are coming! U.K. boy band One Direction is embarking on its biggest U.S. tour yet. Fan girls unite and prepare to lose your voices screaming of joy!
When: Now - Oct. 5
Who to Go With: Your 12-year-old cousin who recently created an unofficial 1D Instagram account that only posts pictures of Harry Styles' hair. It's called "hairy-styles."
3. Jack White
Jack White, half of White Stripes and the unofficial Johnny Depp of music is hopping on the tour bus to promote his recent Southern rock album, "Lazaretto." White's set-lists include solo, White Stripes and Raconteurs material, so if you're a fan of any or all, you'll enjoy this show.
When: Now - Sept. 24
Who to Go With: Your older brother who used to be in a garage rock band but now works in insurance.
4. Katy Perry: The Prismatic Tour
The teenage dream herself is hitting the road to promote her latest album, "Prism." Expect all the classics, like "Hot N Cold" and "I Kissed A Girl," mixed with her fresh tracks, like "Dark Horse." Pretend like you don't know all the words.
When: Now - Oct. 10
Who to Go With: Your other 12-year-old cousin who was at girls sleep-away camp when 1D came to town, but she still wants to see a concert.
5. Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience Tour
Justin Timberlake has been touring non-stop since the very enjoyable "20/20 Experience" was released, and unless "The Social Network 2" happens, it doesn't look like he's not letting up.
Not only is Timberlake playing solo tracks from "SexyBack" to "Rock Your Body," but he's also bringing back *NSYNC material. Yes!
When: Now - Dec. 20
Who to Go With: Not your girlfriend, she might pay more attention to Justin than to you.
6. Queen with Adam Lambert
Getting the obvious out of the way, this is Queen without the late Freddie Mercury. It will never be the same. But as far as worthy replacements go, Adam Lambert is not bad. He can definitely sing, he's definitely theatrical, and when you're belting out the words "Bohemian Rhapsody," does it matter who else is singing?
When: June 19 - July 20
Who to Go With: Your friend from the office who is really into "American Idol." Don't worry she's not busy.
7. Arcade Fire: The Reflektor Tour
The Canadian indie rock band turned household name is touring this summer. Expect tracks off the group's dancier, if more critically-mixed, fourth album, "Reflektor." But don't fret, they'll play songs from "Funeral" and "The Suburbs," too.
When: July 30 - Aug. 30
Who to Go With: Your nephew who just bought a vinyl player and is finding himself.
8. Skrillex: Mothership Tour
Grab your morph suits and light-up gloves, it's Skrillex. The DJ recently released a new album, "Recess," featuring collaborations with Diplo and Chance the Rapper. If you like EDM, this show will satisfy your craving.
When: May 23 - July 30
Who to go with: Your grandma who secretly lives for the drop.
9. Fall Out Boy and Paramore: Monumentour
It's starting to feel like 2007 again. These groups are teaming up for an angsty, fueled-by-ramen summer tour, and we're just sorry Panic At The Disco didn't get the memo.
When: Now - Aug. 17
Who to Go With: Your cousin who got into the emo scene way too late.
10: Lady Gaga: artRave Tour
Expect a lot of costumes, a lot of dramatic entrances and a lot of Gaga. This woman has worn meat suits to award shows and showed up inside a giant egg. This concert would probably be pretty memorable.
When: Now - Nov. 24
Who to go with: Your niece who just applied to NYU Tisch and demanded the whole family listen to her piano rendition of "Alejandro" last Thanksgiving.
11. Bruno, Pharrell, Aloe Blacc
Pop's leading man, Bruno Mars, is bringing on both Pharrell and Aloe Blacc to open for different shows on his tour this summer. With Mars shutting it down at this year's Super Bowl and Pharrell taking part in three of the past year's biggest hits: "Happy," "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines," now is the time to see these guys live.
When: Now - Aug. 30
Who to Go With: your mom who listens to a lot of Z 100.
12: Under the Sun Tour with Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth
What says summer like Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth? Buy a ticket and before you know it you'll be singing along to "Every Morning," "Fly" and "All Star." I need to sit down before I OD on nostalgia.
When: Now - Aug. 11
Who to go With: Your college roommates who you used to listen to these guys with, frisbee in hand.
13. Counting Crows
Rounding out this list is a classic, all-American band for the whole family. From "Mr. Jones" to "Holiday in Spain," this show would be a summer highlight for sure. Bring a picnic blanket, sit back and enjoy!
When: Now - Aug. 17
2014 is shaping up to be an incredible summer for live shows. All tickets can be purchased on each artists' website, so go forth and commence the concert-going!