For the first time in many years (besides the Covid years), the Heavy Metal Hippie will not be running around the country going to see any concerts. This is what I sacrificed to be in paradise. But that will not stop me from providing a list of the tours I wish I could be seeing this summer. In no particular order:
Danzig
with Behemoth, Twin Temple, Midnight
Starts- August 25th (Las Vegas, NV) Ends September 17th (Chicago, IL)
This tour was just announced and tickets just went on sale this week. Danzig will be doing a tour for the 30th Anniversary of the album ‘Danzig’. If you were too young when the Danzig album came out, this is an opportunity to hear the entire album performed live. Your favorite Heavy Metal Hippie was fortunate to catch Danzig on tour for their 3rd and 4th album and am a little sad to be missing this one. I expect tickets to sell out fast, and it is a rather short tour. To top it off Behemoth is also on the bill. Veronica and I are huge Behemoth fans and to see these two metal legends performing on the same stage is not to be missed
Dead and Co. (with John Mayer)
Starts- On tour now Ends July 16th (San Fransisco, CA)
On the opposite end of the musical spectrum, we find the Dead playing their farewell tour, well sort of. While this incarnation of the Grateful Dead will cease touring as Dead and Co. the members will continue to play in the various projects. Reports from the road have been very positive as the tour continues to traverse the US. The only negative I’ve heard so far is the increasing amount of ‘chompers’ that attend the show. I will have to agree with this as I have noticed the increase of this at many shows, for the love of god people just shut up when the performers are on stage
Phish
Starts- July 11 (Huntsville, AL 2 nights) Ends September 3rd (Commerce City, CO)
Phish starts off their summer tour next week in Huntsville Alabama, with multiple nights in each city, including a 9 night run at MSG. As a veteran of many Phish tours, a summer without a Phish show is like getting no presents at Christmas. Once again the ‘chompers’, the ‘Nitrous Mafia’ and ‘Tarpers’ will be out in full force, but don’t let them detract you from an awesome evening of music. There are certain bands on tour this summer that are making a big deal of ‘no repeat shows.’ This summer, do yourself a favor and catch the bands that have been doing it their entire career (Phis, Dead and Co.)
Goose
Starts- On tour now Ends Nov 20th (London, UK)
The next generation of Jam Bands have arrived and in my own opinion Goose leads the flock. Goose will be performing at many festivals across the US this summer. If you have not had a chance to catch them, do yourself a favor and go. With dates listed through November it is a great time to catch them on Tour. MoshPlayLive has seen them twice in the past 6 months and gives them an enthusiastic thumbs up!
Wacken Open Air Festival
Starts- August 2nd Ends August 5th
The hallowed ground of heavy metal returns for another round of metal mayhem. This year's headliners include Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Killswitch Engage. There are way too many bands to go through, but here are some more, Uriah Heep, Kreator, Doro, Biohazard and so many more. MPL was there last year and we can’t wait to return. This year's festival sold out in 6 hours, next year's tickets usually go on sale as soon as this festival ends, if you want to go I highly recommend being cognizant of the time in Germany and online at the appropriate time on August 5th to get them!
Mudvayne
with Coal Chamber, GWAR, NONPOINT, Butcher Babies
Starts- July 20th (West Palm Beach, Fla) Ends- August 26th (Salt Lake City, UT)
Making the Amphitheatre-circuit across the US this summer is Mudvayne and my personal favorite GWAR. Mudvayne is a show not to be missed and GWAR is well GWAR. A solid bill that is well worth your dollars to go see.
Pantera
with Lamb of God
Starts- July 13th (Cadott, WI Rockfest)-Sept 23rd (Louisville, KY Louder than Life)
Pan ‘MF’tera, the legends return to destroy the US. Your favorite Heavy Metal Hippie was very fortunate to catch Pantera many times over the years. Once again if you were too young to catch them, here’s your chance. Remaining members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown join Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and Zakk Wylde to thrash the sound of Pantera once again. Richmond, Virginia’s Lamb of God will open, ensuring a night of serious moshing.
Judas Priest
with Saxon, Uriah Heep
Starts- March 11th 2024 (Glasgow, UK) Ends March 21st (London, UK)
Ok, not technically this summer, but recently announced, why does Europe get all the cool tours (funny thing is Europeans say the same about the US). Uriah Heep is on the bucket list for both of us to see. MPL caught Judas Priest/Saxon in 2018 in Worcester, Massachusetts and it was amazing. Now if this tour comes to the US . . . one can dream.
Outlaw Music Festival
with Willie Nelson and Family, Bob Weir, String Cheese Incident, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Starts June 23rd (Somerset, WI) Ends October 15th (Pelham, AL)
While I’m not a huge Country and Western fan, I definitely enjoy the legends of Country music or in this case Outlaws. Willie Nelson and Family will be celebrating Willie’s 90th (!) birthday on the road with the Outlaw Musical Festival. Joined by Bob Weir, Robert Plant and many more this is a tour not to be missed, a little something for everyone.
Rammstein
Starts June 3rd (Odense, Denmark) Ends (August 5th Brussels, Belgium)
Once again a Europe exclusive, after seeing them in Foxborough, Massachusetts last summer, MPL is anxious to see them again. It is a show that will blow your mind away.
Power Trip Music Festival
When- October 6-8 Being held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California
This festival brings some of the biggest and most iconic heavy metal artists of all time. Friday night will see Guns N’ Roses with Iron Maiden, Saturday night will have AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne (very cool to see/hear that he will be performing) and to close it out on Sunday night will be Tool and Metallica. Let the debate rage on what the best night will be, head to Cali with your horns held high!
There you go, a little bit of everything, there are plenty of acts to see (as long as your wallet can handle it) and remember to support local music too!
Peace, Love and Mosh Pits
Scott
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