Northeast Ohio is being inundated with announcements of incredible artists and bands coming to town this summer (which can’t come soon enough), and we’re not complaining. Here is a semi-comprehensive list of some of the biggest shows coming our way.
U2
FirstEnergy Stadium July 1
Although already sold out, we’d be remiss not to mention one of the world’s biggest bands is coming to Cleveland. They’ll be performing The Joshua Tree in its entirety to boot.
Photo by Anton CorbijnCHANCE THE RAPPER
Blossom Music Center, May 19
Thank goodness Cleveland is part of Chance the Rapper’s first ever headlining tour. The Chicago-based artist’s mixtape, Coloring Book, which recently won three Grammys, done live, isn’t something to miss.
Photo ProvidedBILLY JOEL
Progressive Field, July 14
Even though the Piano Man hasn’t had any new material for 20-some years, Billy Joel continues to tickle the keys to the delight of fans. He last played Cleveland in 2014.
Photo ProvidedBRUNO MARS
Quicken Loans Arena, Aug. 15
Singer/songwriter/producer/director/musician/”dangerous man” Bruno Mars brings magic to the Q air and stage later this year, and we can’t wait.
Photo by Kai Z. FengCHRIS STAPLETON
Blossom Music Center, Aug. 18
Alt-country rising star Country singer Chris Stapleton has recruited several other country up-and-comers to join him on this summer’s All-American Road Show. The tour will feature Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Anderson East, Brent Cobb and Margo Price as special guests.
Photo ProvidedLADY GAGA
Quicken Loans Arena, Aug. 23
On the heels of her surprisingly tame (at least by her standards) Super Bowl performance, outspoken pop singer Lady Gaga brings her Joanne Tour to the Q.
Photo by Cleveland SceneCOLDPLAY
Quicken Loans Arena, Aug. 19
Get ready for Coldplay to light up Cleveland, as production designers Misty Buckley and Paul Normandale have created a killer light show for this British pop-rock act’s latest tour.
Photo by Sam NeillGREEN DAY
Blossom Music Center, Aug. 16
American idiots and brainiacs alike can revel in the fact that these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted punk rockers are coming to Northeast Ohio this summer.
Photo by Frank MaddocksJOHN MAYER
Blossom Music Center, Aug. 30
When singer-guitarist John Mayer played Blossom back in 2013, nearly every song was extended by several minutes to allow for solos and dancing on the lawn. Expect much of the same from his return as part of the Search for Everything World Tour.
Photo by Frank OckenfelsKINGS OF LEON
Blossom Music Center, Aug. 16
Released last year, Walls, the band’s seventh studio album, features a fine collection of arena-rock anthems, which should translate perfectly at this summer’s outdoor show.
Photo by Jimmy MarbleMAC DEMARCO
House of Blues Cleveland, May 15
Last time Canadian weirdo Mac DeMarco played Cleveland in 2014, he got drunk on whiskey and made the crowd kneel on their knees during his encore. This year’s set promises to be just as strange.
Photo via YouTubeNEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, PAULA ABDUL AND BOYZ II MEN
Quicken Loans Arena, June 30
New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits and screaming lady fans back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, but so did Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men. Now they’re all back together for one big nostalgia fest.
Photo ProvidedIDINA MANZEL
Jacobs Pavilion, July 12
This summer, the Tony Award-winning actress hits Cleveland as part of her 50-stop world tour. Expect to hear everything from “Let it Go” to “Defying Gravity.”
Photo from Live NationNORAH JONES
Jacobs Pavilion, May 24
Norah Jones had the one smash album back in 2002, but now in 2017, Jones is proving she still has much to sing about. Her Cleveland stop in May should melt hearts.
Photo via YouTubeQUEEN WITH ADAM LAMBERT
Quicken Loans Arena, July 21
Obviously, Queen will never be the same without the powerhouse presence of frontman Freddie Mercury, but Adam Lambert stepping into the role once again for this summer’s tour should excite Queen and Lambert fans alike.
Photo via YouTubeRED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Quicken Loans Arena, May 13
When the veteran alt-rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers originally announced tour dates for 2017, a Cleveland wasn’t on the itinerary. Thankfully, they added us in for a little “Californiacation” action this May.
Photo by Steve KerosTHE XX
Jacobs Pavilion, May 3
Mark a spot on your calendars, British indie-pop and electronic trio The XX make moves in on Cleveland this May. Touring behind their first album since 2012’s Coexist, the act should have more than a few surprises up their sleeves.
Photo Courtesy Live NationTOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS WITH JOE WALSH
Quicken Loans Arena, June 10
When Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers played Blossom back in 2010, they put on a helluva show. Now, as part of their 40th anniversary tour, Petty and his Heartbreakers return to Cleveland.
Photo by Joel BernsteinU2
FirstEnergy Stadium July 1
Although already sold out, we’d be remiss not to mention one of the world’s biggest bands is coming to Cleveland. They’ll be performing The Joshua Tree in its entirety to boot.
Photo by Anton Corbijn
