I’m not sure if it’s just me that’s noticed, but 2016 seems to have been the year that every musical artist on the planet decided to do a tour. The thing that surprised me most about this was the fact that a lot of the artists and bands that toured were pretty retro. I had the honor of seeing Blink-182 in August and Good Charlotte at the beginning of November, but in no way were they the only throwback bands to be touring this year.
If you’re like me and listen to a lot of the older punk/rock bands, then it was a great year for you. It was also a sad year for your wallet.
I was blessed to have been able to snag some tickets to the Blink-182 concert in August that featured special guests: All-American Rejects and A Day to Remember. Following the release of their new album California, the tour began in July 2016 and will end in July 2017 in London. They’ve added member Matt Skiba to replace Tom DeLonge, but let me tell you, they still rock.
Unfortunately, when Green Day came to Columbus, Ohio in September, the tickets sold out too quickly for me to snag any. Judging on this fact, they’re still incredibly popular. Fortunately for many of you, especially those of you in Europe or Australia, they’re coming your way soon. Following the release of their new album, Revolution Radio, their tour began on September 26, 2016, and it doesn’t end until July 1, 2017.
I was fortunate once again to get a ticket to see Good Charlotte at the Agora in Cleveland, and my goodness can they still rock. I’ve been listening to them since middle school, and finally being able to see them live was like a dream come true. Their Youth Authority tour began in late October and the North American portion will end before Thanksgiving. Fortunately for anyone on the east coast, they still have a few shows left over there.
I can’t forget to mention the legends in Guns N Roses. They started their 2016 performances on the stage of Coachella, and man do I wish I would have been there. Unfortunately, the North American tour dates have already passed, so if you want to see them on this tour you’ll have to travel to Japan or Australia which will be approaching at the beginning of 2017.
Sum 41 is also on tour right now, but their upcoming show dates are all overseas. Another punk rock band on tour this fall was Brand New, before their impending break up.
Finally, Bon Jovi will be touring in the spring of 2017. They’ll begin their This House is Not For Sale tour in February, and as of now it’ll be ending mid-March. My mom and I are very excited for this one. We’ve been wanting to see Bon Jovi live for years.
