Concerts 2025: Tours, Tickets, Must-See Acts

If you’re planning your live music calendar for 2025, there’s a lot to consider. With big-name tours, unique collaborations, and long-awaited comebacks taking the stage, you’ll want to stay ahead of the ticket rush. The landscape’s shifting with new album drops and surprise festival bookings, creating plenty of pressure to pick your must-see acts. Before you decide who deserves your attention next year, there are some key details you shouldn’t overlook.

Most Anticipated Tours of 2025

Several noteworthy tours are scheduled for 2025, attracting considerable attention from both fans and industry observers. Among these, Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour stands out, with performances planned from April to July. This North American leg is expected to deliver a series of live performances that reflect her established artistic style and significant fan base.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA will also embark on their Grand National Tour, running from April to June. This tour has generated interest not only due to the artists' previous collaborations but also the possibility of special guests, which could enhance the overall concert experience.

Justin Timberlake will kick off the Forget Tomorrow World Tour in early 2025, coinciding with the release of his new album. This global tour aims to promote his latest work while further solidifying his position in the music industry.

Additionally, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are preparing to launch their own tours. Their new concert endeavors are likely to attract a loyal audience, given their history of engaging performances and devoted fan followings.

Top Artists on the Road

In 2025, several significant music tours are attracting attention, indicating a robust live music scene. Notable among these is Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour, which is expected to draw considerable crowds during the summer months.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA are also collaborating on the Grand National Tour, which will cover North America and is anticipated to feature strong performances. Katy Perry is set to elevate her presence with The Lifetimes Tour, while Justin Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour is poised to deliver memorable experiences.

The 2025 touring landscape presents diverse lineups that reflect current trends in the industry and the ongoing popularity of live performances.

New Album Showcases

As the 2025 concert season approaches, several artists are set to showcase their new albums, allowing audiences to engage with fresh material live for the first time.

Beyoncé will be performing on her Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit tour, featuring songs from her album, Cowboy Carter. Billie Eilish's upcoming tour will highlight her new work, Hit Me Hard and Soft, providing fans an opportunity to hear the latest in her musical evolution.

Katy Perry is also set to debut tracks from her album, 143, during her Lifetimes Tour.

Moreover, Kendrick Lamar and SZA will collaborate on the Grand National Tour, where they'll present new songs from their album GNX. Justin Timberlake's Forget Tomorrow World tour aims to revitalize the concert experience with his fresh material.

These tours indicate a trend where artists are prioritizing new content, shaping the concert landscape by focusing on the latest developments in their music.

Major Festival Lineups

The festival lineups for major music events in 2025 reflect a diverse array of artists and genres, indicating both established acts and emerging talents.

Coachella, scheduled for April, will feature prominent artists like Green Day and Lady Gaga, which may attract a wide demographic of attendees familiar with these names.

In July, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans will be headlined by Janet Jackson, aligning with the event's focus on Black culture and music.

August will see the Newport Jazz Festival showcasing The Roots and Janelle Monáe, which may appeal to fans of jazz and neo-soul genres.

The Reading & Leeds festivals are set to host artists such as Travis Scott and Bring Me the Horizon, indicating a strong representation of contemporary rock and hip-hop.

Lollapalooza, taking place in Chicago, includes performances by Megan Thee Stallion, which highlights the increasing prominence of female artists in the hip-hop scene.

Finally, in October, both Austin City Limits and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will celebrate a range of musical traditions. These festivals generally emphasize grassroots and diverse musical expressions, reflecting regional and cultural influences.

Notable Comebacks and Debuts

In 2025, several significant comebacks and anticipated debuts are expected to shape the live music landscape.

Alabama Shakes will return, bringing both new material and classic hits to their performances, with Brittany Howard leading their lineup.

Billy Corgan is set to launch the “Return to Zero Tour,” which will feature selections from the Smashing Pumpkins' earlier albums.

In addition, Bloc Party will perform their acclaimed album “Silent Alarm” in its entirety during an upcoming major tour.

Haim is preparing for an extensive summer tour that aims to deliver their dynamic live musical style to audiences.

Additionally, Kendrick Lamar and SZA will co-headline a series of shows, celebrating both their individual achievements and collaborative works.

Each of these events represents a notable moment for the respective artists and indicates a robust year for live music, reflecting both established acts and their evolving performance capabilities.

Exclusive Concert Experiences

Concerts can be characterized by their ability to create unique experiences for attendees, particularly through the performances of prominent artists during their stadium tours. In 2025, notable events include Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour” and My Chemical Romance’s stadium tour, both of which will take place across various North American locations.

These tours are expected to feature intricate productions and high-energy performances. Additionally, Kendrick Lamar and SZA will collaborate for their Grand National Tour, while Billie Eilish and Justin Timberlake are set to deliver distinct experiences during their respective tours.

Each of these events represents an opportunity for fans to engage with music in a significant way, as they combine artistic expression with large-scale production. Collectively, these concerts are positioned as key cultural events in the music calendar, attracting significant attention from both fans and industry observers.

Guide to Concert Tickets and Discounts

If you're planning to attend concerts in 2025, understanding the process of purchasing concert tickets is essential. Begin by utilizing reputable platforms such as Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, Ticket Liquidator, Ticket Network, and Vivid Seats for your ticket purchases.

It's advisable to look for available discounts, such as promotions like $150 off purchases over $500 on TicketNetwork or $30 off purchases exceeding $300 at Vivid Seats, as these can provide cost savings.

Additionally, consider exploring VIP ticketing options and early bird discounts, which may offer valuable benefits for certain events. Monitoring ticket availability is important, particularly for high-demand concerts, to secure tickets before they sell out.

It's also prudent to compare ticket prices across various platforms and to pay attention to seat selection to ensure an optimal viewing experience. Utilizing multiple sources can increase your chances of finding competitive ticket deals for the events you wish to attend.

Special Collaborations and Co-Headlining Tours

The concert calendar for 2025 is notable for its emphasis on special collaborations and co-headlining tours, which significantly enhance the live music landscape. Kendrick Lamar and SZA will co-headline the Grand National Tour, providing a unique opportunity for fans to experience their artistic synergy as they perform both their collaborative and solo works across North America.

Additionally, Justin Timberlake's Forget Tomorrow World Tour will feature varying special collaborations at each stop, potentially introducing diverse musical elements and creating a fresh experience for attendees at every venue.

Meanwhile, Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour will continue to incorporate guest artists, allowing for a dynamic performance that evolves throughout the tour's duration, which is set to last until September 2025.

Furthermore, Big Thief is expected to deliver a range of audacious setlists and introduce new music, highlighting their artistic progression and willingness to experiment.

In contrast, Billy Corgan’s solo performances will focus on showcasing his evolution as an artist while also revisiting classic themes and material from his earlier works. This variance in performance style reflects a broader trend of artists seeking to maximize their appeal through collaboration and innovation in live music settings.

Exciting Support Acts to Watch

Support acts play a crucial role in shaping the overall concert experience, and the 2025 concert tours are showcasing a diverse array of supporting artists that merit attention.

Shinedown's “Dance, Kid, Dance Tour” includes Beartooth, Bush, and Morgan Wade, collectively offering a blend of rock and alternative sounds.

Wilco’s U.S. Tour features Waxahatchee as a supporting artist, adding an indie-folk dimension to the performances.

Meanwhile, Exodus’s “Swarm of Horror Tour” invites Deicide to join, presenting a heavy metal lineup that may appeal to fans of the genre.

Additionally, Billy Idol and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will share the stage, giving concertgoers an opportunity to enjoy two prominent acts in a single evening.

Brad Paisley’s tour stands out for its inclusion of rotating supporting artists, thereby providing a varied musical experience across different shows.

Each of these selections reflects strategic decisions made by headlining acts to enhance their concert offerings and cater to a wide range of audiences.

Canceled and Paused Tours in 2025

In 2025, the concert landscape will experience notable changes as several major artists have opted to cancel or pause their tours. Notably, Taylor Swift will refrain from touring following the conclusion of her Eras Tour in December 2024.

Similarly, Olivia Rodrigo hasn't scheduled any performances after her 2024 engagements, indicating a break from the touring circuit. Noah Kahan is also taking a pause, as he hasn't announced any new tour dates for 2025.

Additionally, the band Alabama Shakes is redirecting their efforts towards developing new material rather than engaging in extensive touring commitments.

These decisions reflect a broader trend among artists prioritizing creative work or personal time over continuous touring. The implications of reduced live performances may impact fans who seek concert experiences, but they may also suggest a shift in the industry as artists manage their careers with varying approaches to touring and personal time.

Conclusion

You don’t want to miss what 2025 has in store for live music. With superstar tours, long-awaited comebacks, fresh collaborations, and buzzworthy debuts, there’s something for every fan. Secure your tickets early, keep an eye out for special discounts, and be ready to discover new favorites at every show. This year’s concerts promise unforgettable moments—so get out there, catch your must-see acts, and make memories at the best shows of 2025!