Polishing the crystal ball for concerts you must see
’70s are still with us, but there’s a lot beyond Kiss, Elton John
The music industry relies on concert proceeds like never before.
Since the digital revolution made album sales vanish into thin air and streaming proceeds make artists less money than standing on a corner spare-changing, musicians tour to eat.
This is not a great situation for them. And it could be argued that this pressure to be on the road as much as possible affects the quality of a lot of the music being released because it gets rushed to market. But the truth is consumers get a lot more opportunity to enjoy live performances and that’s awesome.
Combing through the hundreds of dates announced in the coming year to come up with a short list of shows you should see in 2019 was hard, but here’s what is undoubtedly going to be a debatable list:
One Last Kiss: End of the Road World Tour When: Jan. 31, 7 p.m. Where: Rogers Arena Tickets and info:
ticketmaster.ca
History hasn’t really been kind to this cartoon hard-rock crew, who are really unknown to the non-’70s generation. But everyone will agree the band has always been better with its makeup on and playing golden oldies such as Deuce and Shout It Out Loud while stuff blew up all around them. This is the last time you’ll get to see Kiss lick it up, so you can expect a doozy of a sendoff.
Juan Wauters: La Onde de Juan Pablo tour When: Jan. 30, 8 p.m. Where: Astoria Tickets and info: $12, at showpass.com
This Uruguayan singer has released two fantastic albums on the Captured Tracks label and his latest looks to make that a hat trick. As the artist was acting in an indie film shot in Argentina, living in Mexico City, Peru, Chile and Puerto Rico, he sought out collaborators in each locale whose style was really representative of their regional musical traditions. This makes for a collection of catchy tunes for Wauters to present.
Bobby McFerrin
When: Feb. 17, 18, 7 p.m. Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC
Tickets and info:
ChanCentre.com
Not only does he possess a singular talent unlike any other vocalist, but McFerrin in concert is absolutely riveting. No performance is ever the same, but the energy he brings to the venue captures everyone and is totally hypnotizing. You won’t worry, and you will be happy.
Robyn When: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Where: Pacific Coliseum Tickets and info:
$77, Ticketleader.ca
With Honey, this Swedish pop diva made one of 2018’s finest pop albums. Her career stretches back to 1997 but really can be seen as beginning with 2005’s self-titled Robyn. That marked when she took her taste for complex electronic rhythms, slinky hooks and smart lyrics and put them all together. She has been getting better with every subsequent release, which makes this one of 2019’s most anticipated world tours.
Vince Staples: Smile, You’re On Camera When: March 22, 8 p.m. Where: Harbour Convention Centre Tickets: From $35, at eventbrite.ca
This Long Beach MC is one of the hottest on the rap scene today. His flow is fiery and fast — most of the songs on his latest album FM! clock in under a minute — and his lyrics spin black pride, street life, his hometown and more with real freshness. He burns up the microphone live.
FKJ When: April 5, 8 p.m. Where: The Commodore Ballroom
SOLD OUT: $26.50 at Red Cat Records, ticketmaster.ca
Paris-based producer Vincent Fenton records under the name French Kiwi Juice, or FKJ. Like fellow countrymen Daft Punk, he has pursued a sound unlike others and pretty much defined a new smooth electronic sub-genre of French House music. His live shows are supposed to be impressive displays of his multi-instrumental skills and funky beat making.
Bob Mould Band
When: April 7, 7:30 p.m. Where: The Rickshaw Tickets and info: From $29.50 at ticketfly.com
There’s a reason people such as Dave Grohl feel honoured when they can play on the same stage as Bob Mould, and it’s because the former Hüsker Dü and Sugar frontman is a killer songwriter. His earnest, honest and driving songs have a timeless quality about them which has been an enormous influence on American indie rock. Not everything he’s done solo is quite as good as those earlier acts, but his new album Sunshine Rock, on Merge, is a return to full band/ full volume fun.
Buddy Guy When: April 22, 8 p.m. Where: Orpheum Theatre Tickets and info: From $63 at eventbrite.ca
Few of the wave of legendary bluesmen that influenced a generation of rock and rollers remain. But, as the title of his latest album says, The Blues Is Alive And Well with Buddy Guy. This spectacular guitarist who has eight Grammy Awards to his name doesn’t hold back when he performs. At age 82, it’s possible he might not tour too much more, preferring to hold court at his legendary Chicago club.
Carrie Underwood: The Cry Pretty Tour 360 When: May 25, 6 p.m. Where: Rogers Arena Tickets and info: From $109, Ticketmaster.ca
One of country music’s top vocalists, Underwood dropped her most recent recording Cry Pretty last September. The lead single and album both debuted at No. 1 across all genres in the U.S. and follow-ups such as the powerful Love Wins have kept her on top of the charts all over the world. This tour is going to feature a 360 stage with an all-female backing band as well as guests Maddie and Tae and Runaway Jane. For sure one of the year’s big tours.
Amanda Palmer: There Will Be No Intermission Tour
When: June 6, 7:30 p.m. Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC Tickets and info: From $40, tickets.ubc.ca
A solo piano performance by Palmer is always appreciated, as she is a giving and intense player. Her latest album is the follow up to the more spoken word-oriented 2017’s I Can Spin A Rainbow, which saw her pairing up with Legendary Pink Dots’ Edward Ka-Spel. Expect it to be a far less hushed and subdued recording, as Palmer favours being in your face.
Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour When: Sept. 21, 22, 7 p.m. Where: Rogers Arena Tickets and info:
ticketmaster.ca
Due to popular demand, this star added an additional 25 dates to this farewell tour. His set list draws on songs from throughout his storied career, going all the way back to his pre-glam rock beginnings right up to his arena rocker era, and subsequent long career on top of the pops.