The Human League, Modern English The Cure
and “Earth, Sun, Moon.” It's been well over a decade since this trio — consisting of Daniel Ash, David J and Kevin Haskins — embarked on a concert tour. So, expect fans to turn out in force when Love and Rockets plays the Fox Theater in Oakland on May 21. INFORMATION >> apeconcerts.com
Make no mistake about it: The best new wave doubleheader of 2023 is scheduled for May 23 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. We're most excited about finally getting to see the Human League, the English synth-pop act known for such hits as “(Keep Feeling) Fascination,” “Human” and, of course, “Don't You Want Me.” But we also want to sing along with Modern English on the timeless prom anthem “I Melt With You.” INFORMATION >> regencyballroom.com
Duran Duran
These 2022 Rock Hall inductees launch their North American tour with a big set at BottleRock Napa Valley on May 27, a day that also features such talents as Lizzo, Carly Rae Jepsen and — oh, yes! — Nile Rodgers and Chic. The band then heads south to San Jose to delight fans with such smashes as “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “The Reflex” and “Rio” at the SAP Center on May 28. Duran Duran returns to NorCal on Aug. 24 to perform at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. INFORMATION >> duranduran.com
It's going to be a packed Memorial Day weekend for '80s modern rock fans, as they balance seeing Duran Duran with making sure to also catch the Cure at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on May 27. And it's the latter that may well rank as the most powerful live act on this entire list. So, get ready to swoon with Robert Smith and company as they hit town on what's reportedly their first North American tour in seven years.
thecure.com