Category: Musicians

Guitars are perhaps the most recognizable symbols of music history. From rock to blues to country, every genre has its own distinct sound created by the types of instruments used. Certain guitars have become iconic throughout the years due to their unique features, aesthetics, and heritage.

Today, we’ll be exploring the 5 most legendary guitars of all time and the famous musicians who have owned them.

#5: The Les Paul

Named after its inventor, Lester William Polsfuss, the Les Paul is one of the most iconic and widely-recognized guitars in the world. Its origins can be traced back to the 1950s when it quickly became popular with rock and blues guitarists alike. Its rich, warm tone makes it perfect for solos, while its solid body construction allows for powerful sound amplification.

Famously owned by guitar legends such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Slash of Guns N’ Roses, the Les Paul’s impact on the music industry cannot be understated. It’s been used in countless classic rock and blues songs, and its versatile sound has made it a staple for musicians across genres.

#4: The Stratocaster

Another iconic guitar to have graced the stages of the world is the Stratocaster. Invented by Leo Fender in the 1950s, the Stratocaster has a sleek, streamlined design and a unique sound that has made it one of the most widely-used guitars ever.

Famously owned and played by Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, the Stratocaster’s distinctive sound can be heard in many classic rock songs. Its use of single-coil pickups combined with the ability to change tone with its three-way switch adds endless possibilities to any musician’s repertoire.

#3: The Telecaster

The Telecaster is a workhorse of a guitar that has been used in countless recordings over the years. Its simple and straightforward design makes it a favorite of musicians in a variety of genres, from country to punk rock.

Bruce Springsteen and Keith Richards are just two famous examples of musicians who have owned a Telecaster. Its twangy sound has contributed to the evolution of country music, and its clear sound and sustain have made it a staple in rock and roll.

#2: The Flying V

One of the most unique guitars on our list is the Flying V. Originally invented by Gibson in 1958, its futuristic design was initially met with skepticism. However, its popularity quickly grew among musicians due to its distinct sound and outrageous appearance.

Famously owned by legendary blues guitarist Albert King and Jimi Hendrix, the Flying V has undoubtedly made its mark on music culture. Its use of humbucker pickups gives it a powerful and unique sound, making it a favorite among heavy metal and hard rock guitarists.

#1: The Gibson SG

The Gibson SG is widely considered one of the greatest electric guitars ever made. Its sleek, devil-horned design and powerful sound make it a favorite for rock and metal guitarists alike. Its versatility as a lead and rhythm guitar has made it a staple of classic rock music.

Famously owned by Angus Young of AC/DC and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, the Gibson SG’s impact on rock and metal music cannot be understated. Its ability to sustain distortion and its use of humbucker pickups gives it an unparalleled sound that has been used in countless recordings over the years.

Jazz is a truly unique genre of music that has managed to captivate audiences for over a century. The beauty of this music is that it constantly evolves and changes with each new generation of musicians. Here we present five jazz musicians who are breaking the mold and bringing fresh new sounds to the genre.

1. Kamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington is a jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader from Los Angeles, California. He first gained recognition for his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s seminal album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” which helped bring jazz into the mainstream consciousness. Since then, he has released several critically acclaimed albums of his own, including “The Epic” and “Heaven and Earth.”

Washington’s music is a fusion of jazz, soul, and funk, with a strong emphasis on melody and harmony. His compositions often feature large ensembles, complex arrangements, and extended improvisational sections. His unique style has helped to push jazz into new realms while still maintaining a deep connection to its roots.

2. Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding is a jazz bassist, vocalist, and composer from Portland, Oregon. She first gained national attention in 2011 when she won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist, becoming the first jazz musician to do so. Since then, she has released several highly acclaimed albums, including “Radio Music Society” and “Emily’s D+Evolution.”

Spalding’s music is a unique blend of jazz, funk, and neo-soul, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and groove. Her compositions often feature intricate basslines, soaring vocals, and complex harmonies. Her innovative style has helped to push jazz into new realms, while still maintaining a connection to its deep roots.

3. Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a jazz trumpeter, composer, and producer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Stretch Music” and “Ancestral Recall.” He is known for his innovative use of electronic effects and production techniques, which help to push the boundaries of jazz beyond its traditional confines.

Scott’s music is a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and texture. His compositions often feature complex time signatures, intricate arrangements, and extended improvisational sections. By pushing the boundaries of the genre while still embracing its core principles, Scott has helped to forge a new path forward for jazz.

4. Tigran Hamasyan

Tigran Hamasyan is a jazz pianist, composer, and vocalist from Armenia. He first gained recognition at the age of 18 when he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. Since then, he has released several highly regarded albums, including “Mockroot” and “An Ancient Observer.”

Hamasyan’s music is a fusion of jazz, Armenian folk music, and progressive rock, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and harmony. His compositions often feature intricate piano work, soaring vocals, and complex polyrhythms. By blending together disparate elements from different musical genres, Hamasyan has created a sound that is wholly unique and deeply captivating.

5. Mary Halvorson

Mary Halvorson is a jazz guitarist and composer from Brookline, Massachusetts. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Meltframe” and “Code Girl.” She is known for her unconventional approach to the guitar, which involves using unconventional techniques and a wide variety of effects pedals.

Halvorson’s music is a fusion of jazz, free improvisation, and avant-garde music, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and exploration. Her compositions often feature complex harmonies, unconventional guitar techniques, and extended improvisational sections. Her innovative style has helped to push jazz into new realms while still embracing its core values of creativity and artistic expression.

The LGBTQ+ community has had a significant and lasting impact on the music industry, influencing and shaping the way we listen to and appreciate music. With more and more LGBTQ+ musicians coming to the forefront of the industry, representation in music is more important than ever. Today, we will be discussing five influential LGBTQ+ musicians who have made a significant contribution to music throughout the years.

Freddie Mercury

One of the most iconic musicians of all time, Freddie Mercury is known for his incredible vocal range and stage presence as the lead vocalist of Queen. His flamboyant style and powerful performances captivated audiences worldwide, and his influence on the music industry is still felt today. Mercury was open about his bisexuality during a time when being openly gay was still taboo, and his unapologetic presence on stage paved the way for LGBTQ+ musicians to come. Queen’s hit song “Bohemian Rhapsody” also became an iconic moment for the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing a sense of queer defiance that inspired many.

Elton John

Elton John is another legendary musician whose contribution to music has spanned decades, with hit songs like “Your Song”, “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer”. Elton John came out as gay in the 1980s, and his openness and authenticity about his sexuality helped break down barriers for other LGBTQ+ musicians. His work in the music industry has paved the way for other marginalized communities like people with AIDS, ensuring they were given representation in music.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is a singer-songwriter who has brought a fresh perspective to the music industry; his work exhibits diversity and originality which is seen in hit songs such as “Thinkin’ Bout You” and “Novacane”. His debut album, “Channel Orange,” earned critical acclaim and established him as a major force in modern pop music. He came out as bisexual in 2012 and has been championed for his authenticity and honesty in his music. Frank Ocean’s work in the music industry continues to showcase the beauty of diversity and the need for it to be embraced.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X burst onto the music scene in 2019 with his genre-bending hit “Old Town Road,” a song that mixed hip-hop with country and became a viral sensation. The rapper came out as gay while his song was still topping the charts, making him the first black and gay man to be on “Forbes’s 30 Under 30” annual list. His music and style challenge traditional norms of masculinity and provide representation to the LGBTQ+ community in hip-hop. Lil Nas X is an icon for anyone who feels isolated and underrepresented, using his platform to share his story and bring awareness and light to the LGBTQ+ community.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress, who has been praised for her eclectic musical style and artistic vision. Monáe’s debut album, “The ArchAndroid,” established her as a visionary artist with a unique aesthetic, blending genres such as soul, funk, and pop. Monáe identifies as queer and much of her music is dedicated to exploring issues of identity, empowerment, and liberation. Her song, “Make Me Feel,” has become a queer anthem, showcasing themes of sexuality and the intersection of gender and sexuality, helping pave the way for representation in different genres of music.

Music is a universal language that has the power to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures. The artists who create music have inspired countless individuals throughout history with their incredible talent, innovation, and creativity. However, behind every successful musician, there is a story of struggle, determination, and hard work. Today, we will explore five inspiring musician biographies that provide insight into the lives and legacies of some of the world’s most influential musicians.

The Importance of Musician Biographies

Musician biographies are powerful tools that offer readers a window into the lives of their favorite artists. By delving deep into an artist’s personal history, we gain insight into the sources of their inspiration, the challenges they overcame, and the paths they took to achieve their goals. For aspiring musicians and music lovers alike, these stories can be immensely valuable. They show that even the most talented and successful musicians faced difficulties and setbacks, but with perseverance, they were able to overcome them and achieve greatness.

Ray Charles: I Can’t Stop Loving You by David Ritz

Few musicians have had as much of an impact on American music as Ray Charles. Born into poverty and blindness, Charles overcame incredible odds to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. In “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” author David Ritz provides a detailed account of Charles’ life, from his humble beginnings in Florida to his rise to fame as a pioneering soul and R&B artist.

What makes this biography so inspiring is the resilience that Charles demonstrated throughout his life. Despite facing discrimination, addiction, and personal tragedy, he always remained passionate about his music and committed to his craft. Reading this biography is a reminder that even when things seem impossible, we can persevere and achieve our dreams through hard work and dedication.

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is a musical icon whose music has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In his autobiography, “Born to Run,” he shares the story of his life, from his early days playing in bars in New Jersey to his rise to fame as a rock and roll superstar.

What makes Springsteen’s story so inspiring is his relentless dedication to his craft. Despite facing rejection early on in his career, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a musician. Through hard work and determination, he was able to forge a path to success and create music that resonates with people across generations.

Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday is one of the most iconic jazz singers of all time, with a distinctive voice and style that captured the hearts of listeners around the world. In her autobiography, “Lady Sings the Blues,” she provides a firsthand account of her life, from her difficult childhood to her rise to fame as a legendary jazz singer.

What makes this biography so inspiring is how it showcases Holiday’s incredible talent and creativity. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, she continued to make music that was raw, honest, and deeply emotional. Her story is a reminder that true artists are able to draw on their experiences, both good and bad, to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis and Quincy Troupe

Miles Davis is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, with a career that spanned over 40 years and produced some of the most groundbreaking music in the genre’s history. In his autobiography, “Miles,” written with Quincy Troupe, Davis provides a candid account of his life, from his early days in St. Louis to his rise to fame as a jazz icon.

What makes this biography so inspiring is how it showcases Davis’ growth and evolution as a musician. His music changed and adapted over time, reflecting his own personal growth and the changing musical landscape. By constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries, Davis was able to create music that was both innovative and timeless.

Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis

Anthony Kiedis is the lead singer of the iconic rock band, Red Hot Chili Peppers. In his autobiography, “Scar Tissue,” Kiedis provides a raw and honest account of his life, from his troubled childhood to his rise to fame as a rock star.

What makes Kiedis’ story so inspiring is how he was able to overcome his personal demons and achieve success in the face of incredible adversity. He struggled with addiction for many years, but through perseverance, support from loved ones, and a commitment to his recovery, he was able to turn his life around. His story is a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, it is always possible to find hope and create a better future.

Music is a universal language that has the power to move and inspire people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Learning a musical instrument can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also be intimidating for beginners who don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help beginner musicians get in tune with their musical aspirations. Today, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right instrument to performing with confidence.

Choosing the Right Instrument

The first step in learning a musical instrument is choosing the right one for you. Personal preference is a significant factor, as you’ll be spending countless hours practicing and playing your instrument. It’s also essential to consider the cost, accessibility, and research different instruments before making a final decision. Some instruments, such as the guitar or keyboard, are versatile and suitable for a wide range of music genres, while others, such as the violin or trumpet, are more specialized.

Understanding Music Theory

Music theory is the foundation of all music, and understanding the basics is essential for any musician. Learning about notes, scales, and chords is fundamental to playing any instrument, as is understanding rhythm and timing. Reading music notation is also a crucial skill that allows musicians to communicate and play together effectively.

Finding a Teacher or Mentor

Having a teacher or mentor is invaluable for beginner musicians. A teacher can provide personalized guidance and feedback, help you establish a practice routine, and introduce you to new music and techniques. It’s essential to find a good teacher who is experienced, patient, and has a teaching style that suits your learning style. Other resources for learning include online courses, instructional books, and videos.

Developing Good Practice Habits

Practice is essential for developing skills and making progress in learning an instrument. Establishing a regular practice routine is crucial, as is setting achievable goals and tracking your progress. It’s also important to overcome obstacles such as frustration and boredom, and stay motivated by playing music that you enjoy and finding a community of like-minded musicians.

Learning Technique

Learning proper technique is essential for playing an instrument with precision, control, and expression. For example, proper posture and hand positioning are crucial for playing the guitar or piano, while breath control is essential for wind instruments. Finger dexterity is essential for string instruments, while articulation and expression are vital for all instruments.

Playing with Others

Playing with others is a great way to improve your skills and enjoy the social aspect of music-making. Joining a band or ensemble is an excellent way to meet other musicians, learn new music, and develop your playing skills. Successful collaboration requires communication, listening, and compromising, and can lead to lifelong friendships and musical partnerships.

Performing

Performing can be a nerve-wracking experience for beginners, but it’s also an essential part of becoming a musician. Overcoming stage fright is essential, and there are many techniques and tips to help. Preparing for a performance involves practicing your repertoire, choosing the right outfit, and arriving at the venue early. Performing with confidence requires a positive mindset, good preparation, and a willingness to take risks and enjoy the moment.

Music lovers around the world know that there’s nothing quite like the energy and excitement of a live concert. Seeing your favorite band perform in person can be an incredible experience, but sometimes the reality doesn’t quite live up to the hype. In fact, some amazing bands who produce fantastic albums can struggle to deliver the same level of quality in a live setting. Whether it’s due to technical issues, poor acoustics, or just an off night, there are a number of reasons why some bands who seem awesome on record, unfortunately, suck live. Today, we’ll take a closer look at five bands who have struggled to live up to their studio performances when they hit the stage.

1. Nirvana

Nirvana is undoubtedly one of the most iconic bands of the 1990s, thanks in large part to the songwriting genius of the late Kurt Cobain. While their studio recordings continue to captivate listeners to this day, some fans have been less than impressed with their live performances. In part, this may be due to the issues that the band faced with Cobain’s health, substance abuse problems, and tragic suicide. Many fans have criticized their live performances as disjointed, sloppy, and filled with missed opportunities to connect with the audience.

2. Guns N’ Roses

For all the hype and success that Guns N’ Roses achieved in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the band has rarely lived up to its reputation in live performances. This is due in part to the infamous on-stage antics of frontman Axl Rose, whose diva-like behavior, frequent tardiness, and meltdown moments have frustrated fans and tarnished the band’s legacy. Many concertgoers have reported that the band’s performances often feel rushed and sloppy, with Rose relying heavily on pre-recorded backing tracks to try and mask his lackluster vocals.

3. My Bloody Valentine

While My Bloody Valentine’s seminal shoegaze album “Loveless” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre, the band’s live performances have often left audiences scratching their heads. This is due in part to the complexity of the band’s sound, which relies heavily on layers of distorted guitar feedback and unconventional time signatures. When translated to a live setting, this sound can often overwhelm the listener and make it difficult to fully appreciate the group’s unique approach to noise and melody.

4. The Rolling Stones

Given that The Rolling Stones have been touring and performing for over five decades, it’s not surprising that their live shows have been hit or miss over the years. While the band’s classic hits like “Satisfaction” and “Brown Sugar” still have the power to get a crowd roaring, many of their concerts have been criticized for being lackluster and uninspired. In part, this may be due to the band’s age and the physical demands of touring, but some critics have suggested that their inability to wow audiences in recent years may be a sign that their best days are behind them.

5. The Strokes

When The Strokes burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, they were hailed as the saviors of rock and roll. However, their live performances have often been less than impressive, thanks in large part to lead singer Julian Casablancas’ apathetic approach to stage presence. While the band’s early recordings had undeniable energy and charisma, in live settings they often delivered their songs in a flat and lackluster manner, failing to connect with the crowd in the same way as their studio recordings.

For music lovers, attending a live concert of their favorite artist can be a dream come true. However, getting hold of concert tickets for popular artists can be quite challenging, with many shows selling out within minutes of going on sale. If you’re struggling to get your hands on tickets for your favorite artist’s upcoming concert, don’t despair! We’ve got you covered with these 5 insider secrets to score your favorite artist’s concert tickets.

Join the Fan Club

Many popular artists have a dedicated fan club that offers pre-sale access to concert tickets. Joining the fan club is often free and can give you a significant advantage in getting tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Fan club members often receive exclusive perks such as early access to tickets, meet-and-greet opportunities, and other special offers. Check your favorite artist’s website or social media pages for information on how to join their fan club.

Follow Your Favorite Artist on Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for artists to connect with their fans and promote their shows. Following your favorite artist on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can give you a heads-up on upcoming shows and ticket sales. Artists often announce pre-sales and other exclusive offers to their followers on social media, so make sure you don’t miss out by following them today.

Sign Up for Venue and Ticketing Company Emails

Many concert venues and ticketing companies offer email subscriptions that provide exclusive access to pre-sales, early bird tickets, and other special offers. Signing up for these emails can give you the inside scoop on ticket sales and increase your chances of getting the best seats in the house. Keep an eye out for emails from your favorite venue or ticketing company and be sure to check your inbox regularly.

Use Multiple Devices and Internet Connections

When tickets go on sale, the demand can be so high that ticketing websites can crash or become extremely slow. To increase your chances of getting tickets, try using multiple devices and internet connections. This means using both your computer and your phone, as well as different Wi-Fi networks or cellular data connections. By using multiple devices and internet connections, you can increase your chances of getting through to the ticketing website and securing your tickets before they sell out.

Be Ready to Buy When Tickets Go on Sale

Finally, the most important insider secret to scoring your favorite artist’s concert tickets is to be ready to buy when tickets go on sale. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the on-sale date and time, and make sure you’re logged in to the ticketing website beforehand. Have your credit card information ready and be prepared to act fast, as tickets can sell out within minutes.

Getting tickets for your favorite artist’s concert can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By following these 5 insider secrets, you can increase your chances of getting tickets and making your dream of attending a live concert a reality. Good luck, and happy ticket hunting!

The rap genre has a lot of legends, including the likes of Jay-Z, Eminem, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., etc. The list really goes on for a while, but if you hear a certain name, you know about their legendary status. However, the genre isn’t comprised entirely of legends. There have been plenty of names that have come and gone, some of which were one-hit wonders that some saw as novelty acts.

Today, we remember some of those rappers whose careers were a flash in the pan. We’ll remember their hits that had people talking for a brief period, and what happened to them after their 15 minutes of fame. Here are five rappers that you might have forgotten about.

J-Kwon

St. Louis rap started to gain attention in the early 2000s thanks to Nelly, and one of the people who benefitted the most was J-Kwon. Born as Jerrell C. Jones, J-Kwon started rap battling in St. Louis as a child and had several run-ins with the law while struggling to survive in general. That would change in 2004 when he landed a record deal and released his debut album “Hood Hop”.

The album contained the massive hit “Tipsy”, which reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Then, J-Kwon had a modest hit with “You & Me” and wasn’t heard from for years. He waited five years to release another album and it hardly sold any copies. J-Kwon said his career was sidetracked due to being jailed for unpaid child support, claiming that the child wasn’t his. It turns out he was right and he created a foundation for people in similar situations.

Bone Crusher

Atlanta has created some of the best rappers of all time, and some of those legendary performers were able to bring exposure to some of the lesser-known from the ATL. Among those that found brief success thanks to the early 2000s rise in Atlanta’s hip-hop popularity was Bone Crusher. Born Wayne Hardnett Jr., Bone Crusher was a staple for video game soundtracks of the era.

His debut album “AttenCHUN!” was a huge hit, reaching number one on the R&B Chart thanks to songs like “Never Scared”. Afterward, he would release just two albums (in 2006 and 2007) before finishing his recording career. At the time, he said he was just waiting until his kids grew up a bit, but enjoyed fatherhood so much that he walked away from rapping altogether, so this story definitely has a happy ending.

MIMS

It seems like these days that almost every rapper has “Lil” or “Da” in front of their name, but in the early 2000s, there were a lot of rappers that had one-word names or even acronyms. One of those rappers that fall into both categories is MIMS, which stands for Music is My Savior, but is also his real last name. Shawn Mims was born in New York City in 1981 and found success in his mid-20s with the release of his debut album.

The album contained a long list of tracks, but the one that everyone remembers is “This is Why I’m Hot”. The song reached number one on the charts, and “Like This” would be a top 40, but that was it for MIMS. He released just one more album in 2009 titled “Guilt” which didn’t crack the top 50 of the Billboard 200 before getting dropped from his label. Thankfully, he found success in the tech world, creating an app called RecordGram.

Shop Boyz

Another Atlanta-based act, the Shop Boyz was a collective that comprised of Meany (Demetrius Hardin), Fat (Richard Stephens), and Sheed (Rasheed Hightower). The group started up in 2004 and fused both rock and rap, catching lightning in a bottle three years later when the two genres mashing up became popular in the mainstream.

Their debut album “Rockstar Mentality” was released in 2007, reaching #11 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the rap charts. Of course, the song that caught on the most was “Party Like a Rockstar”, a number-two hit. Their follow-up scraped the top 100 and they released just one more single before being released from their label.

Jibbs

Jibbs released just one studio album and had one top-10 hit, but what a hit it was. Born as Jovan Campbell, Jibbs is another St. Louis-based rapper who came onto the scene in the mid-2000s, releasing the hit track “Chain Hang Low”. The song reached number seven on the charts and was certified platinum from his album “Jibbs Featuring Jibbs”.

He had one more single titled “King Kong” that had modest success, but no other entries into the Billboard Hot 100. JIbbs is still performing these days, but his focus has been on being a father.

Music is universal, and for most, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when you ask what their hobbies are. Because of this, millions of people go to concerts every year. Whether they be in small venues that only hold a few dozen people or massive widespread parks, we love seeing our favorite bands live. Out of all of the concerts ever held, though, which ones drew the largest crowds ever?

For this list, the concert had to be for a single artist as the headliner and fans had to pay for admission. Festivals that last for several days and free shows weren’t considered. That’s what sets these five concerts apart as being something genuinely captivating to have that many people pay to see one person in one venue.

5. Tina Turner (1988)

Tina Turner went on the sixth tour of her career between March 1987 and March 1988 which would end up being one of the biggest tours of all time and the highest-grossing female tour of the 1980s. Pulling in over $60 million, Turner opened each show with “What You Get Is What You See” and wrapped up with “Paradise Is Here”.

Due to being marketed as the final tour of her career, Turner sold a lot of seats, but none more than in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at Maracana Stadium. On January 16, 1988, Turner brought in 180,000 people to see her belt out her greatest hits. To this day, it remains the largest audience for a female artist ever.

4. Paul McCartney (1990)

For many years, Paul McCartney toured with the Beatles and then with Wings. Starting in September 1989, though, McCartney went on tour on his own with over 100 shows until July 1990. McCartney started his tour in Drammen, Norway, and wrapped up at Chicago’s Soldier Field, ending his shows with songs like “Carry That Weight” and “The End”.

One of the stops along the way was at the same venue, Maracana Stadium, where Tina Turner had played just two years prior. McCartney topped what was then the all-time record with 184,000 people buying tickets to his show in Rio. For McCartney, Rio was the only stop he had in South America, but a worthwhile one indeed.

3. Glay (1999)

While the first two artists on the list are people that North Americans and Europeans are extremely familiar with, they might not be accustomed to this next group. Glay is a Japanese rock band that formed in 1988 and became one of the country’s most successful bands ever. The group had traditional concerts, but also had what they referred to as expos.

The first-ever Glay Expo was held in 1999 in Chiba, Japan, and at the time broke McCartney’s record for attendance. In the same year, Glay released the album “Heavy Gauge”. Just around 200,000 people made their way to Glay Expo’99 Survival, which was tops among their impressive list of concert attendances. 

2. Bijelo Dugme (2005)

Once again, North Americans probably aren’t too aware of Bijelo Dugme, though this time the Europeans get to join in on the fun. The group is one of the most notable from the old Soviet Republic, hailing from Sarajevo and formed in 1974 until their split in 1989. After years of listening to their greatest hits albums, fans finally got to see Bijelo Dugme live again in 2005 for a trio of reunions.

The reunion tour had stops in Sarajevo, Zagreb, and Belgrade. The latter of which was held at the Belgrade Hippodrome in Serbia and set a new attendance record with 220,000. Unfortunately, the band hasn’t toured since the massive performance.

1. Vasco Rossi (2017)

Among the best-selling Italian artists of all time is Vasco Rossi, who was a huge name during the 1980s throughout much of Europe. Though his fame never made it to the United States, Rossi was a big enough name to hold the record for the most-attended paid concert in music history with over 225,000 attendees.

The concert was titled Modena Park 2017 and was held at Enzo Ferrari Park on July 1 of that year, which is a race track that’s nearly 1.5 miles in length. Several artists backed up Rossi, including an appearance at the end from Manowar.

There’s a lot that goes into a tour for the biggest musical acts, especially when they’re playing in large venues with a lot of set-up involved. When this happens, usually ticket prices are astronomical, but those that attend say that the cost was worth it to see the spectacle of their favorite performer playing live.

There have been many memorable tours throughout music history, with some lasting for several years before the band gets an extended break. Out of every tour, there are a few that stand out as being the most lucrative and memorable for fans and ticket sellers alike. Here are the five biggest music tours of all time and some info about each one.

5. A Head Full Of Dreams Tour (Coldplay)

From March 2016 until November 2017, Coldplay went on the road through five continents and played 122 shows in total, beginning and ending at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata in Argentina. The setlist included some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Yellow” and “Paradise” and typically ending with “A Sky Full of Stars” and “Up&Up”.

Because of the sheer amount of shows, it was one of the highest-grossing tours of all time, pulling in $523 million, which was good for an average of $4.59 million per show. The tour earned the Billboard Award for Top Draw and the American Music Award for Tour of the Year.

4. Sticky & Sweet Tour (Madonna)

While some think that Madonna’s top tour may have been in the 1980s or 1990s, her biggest tour to date came from August 2008 to September 2009 when she performed 85 shows. There were different themes with each show, and the tour was the crown jewel of her new contract with promoter Live Nation that began in Cardiff, Wales, and wrapped up in Tel Aviv, Israel with each performance ending with “Give It 2 Me”.

Madge was able to make $4.84 million per show, which brought in a total attendance of 3.5 million and a total gross of $411 million. The tour wasn’t without its issues, though, as the concert set for Marseille, France suffered a stage collapse that led to the show’s cancellation.

3. Reputation Stadium Tour (Taylor Swift)

Upon the release of her sixth studio album, “Reputation”, Taylor Swift kicked off a tour of the same name in May 2018 through November of the same year. There was only one caveat, though, and it was that Swift was only playing in large stadiums, many of which happened to be outdoor venues like NFL stadiums. Over 53 shows, Swift was able to sell out these venues left and right.

The Reputation Stadium Tour started out in Glendale, Arizona at the University of Phoenix Stadium and concluded at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. The setlist typically started with “…Ready for It?” and finished with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. All in all, the tour was able to pull in 2.888 million people and grossed $6.52 million per show for a total of $345.7 million.

2. 360 Tour (U2)

With the release of their album “No Line on the Horizon”, U2 came out with one of the most innovative tours of all time with the 360 Tour. The tour featured a contraption known as “The Claw” which had a massive video screen and sound system that was over 160 feet tall. U2 took “The Claw” with them over seven legs and a total of 110 shoes between June 2009 and July 2011.

The setlist tended to change with each leg of the tour, with “Moment of Surrender” serving as the final encore for the first two years while “Out of Control” ended their shows in 2011. The 360 Tour is the highest-grossing of all time (when adjusted for inflation) with $736 million and 7.2 million attendees, averaging $6.69 million per show.

1. No Filter Tour (Rolling Stones)

The Rolling Stones have had plenty of amazing and memorable tours throughout the years, with the No Filter Tour being the biggest of the bunch. Though some of it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was still able to draw big-time from September 2017 to November 2021.

With a changing setlist that typically ended with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, the Stones made 58 stops on their tour that earned $546.5 million in ticket sales. Thanks to selling out massive venues, the tour set a record for $9.42 million per show on average.