Many iconic bands and artists took over stadiums in grand fashion this year. The Rolling Stones amazed audiences with their enduring energy. Green Day brought back the punk-rock spirit. Def Leppard and Journey delivered hours of rock anthems. Springsteen and his band provided a mix of emotions and joy. Pop stars like Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo shone in sold-out arena shows and fashion trends. In country music, Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan proved their popularity in stadium sellouts. Las Vegas’s Sphere venue hosted U2 and showcased stunning performances from Phish, Dead & Company, and the Eagles.
I attended over two dozen shows this year, including performances at the Sphere and Taylor Swift’s final concerts in Vancouver. U2 and Swift, my top concert picks in 2023, were excluded from this year’s ranking. Among the standalone shows, here are my top 10 most memorable:
10. Duran Duran
The British New Wave icons brought their Halloween-themed show to CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore in October. The band’s funk-infused pop classics were complemented by a macabre touch, setting the stage for a spooky celebration.
9. Nicki Minaj
The rap queen made a grand return to U.S. stages after eight years with a flashy production at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Her Pink Friday 2 tour showcased her playful charisma and confident stage presence.
8. Sting
Sting, joined by guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, delivered a powerful set featuring songs from The Police and his solo career on his Sting 3.0 tour. The trio format brought a fresh dynamic to his music, captivating audiences with his enduring talent.
Experience the sophistication of Sting’s musical repertoire at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, highlighted by hits like “Englishman in New York,” “So Lonely,” and “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” all delivered with his captivating storytelling. Billie Eilish, on her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, showcases her career-defining album with a multimedia spectacle that leaves audiences spellbound. Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour is a vibrant retrospective of her iconic hits and eclectic musical styles. The Eagles mesmerize fans with a visual feast at their Sphere residency in Las Vegas, featuring flawless performances of classics like “Hotel California” and “One of These Nights.” Olivia Rodrigo shines on her GUTS World Tour, captivating audiences with her pop-rock anthems and energetic stage presence.
Billy Joel’s residency at Madison Square Garden came to a memorable close on July 25, 2024. The iconic musician, known for his timeless hits and captivating performances, bid farewell to the legendary New York City venue after a decade-long run that left a lasting impression on fans. The final show was marked by special moments, including a banner presented by Jimmy Fallon to commemorate Joel’s 150th show at MSG, a surprise appearance by Axl Rose for joint performances of classic tracks like Wings’ “Live and Let Die” and AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” and a heartwarming rendition of “My Life” with Joel’s daughters, Della Rose and Remy, joining him on stage. The nostalgia of the evening was palpable, underscoring the enduring appeal of Joel’s music and the deep connection he shares with his audience.
Missy Elliott kicked off her Out of This World Tour in Vancouver on July 4, 2024, marking her first headlining tour despite a groundbreaking career spanning over two decades in hip-hop. The innovative artist dazzled fans with a visually stunning performance featuring lasers, spaceships, neon costumes, and pyrotechnics, creating an unforgettable spectacle. While showcasing her sharp rap skills on tracks like “We Run This” and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” Elliott exuded joy and enthusiasm on stage, delivering crowd favorites like “Ching-A-Ling” and “Work It” with infectious energy. Joined by special guests Busta Rhymes and Ciara, Elliott proved her prowess as a commanding presence in the rap scene, captivating audiences with her unparalleled showmanship and musical prowess.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO, led by the visionary musician Jeff Lynne, brought their electrifying blend of rock, pop, and classical music to audiences on the Over and Out tour. The band’s performances, featuring a three-piece string section, a seven-piece band, and two background singers, showcased Lynne’s musical genius and the group’s exceptional talent. Audiences marveled at the seamless execution of hits like “Turn to Stone,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and the crowd-pleaser “Mr. Blue Sky,” which closed out the show on a high note of optimism and joy. Lynne’s understated presence and the band’s masterful musicianship made for a truly unforgettable concert experience, solidifying ELO’s status as a legendary act in the music industry.
These concerts of 2024, featuring Billy Joel, Missy Elliott, and Jeff Lynne’s ELO, exemplified the enduring power of live music and the transformative impact of exceptional performances. From Joel’s farewell to his MSG residency to Elliott’s long-awaited headlining tour debut and Lynne’s captivating musical journey, these artists left an indelible mark on audiences, reminding us of the profound connection music creates across generations and genres.
