There’s still no further word concerning the Rolling Stones’ 2013 touring plans. But the band did so very well with their handful of shows earlier this month so a rumble around the U.S. seems quite likely.
It’s interesting to see the number of rock acts that are doing extended residencies in Las Vegas. Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses and Santana are among the unlikely participants in a city that once represented a “musical graveyard” of bands on their way down. Not anymore!
But I did want to give the dear readers of this column a heads-up as most of these major shows will eventually sell out. A word to the thrifty and wise: get your tix now while you can from Ticketmaster and/or the venue itself so you can stay away from those greedy ticketing agencies and their huge prices.
BON JOVI: BECAUSE WE CAN – THE TOUR. There are two Southern dates set for the New Jersey rockers whose new album shares the same name as their tour. Remember when the group played the Civic Center in Augusta in 1989 with Skid Row? Jon and the guys perform at Atlanta’s Philips Arena on Feb. 27 and at Time Warner Arena in Charlotte on March 5. Tickets are $19.50-$139.50.
LADY GAGA: BORN THIS WAY TOUR. One of the highest-grossing entertainers on this or any other planet. Did you know that she got her name from the song Radio GaGa from Queen? Gee, I guess her real name – Stefani Joanne Germanotta – just wasn’t as catchy. You can catch her show at Atlanta’s Philips Arena on March 11. Tickets are $53.50-$179.
ERIC CLAPTON: SLOWHAND 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR. Still at the top of his game as evident in every note he sings and plays. The show marks 35 years since his Don Williams-style country-rock disc Slowhand was issued (the one that contains Lay Down Sally and Wonderful Tonight.) The supporting band will be worth the price of admission ($55-$95) alone as EC will be joined by Doyle Bramhall II (guitar), Steve Jordan (drums), Joe Cocker alum Chris Stainton (keys), Willie Weeks (bass) and the incredible Paul Carrack (Ace, Mike and the Mechanics, Squeeze) on vocals and Hammond B-3. Catch the show March 27 (Gwinnett Arena) and April 2 at Time Warner in Charlotte.
FLEETWOOD MAC: THE RUMOURS 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR. What’s up with that? Another anniversary, another dollar. I hear Mick Fleetwood needs the cash as all of his ex-wives (there are three of ’em!) get their share first. The lovely Christine McVie is still retired and gardening at her home in England. Lindsey, Stevie, John and Mick will recreate most of Rumours, which will be dicey with Christine no longer in the Fleetwood fold. The Atlanta show June 10 at Philips Arena ($49-$149) is scheduled to be the next-to-last date of the tour. A tribute to the late ex-Mac guitarist Bob Welch would be nice … but probably won’t happen.
Happy New Year!
