There has never been a better time to be a fan of live rock. As the music business continues to evolve and art becomes ever more available at the tap of a smartphone screen, band investment into onstage performance has gone to another level. Both in terms of economic sustainability and solidifying connection with ever-more-stretched fanbases, shows present invaluable opportunity. More than that, from the punters’ perspective, the sheer visceral experience of seeing your heroes in the flesh remains the endorphin-spiking pinnacle of rock fandom.
From May’s bigger-than-ever Slam Dunk to June’s titanic Download to the metal feats of August’s Bloodstock, the festival calendar will offer its own slew of delights. Meanwhile, acts like Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam and Sabaton will be stopping on UK shores for landmark performances. We’re concentrating on multi-date tours here, though, with bands cutting a swathe right across the UK.
See you in the pit!