Summer is the best season for music. Artists announce albums and go on world tours to promote them. Music festivals with incredible lineups are unveiled and new artists get a chance to show off in front of massive crowds. With this being said, here is a list of concerts and festivals near or in Philly.
MACHINE GUN KELLY- June 4th (The Fillmore)
MGK is going on tour to promote his new album. The album is simply called “album 4” at the moment and we haven’t gotten any hints at what songs will be on it. Regardless, the show will definitely be high energy and exciting for any hip-hop fans.
TWENTY ONE PILOTS- June 8th (Boardwalk Hall)
This concert is a bit of a drive, as it is in Atlantic City, but it will be completely worth it. I have seen many concerts, but Twenty One Pilots’ concerts are mind-blowing. The music is incredible and spans many different genres. The theatrics that they put on are amazing, including but not limited to: disappearing, back-flipping off of a piano, rolling around on top of the crowd inside of a giant hamster ball.
JON BELLION- June 12th (The Met)
Jon Bellion is an incredible artist who primarily uses his voice (processed, cut, and altered) to create catchy hooks and amazing melodies in his songs. His concerts are fantastic and they truly show off his incredible talent. This is his first headlining tour, but he opened for twenty one pilots on their world tour, back in 2017. He is promoting his new album: Glory Sound Prep.
BILLIE EILISH- June 15 (The Met)
Billie Eilish is touring this summer after releasing her brand new album: WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? The concert is sure to be exciting and a tad bit dark, featuring some old music as well as her new hits such as “Bury A Friend,” and “Bad Guy.” A gifted performer, especially for being only 17 years old, Billie Eilish will definitely put on a fantastic show.
ARIANA GRANDE- June 24 (Wells Fargo Center)
Just about everyone in the world has heard of Ariana Grande. She is without a doubt, one of the biggest pop stars of the decade, and she continues to put out hit album after hit album. She is now going on tour after the release of her album Thank U, Next, featuring songs like “Break Up With Your Girlfriend,” the smash hit, 7 rings, and of course the title track, “Thank U, Next.”
JEFF LYNNE’S ELO- July 13 (Wells Fargo Center)
If you are a fan of classic rock, this is the concert for you. Having seen ELO in concert before, I can say that it is a concert you will never forget. All of the musicians playing are incredible, and Jeff Lynne is still just as amazing as he was in the 70’s. You will find yourself singing every song and having an incredible time.
JOHN MAYER- July 22 (Wells Fargo Center)
Most likely the greatest guitarist of our generation, John Mayer infuses blues, rock, country, soul and much more into his music. You will be astonished by him and his incredible band as they play a long set, full of past hits such as “Daughters,” “Gravity,” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” as well as new hits like “New Light,” and “I Guess I Just Feel Like.” You won’t be disappointed at a John Mayer concert.
QUEEN+ADAM LAMBERT- August 3 (Wells Fargo Center)
One of the most influential bands of all time, Queen, is touring with Adam Lambert who is serving as a new frontman in place of the late Freddie Mercury. While Adam Lambert could never be as astonishingly talented as Freddie, he sure does a good job of trying, while paying full respect to the late legend.
KHALID- August 11 (Wells Fargo Center)
Khalid is one of the most talented and popular Pop/R&B singers of our generation. His songs are sweet and soulful, with beautifully crafted melodies. He recently released his album Free Spirit, which is his third album so far.
RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND- August 14th
Probably the most well known drummer in history, Ringo Starr, the drummer for The Beatles, will put on an astounding show. Surprisingly, Ringo is the lead singer in this incredible lineup including Toto’s Steve Lukather, Santana’s Gregg Rolie, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham, drummer Gregg Bissonette and Hamish Stuart.
by Jace Anderson ’23