Brett CallwoodThe Fall Music Guide Listings
The first concert of the fall at the majestic and historic Hollywood Bowl is one of two rescheduled dates for classic rockers Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina. That’s on Thursday, Sept. 22, the first day of Autumn, with the second on Saturday, Sept. 24. From there, the fall program at the Bowl takes in many genres and eras. ‘80s icon Grace Jones performs on a bill with CHVRCHES; Pitbull and Iggy Azalea join forces; there’s jazz with Herbie Hancock and dance music with Jamie xx; classic rock with Stevie Nicks, and hip-hop from Wu-Tang and Nas. Other highlights include the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, New Order and Pet Shop Boys, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Florence + the Machine, this week’s featured star Danny Elfman, The Who, Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction, and the We Can Survive concert featuring Alanis Morissette, Halsey, Garbage and more.
As is the norm, the Greek has hosted some stellar events through the summer, and the quality continues this fall. Sadly, the much anticipated Bauhaus show has been canceled due to frontman Peter Murphy going into rehab. But still, country-rock darling Bonnie Raitt performs early in the season and that will be superb. Elsewhere, English prog rockers Porcupine Tree will dazzle, and it’s great to locals the Marias have reached headline status at a venue like this after impressing us at Coachella a few years ago. Next week’s interviewees, The Cult, are on a bill with the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Beatles man Ringo Starr brings his All Starr Band, popster Carley Rae Jepsen and Latin star Mon Laferte will be wonderful, and you can place your bets about whether Morrissey’s November gig goes ahead.
Electronic music group Above & Beyond takes over the Banc of California Stadium for two nights on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, joined by Anjunadeep. And K-pop fans rejoice – Blackpink is in town in November.
There’s just one concert at Dodger Stadium this year, but it’s a big one. Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” career fanfare arrives in Los Angeles, and it’s sure to be a massive celebration. Hit after hit after hit!
No sooner will the first leaf turn yellow (as much as they do in SoCal), Gorillaz brings its animated show to the Forum. Heartbreakingly, we’ll then celebrate the life of Taylor Hawkins with his Foo Fighters bandmates and many more, after the drummer died way too young earlier this year. British glam vets Roxy Music will bring multiple crowd faves, as will German metalheads, the Scorpions. Mary J. Blige will bring her hip-hop-soul in October, and the only act playing more nights than My Chemical Romance is Harry Styles (who might as well move in). Other highlights include Post Malone, Arcade Fire, and Lizzo.
There’s a nostalgia hip-hop/R&B night in L.A. in October, as Salt-N-Pepa is joined by Bell Biv Devoe and Ginuwine. On Nov. 5, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at the Microsoft Theatre, so that means Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, Eminem, Carly Simon, Pat Benatar, Judas Priest and many more. And later that same month, the same venue will host the American Music Awards.
Pink Floyd man Roger Waters closes out September at the Crypto, and he’s sure to infuriate conservatives with his open political opinions, as he always has done. And there’s always Post Malone.
Festivals
The Rose Bowl hosts KAMP, a two day K-pop festival on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16. Bambam, Ikon, Kai, Aespa and Epik High are just some of the many names on that stunning bill. On a slightly smaller scale, Cold Waves is the annual industrial gala that is topped by Front 242, Nitzer Ebb and the Revolting Corpses (cofCockscof) at the Mayan Theater on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. Similarly, Substance comes to the LA Theatre on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, and it’s bringing the Jesus & Mary Chain, Kittin + the Hacker, and the Chameleons with it. Willie Nelson once again headlines the Outlaw Music Fest at FivePointe Amphitheatre on Oct. 16 with the Avett Brothers and more. And on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, Nothing Fest returns to the fabulous Garden Amp. Beach Fossils, Together Pangea, STRFKR, Show Me the Body, and Destroy Boys are the main attractions. Of course, Ohana Festival takes place Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Stevie Nicks, Eddie Vedder and P!nk are the headliners, and they will be joined by the likes of Jack White and St. Vincent.
Elsewhere
Obviously there are way too many concerts in this region through the fall to list them all, so we won’t even try. But highlights include Pixies, Muse, Testament (with Exodus and Death Angel), Paramore, Noah Cyrus, Cannibal Corpse and Modest Mouse at the Wiltern. The Belasco brings Heaven 17, GWAR, the Afghan Whigs, Napalm Death, and Social Distortion to town. Go to the Ace Hotel Theatre to see King Princess, Travis, Ryan Adams, and Steve Vai. The Shrine hosts AC Slater and Peggy Gou. Clutch plays the Regent (with Quicksand and Helmet), as do DRI, L7, and Black Flag. We don’t want to miss anyone, so be sure to check the listings at the Roxy, Troubadour, Exchange LA, Whisky A Go Go, El Rey, El Cid, Alex’s Bar, Hotel Cafe, Moroccan Lounge, Novo and the many other venues in this wonderful part of the country.
The Fall Music Guide Listings
Pet Shop Boys photo licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
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