I’m going on record as saying: the 90s were a golden era in music. My teenage son agrees with me, so I must be right; he thinks I’m wrong when it comes to pretty much every other thing.
I must have seen a hundred ’90s bands live; concerts were so much cheaper then. Big acts could command a $50 ticket price at the larger venues, sure, but for the most part I paid somewhere in the $20 range.
Most weekends either I had tickets for a show, or we would just go to the Trocadero or the TLA and see whoever happened to be playing. Generally that meant a main act we’d maybe heard of, and 1-3 opening bands that were local and/or new to us. I was exposed to tons of bands and types of music that I’d otherwise not have been, or acts before they hit the airwaves and became popular, and sometimes that led to me discovering new music based on who they named as their influences.
It was a great time to be a teenager.
Now my kids are old enough that my weekends are more or less my own again, and as if we’d made some secret, binding pact, a ton of ’90s bands I loved are releasing new albums and/or touring again. I call the phenomenon the #NostalgiaTour2016.
Hot damn though, concerts got expensive since those golden days! It’s a shame; all teens should have a chance to be exposed to as much music as possible without breaking the bank. As for me, as much as I’d like to see every 90s band I loved again/for the first time, I’m currently unemployed and these teenagers of mine need things like shoes and food and college educations.
On the other hand, some of these bands might not tour again, so I’ve opened up the purse strings just a little bit. I’m also open to selling a kidney if you know anybody who’s buying.
The #NostalgiaTour2016:
’90s Bands Recording or Touring in 2016
Below are all the bands I’ve seen commit so far to my imagined Nostalgia Tour of 2016: who I’ve seen, who I’d like to see, and who I’m willing to sell non-essential body parts to see again or for the first time.
*Note: I played it kind of fast and loose with the dates. Some bands formed before the 90s, but I included them if they got ridic amounts of radio play for new songs during that time. I’ve used Amazon affiliate links to link to albums, but most are on Spotify and many are available to stream for free if you have Amazon Prime. No particular order, just the order they occurred to me.*
Bob Dylan
OK, fine, I’m breaking the rules right off the bat. I know Bob Dylan is not a ’90s band, but I saw him for the first time in 1991: amazingly he’s been touring nonstop ever since, they call it the Never Ending Tour. It KILLS me that I don’t have tickets to see him this time around. I grow more paranoid with each passing year that this might be the last time Dylan comes through, and my two younger kids haven’t seen him yet. But tickets for 3 are expensive as hell! I’m trying to find a way, though.
Have I seen him? Yes, at last count I think 17 times. And if you love music at all, you should see him. He is a living legend.
New album? Fallen Angels, released in May: his 37th studio album. It’s his renditions of American classics by famous songwriters; this is a love it or hate it album that I found strangely touching.
Songs you probably know: So, so many, but for sure Like a Rolling Stone, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, The Times They Are A-Changin’, Blowing in the Wind
Go listen to: Highway 61 Revisited is probably my favorite album; Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright and Hurricane my favorite songs right now.
Local show: July 13th at the Mann Music Center, tickets start at $44.50
Bob Dylan’s 2016 tour dates nationwide.
Violent Femmes
One of my very favorite, life defining bands. It’s difficult for me to overstate how much I love the Violent Femmes.
Have I seen them? I had tickets to see them in high school. I was literally closing the door getting into my friend’s car to go to the venue when my dad called— Victor, the drummer, had broken his arm and the show was canceled. I was legit heartbroken.
New album? We Can Do Anything was released in March and is solid, vintage-sound Violent Femmes. Memory in particular is great.
Songs you probably know: Blister in the Sun, Add It Up, American Music
Go listen to: I like it all. Permanent Record is a decent summation of their hits. If you like Blister in the Sun, go ahead and listen to the rest of their self-titled album; if you’re new to the Violent Femmes go with Why Do Birds Sing? Hands down, Hallowed Ground is my favorite though.
Local show: Radio 104.5 Birthday Show with Florence & the Machine, Elle King and The Lumineers; it’s $30 for lawn. I WILL BE THERE I AM SO EXCITED!
Violent Femmes 2016 tour dates
Rage Against the Machine/Prophets of Rage
One of my prouder moments was when my son taught himself to play guitar, and Killing In the Name was one of the first songs he learned to play.
Prophets of Rage is the members of RATM minus the singer, + Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Cypress Hill’s B-Real. “Dangerous times demand dangerous songs,” the website says.
Have I seen them? Rage and Cypress Hill at Lollapalooza
New album? they’re currently in the recording studio
Songs you probably know: Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name, Public Enemy’s Fight the Power, Cypress Hill’s Insane in the Brain
Go listen to: all of it was important and groundbreaking and good, honestly, but be prepared for language
Local show: Lawn seats are only $20 for the BB & T Pavilion show and this tour probably won’t happen again. No brainer. Go go go. I’ll be there.
Dead Milkmen
Another defining band for me. My best friend in high school and I quoted Dead Milkmen songs like they were Shakespeare (Violent Femmes too, don’t get me wrong).
Have I seen them? The Dead Milkmen played at a local bar for $20 last month and it was AWESOME. Great opening bands, great venue, I was so close to Rodney Anonymous, I could’ve reached out and hugged him at any time, plus he was wandering around beforehand. They covered The Smith’s How Soon Is Now, which was fun. I’d always wanted to see them and thought I never would—check that one off the lifetime list!
New album? Pretty Music for Pretty People came out in 2014.
Songs you probably know: Bitchin’ Camaro, Punk Rock Girl, Instant Club Hit (You’ll Dance to Anything)
Go listen to: Stuart is my favorite, along with their cover of the Daniel Johnston song Rocket Ship. I think Chaos Rules: Live at the Trocadero is the place to start for local people, though.
Local show: you missed it, I hope for more. Joe plays some solo shows; he’ll be at Bourbon & Branch on July 7th.
National tour dates: nope, sorry. But Rodney Anonymous tells you how to live the first Friday of each month on YNot Radio. Here’s the On Demand archive.
Gorillaz
Gorillaz is the musical genius lovechild of Damon Albarn from Blur and the comic book author/artist Jamie Hewlett (he did Tank Girl), with lots of other collaborations along the way.
“If you watch MTV for too long, it’s a bit like hell – there’s nothing of substance there. So we got this idea for a cartoon band, something that would be a comment on that.”
Have I seen them? I had tickets to see Blur in ’95, and we went to go pick up the guy I was dating at the time to go to the concert, and since we were late (not unusual) he assumed we left without him. He was a pouty little thing. So we had to find him, and got on the road way late, but figured it was no big deal, we’d just be missing the opening bands.
WRONG. We arrived just in time to hear them announce that this was the last song (but they played two encore sets, so not a total loss).
So I need to make up for that incident, and it’s really why they’re on this list (although, Gorillaz formed in ’98 so they would still count).
New album? Sadly, it looks like they are pushing their album release back until next year, but that gives me more time to pull some cash together.
Songs you might know: Clint Eastwood, Feel Good
Go listen to: actually, go WATCH some videos, because that’s a significant part of the experience.
I imagine tour dates are on the horizon, once the album is done. Damon Albarn seems to love to tour.
G. Love & Special Sauce
G. Love is a Philly native, and you hear stories all the time about how he will hang out after the show. He’s great live.
Have I seen him? At least three times, once while super pregnant, and never regretted a show (I do regret the time we left the tickets at home and had to go back for them).
New album? Love Saves the Day was released in October 2015.
Songs you probably know: Baby’s Got Sauce, Cold Beverage
Go listen to: I’m partial to the self titled album, Fixin’ to Die, and Lemonade. My favorite songs right now are Can’t Go Back to Jersey, Milk and Sugar, Still Hangin’ Around (if I ever renew my vows, we will dance to that song).
Local show: SHUT THE FRONT DOOR G LOVE IS PLAYING THE STARBOARD IN DEWEY IN JULY. He’s also playing at LBI, which is where we beach. I don’t know, that feels like fate! The LBI show is $30 when you factor in fees. I can’t figure out if the Starboard show is ticketed or first come first served.
edited to add: SHUT UP G LOVE IS ALSO PLAYING WITH THE WALLFLOWERS AT THE MANN. SO MANY DECISIONS, SO LITTLE SPENDING MONEY.
Blues Traveler with The Wallflowers
On their own, I’d waffle about a Wallflowers concert. I like some songs a LOT and am eh on others. On the other hand, I don’t know how likely it is they will tour again. Fun fact: don’t tell my husband, but my son Jacob is named for Jakob Dylan (Bob Dylan is a holy man in my house). I would not pay to see Blues Traveler.
Have I seen them? I’ve seen G Love, who is also playing with them at the Mann, and I would pay thirty bucks to see G Love again AND The Wallflowers. I’d just leave before Blue Traveler. HOWEVER, that show is the day after Prophets of Rage and the same day as Ween, who I’d rather see but is a much more expensive concert. I’ll have to see how this shakes out closer to the date.
New album? Blues Traveler released Blow Up the Moon in April 2015.
Songs you probably know: Blues Traveler’s Hook, Run Around, But Anyway, since they were all terribly overplayed in the 90s. The Wallflowers’ One Headlight, 6th Avenue Heartache, cover of David Bowie’s Heroes.
Go listen to: One Headlight and Heroes on repeat. Even after all this time, I still can’t bring myself to listen to Blues Traveler.
Local shows: Blues Traveler will be at the Craft Beer Festival at the Delaware State Fair. The show at the Mann with The Wallflowers and G Love is in August.
Blues Traveler tour dates here.
Ween
Another hugely influential local band! Ween is one of the most inventive, fun bands out there, and Philly is their home turf (they’re from New Hope). I love that even though they have no clearly defined musical style, you still always know it’s Ween.
Have I seen them? I’ve seen Ween just the one time, I think.
New album? None that I see.
Songs you probably know: Push Th’ Little Daisies, Ocean Man, Voodoo Lady
Go listen to: Chocolate & Cheese, 12 Golden Country Greats
Local show: August 21st at the Penns Landing Festival Pier. I’d go see Ween again in a heartbeat if it wouldn’t cost $100 plus parking to get me and my husband there.
Ween 2016 tour dates here. They seem to stick to festivals mostly.
Beck
Beck is a powerhouse and a spectacular showman that I have loved from the beginning and have stuck with, as he keeps exploring new avenues with his music. Beck in the 90s was a revelation, he was and still is so different from everyone else. Heck, Kanye even said Beck is a man who plays 14 instruments and respects artistry… or something along those lines.
Have I seen him? I’ve seen Beck twice, after the release of Odelay and at Lollapalooza. I had tickets to a more recent show (like, a decade ago) but couldn’t go, baby Cass got sick. The man really puts on a good show, but with so much material, his shows don’t have that same “every song is my favorite” aspect that they did in the ’90s. Still, if some money popped up, I’d go for sure.
New album? Coming soon? Beck seems coy about a release date. The new single “Wow” was released last week and I like it very much, it sounds like a return to his Midnite Vulture-era sound. It’s on Spotify.
Songs you probably know: Loser, Where It’s At, High 5 (Rock the Catskills), E-Pro
Go listen to: Midnite Vultures is probably my favorite album, but they are all good (I’ve been listening to Guero while typing this section; a little more laid back, still good stuff). Also, watch the video for Wide Open, a Chemical Brothers song Beck collaborated on. It’s nuts.
Beck’s 2016 tour dates only include one US stop right now.
Weezer
Even though none of their later albums really matched up to the Blue or Pinkerton for me, I did enjoy them. All Weezer kind of sounds the same, but it’s a good sound, so I don’t mind. I’d definitely see Weezer.
Have I seen them? I saw Weezer open for Live at the Bob Carpenter Center in late ’94/early ’95, when they were still relatively unknown. They were great, and there was practically no one there: a near perfect concert experience. We didn’t stay for Live. Again, this was when concerts were cheap enough you could do that sort of thing.
New album? The White Album dropped in April. It’s their 10th studio album.
Songs you probably know: Undone (The Sweater Song), Buddy Holly, Pork & Beans, Beverly Hills
Go listen to: any considered a “color” album (Blue, Pink/Pinkerton, Green, White).
Local show: my son wants to see them when they’re at the BB & T in July. At $25 for a lawn ticket, it’s a possibility. We’ll see how my finances stand then.
Jane’s Addiction with Dinosaur Jr and Living Colour
It’s Jane’s Addiction’s 25th anniversary! In addition to being hugely popular in the 90s, Jane’s was behind the forming of Lollapalooza, which clearly had an incredible impact on my life and tastes in music. For a while Flea was playing with them on tour. Their current tour is the “Sterling Spoon Anniversary Tour,” featuring Dinosaur Jr. and Living Colour on select dates.
Have I seen them? NO. I don’t even understand how I’ve never seen Jane’s Addiction, it blows my mind. Porno for Pyros was at the 1992 Lollapalooza on the B stage, but I don’t think I actually saw them there.
New album? Not that I see. Jane’s is just celebrating their 25th.
Songs you probably know: Jane’s Addiction’s Been Caught Stealing, Jane Says, Stop; Living Colour’s Cult of Personality. I’m not familiar with Dinosaur Jr, even though it’s Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow.
Go listen to: Ritual De Lo Habitual (really solid as a full album), Porno for Pyros’ Pets (Porno for Pyros was another band Jane’s Perry Farrell fronted), anything from Sebadoh
Local show: They’re coming to the Fillmore in July with both Dinosaur Jr and Living Colour (both bands aren’t playing all venues). They’re not a top level priority for me but I feel there’s a hole in my ’90s cred, never having seen them.
Jane’s Addiction 2016 tour dates
Cake
Cake, why are you only playing in Colorado, Wisconsin and Tennessee? Don’t you want my money?
This is another band where all their stuff kinda sounds the same… but I like that sound. The first time I heard them— Rock and Roll Lifestyle, playing on DRE— I called the station to find out who it was. Hooked for life.
Have I seen them? Once, at the Troc I think. Maybe the TLA. It was after their second album and I was so happy.
New album? According to Google, Blue Powder is releasing in July, woohoo! I can’t find anything else that supports that, though, which is super weird.
Songs you probably know: The Distance, Short Skirt/Long Jacket, cover of I Will Survive
Go listen to: I’m still very loyal to Motorcade of Generosity. Short Skirt/Long Jacket is the love song I wish someone had written for me.
PJ Harvey
Man, I’d loooooooove to see PJ Harvey live. She’s the badass epitome of girl power.
Have I seen her? No. She’s one I missed and I can’t even wrap my mind around what seeing her in concert must be like.
New album? The Hope Six Demolition Project draws from her time in Kosovo, Afghanistan and DC. It came out in April.
Songs you probably know: Rid of Me, Down by the Water
Go listen to: all of Rid of Me. (To be honest, I haven’t heard anything beyond To Bring You My Love, but it’s all rated highly.)
Local show: none yet. Right now the only US tour dates are in LA and NYC, and I almost hope it stays that way because I’d be so sad if I couldn’t pull the money together to see her locally. Her new album is a suitable consolation prize for now.
Cowboy Junkies
Another band I loooooooved; right up there with Mazzy Star for me. Oh, shoot, I need to check on Mazzy Star. This post is never going to end.
Have I seen them? Nooooo I never got to see them.
New album? Notes Falling Slow came out in October of last year. It’s re-mastered versions of the studio albums from the 2000s plus unreleased songs written during that time.
Songs you probably know: Sweet Jane, Blue Moon Revisited
Go listen to: The Trinity Session, Pale Sun Crescent Moon
Local show: They’re in Wilmington at World Cafe Live in July and I’m searching my couch cushions for spare change. Luckily, I only need one ticket because there are limits on my husband’s love for me.
Cowboy Junkies’ 2016 tour dates
The Breeders
Kim Deal is in my mind just as an important part of the Pixies as Black Francis/Frank Black, and I loved everything The Breeders (Kim Deal, her twin Kelley Deal, and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses) put out there in the ’90s.
Have I seen them? Apparently I saw The Breeders at Lollapalooza in 1994, and I don’t remember them. That doesn’t sit right, since I really loved The Breeders— they really must not have made much of an impact on me live at the time. But Kim Deal was fantastic when I saw The Pixies, so I’d pay to see her again.
New album? The Breeders are currently in the studio recording, according to their Instagram page.
Songs you probably know: Cannonball, Divine Hammer
Go listen to: Pod, Last Splash
No tour dates yet, but The Breeders have been in the studio for a few months already, so I bet they’re on the road soon.
Belly
Tanya Donelly of Belly was also part of The Breeders, as well as Throwing Muses. I’d happily see Belly to hold me over until The Breeders’ album is done. (Fun fact: Tanya’s stepsister is Kristin Hersh, who was also in Throwing Muses.)
Have I seen them? Nope
Songs you probably know: Feed the Tree, Gepetto. Thief, if you saw Tank Girl.
Go listen to: Slow Dog, Stay
Local show: Union Transfer in mid-August.
Kristin Hersh
I’d honestly forgotten about Kristin Hersh until I started writing this. She wrote a memoir, Rat Girl, about her struggle with bipolar disorder.
Have I seen her? No, but I wish I had. Her voice is amazing.
New album? Looks like she is hard at work on a new album, and what’s cool about that is she is distributing her work in progress under Creative Commons. That means you can share, remix, and rework all songs as long as you give credit and share your work under the same terms.
50 Foot Wave, which Kristin Hersh co-founded with Bernard from Throwing Muses, released Bath White in May.
Songs you probably know: Your Ghost
Go listen to: the entirety of Hips and Makers
Local show: none
Kristin Hersh is playing with the Violent Femmes in Brooklyn and I am super bummed I will not be there.
Garbage
Garbage is great, and I’m hearing good things about their new album sounding like vintage Garbage.
Have I seen them? I want to say I’ve seen them play, but I’m not 100% sure, and I would definitely go see now just to be sure.
New album? Strange Little Birds just came out last week.
Songs you probably know: Only Happy When It Rains, Stupid Girl, I Think I’m Paranoid, #1 Crush
Go listen to: their first album, Version 2.0. It’s like a 90s time capsule.
Local show: They’re coming to the Fillmore in July.
Radiohead
I love Radiohead and I don’t care if that makes me an insufferable hipster. I even have a grey hipster cardigan that says Radiohead on it.
Have I seen them? Yeah. I did not love Radiohead in concert, mainly because Thom Yorke seems so dead set on not giving his fans what they want. C’mon, man. Tickets were expensive. Play Creep.
New album? I do love Radiohead’s new album, A Moon Shaped Pool, but I still want to hear Creep.
Songs you probably know: Creep, Fake Plastic Trees, Karma Police
Go listen to: I think anything from Kid A on back was genius. The rest of it is genius too, I just don’t like it as much.
There aren’t any tour dates scheduled for our area so it’s a moot point. But like a relationship that’s destined to go nowhere but is so much fun getting there, I’d be inclined to give Radiohead another try.
Everclear with Sugar Ray
I love Everclear and I am unashamed.
New album? They released Black Is the New Black last year.
Songs you probably know: Santa Monica, Father of Mine, I Will Buy You a New Life
Go listen to: Everything to Everyone, Wonderful (this song makes me cry every time)
Local show: They’re playing in Bethlehem, which is a hike, and I’d have to get through Sugar Ray (also Lit and Sponge, band names I don’t recognize). Only $35, though. Solid maybe.
Everclear 2016 tour dates here.
The B-52′s
The B-52’s formed in the late ’70s in Athens Georgia alongside REM, but I’m including them on this list because I don’t think they really exploded into the public consciousness until Cosmic Thing and Good Stuff.
Have I seen them? Sadly, no. I almost bought tickets to see them in Atlantic City a couple of years ago and then thought I might be depressed by how old they must be now; the B-52s are all about energy, man; could they still have that? Then I saw some concert footage and I was kicking myself for missing them.
New album? nope, seemingly just touring for the hell of it
Songs you probably know: Love Shack, Roam, Good Stuff
Go listen to: The B-52’s. It’s a great soundtrack for cleaning or cooking. My favorite track is Dance This Mess Around.
Local tour date: none, I may have missed them passing through again
Shonen Knife
Shonen Knife is a female Japanese punk pop band that became somewhat mainstream in the ’90s; one review refers to them as “The Ramones meet the Go-Gos,” and that feels pretty accurate. Apparently, Kurt Cobain was a big fan and they opened for Nirvana’s tour in 1991.
Have I seen them? I went to the ’94 Lollapalooza specifically to see them play (early on, on the B stage, it was a loooooong day).
New album? Yes! Adventure came out in April 2016.
Songs you probably know: Twist Barbie, if you were a big Nirvana fan. They’d sometimes play it during their shows.
Go listen to: 1993’s Let’s Knife
They’re touring in Japan right now, so I’m super hopeful they come to the US. I’d say the odds are pretty good; it looks like they were in Philly last year.
Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions
Hope Sandoval has the most beautiful voice in all the world, it literally gives me chills. I listened to Mazzy Star so much in high school that her voice just transports me back into my 15 year old self, lying in bed in the dark, just generally yearning and being angsty and stuff.
Have I seen them? Not this interation. I saw Mazzy Star twice, and I saw Hope sing with the Jesus and Mary Chain during their encore.
Songs you probably know: Mazzy Star’s Fade into You, Hope Sandoval with Massive Attack— Paradise Circus (theme song for the BBC show “Luther”)
Go listen to: Mazzy Star’s She Hangs Brightly, over and over and over again. Jesus and Mary Chain’s Sometimes Always.
No tour dates yet, but they did visit Philly after their 2013 album was released, so I’m keeping my eyes peeled.
Sheryl Crow
In the summer of 1994, Sheryl Crow owned the airwaves, and her voice still means summer to me. She makes me wish I could play an instrument.
Have I seen her? I have not. She was staying on the Wilmington Riverfront a few months back, and I was very tempted to just park myself in Starbucks and wait for her to go by.
New album? nope, last one came out in 2013.
Songs you probably know: She’s had a ton of hits. All I Wanna Do, Soak Up the Sun, If It Makes You Happy, Picture (with Kid Rock)
Go listen to: The Very Best of Sheryl Crow is a very good selection of hits, but I’m partial to Tuesday Night Music Club and C’mon C’mon.
No local tour dates, I probably missed her on the latest go-around.
Sheryl Crow’s 2016 tour dates here.
Jewel
Technically I can’t see Jewel this time around, she already came through and played the Grand. My friends saw her, and I would have joined them if I’d had the money. One my friends described it as hanging out with an old friend. “Plus, she yodeled at the end and it was awesome.”
Have I seen her? Nope, I always found out too late.
New album? Picking Up the Pieces came out last year.
Songs you probably know: You Were Meant for Me, Foolish Games, Who Will Save Your Soul
Go listen to: all of Pieces of You, just a great debut album.
Jewel has two shows left, in Park City and San Fran.
Indigo Girls
I loved me some Indigo Girls in the ’90s. I’d have to travel some distance and pony up about $50 to see them now, so unless money just falls in my lap I’ll likely pass this go-around.
Have I seen them? Nope
New album? One Lost Day came out earlier this month
Songs you probably know: Closer to Fine, Power of Two, Least Complicated
Go listen to: Romeo and Juliet (cover of the Dire Straits song), Galileo
ALREADY SEEN, ONCE WAS ENOUGH
Smashing Pumpkins with Liz Phair
I’ve seen both Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair and neither was particularly memorable live. This acoustic tour wrapped up in April and I’m not terribly sad to have missed it, although I’d pay to see just Liz again if it wasn’t astronomically priced. The Pumpkins headed into the studio to record a new album after the tour. I don’t know what Liz’s motivation was to join it.
The Offspring
I actually really like The Offspring, and they were great in concert. They had a cult following pre- ’90s, but didn’t make it big until 1994. Locally, they’re playing the 2-day Rock Alliance in Chester with Slayer, Anthrax, Alice in Chains, Buckcherry, The Cult, Breaking Benjamin… it just sounds like too much humanity packed in one place for me. Full lineup for The Offspring here.
The Flaming Lips
I’m not a huge fan and honestly I don’t know why. They were at Lollapalooza, and it was a good show, but hard pass on a second show. Flaming Lips 2016 tour dates.
Gwen Stefani
She was phenomenal with No Doubt back in 1996. This whole Blake Shelton thing though, it’s off putting. I wouldn’t say no to free tickets, but I wouldn’t pay for them. Tour dates here.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Technically not strictly a ’90s band (first album released in ’84), but they were huge then; I still can’t listen to “Under the Bridge,” it was that overplayed. I saw them at Lollapalooza, maybe. I don’t remember them, so I must have been at the B stage— Rage Against the Machine was the headliner there that year, so that makes sense. Anyway, my son likes them, but they’re definitely not on my list of priorities when there are so many other bands I’d rather see.
No US tour dates announced yet, but their album drops Friday so you know they’re coming. Three songs are available now. And if you haven’t seen their Late Late Night Carpool Karaoke video yet, it’s well worth your time.
Guided by Voices
My guy friends loved Guided by Voices; I feel like maybe they’re a musician’s band, that if you’re musically inclined yourself you appreciate them more. I enjoyed the show, but without the enthusiasm of the guys buoying me up I don’t think I’d see GBV alone. Guided By Voices 2016 tour dates.
Filter
Had to look this one up. I saw Filter play the WDRE fest in 1996, and they’re touring now, 20 years later. Currently their only US stop is in MN in July.
Cracker
Another band I saw at the DRE fest. I’m vaguely ashamed to say I sort of like a lot of Cracker’s songs, but I wouldn’t pay to see them again, I don’t think. They’re playing an acoustic show at World Cafe Live in Philly.
James
Remember James? They sang the song “Laid,” which is one the most fun songs to sing along to ever. Apparently they’ve put out fourteen albums, which is a huge surprise to me, and allegedly the Morrissey song “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” was written about them.
Anyway. One James concert was enough for me, since clearly I don’t know them nearly as well as I thought I did. I wouldn’t turn down free tickets, but right now they’re only touring in Europe.
Lush
Fun fact: Lush’s album Split was released 22 years ago today. I saw them at Lollapalooza (on the main stage, apparently! That surprised me). They’re hitting Philly in September at Union Transfer, which is a venue I’ve not been to. They’re another one that I’d be willing to see if someone else sprang for my ticket, but not pay big money for.
NOT MY BAG, BABY
moe.
Wikipedia says:
The band’s first record, Fatboy (1992), established the band as a favorite of the 1990s jam band and improvisational rock scene, which grew in popularity with the rise of bands such as Phish and Widespread Panic. Just as Grateful Dead followers were coined “Deadheads”, avid moe. fans embrace the term “moe.rons.”
That’s a no for me. However, if that’s your bag, they are playing all over the east coast, including TWO days for $50 at the Fillmore in Philly ($30 for a single day ticket).
Counting Crows and Rob Thomas
My friend Ryan met the Counting Crows earlier this year. I like them fine, I guess, I just don’t feel the need to see them.
Rob Thomas spent a lot of time on my TV in the ’90s, as I tended to watch Carson Daly count down the top videos with baby Jake. That’s pretty much the extent of my relationship with him.
Lawn seats for the BB & T show are only 26 bucks though! So if someone I knew was going I might consider it, if they asked nicely. Lots of upcoming tour dates for Counting Crows and Rob Thomas.
Barenaked Ladies
I don’t hate them, they’re just not my bag. I do enjoy seeing people attempt their songs at karaoke.
Locally, they’re playing the Mann.
Bush
Do people like Bush? I guess they must, they’re touring. They’ll be in Philly at the Fillmore in August.
Blink 182
Nope. But if you like them here’s where you can see them (locally, Firefly or the BB & T in August).
311
Playing the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing in late July.
Snoop Dogg with Wiz Khalifa
I remember Snoop Dogg being played on repeat at frat parties I went to my freshman year of college. Wiz Khalifa, on the other hand, was a tween that year. They’re playing the BB & T in August, but the idea of going makes me feel old.
Pearl Jam
If they haven’t already played your town, too bad anyway. I’m sure they’ve sold out.
I did not hate the newest album, which made me question a lot of things about my life.
The Stone Roses
Only playing Madison Square Garden so far in the US.
The Goo Goo Dolls
They’ve got a new album out, and one heck of a tour schedule. Johnny Rzeznik played at the Flower Market, for free, and I didn’t even make it to that show.
Sublime with Rome
In my mind, Sublime, 311 and Blink 182 are all the same band. Tour dates here.
On a sad note: when I started researching for this post, months ago, I had Prince in my notes as someone touring this year. RIP sweet Prince 🙁
I suspect this post, already a beast 6000 words strong, will continue to grow, and I’m pleased as punch about it. Nostalgia Tour 2016, bring it! I can’t wait to see your ’90s bands!
Who were your favorite ’90s bands?
Who will you see in concert this year?
