Top Fall 2014 Rock Performances
Summer concert season may be ending, but have no fear: the fall concert line-up is jam-packed with many popular artists and genres coming to Philadelphia. If you're looking to rock out this fall, here are a few concerts to see.
The Black Keys
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3600
www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com
Date: Sept. 20, 2014 at 8 p.m.
The Black Keys are touring this fall in support of their eighth studio album, "Turn Blue," the follow-up to 2011's critically acclaimed and Grammy winning "El Camino." Although "Turn Blue" departs from the band's previously blues-rock and guitar-driven sound, the Black Keys still remain one of the bigger rock acts in the country, and they'll prove that they can still rock out when they hit the stage at the Wells Fargo Center on September 20. Cage the Elephant, a smaller and lesser-known rock band (yet still talented), are scheduled to support. They released their third studio album last year.
Bob Weir and Ratdog/Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
601 N Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 629-3200
www.festivalpierphilly.com
Date: Sept. 6, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Bob Weir became well known through his work with the Grateful Dead as a songwriter, singer and guitarist. After the Dead disbanded in 1995, Weir started performing primarily with Ratdog, who began as a side project in the 1980s. Bob Weir and Ratdog play Grateful Dead songs, original songs and even the occasional cover. You'll want to remember your dancing shoes as you make your way to Festival Pier for their appearance this September 6. Chris Robinson, a founding member of the Black Crowes, along with his brother Rich, formed the Chris Robinson Brotherhood in 2011 (sans his brother). The blues-rock band has released three albums to date.
Fleetwood Mac
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3600
www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com
Date: Oct. 15 and 29, 2014 at 8 p.m.
This fall, Fleetwood Mac's vocalist/keyboardist/songwriter Christine McVie will be joining the band on the road for the first time since 1998. McVie is the brain behind many of Fleetwood Mac's most famous songs, including "Say You Love Me" and "You Make Loving Fun." These songs haven't made the band's setlist in more than 20 years and, with the rejoining of McVie, Fleetwood Mac now has the opportunity to perform some of its most popular hits. You won't want to miss the group's October shows at the Wells Fargo Center.
King Crimson
Verizon Hall
300 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 731-3333
www.kimmelcenter.org
Date: Sept 12 and 13, 2014 at 8 p.m.
The progressive rock band King Crimson is playing not one, but two shows this month at Verizon Hall. The legendary band, formed in the late 1960s in London, will feature its eighth lineup, including founding member and guitarist Robert Fripp, drummers Gavin Harrison, Bill Rieflin and Pat Mastelotto, bassist Tony Levin, saxophonist Mel Collins and rhythm guitarist Jakko Jakszyk. This will be the first time the band, in any configuration, has performed since 2008 and, to mark their return to the stage, the group has been working on new material.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3600
www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com
Date: Sept. 15, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their thirteenth studio album, "Hypnotic Eye," on July 29. Their stop at the Wells Fargo Center on September 15 (and at PPL Center in Allentown on September 16) is in support of their new album, which sees the band returning to their classic rock sound of the 1970s. Every ticket purchased for the tour includes a copy of "Hypnotic Eye." The legendary multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Steve Winwood, who reached fame by playing in 1960s rock bands Blind Faith and Traffic, will open the show.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
