Greetings Rockers ’N’ Rollers! The past month included several National concerts and many local shows. Harrisburg native, Jeffrey Gaines, returned to the mid-state for a free concert at Reading’s Googleworks Center for the Arts on June 25. Gaines, continues to give captivating performances with countless memorable songs from his 36-year career. He has toured with notable artists including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Tori Amos, Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge, Sting, Bryan Adams, Heart, Gregg Allman, Joe Jackson, Stevie Nicks and John Waite. This month, Jeffrey Gaines will provide support for Roger Daltrey of The Who for three shows (Aug 26, 28, 29) at Wynn in Las Vegas.
The Strokes are currently touring the world with their Reality Awaits Tour and visited The Mann in Philadelphia on June 26. A fantastic sold-out performance that included 23-songs including classics “Last Nite,” “Hard to Explain,” and “Someday.” The Strokes recently released their seventh studio album “Reality Awaits’ on July 24. The band returns to the East Coast for shows at Asbury Park, NJ on Sept 20 and Flushing Meadows, NY on Oct 2.
Punk legends, The Bouncing Souls, headlined their 10th annual Stoked For The Summer concert in Asbury Park, NJ on June 27. The New Jersey based band also celebrated their 30th Anniversary as a group. This year’s festival also included Less Than Jake, Lawrence Arms, Bane, School Drugs and Twenty Two. The Souls will tour in the fall supporting their latest album, Born To Be, and will play Baltimore’s Soundstage on Sept 16 and Philadelphia’s Union Transfer Dec 13.
Central PA provided many great local shows: Timmy’s Creepshow at the new Sweet T’s and Greens in Harrisburg on July 10, The Martini Bros and The Luv Gods at Negley Park in Lemoyne on July 11. The Swisher Sweets celebrated their 10th Anniversary as a band with a huge crowd at Harrisburg’s XL Live on July 17. Timmy’s Creepshow also played Ted’s on 22 in Harrisburg July 18. And the Harrisburg Riverfront hosted its first show of the summer on July 19 with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. This month the Harrisburg Riverfront brings: The String Cheese Incident on Aug 5, Slightly Stoopid on Aug 13 and Keyshia Cole on Aug 29.
Jennifer Finch, bassist of influential post-punk rock band L7, died following a battle with brain cancer. She was 59. The band stated on July 18, that its “beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today.” Finch was also a vocalist and songwriter for L7, which had a major impact on the Los Angeles music scene and rock scene at large in the late ’80s and ’90s. She was also a photographer, writer and multidisciplinary artist. On July 13, L7 announced that Finch was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and that her friends and family launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for the rock star’s treatment and recovery, raising $398,000. Initially, it was believed that radiation treatment would improve her condition, but complications led to multiple surgeries and setbacks. In May, L7 announced they were hitting the road for the U.S. leg of “The Last Hurrah Tour,” a farewell trek for the legendary feminist rockers. Following the diagnosis, Finch had to drop out of the U.S. dates but told her bandmates to continue with the tour as planned. L7 will play Harrisburg’s XL Live on Oct 23.
Turnstile continues to travel with the announcement of the Baltimore-based hardcore band’s “Never Enough Tour Pt. 2,” a 16-date run that will see curated lineups each night with support coming from artists including Clipse, Ceremony, Thundercat, Slayyyter, Hatebreed, Vince Staples, Yves Tumor, Die Spitz, Pennywise, Cold World, Texas Is The Reason and more. Turnstile continues momentum as one of the most exciting live bands of recent years, playing major festivals and rapidly progressing into large venues as a headline draw. The band’s acclaimed NEVER ENOUGH LP earned the band first two Grammy awards, including Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance. Turnstile play Stage AE in Pittsburgh on Sept 15 with Thundercat, Angel Du$t, and Nourished By Time.
Oasis aren’t planning on a new album anytime soon. The band’s vocalist Liam Gallagher shut down any hopes in a cheeky response, “NO I’m just not prepared for the criticism if it doesn’t sell 100 million copies in the 1st hour cure bad breath and constipation for the nation if it doesn’t turn back time for Cher and some other s— let’s just do some gigs and be happy thank you.” Oasis did release a first look at their new documentary, Don’t Look Back in Anger, described as “an unapologetically uplifting account of the biggest musical event of 2025, capturing the experience and emotions of the band and their fans across the world.” The Gallagher brothers reunited and set aside their differences for their first tour in 16 years in 2025.
Original Van Halen frontman and solo artist David “Diamond Dave” Lee Roth has canceled most of his upcoming live appearances, with only a Sturgis Motorcycle Rally performance Aug. 7 remaining on the schedule. Affected dates included Kentucky, Nebraska, California, and Nevada. To the cancellation news, later Van Halen frontman, Sammy Hagar, commented publicly, saying, “Hey, Dave. Sammy here. I just got a call from (Van Halen bassist) Michael Anthony … about your tour getting canceled. And I wanna say from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry. I hope you’re well. I hope there’s not a physical problem.”
Mike D 5D — the band composed of Beastie Boy Mike D, his sons Skyler and Davis Diamond, Eddie Ruscha, Will Graefe and Milo Ruscha — have announced a limited run of 20 tour dates. There will be 10 shows in North America including Philadelphia’s Union Transfer on Oct 19 and then 10 dates in the United Kingdom.
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong will front Cretin Family, a punk supergroup that includes Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, blink-182’s Travis Barker and CJ Ramone, at the Ramones’ 50th Anniversary event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles August 30. Cretin Family — in their first live performance — will be joined by “special surprise guests” as they perform a set of Ramones favorites. The event, hosted by John Travolta, will also include a 50th anniversary screening of “Carrie” and of Travolta’s new film “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.” Shepard Fairey will DJ.
In addition to two sold-out San Francisco concerts in August, Imperial Teen will be headlining shows in eight cities this fall, bringing their razor-sharp hooks and intricate harmonies to intimate venues. The quartet, comprising Roddy Bottum, Will Schwartz, Jone Stebbins, and Lynn Truell, will visit Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on Nov 4 and Philadelphia’s Nikki Lopez on Nov 5. The indie pop band will be supported by Kids with a Crime Spree on select dates.
American punk band Black Flag is hitting the road later this year, performing in 45 cities across the country. Founding guitarist Greg Ginn will be joined by lead vocalist Max Zanelly, bassist David Rodriguez and drummer Bryce Weston. The quartet kick off their 2026 tour in Sept and visit Scranton’s Ritz Theatre on Sept 26, Philadelphia’s Nikki Lopez on Sept 27 and Hagerstown, MD Hub City Vinyl on Oct 1.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding went off July 3 at Madison Square Garden. Wedding performers included Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Avril Lavigne, Tate McRae, and Ice Spice. The massive event included a guest list of approximately 1,000 attendees. The bride and groom dueted on a mystery song but it’s rumoured the couple “sang their favorite rock song together.” Swift and Kelce somehow managed Paul McCartney to perform a Beatles classic that he hasn’t touched in decades. The iconic singer and songwriter performed the band’s No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” which McCartney last played with The Beatles at Paramount Theatre in New York on Sept. 20, 1964. The couple reportedly donated $26 million to 20 national charities, including children’s hospitals, food banks, and music programs.
Kenny G played a mournful sax solo, Jennifer Hudson’s voice soared and Bruce Springsteen spoke glowingly at the funeral for music legend Clive Davis, as pop royalty honored a man who championed so many of their careers. Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Ja Rule and Stevie Wonder were among the other musical stars at the service. Davis, a record company lawyer who rose to become one of music’s most influential figures, launched the careers of numerous stars, including Whitney Houston, Springsteen, Keys and Kenny G, and influenced others such as Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Davis died June 22 in his Manhattan apartment at the age of 94, a few weeks after he was hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue.
Elton John isn’t done saying goodbye to fans just yet. The legendary musician announced two shows in October at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Banorte, marking John’s first performance on a Mexican stage in 14 years. The once-in-a-lifetime engagement named Farewell To Mexico takes place Oct. 2 and 3. Elton John’s record-breaking “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” farewell tour, grossed more than $894 million and sold more than 6 million tickets but didn’t visit Mexico. “Mexico City has always held a special place in my heart”, Elton shared. “I was truly disappointed that the pandemic kept me from touring Latin America during my Farewell tour which makes this return especially meaningful. I’m thrilled to finally share this very special moment with my fans after all these years…”
Las Vegas can’t get enough of the Eagles. The iconic American rock band is extending its record-breaking Sphere residency by adding four December dates due to overwhelming demand. The four shows take place Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12, upping the grand total of “Eagles – Live In Concert At Sphere” shows to 68. The band’s remarkable sold-out run at the game-changing venue, which began in September 2024, is Sphere’s longest-running residency, grossing a whopping $285,521,051 off 948,211 tickets across 58 concerts. With grosses exceeding $1 billion since 2001, Eagles are one of the Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium alongside acts like Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and U2.
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band announced 10 new tour dates for 2026. The 2026 All Starrs include Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette and Buck Johnson. The tour will begin Sept 24 in Easton, PA and also visits American Music Theatre in Lancaster on Oct 6. Starr will also play at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens – marking his first return to the historic venue since he performed there with The Beatles for two sold out shows on Aug. 28-29 in 1964. In celebration of his 86th birthday on July 7, Starr is invited fans everywhere to say, think or post his trademark phrase “Peace & Love” at noon local time. Starr has been dedicating his birthdays to promoting Peace & Love since 2008. Starr also just released Long Long Road, his 22nd solo album and his second co-written and produced by T Bone Burnett.
The Stray Cats are extending their tour into the fall, adding shows in theaters across the country. “It’s good to be healthy and strong again. There’s something about the unique sound of The Stray Cats that keeps drawing me in,” Setzer said in a statement. “The Gretsch guitar, the acoustic bass, and the stand-up drums still sound pure and fresh today. Come on out and have some fun with us.” The band, comprising original members Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (upright bass, vocals) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals), will play Bethlehem’s Wind Creek Event Center on Dec 4. “The Stray Cats are back and ready to blast off! It’s an amazing feeling to join up with Brian and Slim, hit the stage and Rock across America,” Rocker said. “No one can do it like us Cats; …nobody comes close.” Slim Jim Phantom added, “It’s the perfect time for the Cats & Kittens to get dolled up, put the top down & cruise to the greatest Rockabilly show on earth!”
The Rolling Stones released a new studio album, Foreign Tongues on July 10. Fans wonder if a new album could mean new tour dates – and Keith Richards recently shared that the band is open to doing a residency. “I don’t know if tours are possible,” Richards stated “It’s the traveling that takes it out of you. But I do see the possibility of us doing residency somewhere. Wherever it is, London, New York, Paris, anywhere. I’ll play Rome!” The Rolling Stones’ last tour took place in 2024, “The Hackney Diamonds Tour,” with an average of 47,100 tickets sold per show.
AUGUST CONCERTS: Guns N’ Roses / Public Enemy – Hersheypark Stadium Aug 1. Shea Quinn / Swisher Sweets – New Cumberland National Night Out Aug 4. The String Cheese Incident – Harrisburg Riverfront Aug 5. John Harris 75th w/ Funktion – Harrisburg XL Live Aug 8. The Soap Girls – Pottstown Rivet Aug 12. The Jellybricks unplugged – Harrisburg The Note Aug 15. The Soap Girls – Thomasville Racehorse Tavern Aug 18. DJ Admatix – Harrisburg Beach Club Aug 20.
