This particular announcement post stirs up some old memories: The last time Big Boi was in town, a handful of my friends -- after dancing with him onstage -- somehow made their way onto his tour bus and proceeded to happily dance, smoke weed and partake in all sorts of fun, drunken debauchery. I was stuck, probably in the rain, with a friend whose car got towed. Maybe it's not too late to make up for lost time. Who's with me?
Big Boi, Killer Mike Saturday, May 25, at Palladium Ballroom Tickets aren't on sale just yet, but before you hop to it, you should know that Big Boi is flying solo on this tour yet again, which means no Andre. That's OK, though, because if his 2012 release, Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors, was any indicator, it should prove to be a good show. Not to mention, Killer Mike opens, so how do you like them apples?
Peter Murphy Wednesday, April 24, at Granada Theater, $32-$85 While Peter Murphy has done his solo career thing for quite some time, he's still best known for singing lead vocals for Bauhaus, the awesome post-punk goth rock band of the early '80s. See the group as it celebrates its 35th anniversary this spring. Yes, it's already been that long.
Queensryche Saturday, April 27, at Granada Theater, $32 Tally another one up for the tours-you-weren't-expecting list. Progressive metal band Queensryche is coming to town, and their show at Granada will star original lead singer Geoff Tate, from their 1981 formation days.
Smashing Pumpkins Tuesday, May 14, at Palladium Ballroom, $45 Man, Palladium Ballroom is ushering in the heavy hitters this spring. I knew the short winter lull would pass. They're breaking the cycle with Smashing Pumpkins this May, who are on tour again after last summer's release, Oceania, which is supposed to be a continuation of their previous concept album, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. Whether you're an old SP fan or a new one, I'm sure Corgan and company will play a little something for everyone.
Toad the Wet Sprocket Thursday, May 16, at Kessler Theater, $25 Pop-rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket are hitting the road this spring, even though their most recent release was 1997's Coil. Remember their jam, though, "All I Want"? That was totally a laying in your room, thinking of a boy and talking on the phone kind of jam. Relive the glory days at the Kessler this May.
Black Flag Friday, May 24, at Trees OK, so, the legendary Black Flag is coming to town, but it should be noted that it will be "diet" Black Flag, as our music editor calls it, meaning the group won't have all of its original members. Black Flag's founder Greg Ginn will be steering the ship, although the most famed singer, Henry Rollins, won't be on board. Still, though! Black Flag! Get your tickets Friday.
Torche Tuesday, May 14, at Dada, $14 Parade of Flesh just announced they're bringing stoner metal band Torche to town, and until about 30 seconds ago, I had no idea that the band's guitarist, Andrew Elstner, had his eye pissed in by a bat last year. Yes, a flying bat. That's what the people in my office say, anyway. And then he had to get treated for rabies. Poor fellow. I'm sure he's already tired of being known for that. If you dig Torche's music, hit up Dada this May for a loud, fun show.
Bruno Mars Monday, August 12, at American Airlines Center I should have given Bruno Mars a little more credit than I did the first time I heard his popular jam "Locked Out Of Heaven." Firstly, the kid has pipes. Major pipes. Secondly, I watched the Saturday Night Live episode he hosted several weeks back and laughed my ass off. He doubled as the musical guest for that episode as well. The guy is an all-around performing machine, so I have no doubt believing he could put on an entertaining arena show. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
