Classic Rock Acts with the Most Concerts in 2024
In 2024, some of the most prominent names in rock music embarked on extensive touring schedules, showcasing their incredible talent and dedication to their fans. According to data from SetList.fm, here are the top acts covered by UCR that dominated the concert scene this year:
12. Journey: 73 Concerts
After navigating a turbulent period marked by financial disputes, Journey’s Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain made strides toward reconciliation at the start of 2024. However, their efforts were short-lived, as Cain filed another lawsuit against Schon over financial discrepancies in August, reigniting public feuds. Despite these challenges, the band maintained their momentum on the road, sharing the stage with Toto and later joining forces in a summer co-headlining tour alongside Def Leppard, much to the delight of their fans.
11. Kansas: 76 Concerts
Even in the face of a serious medical emergency and lineup changes, Kansas persevered with their 50th anniversary celebration tour, completing an impressive total of 76 shows in 2024. Founding drummer Phil Ehart publicly revealed in February that he was recovering from a significant heart attack and needed time away from touring. In September, bassist Billy Greer announced his retirement after nearly four decades with the band. Despite these setbacks, Kansas concluded the year on a high note with a memorable tour finale in Pittsburgh, featuring special appearances from Ehart and original bassist Dave Hope.
10. Bob Dylan: 78 Concerts
At the age of 83 in 2024, Bob Dylan remained a formidable force in the music industry, performing a remarkable 78 shows. Despite selling his extensive back catalog for an estimated $300 million in 2020, Dylan continued to surprise audiences with his innovative set lists. This year, he honored musical legends by covering iconic songs by Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash during the spring, and in the summer, he engaged in a spirited musical exchange of “All Along the Watchtower” with John Mellencamp. Dylan further delighted fans with performances of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” and “Dignity” in October, reminding everyone of his unparalleled artistry.
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9. Alice Cooper: 79 Concerts
Following a busy 2022 with 90 shows and a slightly reduced schedule of 70 in 2023, Alice Cooper found a middle ground in 2024 with a total of 79 performances. This year included headline shows as well as appearances alongside his frequent collaborator Rob Zombie. Looking ahead, Cooper is already strategizing for a packed 2025 tour, set to kick off on January 31 in Augusta, Georgia. During the initial weeks, his former guitarist Orianthi will step in for Nita Strauss, who has her own solo commitments to attend to.
8. The Black Crowes: 80 Concerts
The Black Crowes initially planned to tour extensively in 2024 as the opening act for Aerosmith; however, after a year’s delay, the Boston band’s farewell tour was ultimately canceled. Undeterred by these changes and buoyed by the positive reception of their recent album, Happiness Bastards, the Robinson brothers have enjoyed nearly five years of reunion. They remained active, performing a total of 80 concerts throughout the year, captivating audiences with their energetic performances.
6 (Tie). Toto: 84 Concerts
Toto made headlines by performing 84 shows in 2024, many of which were in support of their friends in Journey. When factoring in 22 additional shows with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band featuring guitarist Steve Lukather, the total number of performances for Lukather rises to an impressive 106. Looking ahead to next year, Toto is set to take the helm as headliners on a summer bill that will also include Christopher Cross and Men at Work, promising an exciting lineup for fans.
6 (Tie). REO Speedwagon: 84 Concerts
It is unlikely that REO Speedwagon will appear on this list in 2025. After a successful year of touring both solo and alongside Train, the band faced a significant dispute regarding the schedule for the return of longtime bassist Bruce Hall, who is recovering from back surgery. This disagreement ultimately led to a breakup. The last show took place on December 21; however, the lineup that has been touring under the REO Speedwagon name is set to return to the road with frontman Kevin Cronin in 2025.
4 (Tie). Styx: 90 Concerts
Styx has demonstrated remarkable consistency over the years, performing 94 shows in 2022, 90 in 2023, and maintaining that number again in 2024. Their successful summer tour alongside Foreigner and John Waite was a highlight of the year. The band also adapted to a lineup change when bassist Ricky Phillips departed after two decades, welcoming Terry Gowan, the brother of Styx’s singer and keyboardist Lawrence. Styx has exciting plans for 2025, including a tour featuring now-former REO Speedwagon star Kevin Cronin, along with a new album nearing completion, according to Tommy Shaw’s recent updates.
4 (Tie). Judas Priest: 90 Concerts
Judas Priest kicked off 2024 with a bang, releasing their first new album in six years, the highly acclaimed Invincible Shield. The band supported their album with an extensive touring schedule, visiting a total of 90 cities throughout the year. Alongside these performances, they also took the opportunity to remaster and reissue their debut album, Rocka Rolla, originally released in 1974. As they look towards 2025, Judas Priest is planning tours across South America and Europe, continuing to solidify their status as rock legends.
3. Foreigner: 92 Concerts
When Foreigner kicked off their Farewell Tour in July 2023, they emphasized their intention to savor every moment of their goodbye to fans. In 2024, they celebrated 92 concerts while also being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They have announced their intentions to extend their farewell journey into 2025, with original keyboardist Al Greenwood and longtime bassist Rick Willis set to join the current lineup for special performances next year.
2. Mammoth WVH: 96 Concerts
Since the launch of his solo career in July 2021, Wolfgang Van Halen has played over 300 shows. In 2024, he dedicated much of his time to touring with Mammoth WVH, featuring solo performances as well as supporting acts for Metallica and Creed. He has begun working on the band’s third album, and a robust schedule of 2025 concerts is already in the works, promising fans more incredible live music experiences.
1. ZZ Top: 99 Concerts
Leading the pack with an impressive total of 99 shows in 2024, ZZ Top has remained incredibly active on stage three years after the passing of founding bassist Dusty Hill and twelve years since their last studio album release. Alongside their headlining tours, they partnered with Lynyrd Skynyrd for another installment of the Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour. Additionally, frontman Billy Gibbons embarked on 10 solo performances, bringing his yearly total to 109. ZZ Top already has 50 concert dates scheduled for 2025, and Gibbons is set to perform another two dozen solo shows before the year begins.
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Gallery Credit: Allison Rapp