Yesterday, all our troubles seemed so far away… so why not revisit a classic era, when things felt simpler? Musicians are certainly game, with some of the ‘90s biggest acts about to hit the road in North America for concerts that should provide a serious nostalgia kick for attendees.
Here are some of major tours that’ll take you back to the good ol’ days of flannel shirts and bomber jackets:
Korn
When: through March 1
The nu-metal band recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their fourth studio album, Issues, and also dropped The Nothing in September. They're on the road with Breaking Benjamin for a few more weeks on their winter 2020 tour, then are playing two mega shows in May with System of a Down, Faith No More, Helmet, and Russian Circles.
Pearl Jam
When: March 18-April 19
A new album and a tour? Seven years after the release of 2013’s Lightning Bolt, the Seattle grunge icons are giving fans in North America what they want. Opening for the band on various dates are Pluralone (former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer’s solo project), IDLES, Pixies, and White Reaper.
Rage Against the Machine
When: March 26-Aug. 11
Leave it to the political rockers to reunite just ahead of a presidential election. After announcing several festival dates at the end of 2019, RATM revealed on Monday (Feb. 10) they’d be hitting the road for the Public Service Announcement tour. Run the Jewels is set to support for the majority of shows. Tickets go on sale Thursday (Feb. 13) at 11 a.m. local time on Rage’s website.
Alanis Morissette, Garbage, and Liz Phair
When: June 2-July 25
What better reason for a tour featuring some of the biggest female rock artists of the ’90s than a 25th anniversary? Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill is reaching the milestone in June, while Garbage’s self-titled debut album dropped in August of ’95. (Phair’s excellent Exile in Guyville and Whip-Smart were released in 1993 and 1994, respectively.)
Megadeth and Lamb of God
When: June 12-Aug. 1
This heavy metal ticket will be Megadeth’s first tour in three years, and marks frontman Dave Mustaine’s return after battling throat cancer. “I’m back again, better than ever,” the singer said in a statement. Tickets go on sale Friday (Feb. 14) at 10 a.m. local time.
Nickelback and Stone Temple Pilots
When: June 19-Aug. 9
Believe it or not, Nickelback’s All the Right Reasons turns 15 this year, and the band’s celebrating the milestone by playing the entire album on tour. They’ll be supported through August 9 by Stone Temple Pilots, who dropped their eighth album, Perdida, on Feb. 7. STP is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of Purple in June. Nickelback continues sans STP through Oct. 3.
Backstreet Boys
When: July 10-Oct. 9
Backstreet’s back, all right! When the boy band announced the DNA World Tour, AJ McLean said, “We give our fans 100 percent, night after night, putting on the best Backstreet Boys show we can. We play our hits, we dance our asses off and we do it because we love our fans.” Tickets go on sale Friday (Feb. 14).
Incubus and 311
When: July 15-Sept. 5
What’s better than touring with pals? The two bands, who toured together in the ‘90s, are hitting the road together this summer. Incubus will be supporting their new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), which drops April 17.
Green Day, Weezer, and Fall Out Boy
When: July 17-Aug. 29
Yes, yes, we know: Fall Out Boy didn’t even form until 2001, but Green Day AND Weezer certainly exploded in popularity in the ‘90s. The three bands are kicking off their Hella Mega global tour in Europe before bringing it home in mid July for shows in 20 cities. All three will also have new music to promote during their stadium run, and will be supported by The Interrupters.
