Live music and Los Angeles go hand in hand. Whether it’s a night to remember at a box at the Hollywood Bowl, a romantic evening under the stars at the Greek Theatre, or a quick rock session at The Fonda, there’s plenty of musical occasions for everyone in this jam-packed entertainment city.
Between the recent re-naming of Staples Center and two years of canceled and rescheduled tours, music-loving Angelenos have been through a lot. This spring, though, there’s plenty to look forward to — and the chance to support the live musicians who make all of our lives infinitely better. In that spirit, here’s a selection of the best shows to see in the coming months.
Because Sob Rock channels all the ‘80s nostalgia you didn’t know you were missing
John Mayer at The Forum, March 15 and March 16
Because the modern disco era is upon us, and long-delayed stadium tours are finally happening
Dua Lipa at The Forum, March 22 and March 23
Because no outdoor venue on the planet rivals Santa Barbara Bowl, and this is the kind of double header that early ‘00s indieheads dream about
Alt J and Portugal The Man at the Santa Barbara Bowl, March 26
Because everybody loves to say they saw the next “it” band before they got massive
Wet Leg at The Fonda, March 30
Because the continuous reinvention of Tyler, The Creator is one of the most fascinating spectacles in modern rap
Tyler, The Creator at Crypto Arena, March 31
Because some nights you just need to dance it out to a bunch of lowkey bangers
Charli XCX at The Greek Theatre, April 3
Because New York synth-pop sounds even better in LA
Porches at El Rey Theatre, April 5
Because Billie made a jazzy, bossa nova album that still fills stadiums
Billie Eilish at The Forum, April 8
Because shoegaze and date night go hand and hand, especially at The Greek
Beach House at Greek Theatre, April 9 and April 10
Because Philly punk will never die, and neither will the appeal of a night at Zebulon
Sheer Mag at Zebulon, April 15
Because guitar solos and talk-singing are back in a big way
PUP at The Fonda, April 21
Because belting “I’m gonna make it through this year, if it kills me!” with a whole crowd of Mountain Goats fans has never been more cathartic. Not ever
The Mountain Goats at the Regent Theater, April 28
Because everyone you know will be there, including most of the cast of Licorice Pizza
Haim and Waxahatchee at the Hollywood Bowl, May 1
Because Lorde is the anti-pop star, and even if the new album isn’t great, that idea is
Lorde at The Shrine Auditorium, May 5 and May 6
Because this band somehow makes every kind of music sound good
Big Thief at The Wiltern, May 10 and May 11
Because this TikTok-famous producer is more Dilla than D’Amelio
PinkPantheress at the Mason Lodge, May 10
Because we owe so much more than we realized to the genius of T-Pain
T-Pain at The Novo, May 12
Because Kurt Vile is a modern day guitar legend
Kurt Vile at The Theatre at the Ace Hotel, May 12
Because he’s the man, the myth, the legend, and, for all intents and purposes, The Beatles
Paul McCartney at SoFi Stadium, May 13
Because this fast-rising pop icon will never play a venue this small again
Olivia Rodrigo at The Greek Theater, May 24 and May 25
Because your dad’s favorite band is back in style, and playing the best venue in the city. Only a fool would skip that
Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl, May 27
This article was featured in the InsideHook LA newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Southland.