Between open-air stages, endless arenas and colossal stadiums, New York’s August proves to be one of the densest times of the year for live music. It is a month that traditionally gathers an unusual concentration of international artists in the city, taking advantage of the record market’s summer break to intensify the touring calendar. During these weeks, Manhattan and its environs are transformed into a map that spans genres, decades and audiences. The amount of concerts on the schedule is such that it almost draws a parallel season to that of festivals, with the advantage of staying in one city.
Some names on the bill carry weight beyond the musical event. Oasis’ presence for two consecutive dates at MetLife Stadium marks a historic comeback that until a few months ago still seemed a long shot. Liam and Noel Gallagher have not played together since 2009, and this new appearance reignites interest around one of the most talked-about reunions in British rock. And then there’s The Who’s farewell tour: the band of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey has chosen New York City of all places to bid farewell to the American public, with a date that promises to retrace the entire parabola of a 60-year career.
Alongside these symbolic moments is a whole series of concerts documenting the evolution of commercial pop over the past two decades. Katy Perry, who performs at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 11, returns to tour following the release of her new album “143” and replays repertoire that defined popular culture in the early 2000s. Similarly, the Jonas Brothers are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut, placing new unreleased tracks coming in 2025 alongside their historic songs. Sharing the stage with them will be Marshmello and The All-American Rejects, in a mix that blends nostalgia and current events.
There is no shortage of artists from the R&B and country scene, such as Chris Brown and Dierks Bentley, who both land at MetLife Stadium for shows designed for a more diverse audience than the genres suggest. Chris Brown will be accompanied by Bryson Tiller and Summer Walker, while Bentley will bring along Zach Top and The Band Loula, in a mix that shows that even country nights can adapt to the big-event format. Rounding out the picture, concerts by My Chemical Romance and The Black Keys bring back to the forefront two bands that, each in their own way, have marked the last two decades of American alternative rock.
Lady Gaga, who chose Madison Square Garden for six consecutive performances of her new show, “Mayhem Ball,” deserves a separate spot. The artist has over the years built an almost theatrical relationship with the New York stage, where she has often experimented with her most complex performances. The fact that the tour comes after the performance at Coachella-considered among the most relevant of his career-adds further anticipation for an event that, more than a concert, seems to promise total staging.
Aug. 8 – The ChainsmokersUnder the K Bridge Park, Brooklyn
Aug. 9 – My Chemical RomanceMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (NJ)
Aug. 10 – Jonas Brothers (with Marshmello and The All-American Rejects)MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (NJ)
Aug. 11 – Katy Perry (special guest: Rebecca Black)Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
Aug. 12-13 – Chris Brown (with Bryson Tiller and Summer Walker)MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (NJ)
Aug. 13 – The Black Keys (special guest: Gary Clark Jr.)Forest Hills Stadium, Queens
Aug. 20 – Billy Idol (with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts)Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
Aug. 22-Sept. 7 – Lady Gaga (Mayhem Ball, 6 dates)Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
Aug. 27-28 – System of a Down (with Korn)MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (NJ)
Aug. 28 – Dierks Bentley (with Zach Top and The Band Loula)Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
Aug. 30 – The Who (The Song Is Over Farewell Tour)Madison Square Garden, Manhattan
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 – Oasis (reunion tour)MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (NJ)
Article From Lady Gaga to Oasis, an August full of concerts in New York comes from TheNewyorker.
