After the pandemic canceled concerts in 2020, we crossed out fingers that our favorites would be rescheduled. Slowly, they’re being added back to our calendars. As of right now, My Chemical Romance is still together and plan to play Oakland Arena on Oct. 5. Kraftwerk rescheduled their tour, too, and will be back at Bill Graham Civic on July 6. Billie Eilish canceled on tour but then released a new album and she’ll be back bigger than ever.

Then there’s the new tours that have us even more juiced. Olivia Rodrigo had a breakout 2021 and kicks off her tour in San Francisco on April 2. Both Tool (Jan. 16 at Chase Center) and Deftones (April 18 at Bill Graham Civic) will pass through town. Kacey Musgraves (Feb. 19) and a reunited Fugees (March 29) will make it to Oakland Arena… hopefully; the latter act has already postponed once. Coldplay made the right choice by having H.E.R. open their show at Levi’s Stadium (April 23). Even Bjork is making a pitstop (Feb. 8 at Chase Center).

This is just a start; promoters are sure to be in recovery mode as 2022 ramps up. Here are the 14 shows we’re most excited about, starting with Olivia Rodrigo.

Amelia Parreira: Olivia Rodrigo at Bill Graham Civic (April 2)

Just a matter of months after rising to become one of the top pop sensations of the year, “deja vu” singer Olivia Rodrigo is kicking off her Sour tour in the Bay Area this spring. From somber breakup songs like “driver’s license” to anger-releasing smash hits like “good 4 u,” it’ll be tough for fans to wait for what’s surely to be a pumped-up thriller of a show. When tickets went on sale in early December, fans were confronted with queues several times larger than the venue’s capacity. Here’s to hoping Olivia Rodrigo, 2021’s biggest new artist, can accommodate all the attention.

Ben Schultz: Rage Against the Machine and Run The Jewels at Oakland Arena (April 26 and 28)

Time has been more than kind to these ’90s firebrands. Given the widespread political turmoil of recent years, their fiercely progressive, anti-authoritarian vision feels timelier than ever. And despite the much-maligned Audioslave years, the band stands tallest among so-called rap-rock groups, thanks in no small part to the ear-bending wizardry of guitarist Tom Morello. It also helps that Morello and frontman Zack de la Rocha have maintained their social-conscience cred through collabs with the likes of Chuck D, Bruce Springsteen, KRS-One, and Run the Jewels. This pair of concerts at the Oakland Arena will be part of Rage Against the Machine’s repeatedly postponed Public Service Announcement tour. With support from Run the Jewels, they promise to be two of the most galvanizing shows of 2022.

Domenic Strazzabosco: Billie Eilish at Chase Center (March 29)

Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever proved the artist wasn’t interested in scoring another run of top hits or being simply the biggest pop star on the planet. After all, she did all that with her debut. Happier Than Ever proved her to be introspective, sensitive and a straight-up vocalist. That’s why we’re so excited for her to go on her world tour next year, after her last one was scrapped due to the pandemic after just three shows. Eilish’s stage presence is exciting, her fashion is always progressive and her vocals have just continued to get better over the last few years. Happier Than Ever may be all the more melancholic and ruminative compared to the beats of her debut, but nothing will compare to hearing her belt the album’s title track live. 

Piper Westrom: The Weeknd at Oakland Arena (March 8)

It was a big year for The Weeknd. The R&B artist kicked off 2021 with a Super Bowl LV halftime performance. If that was any indication of what concertgoers can expect from his upcoming stadium tour, it should be quite the show. Originally set to hit arenas, the tour was reworked to stadiums after venue constraints were incompatible with his vision. With elaborate set designs, copious backup dancers and light displays, The Weeknd is poised to make a big splash—especially if he’s touring two albums’ worth of material. 

Domenic Strazzabosco: Dua Lipa at SAP Center (March 27)

In terms of albums that are meant to be played in nightclubs and outdoor festivals, Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia came at just the wrong time. The album was streamlined, produced and stylized to perfection and launched with the massive worldwide chart topper “Don’t Start Now.” And then COVID-19 hit. But finally, come early February, she’ll kick off the tour in Miami, hitting the Bay Area a month later. Expect the costumes, smooth and easy choreography and Dua Lipa’s live vocals to linger with you after the show concludes. This woman was born to be a pop star and so far she’s done most everything just right.

Rachel Alm: HAIM at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley (April 27)

HAIM’s main strength is as a live band. Este, Danielle and Alana Haim truly have their own sound, a combination of polished pop, rock and folk that defies categorization. Hearing their harmonies at the historic Greek, overlooking the bay, will surely be an experience to remember. Slated support acts are indie darlings Waxahatchee and Buzzy Lee, who we’ve been looking forward to checking out for a while. The tour kicks off in Las Vegas before making its way west.

Ben Schultz: Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beck at Levi’s Stadium (July 29)

When the Red Hot Chili Peppers get referenced in pop culture these days, they’re often the butt of some joke (e.g. the litmus test in season one of “The Good Place”). Some of this is the usual hipster snobbery—they’ll never be forgiven for all those platinum albums and global tours—but admittedly, their pioneering fusion of psychedelic, funk, and hip-hop did portend some ghastly developments in hard rock and metal. Their checkered history (various arrests) doesn’t exactly burnish their rep, either. Still, there’s no denying that these guys can play their instruments—especially Flea—and put on a dynamic live show. Perhaps some of opener Beck’s hipster cred will rub off on them (don’t count on it).

Piper Westrom: John Mayer at Chase Center (March 18)

Sob Rock wasn’t guaranteed to be a success. But if anyone was in a good position of reviving pop-rock, it’s John Mayer. Having spent the last few years touring with the Dead, Mayer hasn’t necessarily been out of the concert spotlight. But now he’s ready to be the star of his own show again. With two shows set for mid-March at Chase Center, Mayer has his stage. The singer-songwriter hasn’t toured solo since 2017, which should create some hype. Question: Will Deadheads follow his pop material? It will be interesting to see what direction Mayer plans to take this arena tour.

Tim Hoffman: Tyler, The Creator at Oakland Arena (April 1)

Tyler, The Creator’s discography continues to mature with the recent addition of Call Me If You Get Lost, which follows the departure from his more abrasive and controversial antics on Flower Boy. Tyler is likely itching to get back on stage to deliver the kind of blowout show that was a highlight at Outside Lands last summer—fireworks! an actual boat! Tyler will be touring with peers Vince Staples, singer Kali Uchis and up-and-comer Teezo Touchdown for 35 shows. The tour will open with a show in San Diego, but NorCal fans will have to wait until the last leg of the tour for Sir Baudelaire’s shows in Oakland and Sacramento.

Domenic Strazzabosco: Chris Stapleton, Margo Price, Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs at Shoreline Amphitheatre (June 18)

Chris Stapleton has been playing large venues all through 2021. Even if all you know is his version of “Tennessee Whiskey,” this is a show you shouldn’t miss. One of country’s least flashy musicians, Stapleton has taken off across all channels of music in recent years, known for his skills on guitar and shockingly powerful voice that comes from deep within his mess of facial hair. His voice is so good that he even secured a spot on Adele’s newest album; her first ever featured musician. Here’s to hoping he performs songs like “Cold” or “Maggie’s Song.” Also on the bill are terrific singer-songwriter Margo Price and Mike Campbell (from Tom Petty’s band).

Editor Roman Gokhman: Roger Waters at Chase Center (Sept. 23 and 24)

I’ve never, ever seen either Pink Floyd or Roger Waters perform. But I’ve heard the stories about his breathtaking production and heart-racing musicality. He’s been at it for more than 50 years, and the “This Is Not A Drill” tour promised to be big in scope—literally; he promised it. It was postponed during the pandemic and was the concert I regretted missing the most last year. Naturally, this is the one I’m looking forward to most in 2022.

Domenic Strazzabosco: Lorde at Bill Graham Civic (May 3)

Though the Solar Power album didn’t strike the same chord with critics or the teens who lived out their angst to the tunes of Pure Heroine or Melodrama, Lorde’s upcoming tour is something to be excited about. Except for some promo appearances, Lorde hasn’t played shows since 2018. Her stage presence is iconic, with hair and body whipping and flashing lights to accompany her often dark and offbeat pop music. With Solar Power, we’ll see a more mature and relaxed side.

Amelia Parreira: Shawn Mendes at Oakland Arena (Sept. 17)

Three years after Shawn Mendes rocked his way into the Bay Area, the 23-year-old heartthrob is set to return for his Wonder Tour. Though it may seem bittersweet for the Canada native to perform a lineup of love ballads inspired by his now ex-girlfriend Camila Cabello, fans should expect nothing less than 110 percent of Mendes’ pure, heartfelt stage presence.

 

Rachel Alm: Tears for Fears at Shoreline Amphitheatre (June 2)

I haven’t seen Tears for Fears live since 2016. They used to be a staple at the county fair, and every time I went to see them, I thought about how fortunate it was for their fans that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith had buried the hatchet after their bitter early ’90s break-up. With hits like “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” most people think of Tears for Fears as an ’80s band, but I think they were at their Beatle-esque best on 2004 reunion album Everybody Loves a Happy Ending.

I started to wonder why the British duo hadn’t made another album yet by 2014, but it turns out that their manager at the time had been advising them against it! With new management and new record (finally!) The Tipping Point, Tears for Fears is hitting the road again in 2022.