The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver May 2017

Don’t miss The 1975, U2, Melissa Etheridge and more awesome performers on stage this month

1. The 1975 at the PNE Forum – Monday, May 1

To win the approval of your kids, you simply need to obtain a glowing accolade from one of their idols. Tears for Fears’ vocalist/bassist Curt Smith recently earned that cachet when his teenage daughters discovered that The 1975 was influenced by Dad’s band. Cool praise, indeed!
Manchester’s darlings of the alt-indie-pop-rock scene will once again bridge those generational gaps when they bring their show to the PNE Forum on the first Canadian date of their tour in support of their latest album, I Like it When You Sleep, for You are So Beautiful Yet Unaware of It. It’s cool to accompany your teens to score some brownie points, but try to keep a low profile so as not to cramp their style.
Get tickets here.

2. Melissa Etheridge at the River Rock Casino Resort – Friday, May 5

In this age of auto-tuned, manufactured prima donnas, it’s refreshing to revisit the purity of an unadulterated voice and a bona fide talent. When Melissa Etheridge showcases her signature raspy vocals and soul-infused guitar licks at Richmond’s world-class theatre venue, there is no question you will experience the genuine sincerity of a true artist. Expect this pioneer to pay reverence to her musical roots when she showcases songs from her Stax Records-influenced covers album, Memphis Rock and Soul.
Tickets available here. 

3. Testament at the Commodore Ballroom – Wednesday, May 10

The lyrical content of Testament’s 2016 offering, Brotherhood of the Snake, touches heavily on ancient secret societies and the assumption of absolute power and control over the population. That may sound a little like the bizarre political landscape stirring things up south of the border, but have no fear, this is a chance to break free from the madness. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to catch the Bay Area thrash trailblazers as they headline a triple-bill alongside Brazil’s premier groove metal titans Sepultura, and New York City’s hardcore sons Prong.
Tickets available here. 

4. U2 at BC Place – Friday, May 12

Has it really been a full three decades since the release of U2‘s landmark release, The Joshua Tree? Those of us who were in attendance at that 1987 BC Place concert will tell you it’s simply not possible that the time has passed so quickly—almost as quickly as tickets to this mega-show fluttered past the scrambling fingers of prospective online purchasers. You may have missed out on the initial sale, but be sure to check Ticketmaster periodically in the days leading up to the event as sometimes production holds are released at the last minute. Good luck!
Tickets here.

5. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience at the Commodore Ballroom – Tuesday, May 16

Putting together a successful and legitimate Led Zeppelin tribute is no easy task. But considering drummer Jason Bonham—son of legendary Zep drummer, John Bonham—has demonstrated his in-demand talents alongside some of rock’s most enduring acts (Phil Collins, Foreigner, Heart, and oh… Led Zeppelin themselves), not to mention the little old fact he comes to this affair as a simple matter of birthright, it’s difficult to deny the man his due. Forget all the other Zeppelin cover bands out there—JBLZE is the only one you absolutely need to check out.
Tickets here. 

6. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at Rogers Arena – Wednesday, May 31

Genetically blessed, undeniably talented, ridiculously photogenic and happily married for over 20 years, new country’s favourite couple brings their Soul2Soul World Tour to Rogers Arena for one night only. Plan to make this a special night out with your significant other, and who knows—maybe the magnetic chemistry between these two lovebirds might just help to ignite a special spark in your own relationship.
Get your tickets here.