2024 emerged as a phenomenal year for live rock music, defying any notions of the genre’s decline. Stadiums and arenas vibrated with the sounds of rock legends and contemporary icons alike. From the enduring energy of the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen to the electrifying performances of Pearl Jam, Weezer, David Gilmour, and Olivia Rodrigo, 2024 delivered a spectrum of rock experiences. Even Neil Young, with his signature raw intensity, alongside a revitalized Yes splitting into two entities yet remaining powerfully progressive, contributed to a year rich in rock history and innovation.
Having immersed myself in the vibrant rock concert scene throughout the year, selecting the top 10 moments proved to be a challenging task. The sheer dynamism of Neil Young’s performances alone, both with Crazy Horse and Chrome Hearts, could have dominated this list. However, recognizing the diverse array of talent that contributed to making these past 365 days exceptional for rock concerts, this compilation celebrates a broader spectrum of guitar-and-drums brilliance from 2024. Here are the standout rock concert moments, presented in no particular order, that defined the year in live music.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse – May 14 @ Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, N.Y.
The abrupt curtailment of Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s summer tour left many fans disappointed, yet those fortunate enough to witness their performances experienced something truly special. At 79, Neil Young, backed by the seasoned Crazy Horse rhythm section – drummer Ralph Molina and bassist Billy Talbot, both 80 – unleashed a performance at Forest Hills Stadium with the same raw passion and fervor that defined their 1969 tour. Adding to this potent mix was guitarist Micah Nelson, a youthful presence at 34, who skillfully honored the legacies of Danny Whitten and Frank “Poncho” Sampedro with both respect and precision.
Their setlist was a deep dive into their collaborative history with producer David Briggs, spanning from 1969 to 1994, alongside tracks from 1996’s Broken Arrow, an album dedicated to Briggs’ memory. While I attended six of their fifteen shows, the opening night at Forest Hills Stadium remains particularly memorable. During “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black),” when the P.A. system faltered intermittently, Young’s reaction was nothing short of legendary. Instead of halting the song, he urged the band to push through the technical difficulties, transforming the disruption into a powerful surge of feedback and raw energy. This spontaneous chaos became a perfect embodiment of the song’s rebellious spirit. Neil Young’s unwavering commitment to performance at his age remains unmatched by any rock icon of his generation, making his 2024 rock concerts truly exceptional.
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band – Sept. 15 @ Asbury Park Beach, Asbury Park, N.J.
Bruce Springsteen’s return to touring with the E Street Band in early 2023 was marked by a carefully curated setlist, reflecting themes of mortality and resilience. This meticulously structured performance, while profound, offered limited variation, sometimes frustrating his devoted global fanbase. However, on September 15th, at the Sea.Hear.Now festival on Asbury Park beach, Springsteen dramatically shifted gears.
Headlining for 35,000 fans, Springsteen and the E Street Band abandoned their structured narrative for an evening steeped in nostalgia. The setlist was a treasure trove of early career deep cuts, including “Thundercrack,” “Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?”, and “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” sending waves of exhilaration across the boardwalk. This performance felt like a unifying moment for the entire Bruce Nation. Looking ahead, when fans reminisce about the best shows of Springsteen’s post-reunion era, this Asbury Park concert will undoubtedly rank among the highlights, a testament to the enduring power of his live rock performances in 2024.
Pearl Jam – Sept. 4 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
Madison Square Garden holds a special significance for Pearl Jam, ever since their debut headlining performance at the iconic venue during the Yield tour in 1998. Their two-night stint in September 2024 began with an uncharacteristically inconsistent show, yet they rebounded spectacularly the following evening with a performance that stands among their best MSG concerts. The second night was a powerhouse of rock energy, featuring blistering renditions of “Not for You” and “Do the Evolution,” a frenetic “Rearviewmirror” enhanced by guest guitarist Andrew Watt, and a rare performance of “Glorified G” at Howard Stern’s request.
Adding to the night’s emotional depth was a cover of Steve Van Zandt’s “I Am a Patriot,” with Van Zandt himself watching from the audience. The concert culminated in a triumphant rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” joined by Van Zandt, Watt, and Glen Hansard. This MSG performance underscored Pearl Jam’s enduring status as a premier live rock band, delivering one of the most memorable rock concerts of 2024.
David Gilmour – Nov. 9 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
David Gilmour’s tours are rare and highly anticipated events, making his Luck and Strange tour’s limited North American leg, including five nights at Madison Square Garden, a magnet for fans from across the East Coast. Those who flocked to MSG in November were rewarded with a magnificent evening of music, spotlighting his new album alongside selections from the later Pink Floyd era. Initially, Gilmour intended to omit songs from the Roger Waters era, but he ultimately included classics like “Speak to Me/Breathe,” “Time,” “Fat Old Sun,” “Wish You Were Here,” “The Great Gig in the Sky,” and, inevitably, “Comfortably Numb.”
While Roger Waters’ tours may feature a larger selection of classic-era Pink Floyd tracks, Gilmour’s concerts offer a uniquely authentic Pink Floyd experience. His MSG show was a masterclass in atmospheric rock, reaffirming his legendary status and delivering one of the most sought-after rock concerts of 2024.
Mannequin Pussy – May 16 @ Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn, N.Y.
My first encounter with Mannequin Pussy was at the intimate St. Vitus in Brooklyn. Lead singer Marisa Dabice’s raw energy ignited a punk rock frenzy so intense it resulted in a chipped tooth from a mic stand collision. This unbridled passion, however, barely fazed her as she powered through tracks from their breakthrough 2019 album Perfect. This cathartic experience cemented my status as a devoted Mannequin Pussy fan.
By May 2024, Mannequin Pussy had ascended to the significantly larger Brooklyn Steel, a venue with a capacity of 1,800, propelled by their acclaimed new album I Got Heaven. Dabice and the band were more than ready for the expanded stage, transforming songs like “Drunk II,” “Sometimes,” and “Loud Bark” into arena-worthy anthems. Their trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time before Mannequin Pussy headlines actual arenas, making their Brooklyn Steel show a pivotal moment in their rise and a standout rock concert of 2024.
Weezer/Flaming Lips/Dinosaur Jr. – Sept. 11 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
Weezer’s affinity for their Blue Album is well-documented, consistently featuring tracks from it in their concerts, even performing it in its entirety on the 2011 Memories Tour. However, for the album’s 30th anniversary in 2024, they elevated their performance to a cosmic level. Dressed as astronauts on a quest for the Blue Planet, with a detour to the Pinkerton Asteroid Belt, Weezer crafted a theatrical and musical journey. Upon “discovering” the Blue Planet after 15 songs, they played the Blue Album in sequence, delivering a potent wave of 90s nostalgia.
The evening was further enriched by performances from Flaming Lips, making only their second MSG appearance, and Dinosaur Jr., who opened to a sparse early crowd with undiminished power. Dinosaur Jr., remarkably touring with their original lineup, delivered blistering sets of “Feel the Pain,” “Freak Scene,” and their rendition of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” proving their enduring relevance and making this MSG show a highlight of 2024 rock concerts.
The Rolling Stones – April 28 @ NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Anticipation was mixed with slight apprehension as the Rolling Stones launched their Hackney Diamonds tour in Houston. After a two-year hiatus, with new songs to debut and led by Mick Jagger nearing 81, some rustiness seemed plausible. However, the Rolling Stones defied the constraints of time and age. Mick Jagger, for two hours, relentlessly traversed the stage, delivering classics like “Get Off of My Cloud” and new tracks such as “Angry” with unwavering energy.
The inclusion of the Exile on Main St. deep cut “Rocks Off” was a standout, as was the introduction of new background singer Chanel Haynes on “Gimme Shelter” and “Sweet Sounds of Heaven.” If this marks a late chapter for the Stones, it is undeniably a remarkable one, as evidenced by their electrifying Houston rock concert in 2024.
Tie: Yes – Sept. 1 @ Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, N.Y.; Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks – Sept. 27 @ St. George Theatre, Staten Island, N.Y.
In an ideal scenario, a reunited Close to the Edge-era Yes lineup would be touring. In reality, seeing even one member at a time is a treat. September 2024 offered the closest experience to a reunion. First, attending the Steve Howe-led Yes as they opened for Deep Purple at Jones Beach, and later, catching Jon Anderson with the Band Geeks in Staten Island.
Both performances featured “Yours Is No Disgrace,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Starship Trooper,” and “Roundabout.” Both groups were in exceptional form, delivering flawless renditions of these progressive rock anthems. Choosing between them is impossible; both were equally impressive. The hope remains that these factions might unite to perform this iconic music together while they are still able, but individually, their 2024 rock concerts were highlights.
Bob Dylan/Plant and Krauss/Lukas Nelson – June 30 @ PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, N.J.
Bob Dylan’s recent performances have largely been confined to dimly lit theaters with strict no-phone policies. However, the summer of 2024 saw Dylan venturing outdoors to sheds alongside Willie Nelson, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and John Mellencamp. This shift meant relaxed phone restrictions and Dylan performing for larger, more casual audiences, often in daylight.
Dylan seemed to relish this change, presenting a looser set that mixed unexpected covers like Chuck Berry’s “Little Queenie” and the Grateful Dead’s “Stella Blue” with staples such as “Love Sick,” “Ballad of a Thin Man,” and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight.” At the Holmdel, New Jersey show, Plant and Krauss captivated the crowd with Led Zeppelin classics like “Rock and Roll” and “The Battle of Evermore,” while Lukas Nelson filled in for his father. This PNC Bank Arts Center event was a quintessential summer evening rock concert experience in 2024.
Olivia Rodrigo/The Breeders – April 5 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
Olivia Rodrigo electrifies Madison Square Garden, proving rock's vitality with a dynamic 2024 rock concert alongside The Breeders.
Anyone questioning rock’s relevance needed to be at Madison Square Garden when Olivia Rodrigo headlined with The Breeders as special guests. Rodrigo, supported by a formidable all-female band, powered through almost every track from Guts and Sour, even playing electric guitar on “Obsessed.” Remarkably, she had only started performing live concerts in 2021.
Earlier in the evening, The Breeders delighted the older contingent with “Cannonball.” Olivia Rodrigo’s MSG performance unequivocally demonstrated that rock is alive and thriving, making her concert, along with The Breeders’ set, an essential rock concert experience of 2024.
Conclusion:
The rock concerts of 2024 showcased the genre’s enduring appeal and evolving forms. From legendary artists reaffirming their legacies to contemporary acts carving their own paths, the year provided a wealth of unforgettable live music moments. These top ten concerts represent just a fraction of the incredible rock experiences available in 2024, highlighting the vibrant and dynamic state of rock music today. For more on rock music and concert reviews, stay tuned to rockscapes.net.
