6 Most Overhyped Classic Rock Tours of 2023

2023 saw some of the biggest names in classic rock hitting the road, drawing massive crowds and generating significant buzz. However, not every tour lived up to the hype. Here are six classic rock tours from 2023 that, despite their fanfare, left some wondering if they truly delivered on expectations.

Phish

Phish remains a consistent force in the touring world, known for their energetic performances. Their 2023 tour included notable events like their annual Mexico destination shows and multiple nights at Madison Square Garden. Yet, despite the hype, some felt their shows didn’t offer anything new, leaving loyal fans craving more innovation.

While Phish’s performances are always solid, the 2023 tour felt repetitive for many. With expectations high, the band’s inability to significantly evolve their live shows led to a sense of stagnation. Although their fan base remains dedicated, the excitement of seeing Phish live might be fading without fresh elements in their sets.

Guns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses continued their momentum from 2022, grossing nearly $100 million again. Their 2023 tour brought the rock icons to even more stages, but the excitement didn’t quite match the numbers. Despite their reputation, some fans felt the energy wasn’t what it used to be, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.

Their stage presence, while still powerful, seemed to lack the intensity that once defined their shows. As much as their die-hard followers enjoyed the experience, the tour didn’t seem to capture the raw spirit of their early days. The band’s legendary status might be enough for some, but others are beginning to see through the nostalgia.

Dead & Company

Dead & Company’s farewell tour was a major event in 2023, drawing massive crowds from May to July. The tour’s highlight was the three-night finale at Oracle Park in San Francisco, which grossed $20.4 million. However, the farewell label didn’t prevent some fans from feeling that the shows lacked the emotional depth expected from such a significant event.

While the tour was financially successful, the performances seemed to fall short of the finality that the “farewell” branding suggested. For a band with such a rich history, the last shows didn’t quite capture the emotional gravity many anticipated. The farewell might have been more of a marketing move than a genuine goodbye, leaving some fans underwhelmed.

Metallica

Metallica’s M72 World Tour made waves in 2023, grossing over $10 million across several markets. The band played to packed venues in Europe and North America, doubling up in cities like Montreal and Paris. Yet, despite the impressive numbers, the tour didn’t offer much in terms of new or groundbreaking experiences for their fans.

The band’s setlists, while filled with classics, didn’t stray far from what fans have come to expect. Metallica’s loyal followers appreciated the energy, but the lack of surprises left some feeling the tour was more about cashing in than delivering something truly memorable. In a year filled with high expectations, the M72 tour might have benefitted from more creative risks.

Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode had a record-breaking year in 2023, surpassing their 2017 earnings with over $123.5 million. Their shows, especially the three at Mexico City’s Foro Sol, drew huge crowds and set new records. However, some attendees felt the band’s performances didn’t fully justify the massive financial success, with a sense that something was missing.

Despite the impressive attendance, the band’s energy and connection with the audience seemed to fall short. The shows, while visually stunning, lacked the emotional impact that long-time fans had hoped for. Depeche Mode’s 2023 tour was undoubtedly successful, but it left some questioning whether it truly deserved all the praise it received.

Elton John

Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour was a major event in 2023, breaking Boxscore records with $939.1 million in earnings from 329 shows. Yet, even with such monumental success, some fans felt the tour didn’t quite live up to the grand farewell it was billed as. The sheer scale of the tour may have overshadowed its emotional resonance.

Elton’s performances were solid, but the intimacy and warmth expected from a farewell tour were sometimes lost in the grandeur. While the numbers were impressive, the tour felt more like a victory lap than a heartfelt goodbye. For many, the over-the-top production didn’t fully capture the spirit of what could have been a more personal and reflective farewell.