Classic Rock Artists Who Played The Most Concerts in 2024
In 2024, some of rock’s most legendary acts kept the stage lights burning bright, hitting cities across the globe with show after show. From classic rock icons to rising stars, these bands have been proving that the road is their second home. Here’s a look at the busiest acts in rock for 2024, according to Setlist.fm.
12. Journey: 73 Shows
After some backstage drama over finances, Journey’s Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain patched things up and hit the road in 2024. They teamed up with Toto for a tour and spent the summer co-headlining with Def Leppard. While their onstage chemistry looked strong, the offstage disputes between Schon and Cain kept the drama alive. Still, the band’s roadwork never slowed down, with 73 performances this year.
11. Kansas: 76 Shows
Kansas faced some major hurdles in 2024, including a heart attack for founding drummer Phil Ehart and the retirement of bassist Billy Greer. Despite these challenges, they powered through their 50th-anniversary tour with 76 shows. They wrapped up the year with a special show in Pittsburgh, welcoming Ehart and original bassist Dave Hope back onstage. Resilience is clearly a part of their DNA.
10. Bob Dylan: 78 Shows
Bob Dylan isn’t slowing down at the age of 83. He played 78 shows in 2024, delivering legendary performances and switching up his set choices. Dylan established his enduring appeal by keeping audiences guessing, whether it was by singing renditions of Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash or dueling performances of “All Along the Watchtower” with John Mellencamp.
9. Alice Cooper: 79 Shows
Alice Cooper stayed busy in 2024 with 79 shows, including solo performances and those with Rob Zombie. Known for his larger-than-life stage presence, Cooper kept rocking the stages and even has plans for a busy 2025. With Nita Strauss temporarily replaced by Orianthi, fans were still treated to Alice’s trademark theatrical rock shows.
8. The Black Crowes: 80 Shows
The Black Crowes had a full slate of shows in 2024, performing 80 concerts despite the cancelation of Aerosmith’s farewell tour. Following the success of their album Happiness Bastards, the Robinson brothers continued their tour across the country, solidifying their position as one of rock’s most energetic live bands.
7. (Tie). Toto: 84 Shows
Toto had a packed year, hitting 84 shows in 2024, many of which were alongside Journey. Guitarist Steve Lukather, who also toured with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, took his total show count to a staggering 106. With 2025 on the horizon, Toto’s fans can look forward to even more live music, as they headline alongside Christopher Cross and Men at Work.
6. (Tie). REO Speedwagon: 84 Shows
In 2024, REO Speedwagon managed a successful year despite some behind-the-scenes drama, including a dispute over bassist Bruce Hall’s return from surgery. They toured with Train and performed a solid 84 shows. Unfortunately, 2025 will mark the end of this chapter as the band faces a breakup, though fans will still get to see a familiar lineup with frontman Kevin Cronin leading the charge.
5. (Tie). Styx: 90 Shows
Styx continued their winning streak in 2024, performing 90 shows, just like in 2023. They spent their summer touring with Foreigner and John Waite, and despite losing bassist Ricky Phillips to retirement, they powered through with Terry Gowan stepping in. Fans can expect new music soon, as Styx nears completion of their upcoming album.
4. (Tie). Judas Priest: 90 Shows
With the release of their first new album in six years, Invincible Shield, Judas Priest had a monumental 2024. They hit the road for 90 shows and also revisited their roots by remastering their 1974 debut Rocka Rolla. Their plans for 2025 include tours in South America and Europe, so the metal icons aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
3. Foreigner: 92 Shows
Foreigner’s farewell tour took them across the globe, with 92 shows in 2024. They’re taking their time saying goodbye, even adding special guest appearances from original members. The band, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is set to keep rocking through 2025, ensuring their legacy is cemented for years to come.
2. Mammoth WVH: 96 Shows
In 2024, Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH played 96 performances, opening for Metallica and Creed, among other acts. Mammoth WVH has no intention of slowing down, as evidenced by their debut album and upcoming projects. Fans can anticipate more exciting shows and new songs in 2025 as the band continues to work on new material.
1. ZZ Top: 99 Shows
With an astounding 99 shows in 2024, ZZ Top set a new record. The band maintained its momentum with a relentless touring schedule following the passing of founding bassist Dusty Hill. Additionally, they collaborated with Lynyrd Skynyrd on a new Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour. Billy Gibbons and the band are remaining as busy as ever, rocking and preserving the ZZ Top heritage with 50 more performances already scheduled for 2025.
