BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
And you thought summer was busy.
The fall concert scene is stuffed to an almost insane degree, with everyone from Garth Brooks to Harry Styles to Gorillaz to Lady Gaga (get well soon, Mother Monster!) rolling through Atlanta between now and the end of November.
Here is a smattering — 30 shows — worth considering of the several dozen commandeering our venues (for the essence of space, we haven't included any festivals or holiday concerts). Make sure to check Live Music Picks and Hot Tix in Go Guide every Friday ( and on The Music Scene blog ) for fresh information about more upcoming concerts.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Unless otherwise noted, tickets to all shows can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Drive-By Truckers. The Athens legends have plenty to say on their current album, "American Band," and considering they're celebrating their 20th anniversary, they deserve the platform. With Strand of Oaks. 8:30 p.m. Sept. 29-30. $35. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 1-877-987-6487, www.ticketfly.com.
Kesha. In case anyone was wondering, Kesha is indeed back, and in a very big way. In August, the singer released her long-awaited "Rainbow" album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and spawned the visceral single, "Praying." 8 p.m. Sept. 29. Sold out. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta.
Trey Anastasio. The music of Phish doesn't usually conjure immediate visions of an orchestra, but the frontman for the revered jam band will indeed pair with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for a night of classic Phish material and solo compositions. With the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Sept. 29. Sold out. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.
Lecrae. The insightful Atlanta rapper recently unveiled his eighth studio album, "All Things Work Together," a 14-track collection featuring friends ranging from Ty Dolla Sign to Tori Kelly. His hometown show marks the second date of his tour. 7 p.m. Oct. 5. $27.45. Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta.
Mastodon. This spring, the Atlanta-based hard rockers released their seventh studio album, "Emperor of Sand," which focuses heavily on themes of death and mortality. In a Facebook Live interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in April, the band's drummer Brann Dailor explained why (visit the Atlanta Music News Now page to watch). With Eagles of Death Metal and Russian Circles. 7 p.m. Oct. 6. $43.70-$65.60. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Bob Seger. The blue-collar rocker, 72, will bring his trove of sturdy hits and rough-edged charm to the stage, along with his new cover of Lou Reed's "Busload of Faith" from the upcoming album, "I Knew You When," due Nov. 17. With Nancy Wilson. 8 p.m. Oct. 7. $99-$119. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
Harry Styles. He doesn't have an extensive repertoire yet, but that will hardly matter to the screaming hordes who will flock to see the (former-for-now) One Direction hunk in an intimate setting. According to early reviews, Styles sounds great, performs his entire solo album, a 1D hit and, furthering his rock cred, Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain." With MUNA. 8 p.m. Oct. 8. Sold out. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre.
Gorillaz. The cartoon band masterminded by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett released "Humanz" in April, featuring Jehnny Beth of Savages, Anthony Hamilton, Mavis Staples, Pusha T and tour opener D.R.A.M. The "Humanz Tour" features Albarn and musicians Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, Russel Hobbs and 2D. With D.R.A.M. 8 p.m. Oct. 11. $43.75-$93.75. Infinite Energy Arena.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Garth Brooks. If you're commemorating the first concert at one of the most majestic stadiums built in recent memory, who do you get for the honors? Well, the most massive country star on the planet, of course. Mr. Brooks will be joined by his wife, Trisha Yearwood, during the show. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12. $59-$250. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta.
Aretha Franklin. Continued health issues have caused the Queen of Soul to postpone and cancel numerous concerts in recent years. But when she's present, Franklin still doles out heaps of potent hits, including "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)," "Chain of Fools," "Respect" and a sturdy cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." 8 p.m. Oct. 13. $66-$346.50. Fox Theatre.
Laid Back Festival. Gregg Allman is gone, but his spirit will live on in the festival he created in 2015 (the October 2016 Laid Back performance at Lakewood Amphitheatre turned out to be Allman's final live show before his death in May). This year's return will feature Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman's son Devon — who will perform his father's new album, "Southern Blood," in its entirety for the first time — Bishop Gunn and Jaimoe's Jasssz Band. 5 p.m. Oct. 14. $29.50-$325. Verizon Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta.
Lil Yachty. It's been a breakout year for Atlanta's "Forever Young" rapper. He co-starred in a major Target TV ad campaign, his debut album, "Teenage Emotions," arrived in May and he's become a fashion star as well. This Atlanta show will close his biggest tour yet. 8 p.m. Oct. 20. $43.70-$75.60. Fox Theatre.
Eagles. Despite Don Henley's proclamation following the death of Glenn Frey in January 2016 that the Eagles were over, the band is following its pair of July festival performances with a brief fall tour. The band — Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit — will be joined by Vince Gill and Frey's son Deacon, who played on the Classic East and West shows. 8 p.m. Oct. 20-21. $49.50-$299.50. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta.
LCD Soundsystem. Moody lighting, dance rock and goofy humor from frontman James Murphy highlighted the band's headlining set at Shaky Knees earlier this year. Expect this set to contain more material from the band's new album, "American Dream," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. 8 p.m. Oct. 21 (sold out) and Oct. 22. $56.25. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre.
The quintet is taking a break from
(they’ll be back in November) for this one-off Q-Topia show presented by Q-100. Though they haven’t announced dates yet, a 25th anniversary world tour is expected in 2018. With Flo Rida and Los 5. 7 p.m. Oct. 27. $29-$69. Verizon Amphitheatre.
Bebe Rexha and Marc E. Bassy. The "Me, Myself & I" hitmaker is pairing with singer/songwriter Bassy for a 23-city tour to support Rexha's "All Your Fault — Part 2" and Bassy's "Gossip Columns" album, due Oct. 13. 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2. $25. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta.
Fall Out Boy. The last we saw the quartet was a 2015 show at Lakewood Amphitheatre. But with a new album to promote ("MANIA"), the "Young and Menace" hitmakers will be on the road for a 20-date tour. With Black Bear and Jaden Smith. 7 p.m. Nov. 4. $70.50-$304.85. Philips Arena.
Imagine Dragons. Always notable for an engaging live show, the Las Vegas-based band (which includes native Atlantan Daniel Platzman on drums) will spotlight its numerous hits ("Radioactive," "It's Time," "I Bet My Life") as well as the new songs from its third album, "Evolve." With Grouplove and K. Flay. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. $29-$335. Philips Arena.
Niall Horan. Before he returns in 2018, the Irish One Direction hunk will follow the path of groupmate Harry Styles with a cozy gathering to promote his solo debut, "Flicker," which arrives Oct. 20. 8 p.m. Nov. 10. Sold out. Tabernacle.
Tori Amos. The quirky singer-songwriter released her 15th studio album, "Native Invader," in early September. It's her first since 2014's "Unrepentant Geraldines," which prompted her last Atlanta appearance in August that year. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Sold out. Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Ringo Starr. It's been five years since the drummer Beatle last played Atlanta, and he'll be joined by his gang since 2012 — Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette. Starr recently released his 19th studio album, "Give More Love," which features a guy with a promising career — Paul McCartney. 8 p.m. Nov. 11. $41.50-$141.50. Fox Theatre.
Marc Anthony. Look for the Puerto Rican superstar to perform on a circular stage — hence the tour name "The Full Circle" — so he can be closer to fans. The singer recently released a children's album of lullaby versions of his hits. 7 p.m. Nov. 12. $65-$145. Philips Arena.
Squeeze. Atlanta is the kickoff for a three-week tour from the "Tempted" favorites. Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford — who say they are working on a new Squeeze album — will be joined by drummer Simon Hanson, keyboardist Stephen Large, bassist Yolanda Charles and guitarist/percussionist Steve Smith. 8 p.m. Nov. 14. Sold out. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Jay-Z. The kingpin rapper most recently played Atlanta in 2014 for a joint performance with wife Beyoncé at the Georgia Dome and in late 2013 with a Philips Arena stop on the "Magna Carter World Tour." This time, expect the spotlight to center on "4:44." With Vic Mensa. 8 p.m. Nov. 14. $115-$365. Philips Arena.
Shawn Colvin. Remember when "Sunny Came Home" blanketed the airwaves? Yeah, that was in 1997. The folk-pop singer is commemorating the breakthrough album that spawned that hit, "A Few Small Repairs," with her first major tour with a full band since the album's release (she will play it in its entirety). With Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. 8 p.m. Nov. 15-16. $43-$58. City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Ponce City Market, Atlanta. 404-946-3791, www.citywinery.com/atlanta/.
Randy Newman. The delightfully wry songwriter released "Dark Matter," his first album in nearly a decade, this summer and immediately reminded us that while he may love L.A., we love Newman. 8 p.m. Nov. 17. $39.50-$283. Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Ledisi and Kirk Franklin. Dubbed "The Rebel, the Soul & the Saint," this 27-city tour launching Oct. 25 will feature the co-headliners performing songs from Franklin's current "Losing My Religion" album and a few tunes from Ledisi's upcoming "Let Love Rule." With Major. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19. $45-$75. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Blackberry Smoke. The Atlanta swamp-rockers return for the fifth edition of their annual benefit show, which, over the years, has generated more than $150,000 for children's cancer research. The band is supporting its latest album, "Like an Arrow." With Jason & the Scorchers. 8 p.m. Nov. 24. $39.50-$59.50. Tabernacle.
Lady Gaga. Let's hope that the pain issues plaguing Lady Gaga that forced the recent postponement of the European leg of her "Joanne" tour are mitigated by the time she's expected to start the second U.S. leg in early November. If not, there's always the Netflix documentary to placate her Little Monsters. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28. Sold out. Philips Arena.
Dead & Company. Indeed, the collection of Grateful Dead guitarist-singer Bob Weir and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann; keyboardist Jeff Chimenti; former Allman Brothers bassist Oteil Burbridge and John Mayer just sold out Lakewood this summer. Apparently, fans' devotion runs as long as the band's songs. 7 p.m. Nov. 29. $75-$570. Philips Arena.
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