With the summer season upon us, it is the ultimate time of the year for live music. This summer promises the return of both the greatest musicians to ever don instruments and groups so mundane that if they didn't make an appearance, you'd swear there had been a death in the band. But fear not concert lovers, Jimmy Buffet's battery powered iron liver still has at least six more years of life left in it. Here is a list of some of the Indianapolis concerts to start saving up for:
Rush -- June 4, Verizon Wireless Music Center\nGuitarist Alex Lifeson, who will go to trial two weeks after this show, faces a possible 15 years in jail for pushing a cop down a flight of stairs. He will certainly have a lot of energy to release, which will make this 30th anniversary concert one to remember. This performance is worth attending if only to see one of Neal Peart's uncanny drum solos. No opening act means two full sets of Rush classics.
Aerosmith w/ Cheap Trick -- June 8, Verizon Wireless Music Center\nOne of the few old school bands around today with its original lineup still intact, Aerosmith returns to Indy yet again, which is not necessarily a bad thing if you enjoy Stephen Tyler's rowdy stage antics and wild vocals. If you have not had the chance to check this band out, do so, but if you happen to have caught Aerosmith at Verizon in its last seven consecutive appearances, Cheap Trick is not that much of a deal sweetener.
Simon & Garfunkel -- June 23, Conseco Fieldhouse\nSince their breakup in 1971, this amazing vocal duo had reunited just once, for a concert at Central Park in 1981. This year they are back for a full U.S. tour, and your parents could not be more thrilled. Paul Simon has done quite well with his solo career, but as Professor of Music Glenn Gass says, there is something magical about the two of them performing together. They are certainly not just parent rock, and this may be the only chance you get to see them.
Phish -- June 23 and 24, Verizon Wireless Music Center\nFollowing a three year hiatus, Phish returned to the road last year and picked up right where they left off, playing to sellout crowds across the country. While true Phish fans never miss a show, if you have never seen this talented quartet it's quite an experience. Whenever Phish is in town it feels like a carnival has come along too, a carnival of hippies that is, and they got just what you need. With the band having recently broken up -- this is a must-catch concert.
Van Halen -- July 1, Verizon Wireless Music Center\nIs it going to be David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar? The question Van Halen fans ask every year. And it looks as though Hagar will be filling in on vocals this time around. If insane guitar licks and wicked finger tapping solos are what you dig, this concert is for you. Other than that, you won't get much rock for your buck.
Eric Clapton w/ Robert Randolph -- July 15, Conseco Fieldhouse\nThe legendary blues guitarist returns, and for anyone the least bit interested in Clapton, this show will be worth every penny. His long set will no doubt include songs from his Unplugged album, but also material from his earlier bands, Cream and Derek and the Dominos. With virtuoso slide guitarist Robert Randolph billed as the opening act makes this the must-see concert event of the summer.
Vans Warped Tour -- July 22, Verizon Wireless Music Center\nThe punk rock/skateboarding showcase returns to Indianapolis on its 10 year anniversary with a little something for everyone. The always impressive and hilarious NOFX will be there, along with Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, the Vandals and the Bouncing Souls. And for you mainstream punk rockers, Simple Plan and Good Charlotte will be in attendance. Though the bands play mere 30 minute sets in order to make room for the 80 plus bands that will perform, this daylong festival will leave you wanting more. If you get bored, check out the pro skaters or the video game tent. At $26, it's the cheapest Verizon concert of the summer.
Metallica -- Aug. 19, Conseco Fieldhouse\nThe men of metal are back again to scream your ears out and make you vomit blood. If it were 12 years ago, I would advise you to sell your kidney for ticket money, but these metalheads just ain't what they used to be. That's not to say the concert won't rock, but Metallica has certainly toned down its heavy metal sound over the years. Perhaps this is a good thing?
Ozzfest -- Aug. 24, Verizon Wireless Music Center\nRounding out the summer is the festival to end all festivals. Ozzy Osbourne will take a break from his reality show to rock the country along with bands like Slayer, Hatebreed, Slipknot and Dimmu Borgir. Bring your moshing boots and a bad attitude to this one; it will be one hell of a ride. If you're feeling extra saucy for this concert, $135 will get you into the pit in front of the stage. For Black Sabbath or even Randy Rhodes I would be gung ho for this one, but $50 lawn seats is pushing it, even for Ozzy.
