If you want to witness some of the greatest musicians of all time performing live, you better go to Michigan since this state has a history of hosting many A-list performers. And since there are so many of them, we will concentrate on seven legendary concerts in Michigan history that will forever stay at the top of music history. If you, too, want to be part of history by attending some of the upcoming concerts in Michigan, the time to buy tickets is now since they sell out pretty fast.
Let’s see seven legendary live shows in Michigan history that left the audience speechless.
Elvis Presley At Olympia Stadium
The Elvis Presley live concert at Olympia Stadium in Detroit in 1957 seems like it didn’t happen since all one can hear during the video is a screaming crowd going “crazy” for Elvis. The radio announcer is entirely amazed by the atmosphere, but this would become completely normal in the future since Presley fans would go “insane” each time he would hit the stage.
In fact, Elvis is one of the reasons why the phrase where to buy concert tickets last minute became famous since he would sell out tickets in a matter of minutes for most of his live shows throughout his impressive music career.
The King of Rock and Roll is not with us for a long time, but his songs remain popular all over the globe.
Lennon and Ono At Crisler Arena
John Lennon and Yoko Ono are equally famous for their music, love, and activism. In 1971 in Ann Arbor, they joined the John Sinclair Freedom Rally at Crisler Arena. This event had a motto, “10 for two,” referring to Sinclair getting a ten-year prison sentence for two joints of marijuana, which is more than absurd.
Lennon and Ono weren’t the only famous musicians at the rally since there were also Stevie Wonder and Bob Seger. However, John and Yoko played four acoustic tracks at 3 a.m. for fifteen minutes and gave their support to the rally.
Even though the occasion isn’t a happy one, this still is one of the most legendary concerts in Michigan ever, and being for a cause makes it even more important.
The White Stripes At Chene Park
The White Stripes is one of the rare bands for which millions of people still can’t believe it doesn’t exist. However, it’s fantastic that Jack White has solo projects, and you can enjoy his electrifying live performances.
Still, while on the rise as one of the best upcoming rock duos, in 2002, The White Stripes played a legendary live show at Chene Park together with The Strokes, which were much more popular at the time.
The place had 6,000 seats, and it was entirely packed, and what’s even more interesting is that this was a pre-’’Seven Nation Army” White Stripes, which makes this live show even more legendary. In the years to come, this rock duo became extremely popular all over the globe, but this remains one of the most impressive live shows in Michigan history.
KISS At Cadillac High School
It won’t be a mistake to say that this might be the most legendary concert in Michigan history and the entire country.
The story goes like this – A high-school coach used this band’s music to relax his team. Once the band heard about this, they agreed to make a KISS appearance at the school, playing Cadillac’s Homecoming parade and dance.
This unique event happened in 1975, and it still is one of the best ever, no matter the industry, since it’s one of the most beautiful things a band can do for young people, especially high-school students.
Joe Louis Arena Hosts U2
U2’s first live concert in Michigan was at Harpo’s in Metro Detroit in 1981, but their 1985 concert at Joe Louis Arena is the show that saw the band’s height of the ’80s power.
Of course, U2 would come back to play many times in the future, but none of their previous or upcoming performances was as good as this one. Their live show at the Joe Louis Arena was excellent and one of the band’s best ever in their long and productive musical career.
And even though they currently aren’t touring, luckily for you, starting April 16th, 2023, there will be eleven dates for Bono’s “Stories of Surrender” live show at the legendary Beacon Theatre in New York.
Metallica At Belle Isle
Metallica made one of the most beautiful surprises for their fans at the 2013 Orion Music + More Festival in Detroit 2013 when it performed Metallica’s entire debut album titled “Kill’ Em All” under the fake name “DeHaan.”
Unfortunately, this music festival doesn’t exist anymore, but this surprise by Metallica with their ten songs and the 55-minute set is and always will be one of the most memorable moments in the history of live concerts in Michigan.
Elmer Engel Stadium Hosting Bob Seger and Van Halen
This may be one of the most legendary but also one of the most dangerous live concerts since around 25,000 people packed into the 7,100-capacity stadium in Bay City to listen to legendary musician Bob Seger and then newcomers Van Halen. In addition, Cheap Trick was supposed to perform, but they backed out at the last minute.
What’s even more fascinating is that this live show was organized by Bay City Central high-school students. Nevertheless, it was the largest concert show in Michigan in 1978.
What is even more important is that the money raised from the concert, as well as those concerts in 1980, 1979, and 1977, were over $100,000 for the school’s athletic programs, which makes these events even more unique.
If you want to be part of the best upcoming concerts in Michigan, make sure to buy concert tickets in Michigan as soon as possible. Tickets sell out fast for massive live concerts, especially when spring is around the corner!
