2024 has been quite the whirlwind for Pittsburgh’s music scene, offering audiences a diverse array of concerts and performances across various genres. From legendary bands to rising stars, the year was brimming with musical talent and electrifying shows.
The concert season kicked off on January 9 with Zakk Sabbath, who showcased Black Sabbath's timeless classics, bringing nostalgia to the forefront at Roxian Theatre. The show was followed by Creed Bratton’s performance on January 20, where he delighted fans with a mix of music alongside humorous anecdotes from his days on 'The Office.'
Later, on January 25, Three Dog Night brought back hit after hit at Carnegie Homestead, filling the venue with sing-along moments. This early momentum set the tone for what would be an exciting year.
Several groundbreaking artists graced Pittsburgh stages throughout the winter months. On February 5, Madonna electrified fans during her 'Celebration' tour, mesmerizing the crowd with her elaborate theatrics. Following closely was the unique performance by Extreme and Living Colour on February 6, showcasing dynamic guitar work, particularly the remarkable rendition of "More Than Words."
Big names continued to make waves, with Drake performing on February 16 at PPG Paints Arena, perfectly balancing the expectations of old and new fans with J. Cole joining the show for what was deemed one of the highlights of the year.
The Music of Pink Floyd event on February 27 was another standout, marrying the elements of rock with orchestral finesse at Heinz Hall, thrilling all attendees with both classic and contemporary arrangements.
March witnessed some crowd favorites, such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on March 9, followed by Bryan Adams bringing heartfelt ballads to life on March 15 during his performance at PPG Paints Arena. Shortly after, on March 27, Fall Out Boy partnered with Jimmy Eat World, delivering an emo-infused spectacle to the captivated audience.
Spring offered more memorable performances across the genres. Country superstar Kane Brown fired up the crowd on March 29, followed by Andrea Bocelli's extraordinary concert on April 4, where he left concert-goers spellbound. The electric showmanship of Chappell Roan on April 5 added to the vibrant mix, showcasing budding talent.
On April 24, Brooklyn’s Bodega injected art punk energy during their performance, setting the stage for the summer season. The summer saw the likes of Mya, Tim McGraw, and the Postal Service performing, each adding their distinctive flair to the Pittsburgh music calendar.
May rolled around with performances from punk monuments Bad Religion and Social Distortion, showcasing the enduring momentum of the genre. Not to be overlooked, June offered iconic performances from renowned acts including Lionel Richie and Kenny Chesney, who drew massive crowds desperate to relive the magic of live music.
Throughout the year, various genres thrived as punk rock titans like Green Day and classic rock legends like Def Leppard filled the summer schedules. Concert-goers made lasting memories at shows featuring the likes of Hozier and Childish Gambino throughout late summer, demonstrating the rich diversity of the music scene.
The fall brought its own set of remarkable tours, including Billie Eilish’s eagerly anticipated performance on October 13, and the nostalgia-filled concerts of Hanson and Justin Timberlake later on. Both artists proved they still have what it takes to captivate audiences years after their rise to fame.
Ending the year on high notes, Iron Maiden concluded their Future Past tour on November 8, left audiences buzzing, and Kacey Musgraves followed suit with her delightful what's new on November 10.
Pittsburgh’s music scene didn’t just thrive on established artists; it was equally enriched by various local acts, showcasing homegrown talent. Events like the Nick's Fat City Reunion show reminded many of the city’s rich music history.
Overall, 2024 proved to be a celebration of the ever-evolving Pittsburgh music scene, with each concert showcasing not just performances but emotional connections and memories created with each strum, each lyric sung.
With the spirit of music omnipresent, the concerts of this past year have undeniably left attendees anticipating what the musical future holds for Pittsburgh.
