In 2023, Southern California experienced a wave of gargantuan stadium tours, larger-than-life arena spectacles, once-in-a-lifetime and record-breaking performances, icons performing in intimate venues and a slew of single and multiday music festivals of a variety of genres.
Last year, it felt like the live events industry went from zero to 60 and that momentum sped through 2023. The tours seemed to get bigger, there were numerous anniversary celebrations and a lot of fresh festival brands added to the roster, too.
Music reporters Kelli Skye Fadroski, Holly Alvarado and Peter Larsen took a look back on the wild, concert-filled year and chose the best concerts, festivals and show moments.
Kelli Skye Fadroski’s Top 10
Power Trip, Empire Polo Field in Indio: For three days straight, six mighty bands rocked the Coachella Valley. Power Trip brought out more than 75,000 metal and hard rock music fans, who were treated to performances by Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses on Day 1; Judas Priest and AC/DC on Day 2; and Tool and Metallica on Day 3. See the review of Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, plus photos here.
Blink-182 at Coachella, Empire Polo Field: It was only a matter of time before the bratty punks in Blink-182 headlined Coachella and the fact that the group reunited with original guitarist Tom DeLonge seemed like perfect timing. Though originally on the bill to play the Sahara Tent, when things went awry with Day 3 headliner Frank Ocean during Weekend 1, Blink was tapped to headline during Weekend 2. It was every bit as rockin’ and magically inappropriate as everyone expected. See the review and photos here.
Foo Fighters at Ohana, Doheny State Beach in Dana Point: Foo Fighters played its first proper Southern California show with new drummer Josh Freese during Day 3 of Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival in October. Since the band was playing where its former drummer Taylor Hawkins grew up, the guys paid tribute to their late friend by playing the song “Aurora,” the…
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