Concerts
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The 2025 Boston Calling Festival will feature headlining sets from Luke Combs and Megan Moroney, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Dave Matthews Band and Vampire Weekend. The three-day Memorial Day (May 23-25) throwdown at the Harvard Athletic Complex will also usher in some new changes this year aimed at easing crowding and providing more shade and free water for fans.
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Joining Combs and Moroney on the first night will be: Sheryl Crow, T-Pain, TLC, Thee Sacred Souls, Wilderado and Mike. Night two will find FOB and Lavigne sharing the stage with Cage the Elephant, The Black Crowes, All Time Low, James Bay, The Maine, Lucius and Valley, among others. The final night will pair DMB and Vampire Weekend with Sublime, Public Enemy, Remi Wolf, Goth Babe, Rager Against the Machine and solo guitarist Tom Morello, The 502s, Spin Doctors and IDK How But They Found Me, and more.
According to CBS News, after some complaints from some fans last year about overcrowding, BC has made some structural changes to the event’s footprint this year, including merging the main Green and Red stages. “We’ve invested in a world-class rotating stage system to provide better views, more space to roam, and enhance audio/video experience for everyone,” read a Facebook post announcing the staging news. Other changes include a decrease in some ticket prices, the return of the Indoor Arena, where fans are invited to take a break in an air-conditioned indoor space (with programming to be announced soon), as well as the addition of more free water stations.
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A presale will kick off on Wednesday (Jan. 8) at 10 a.m. ET, with lowest-price tickets available for two hours (10 a.m.-12 p.m.); you can sign up for it here.
See the full lineup poster below.
After BABYMONSTER spent 2024 solidifying their position as one the year’s standout K-pop rookie acts, the girl group is looking to extend their reach with fans worldwide during their first-ever world tour that the septet is preparing with a dynamic production to distinguish itself from other K-pop acts and showcase what truly makes them unique.
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Hot off the group’s Billboard 200 debut with their first full-length [Drip] splashed onto the charts in November, the stars tease a “vibrant setlist” featuring never-before-performed tracks from the LP alongside individual solo stages by members RUKA, PHARITA, ASA, AHYEON, RAMI, RORA, and CHIQUITA. Accompanied by a live band, the tour will rock major arenas like Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, to help cement their reputation as rising live-performance powerhouses. So far, BABYMONSTER has already wowed live audiences with standout appearances at K-pop award shows (a highlight of the year for RORA) and as special guests during dates of 2NE1‘s highly anticipated reunion tour across Asia (which “felt like a dream,” according to youngest member CHIQUITA).
Billboard caught up with the monster rookies to learn about the creative process behind their tour, the group’s favorite moments and tracks from last year, and New Year’s greetings and messages for their loyal fans — adorably known as MONSTIEZ.
Congratulations on announcing your first-ever world tour! What does it mean to you as a group that your first U.S. shows will be at iconic arenas like the Kia Forum and Prudential Center?
RUKA: We are honored and thrilled to be able to hold our first U.S. shows at such iconic arenas. We promise to deliver amazing, unforgettable performances that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so please look forward to them!
The name is really fun, how did you decide on the name for your world tour? Is there a message you wanted to convey?
RAMI: was chosen with the idea of our first meeting with our fans in mind and the very first greeting we will share when we meet in person. We would like to extend a heartfelt first greeting through our music and performances. First meetings are always so exciting, which is why we are especially looking forward to the upcoming shows! This tour will be a chance for us to share our story with all of you and create special, unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
CHIQUITA: For the first time ever, we’re unveiling performances from our first full-length album, [DRIP], including solo stages and a vibrant setlist. We can’t wait to showcase not only the unique charms of our seven members but also the incredible synergy we share together.
The tour begins in Seoul in late January. What songs are you looking forward to performing for the most? And what should U.S. fans expect from your shows?
PHARITA: I’m so excited to perform songs we’ve never shared with our fans before! However, the song I always enjoy performing the most on stage is “BATTER UP (Remix)!”
ASA: Our U.S. fans will get to experience our vibrant performances and high-energy stages. We hope to create special moments with music and performances that showcase our unique style. Additionally, we look forward to connecting more closely with MONSTIEZ and sharing unforgettable moments together!
BABYMONSTER gained a lot of attention for the live “band” performances of your songs like “SHEESH” and “FOREVER.” I hope that means you’ll be touring with a live band in the U.S.?
AHYEON: We believe that a live band is the best way to capture the energy and atmosphere of the moment, so we’ve decided to perform every song with one! The rearrangements in each track will bring a fresh, new vibe while adding elements we hope you’ll find exciting and enjoyable.
Beyond the concerts, what are you looking forward to doing or experiencing in the LA or NY areas?
RAMI: I want to stroll, shop, and enjoy delicious food at my leisure while soaking up the sun on the streets of LA. In NY, I definitely want to visit Times Square!
Taking a step back, 2024 has been a monumental year for the group; what stands out as most memorable?
RORA: It’s definitely hard to choose just one, as there have been so many memorable moments! However, the most unforgettable moment for me was performing at the year-end annual music festival. It is both the most recent and the most memorable. It was my first time performing on such a big stage, and everything — from the newly arranged songs and choreography, to the stage and outfits — was perfect, making it such a fun performance.
One of my personal highlights was seeing BABYMONSTER perform as guests on 2NE1’s comeback concerts. What was your experience alongside such icons?
CHIQUITA: It was such an honor and felt like a dream to perform on stage at the 2NE1 concerts — seniors I’ve admired since I was young! Watching their amazing performances inspired me to improve and strive to do even better on our own stages in the future.
BABYMONSTER won several new-artist awards this year and was named K-Pop Rookie of the Month at Billboard. What do these titles mean to you and what more would you like to show moving forward?
RUKA: As we’ve been given the “Monster Rookie” title, we’ll continue to work hard, strive to show our growth, and always present new and different sides of ourselves.
The start of the year is often a time for goal setting. What dreams do you have for 2025, whether as a group or as individuals?
PHARITA: 2024 was filled with amazing opportunities and achievements. I’m so proud of all our members and I hope we continue to grow and stay healthy throughout our 2025 tour.
ASA: As a group, we hope to connect with more fans and share our music and performances with a wider audience on stages around the world. We also aim to continue challenging ourselves with new music styles and to showcase our growth. In 2025, we’ll work even harder to ensure we can share amazing moments together.
Billboard always shares its staff picks for the best songs of the year. What were each of your favorite songs from 2024?
RUKA: “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
PHARITA: “Good Graces” by Sabrina Carpenter
ASA: “POWER” by G-DRAGON
AHYEON: “Soft Spot” by keshi
RAMI: It would have to be “toxic till the end” by ROSÉ! It’s one of the songs I listen to every single day because I love the melody and style so much!
RORA: “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
CHIQUITA: “BILLIONAIRE” by BABYMONSTER
Any other messages you’d like to share with international fans and Billboard readers?
AHYEON: I hope everyone stays healthy and happy in the new year. We’ll work hard to make sure 2025 is a year where we can take another step forward and show even better versions of ourselves. Thank you, and wishing you all a happy new year.
RORA: First of all, kudos to everyone for all the hard work and dedication you’ve shown throughout 2024 — you’ve all been amazing! 2024 has been especially meaningful for BABYMONSTER, as it marked the beginning of our journey. We’ve worked incredibly hard, given it our all, and gained so many valuable experiences. I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported us, and as the years go by, we promise to become stronger and even more incredible artists. Last but not least, we’d like to express our deepest gratitude to all the Billboard readers who love and support BABYMONSTER. Thank you so much!
The romantic songs of Los Temerarios, those that captivated four generations in Mexico and the United States, were sung along by thousands Friday night (Dec. 20) at the GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City — in the first of the last two concerts of the band’s farewell tour, Hasta Siempre, with which they’ll close a story of almost half a century.
“We have reached the end, the end of these 47 years! We will always carry you in our hearts. Thank you for what you made us live during all this time. It has been wonderful!” said an emotional Gustavo Ángel to the 65,000 people who packed the venue, according to figures from promoter Ocesa.
It was a nostalgic and very special night for the group, led by brothers Adolfo and Gustavo Ángel, and their loyal fans, many of whom have been followers of their music from the old days, when they attended their concerts in popular venues in municipalities on the outskirts of the Mexican capital. Many others maintained their taste for the group’s music after having migrated to the U.S., and made their songbook part of their connection to Mexico.
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“We are going to sing those songs with which you fell in love, got married, had children and grandchildren,” the vocalist and guitarist told the audience after performing “Tu Infame Engaño,” one of their classics from the ’80s.
“Our beloved audience, 47 years of being here and you experiencing it with all your heart. There is nothing we can say to reciprocate your affection,” added keyboardist Adolfo Ángel, prompting a thunderous applause.
The audience, mostly made up of women between 30 and 60 years old, sang along at the top of their lungs to songs like “Vivo Enamorado de Ti,” which opened the show, followed by the aforementioned “Tu Infame Engaño,” “Una Tarde Fue,” “Como Te Tecuerdo,” “Como Quisiera Volver,” and “Ya Me Voy Para Siempre.”
The extensive repertoire also included songs like “Ven Porque Te Necesito,” “Acepta Mi Error,” “Porque Te Conocí,” “Una Lágrima No Basta,” “Eres Un Sueño,” “La Mujer Que Soñé,” “Me Partiste el Corazón” and “Te Quiero.”
The show lasted about three hours, during which Los Temerarios performed more than 30 songs — those that catapulted them as one of the most beloved and successful Hispanic bands of the past four decades, and with which they achieved feats like 41 entries on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and 47 entries on Top Latin Albums.
“The emotions are at their peak. If you see teary eyes around, it’s pure gratitude,” said Adolfo Ángel, who recalled that “Tu Última Canción” was inspired by an ex-girlfriend whose relationship ended in a phone call.
The Hasta Siempre Tour of Los Temerarios began in February 2023, and this year accounted for more than 30 shows in cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Central America, including Mexico City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Monterrey, San José, Houston and Atlanta, among others.
In the Mexican capital, before their last performances at the GNP Seguros Stadium, the group packed eight nights at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico since last February, gathering about 160,000 people in total, according to promoter Zignia Live.
On Saturday (Dec. 21), Los Temerarios will repeat the feat for the last time at the GNP Seguros Stadium, lowering the curtain after 47 years.
Keyboardist Adolfo Ángel Alba and singer Gustavo Ángel Alba, from the group Los Temerarios, during a concert at the Arena Monterrey on Feb. 29, 2024, in Monterrey, Mexico.
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On Friday night (Dec. 20), Billie Eilish played the penultimate show of her five-night run at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif. — not to mention the second-to-last U.S. date of her global Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, which is slated to pick up again in Brisbane, Australia on Feb. 18. Though Eilish (who […]
Billie Eilish was struck in the face by an object during a recent stop on her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour.
While performing at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Friday (Dec. 13), the 22-year-old pop star was struck by what appeared to be a necklace thrown by an overzealous fan. The incident occurred while Eilish was sitting cross-legged on stage, delivering an emotional rendition of the Barbie movie soundtrack ballad “What Was I Made For?”
Fan-captured footage shows Eilish flinching as the necklace strikes her face. But she handled the situation like a pro, continuing to sing the chart-topping track before tossing the piece of jewelry aside with mild frustration.
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Eilish has spoken out before about fans throwing objects onstage. During the Barbie movie’s world premiere in July 2023, she acknowledged the impulse behind such actions but emphasized that it’s not acceptable.
“I’ve been getting hit on stage with things for, like, literally six years. I don’t know why this is new,” Eilish told The Hollywood Reporter. “People just get excited, and it can be dangerous.”
She explained that most of the objects thrown are smartphones, often aimed at capturing a selfie with the artist. “It’s absolutely infuriating when you’re up there. I have mixed feelings about it, because when you’re up there, it blows,” the artist said. “But you know it’s out of love, and they’re just trying to give you something. You’re in a vulnerable position, but I’ve been getting hit with stuff for years.”
Friday’s Arizona incident is part of a troubling trend of fans throwing objects at performers, which has been on the rise in recent months. Several high-profile artists — including Zach Bryan, Wiz Khalifa, Morgan Wallen and Nicki Minaj — have been struck by random objects during their shows.
In June 2023, P!nk was left shocked when a fan threw their mother’s ashes onto the stage during a performance at BST Hyde Park in London. Similarly, Cardi B had water thrown at her during a concert in August 2023, and Bebe Rexha was hit with a phone in June 2023, resulting in injury.
Harry Styles and Kid Cudi have also faced similar disruptions. Styles was hit in the eye by a Skittle during a 2022 show in Los Angeles, while Kid Cudi cut his Rolling Loud set short after fans threw bottles at him.
Meanwhile, Eilish is preparing to wrap up the North American leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, which began in late September. After taking a break on Dec. 21 following five nights at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, the singer will embark on a series of dates in Europe and Australia starting in February.
Contrary to superstition, Friday the 13th (of December) was not an unlucky day for Morat. Instead, the Colombian pop-rock band scored one of its biggest feats by celebrating the first 13 years of their musical career with a resounding, sold-out show in Mexico City. With an attendance count of 65,000 people, according to figures from promoter Ocesa, it was the first of three consecutive nights at the GNP Seguros Stadium, where Morat is closing a series of stadium shows in a dozen countries.
Moreover, the band managed to get hundreds of their Mexican fans to accept the challenge of attending the concert dressed in pajamas, seeking to break a Guinness World Record. Multicolored sleepwear made of flannel, cotton and satin was the predominant attire among attendees to adorn the beginning of the end of Un Último Sueño, Gira Los Estadios (One Last Dream, The Stadiums Tour).
Thus, it became a double celebration, with sold-out tickets for three shows in the Mexican capital for a total of about 195,000 people, Camila Fernández as a special guest, and the recognition of being the most popular Colombian pop band of the moment.
“This show is important to us for several reasons: Today, Dec. 13th, we celebrate 13 years together. 13 years ago, the question arose, ‘What if we start a band?’” said lead vocalist and guitarist Juan Pablo Isaza to the audience. “Playing now for so many people is incredible. It looks just like we imagined it.”
Just as he and his fellow band members Juan Pablo Villamil (guitar), Simón Vargas (bass), and Martín Vargas (drums) imagined it 13 years ago, the evening was a dream come true. From the start, the Bogotá quartet enchanted the audience with crowd-pleasers such as their 2016 hit “Cómo Te Atreves,” which catapulted the group to fame outside their native country. The show transformed into a retrospective journey honoring love and heartbreak, while the audience — mostly comprised of young women, teenagers, and girls — sang along at deafening volumes.
Camila Fernández — daughter of Alejandro Fernández and granddaughter of the iconic ranchera music performer Vicente Fernández — served as the guest of honor on this special night. Accompanied by traditional mariachi, she performed a very Mexicanized version of “Debí Suponerlo,” unleashing applause and cheers from the audience.
In a night of celebration, the audience sang and dedicated to Morat the classic “Mañanitas,” and the group appeared surprised and grateful for the gesture.
Of course, the climax came with “No Se Va,” their 2019 single which three years later Grupo Frontera turned into a massive hit, becoming the fifth regional Mexican song in history to enter the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent 20 weeks and reached No. 57.
Un Último Sueño, Gira Los Estadios achieved the unimaginable for Morat: filling 25 stadiums, in 15 cities across 10 countries, with an attendance total of 800,000 people.
“It’s no coincidence that we decided to close the tour here. This has been an incredible night!” expressed Martín. Morat’s show this Saturday (Dec. 14) will be broadcast live via streaming for Disney+ subscribers in Latin America. For the Sunday (Dec. 15) show, the opening act will be Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina.
Taylor Swift‘s goodbye to The Eras Tour was a short and sweet one on social media following a trio of performances in Vancouver last weekend, the final three dates of a 149-show tour that grossed more than $2 billion in 2023-2024. The “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” hitmaker uploaded a series of […]
In 2021, Sam Fender shared “Seventeen Going Under,” the title track to his then-upcoming second LP, a tale of youthful anger, regret, longing and of a British society in collapse. That was how he saw it from his upbringing in the Newcastle area, but it resonated with listeners on the isles and beyond, nearly notching […]
In the final week of November, Clockenflap 2024 transformed Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbor into a gathering point for music lovers, blending the city’s history and cultural energy with a lineup that crossed genres and borders.
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More than 60,000 fans came together from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 to witness headliners Jack White, Central Cee, and St. Vincent share the bill with AIR, Creepy Nuts, Glass Animals, as well as a mix of local and international acts. Since its start in 2008 as an indie gathering, Clockenflap has grown into a major international event, attracting world-class artists and fans from all corners of the globe.
Jack White’s closing performance on the Harborflap Stage was nothing short of spectacular as the rocker made his Hong Kong debut. Wasting no time, White dove headfirst into a set that spanned his illustrious career, pulling from his three No. 1 Billboard 200 albums – Blunderbuss, Lazaretto, and Boarding House Reach. Fans erupted as Jack White delivered a throwback with The Raconteurs’ “Steady, As She Goes,” a track penned by White and Brendan Benson that peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Alternative Airplay chart (formerly known as Modern Rock Tracks) in 2006.
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However, the night undeniably belonged to “Seven Nation Army.” Its iconic riff, chanted in unison by thousands of fans long after White left the stage, echoed across Victoria Harbor, providing a powerful and unforgettable send-off for the festival.
The Hang Seng Stage on Friday night saw the highly-anticipated performance of Creepy Nuts, a Japanese hip-hop unit consisting of R-shitei (R-rated), the first MC in J-rap history to win the country’s top MC battle competition UMB Grand Championship three times consecutively, and DJ Matsunaga, who won the world’s largest DJ competition DMC World DJ Championships in 2019 and performed at the closing ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The duo’s rapid-fire raps brought a fresh and frenzied energy that had the crowd on their feet. Their viral hit “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born,” featured in season two of the anime Mashle: Magic and Muscles, was an undeniable highlight.
The track’s success includes being ranked first on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 year-end chart for 2024. “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” extended its record to 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, and topped the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs, Hot Animation, and Download Songs charts for the year. Their latest single, “Otonoke,” added another high point, reaching number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and World Digital Song Sales charts.
In stark musical contrast and framed by the twinkling lights of Hong Kong’s skyline, AIR’s ethereal soundscapes created an unforgettable atmosphere on the Harborflap Stage. The iconic French electronic duo’s set featured the hauntingly beautiful “Highschool Lover” from their acclaimed The Virgin Suicides score. Released in 2000, the soundtrack earned critical acclaim and reached No. 161 on the Billboard 200. The pair also performed fan favorites like the sultry track “Sexy Boy” and the lush “La femme d’argent” from their landmark 1998 debut, Moon Safari.
Central Cee, one of the U.K.’s hottest drill artists, brought the grittiness of tracks like “Doja” and “Sprinter,” turning the tropical night into his own lyrical playground. With peaks of No. 19 and No. 10 on the Billboard Global 200, respectively, he represented a new generation of global artists refusing to be confined by geographic boundaries.
Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” cascaded across the musical landscape and drew a crowd as they showcased their record-breaking Billboard Hot 100 performance. The track holds the record for the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, with an unprecedented 91-week run. Its journey to the top was equally remarkable, taking 59 weeks to reach No. 1, the longest climb to the summit in Hot 100 history.
English EDM icon Jamie xx closed the Hang Seng Stage on Clockenflap’s final night with a vibrant set featuring tracks from his acclaimed album In Colour. The album, which debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, sold 19,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. and spent an impressive 70 weeks on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
Jamie kicked off his crowd-pleasing set with “Wanna” and “Treat Each Other Right,” blending fan favorites with fresh material. Highlights included “Gosh,” which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, and “Obvs,” alongside newer tracks like “Falling Together” and “All You Children.”
Deep cuts such as “Breather” and “Life” added depth to the performance, while “Loud Places,” which spent nine weeks on the Billboard Dance Singles chart and peaked at No. 17, delivered a euphoric moment for the audience. The set concluded with “Team Closing,” leaving the crowd on an undeniable high and wrapping up the weekend with an uplifting finale to remember.
Over on the Hang Seng Stage, Porter Robinson took the audience on a journey through sound. With “Shelter,” his collaboration with Madeon that peaked at No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, and the introspective “Blossom,” which reached No. 46 on the same chart, Robinson wove together emotion and euphoria. The hyperpop star, who was named as one of Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list in 2011, showcased his evolution as an artist, including tracks from his latest album Smile! 😀 which debuted at No. 10 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart this year.
St. Vincent again delivered a genre-defying performance that featured fan favorites like “Cheerleader” and “New York” alongside new tracks from her latest album All Born Screaming, such as “Flea” and “Big Time Nothing”. Her crowd dive was a highlight, embodying the energy and unpredictability that define her artistry. Her latest album, All Born Screaming, debuted at No. 86 on the Billboard 200 and No. 13 on the Independent Albums chart. The record has also nabbed four Grammy nominations, including one for Best Alternative Music Album.
Local and regional acts added even more flavor to the weekend. Japanese vocalist yama turned heads on the Park Stage by Martell where she performed “Haru wo Tsugeru,” a track that peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, her voice carrying across the harbor with soulful clarity.
Japanese girl group Sakurazaka46 lit up the Harborflap Stage with their synchronized choreography for “Nobody’s Fault,” a debut single that topped both the Oricon Singles Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100, selling over 408,000 copies in its first week.
Australian DJ Partiboi69, renowned for his unique mix of ghetto house, Miami bass, electro, Detroit techno, and ’90s rave sounds, delivered a party-starting set that kept the crowd moving late into the night. His energetic transitions and unexpected track choices had attendees on their feet, while local act Robot Presents Spider Gubbins added a playful twist to the festival’s evening, performing from an inflatable Bowser shell.
Whether it was Japan’s Creepy Nuts delivering sharp-edged hip-hop, the U.K.’s Central Cee infusing the event with gritty drill beats, and France’s AIR captivating the crowd with their ethereal electronic soundscapes, the festival was a showcase of how diverse musical traditions can intersect on a single stage, celebrating the shared language of music in the heart of Hong Kong.
Early bird tickets for Clockenflap 2025 are available here.
“Long live all the magic we made.” This line, from Taylor Swift’s fan-favorite Speak Now track “Long Live,” is plastered on a giant mural outside of Vancouver’s BC Place this weekend (Dec. 6-8). It’s one of the first things fans see before scanning their tickets and stepping foot inside the stadium, and there is no […]