Summer has always been known for it’s crazy country concerts. If you didn’t spend at least one July night on the back of an amphitheater lawn last year, believe us, you missed out. 2015 has some of the best country tours we’ve ever seen, so you better get that cooler ready! Here are our most anticipated tours for Summer 2015:
Best Line-Up
Sounds of Summer Tour: Dierks Bentley with Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae, Canaan Smith
All we can say about this line-up is yes! Dierks Bentley has managed to throw in a little bit of everything, and it totally works. It’s not bro-heavy, but it’s not super sensitive either. It’s a great balance that we expect will fair well with audiences. Big props to Bentley for finally getting the headliner spot he deserves. The man is amazing live.
Biggest Event
The Big Revival Tour: Kenny Chesney with Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Chase Rice, Cole Swindell, and Old Dominion (openers vary each tour date)
A Kenny Chesney concert isn’t just a concert—it’s a world. Chesney may be the only man in modern country that could get Eric Church and Miranda Lambert to be openers. His shows are elaborate events that have sandbars right by the stage and Coronas that flow freely. Still, Chesney is able to come off as down to earth and easygoing. Even if you’re not a Chesney fan, you will be after you see him. This is a show that should never be missed.
Best Show for Your Pre-Teen
Wheels Up Tour: Lady Antebellum with Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt
Whoever booked the two biggest heartthrobs in country with Lady Antebellum was a genius. Sure, this tour may be catering to a younger crowd, but Lady A could use the youthful revival. Besides, all of these acts know how to have fun. Expect a solid night of sing-alongs and, if you’re unlucky, a lot of girlish screams when Hunter Hayes sings “Wanted.” Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Best Girls Night Out
Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour: Miranda Lambert with RaeLynn, Clare Dunn, and Courtney Cole
If you like your camo covered in rhinestones, Miranda Lambert’s Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour was practically made for you. This all-female line-up is straight girl power from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to get wild on the law. We can almost guarantee no one will be watching.
Best Boys Night Out (three-way tie!)
Burn It Down Tour: Jason Aldean with Cole Swindell and Tyler Farr
Anything Goes Tour: Florida Georgia Line with Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard
Kick Up the Dust Tour: Luke Bryan with Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch
Bro-country reigns on for these three tours. Aldean is lucky enough to have ten stadium dates with Chesney (which you should absolutely go to if you get the chance), but other than that, these shows are practically interchangeable. That’s not a bad thing—we all need a night to belt out our favorite songs from the radio now and then. If you want a party, go to at least one of these tours. Maybe not all of them, though.
Best Throwback
Rock This Country Tour: Shania Twain with Wes Mack and Gavin DeGraw (openers vary each tour date)
The original country queen is claiming what’s hers once and for all. After a residency at the Coliseum at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Shania Twain is about to embark on her first North American tour in over 11 years. It’s been a long time since Come On Over came out in 1997, but don’t think we don’t know you still rock out to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” (It’s okay, we do, too)