In a speculative look ahead, Rolling Stone Magazine places odds on those bands and more, trying to figure who might be eyeballing stadiums vacancies and why. Top of the list: the Rolling Stones, who celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band in 2012.
While there has been heaps of speculation about a possible tour – in no small part because guitarist Keith Richards revealed that was set to jam with Charlie Watts and Ron Wood this month – RS notes “the prospect of a $500 million payday will probably prove to be too tempting,” adding that “Charlie Watts is 70, and the rest of the group is getting there,” so it’s pretty much now or never. RS thus puts the likelihood of a Stones tour at 80 percent.
Madonna is given a 90 percent chance of touring in 2012, especially if she ends up performing at Super Bowl halftime as rumoured. “In 2007, Live Nation made a $120 million deal with Madonna. They aren't paying for her to sit home and not tour, especially when supporting a new album.”
Also highly likely to tour next year according to the brain trust at RS: Lady Gaga (99 percent), the Who, the Beach Boys and Van Halen (all rated at 80 percent), Dave Matthews Band (85 percent), Phish (90), the Eagles (95), Fleetwood Mac (60) and Coldplay (99).
Wait… Phish? “You didn't think that break-up was for real, did you? They were clearly plotting a comeback that whole time,” RS writes. The days of five-months slogs are over, but Phish have been touring every year since their reunion in 2009. A four-night stand is booked at Madison Square Garden in late December of this year, but expect short bursts of activity throughout 2012.”
Better start saving.
