Months from now, when the bean counters tally the summer concert grosses, the Police will indeed own one of 2007’s biggest tours. The behemoth show, stopping in Denver on June 9 and 10 at the Pepsi Center (the first night is sold out), will be an epic rock ‘n’ roll journey for fans old and young.
At the same time, when we’re recalling the summer’s best concerts, will the Police rank at the top? From what we’ve seen so far, it doesn’t look promising. But here are a dozen concerts, presented in chronological order, that are among the best being offered in the coming season.
Bright Eyes: Conor Oberst has been called a genius, and he’s also been called overrated. But the young songwriter who is the creative force behind this indie rock powerhouse has undoubtedly touched on something potent. Known for his intense, wiser- than-his-years lyrics and melodies that stick in your head, Oberst has made Bright Eyes an international sensation – not bad given his modest Omaha roots. Saturday, Buell Theatre, $30.
Rodrigo y Gabriela: One of the unlikeliest success stories of the past year, this unassuming acoustic Mexican duo has become a favorite among mainstream U.S. audiences. Their music is sweet and calming, a delicious irony considering Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero first met as teenagers in Mexico City and bonded over their mutual love of heavy metal. May 1, Ogden, sold out.
Morrissey: Known for so many things, this British pop legend is best remembered as the frontman for the Smiths. Born Stephen Patrick Morrissey, the singer turns 48 this year, and he’s still touring on the strength of last year’s well-received “Ringleader of the Tormentors.” May 9, Fillmore, $42.50-$45.
Bjork: One of the more innovative figures in popular music, the Icelandic singer-songwriter never fails to baffle – and please – even her most hardcore followers. Take her two most recent records. “Medulla” was completely a cappella. And “Volta,” coming out May 8, already is being heralded for its fresh voice and the singer’s collaborations with Antony, Timbaland, Lightning Bolt’s Brian Chippendale, Min Xiao-Fen and Sonic Youth collaborator Chris Corsano. Anti-folk artist Joanna Newsom opens her Colorado date. May 15, Red Rocks, $54.
Norah Jones: She’s not known for straying too far from the fold, but her latest album, “Not Too Late,” is her most interesting to date. (Download “Sinkin’ Soon.”) Jones is now a solid performer, and she loves Red Rocks. Indie rocker M. Ward opens her Colorado date. June 1, Red Rocks, $48.50-$60.
Manu Chao: This multinational band is known for its explosive live shows, and it’s a massive party every time the Paris-born Chao takes to the stage. He sings in several languages and draws influences from all over the globe, but the one constant in his music is the steady groove that keeps everything alive and flowing. June 8, Red Rocks, $30-$35.
KS 107.5 Summer Jam: This is always one of the biggest shows of the summer – a consistent sellout – and this year should be no different with acts Ludacris, Ice Cube with W.C., Akon, Rihanna, Bow Wow, Omarion and more. Because of the numerous performers, the sets are short. But the hip-hoppers take care to include the crowd-pleasers, even in a 20-minute set. June 9, Coors Amphitheatre, $24-$59.
Ozzfest 2007: This year’s Ozzfest – with Ozzy Osbourne headlining and Lamb of God and Hatebreed supporting alongside a solid cast of metal artists – is free. But there’s a catch. There will be numerous ways to get these “free” tickets, but the first method he’s announced is to buy a specially marked copy of his new CD “Black Rain,” out May 22, and plug the code inside the CD into ozzfest.com in return for two tickets to the Ozzfest show of your choice. Not quite free, but still not a bad deal. July 29, Coors Amphitheatre, free.
Daft Punk: They created the ’90s underground dance hits “Da Funk” and “Around the World,” and while the group’s output has never been voluminous, its legend has grown – thanks largely to the legendary live shows. The French electronic group playing Red Rocks no doubt will be a scene, and it helps that the evening’s openers are the Rapture, Sebastian and Kavinsky. July 31, Red Rocks, $49.75.
Tim McGraw/Faith Hill: You can’t deny the hit-making star-power of country’s most popular couple. Either McGraw or Hill could fill arenas individually – and that’s what makes this tour such a surefire success, even though they toured a similar set last year. July 31, Pepsi Center, $53.75-$93.75.
The Fray: Congratulations to the Fray, a local band that has sold more than 2 million copies of its “How To Save a Life” the old-fashioned way. Radio has been a big friend to the group; ditto for the downloading community. But the band also has toured this record hard. And now with this hometown stand at Red Rocks, the greatest outdoor venue in the world, the Fray is giving back as it should be giving back – two different local openers each night. On Aug. 4, their buddies Meese and the newly signed Single File open the show. Aug. 5 has Born in the Flood and Dualistics warming up the crowd. Both of those are sold out, but the newly added Aug. 6 show features the Flobots and Bright Channel in the opening slot. Let’s have three cheers for local music. Aug. 4-6, Red Rocks, Aug. 4-5 are sold out; Aug. 6, $35.50.
B.B. King Blues Festival: B.B. King is a legend, and this is always a solid ticket year after year. But this year is special because his tour’s supporting artists – Etta James and Al Green – are also legends in their own right. Sept. 1, Red Rocks, $49-$89.
Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com.
