Nickelback has endured the same critical scorn as reviled post-grunge acts like Creed and Sevendust, but fans have supported the Canadian act enough to bring it back for another round of its “Dark Horse” tour, which has so far sold 2 million tickets worldwide across 120 shows. The band plays the Pepsi Center on Oct. 18, with openers Three Days Grace and Buckcherry. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($49.50-$89.50, TicketHorse)
U2 announced a new Denver date this week as part of its rescheduled North American tour, which was postponed in May after lead singer Bono underwent emergency back surgery after a fall during rehearsal. The Irish rockers’ 360 Tour will play Invesco Field at Mile High on May 21, 2011. Previously held tickets will be honored, and new tickets are on sale, with refunds available at the point of purchase. ($33-$253, Ticketmaster)
Zac Brown Band, which has been riding a recent wave of love from the pop-country world, returns to Denver for its biggest show yet — a Sept. 19 headlining slot at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, with openers Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. today. ($35-$40, Ticketmaster)
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the high-kicking Rockettes, will get a leg up on the holiday season with five shows at the Pepsi Center Nov. 13-14. The production is visiting Denver for the first time with its singing, dancing and multimedia spectacle. Group passes are on sale July 26, with single tickets on sale Sept. 20. ($39.50-$69.50, TicketHorse)
Crowded House, the late ’80s/early ’90s pop-rockers responsible for the radio hits “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong,” is mounting a North American tour to support new album “Intriguer,” including a Sept. 9 stop at the Fillmore Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($39.50-$45, )
Louis C.K. is one of the smartest, most incisive comedians, but you might not know it from the Emmy-winner’s relatively low profile on TV and film. A gifted writer and perpetually self- effacing stand-up, C.K. calls it as he sees it, and it’s usually not pretty. He brings his “Word” tour to the Paramount Theatre on Nov. 14. Tickets on sale. ($32.50-$35, TicketHorse)
Bob Saget heads the growing list of recently announced, big-name comedy acts coming to the area with his Nov. 4 show at the Boulder Theater. That same venue is also welcoming “Chappelle’s Show” veteran Charlie Murphy (and friends) on Aug. 25. Looking for something more intimate? Insult comic Lisa Lampanelli is returning to Denver for a series of Comedy Works South shows Oct. 27-30. Visit and for more information.
