The Eagles
Vince Gill and Deacon Frey, son of the late Glenn Frey, have breathed new life into the band, whose 2018 concert at Target Field was full of heart. This time the Eagles are performing their 1976 landmark "Hotel California" in its entirety with orchestra and choir. Apparently, Eagles members can check out, but the band will never leave. (Oct. 1-2, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, ticketmaster.com)
Leon Bridges
Once thought of as simply a vintage soul singer á la Sam Cooke — and a great one at that! — the smooth-voiced Texan has evolved into one of R&B's most interesting sonic chemists and moving songwriters. His third album, "Gold-Diggers Sound," is full of slinky grooves and atmospheric melodies. (Oct. 2, First Avenue, Mpls., axs.com)
Idles
These bombastic punks from Bristol, England, are overdue in the Twin Cities, and there's more hype than ever — their third album, "Ultra Mono," proved to be the best full-throttle rock album of 2020. They're even wilder and harder-hitting in concert, with elements of Gang of Four, the Buzzcocks and other classic U.K. snarlers. Bring earplugs. (Oct. 7, Palace Theatre, St. Paul, axs.com)
Erykah Badu
Last seen here playing a too-short festival set at Soundset in 2018, Dallas' neo-soul hero will finally get to stretch out and find her deep groove again in front of a local audience. While Badu hasn't issued a new album in six years, her live sets can still be cosmic and hypnotic. (Oct. 13, Armory, Mpls., ticketmaster.com)
Rolling Stones
Sorry, Charlie, but the Rolling Stones are determined to carry on without you. Even before the Aug. 24 death of Charlie Watts, the miraculously minimalist engine that drove the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band, the Mick and Keith Show had planned a 13-date stadium with Steve Jordan on drums. (Oct. 24, U.S. Bank Stadium, Mpls., ticketmaster.com)
Bleachers
Frontman Jack Antonoff is best known as the producer of blockbuster albums by Taylor Swift, Lorde and Lana Del Rey. A successor to his group Fun ("We Are Young"), Bleachers just released "Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night," full of the kind of pop/rock with singalong choruses that is Antonoff's specialty. (Oct. 26, Fillmore, Mpls., ticketmaster.com)
George Strait
We thought the voice behind 44 No. 1 songs played his last rodeo here in 2013. But while the modern King of Country Music isn't king of the road anymore, Strait will become the first country star to play both the Metrodome and U.S. Bank Stadium. Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town open. (Nov. 13, ticketmaster.com)
Chvrches
Richly bittersweet melodies and vibrant, pulsating electro-grooves sweep over audiences whenever this Scottish trio lands in town, and it's touring behind one of its most acclaimed albums to date. "Screen Violence" finds singer Lauren Mayberry channeling darker territory, including help from the Cure's Robert Smith in the single "How Not to Drown." (Nov. 17, Armory, axs.com)
Beach Bunny
Chicago bedroom rocker Lili Trifilio and her fuzz-pop band blew up on TikTok in 2018 with the anti-body-shaming hit "Prom Queen," proving kids still love guitar-driven rock and songs with messages. She's growing into one of rock's great feminist voices and catchiest songwriters, as evidenced by last year's hit "Cloud 9." (Nov. 28, First Avenue, axs.com)
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
One of the most consistently potent Americana artists (last year's ghost-filled "Reunions" was another winner), Isbell is also boldly outspoken, insisting that concertgoers be vaccinated or test negative for COVID within 48 hours before the show. He brings a similar conviction and focus to his music. (Dec. 1, Armory, ticketmaster.com)
