The not-to-miss concerts this year in Rome
We all have that one concert we’ll always remember–whether it be your first concert ever, a concert that you didn’t want to go to in the first place, or even a concert you just happened to find yourself at. Concerts are where you can let loose, sing along, and enjoy live music, which beats listening to your playlist any day. But what if you’ve never attended a concert before, or even better, never been to a concert while travelling abroad? Here’s your chance to turn that around, and fast. Rome is filled with music venues, and each year lots of artists come to the Eternal City to perform their set lists. Here is a selection of the best concerts in Rome this 2020 that may just catch your eye.
*unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, most of the concerts have been cancelled or postponed to 2021*
Massimo Ranieri
January 1, 2020
Auditorium Conciliazione
If there’s one way to enjoy the first day of the new year, this is it. A renowned performer thanks to his vocals and showman nature, Massimo Ranieri is the perfect January 1st event. If you’re unfamiliar with his tunes, “Rose Rosse” is a great way to start your Massimo Ranieri listening party.
Gazzelle
January 28 & February 9, 2020
Palazzo dello Sport
Part of the popular Italian indie scene, Gazzelle is the concert you’ll want to attend if you want to be surrounded by locals. With catchy lyrics and easy on the ear music, Gazzelle will have you singing along before you know it.
Renato Zero
January 30 – 31, 2020
Palazzo dello Sport
A veteran of the Italian music scene, Renato Zero puts on quite the show. With a career that spans decades, Renato Zero has an impressive number of hit songs that his fan base, lovingly known as sorci, which translates to “mice,” sings along to avidly. Get your singing voice ready!
Editors
February 10, 2020
Atlantico
If you’re into British bands, indie-rock British bands specifically, then The Editors’ concert is where you want to be on February 10th. Out with their latest album The Blanck Mass Sessions, the boys are back and at it better than ever.
Dream Theater
February 11, 2020
Palazzo dello Sport
Formed in 1985 at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, the band was previously known as Majesty from 1985 until 1988. If you’re a fan of progressive rock and/or metal music, Dream Theater is the show you want to be at.
Liam Gallagher
February 15, 2020
Palazzo dello Sport
Previously part of the worldwide famous band Oasis, Liam Gallagher has returned with his latest studio album called Why Me? Why Not. With leading vocals and memorable tracks, the album beckons you to go and enjoy the songs live.
James Blunt
March 28, 2020
Palazzo dello Sport
“You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, it’s true.” Raise your hand if you sang along while you read that. If you did, you are well aware of James Blunt’s importance in your life soundtrack, meaning that you know you want to go to the concert. In case you aren’t familiar with Mr.Blunt, I suggest you start now so that you too can join us for the concert.
Yes
April 29, 2020
Auditorium Conciliazione
If you’re into the 70s and 80s music scene, or perhaps you’ve already enjoyed a Yes performance during the actual 70s and 80s scene, here’s your chance to participate, even if it’s your second time! A band that has numerous hits, such as “Owner of a Lonely Heart” (1983), and “Love Will Find a Way” (1987), it seems unreasonable to say no to a YES concert.
Pat Metheny
May 11, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Founder and leader of the Pat Metheny Group, Pat and his illustrious guitar skills are coming to Rome to entertain all us music junkies. Active since 1975, and 13 albums later, Pat is the concert you want to attend if you’re looking for a grand night of jazz and world-famous guitar skills
Gigi D’Alessio
May 19, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
If while you’re in Rome you can’t make it down to Naples during your trip overseas, Gigi D’Alessio’s concert will have you feeling like you visited Naples for a bit. After having also performed at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall, who knows, maybe Gigi might entertain you with some English-Neapolitan words too!
Claudio Baglioni
June 6 -18, 2020
Terme di Caracalla
If there’s an Italian singer that can bring different generations together in the same room, it’s Claudio Baglioni. With a career that spans decades, Claudio Baglioni’s hits are sung at the top of one’s lungs by everybody present. I recommend you start learning the lyrics!
Vasco Rossi
June 19 – 20, 2020
Circo Massimo
One of the main rock performers in Italy, and a “at least once in a lifetime” concert, Vasco Rossi’s concerts are full of energy and happiness; I can personally vouch for this one. And if you aren’t familiar with his work, come for the simple fact that he will be performing in the Circus Maximus, Madison Square Garden who?
Andrea Bocelli
June 21, 2020
Terme di Caracalla
This June, in one of the most suggestive and impressive natural scenarios in the world, the beloved tenor will return to perform in Italy, performing for the first time ever on the stage of the historic Roman theater. Get ready to witness the most famous arias of Andrea Bocelli’s vast repertoire–an exciting journey among the most beloved characters of opera music dedicated to the tenor voice.
Vinicio Capossela
June 22, 2020
Terme di Caracalla
With Bestiario D’Amore, his latest album debut that came out, rightly so, on this recent S.Valentine’s Day, we’re all excited for Vincio Capossela’s new concert dates. Accompanied by the youthful Cherubini! Orchestra, Caposela is an all-around entertainer. With a combination of storytelling, poetry readings, and overall music, his concerts are a unique experience. And, what better setting than the historic Terme di Caracalla as the concert’s backdrop? I hope you’re opening a new tab right about now to get your ticket.
Beck
June 26, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Touring his new album Hyperspace, Beck is a beloved grammy-winning artist whose music and talent precede his name. I Beck this is a concert you’ll want to go see! Puns aside, Beck is back and performing in Italy after 15 years since his last gig. Coincidence? I think not..
Lumineers
July 5, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
After a whirlwind couple of years, in the midst or chart-topping hits, tours, and numerous public appearances, The Lumineers are gracing Rome with their music for a summer bash. With their new album III out since this past September, we have enough time to learn the songs and go to the concert ready to dance and sing along. Ho hey!
Kendrick Lamar
July 7, 2020
Ippodromo delle Capannelle
Now here’s a concert that everybody has been anticipating since its announcement date. Back in Italy after 7 years, Kendrick Lamar has definitely added to his roster of chart topping songs since then. Plus, if you were to be missing July 4th celebrations, what better way to make up for it than going to a concert?
God is an Astronaut
July 8, 2020
Ippodromo delle Capannelle
With an eye-catching name, and originating from U2’s same geographical location (so, Ireland) God is an Astronaut is landing in Rome on July 8th to grace the Rock in Roma stage. Along with the Irish band, special guest “This Will Destroy You” will also treat us to some music. Steady yourself and get ready to rock it out.
Pixies
July 8, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
After two sold out concert last October in Bologna and Turin for the tour of their seventh album “Beneath The Eyrie”, the legendary Boston band will return to Italy in July and August to delight their many Italian fans!
Brunori Sas
July 13, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
An Italian singer that has won the hearts of many over the last few years, Brunori Sas’ music is characterized by the ability of combining different genres to great lyrics. The songwriter has been active since 2009, and has published 5 albums since. A recommended concert if you’re looking to have a good time.
Tiziano Ferro
July 15–16, 2020
Stadio Olimpico
If you’ve never been to a concert where the singer barely sings because the audience knows all the words to every single song, Tiziano Ferro is your chance to experience that. If you need help in finding which songs to listen to first, I recommend “Sere Nere”, “Ti Scatterò Una Foto”, and “Il Sole Esiste Per Tutti.”
Simple Minds
July 15, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Originally from Scotland and born in the late 1970s, Simple Minds are named after a verse from David Bowie’s The Jean Genie. They are considered one of the most important English bands of all time and boast a forty-year career, with sales exceeding sixty million records! Don’t miss them this July while they perform in the stunning open-air Cavea!
Ultimo
July 19, 2020
Circo Massimo
In English, Ultimo means “last.” This stage name may sound odd, but Ultimo gives praise to those that have always felt like they were “last” in everything, and sings songs that everybody can relate to. A great show that will definitely pull at your heart strings, remember that you’ll also be in the Circus Maximus for it, a show in and of itself.
Goran Bregovic
July 22, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
With an original sound of his own that stems from his upbringing in Sarajevo, Bregovic’s music reflects the Balkans as well as the gypsy culture. Partaking in pop-rock, folk, jazz, and Romani music scene, Bregovic is known around the world for his eccentric nature and musical knowledge. If you’re looking for an evening with an added spice, Goran Bregovic’s concert is your best bet.
Paul Weller
July 24, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
A revered Briitish artist for the general english music scene, Paul Weller knows how to perform. With a long, and winding musical background, having taken part in different bands (like The Jam), and trying out different genres (like acid jazz) Paul Weller has come a long way since he played with The Clash when only 19 years old. Mark your calendars for an evening that will fly you to London, while being in Rome.
Patti Smith
July 26, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
True living icon, the “priestess” of rock Patti Smith is a real symbol for all generations and among the most influential artists of all time. Loved, discussed, powerful and idealistic, Patti Smith returns to Cavea with her band to once again enchant her audience.
The Chemical Brothers
July 26, 2020
Ippodromo delle Capannelle
If you’re unfamiliar with The Chemical Brothers, I suggest you look into them ASAP. They may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if you’re a millennial, chances are you definitely know all the words to “The Salmon Dance”, and probably danced to it too. Third time around performing in Rome, what better time than now to go see them?
David Garrett & Band
July 27, 2020
Terme di Caracalla
The child of an American mother and a German father, prodigy violin soloist David Garrett, born David Bongartz in Aachen, Germany, reached and surpassed many an important milestone before his matriculation at Juilliard in New York. This kind of talent was quickly picked up by Deutsche Grammophon, which offered and signed a contract with the violinist when he was only 14 years old. “He’s been a constant fixture on international concert stages since he was a teenager, he’s recorded albums of core works and rock songs, and he’s played Paganini in a wild movie biopic. Is there anything David Garrett can’t do?!” (Classic Fm, UK).
Lauryn Hill
July 29, 2020
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Lauryn Hill broke through with multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning group the Fugees, but with her 1998 solo debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer established herself as a creative force on her own. She successfully integrated rap, soul, and reggae into a singular sound.
Venditti and De Gregori
September 5, 2020
Olympic Stadium
If there are 2 singers that Italian fans would choose for a joint concert, Antonello Venditti and Francesco De Gregori would be it. With signature melodies, lyrics, and tunes, these two roman icons are a new duo that we are all infinitely grateful for. Make sure to listen to Venditti’s “Notte prima degli esami” and De Gregori’s “La Donna Cannone” before the concert; two true Italian anthems.
Concerts in Rome: Your month-by-month live music calendar
