Some of classic rock’s most popular acts spent extensive time on the road in 2025.
Using data from Setlist.fm, here is a look at the 13 artists who played the most concerts in 2025, along with a preview of their plans for 2026.
12 (Tie). Heart & .38 Special 73 shows
Heart was forced to cut its 2024 tour short while lead singer Ann Wilson underwent cancer treatment. Wilson completed treatment and returned to the stage with her bandmates in February 2025. The group faced additional challenges during the year, including Wilson performing with a broken elbow and the backstage theft of two guitars, which were later recovered. Despite these setbacks, Heart completed 73 shows in 2025 and plans to tour again in 2026.
.38 Special released “Milestone,” the band’s first new album in more than 20 years, and performed 73 concerts in 2025. “When you’re reintroducing yourself to the world, ‘good enough’ doesn’t work anymore,” co-founder Don Barnes said of the new record. “If you’re going to do it, you might as well go big.” That philosophy was reflected in the band’s busy touring schedule.
11. Rod Stewart: 74 shows
Rod Stewart performed 74 concerts in 2025, up from 50 the previous year, as part of his “One Last Time” tour. The tour included a performance at Glastonbury with former bandmate Ronnie Wood. Stewart has extended the tour into 2026.
10. Foreigner: 77 shows
Foreigner underwent a major transition in 2025 as longtime singer Kelly Hansen retired at the end of the summer tour. The band, originally on a farewell tour, decided to continue performing, promoting multi-instrumentalist Luis Maldonado to lead singer and canceling retirement plans. Original frontman Lou Gramm joined the group for select shows. Foreigner has announced orchestral concerts and a tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd for 2026.
9. Kansas: 78 shows
Kansas faced several health challenges in 2025, with singer and keyboardist Ronnie Platt recovering from cancer, guitarist Rich Williams reducing his schedule due to an eye issue, and drummer Phil Ehart recovering from a 2024 heart attack. The group retooled its lineup and performed 78 shows, including a reunion concert, and has scheduled additional dates for 2026.
8. The Darkness: 79 shows
The Darkness released the album “Dreams on Toast” and played 79 shows in 2025. A November performance in Austin, Texas, earned high praise from reviewers.
7. Styx: 80 shows
Styx maintained a full tour schedule with 80 shows in 2025. The band also released “Circling From Above,” its third album since 2017, after a 12-year recording hiatus.
6. Bob Dylan: 82 shows
Bob Dylan, who turned 84 in 2025, performed 82 concerts as part of the ongoing “Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour.” The tour features material from his 2020 album of the same name. Dylan has already announced 27 dates for 2026.
5. Cheap Trick: 83 shows
Cheap Trick played 83 shows in 2025, including a farewell tour of Japan. The band also released a new album, “All Washed Up,” and will return to the road in 2026, both headlining and touring with Styx.
4. Alice Cooper: 93 shows
Alice Cooper, 77, reunited with surviving members of the original Alice Cooper group for the album “The Revenge of Alice Cooper,” his fourth in eight years. He performed 93 shows in 2025 and has announced solo and group projects, along with U.S. and European tour dates for 2026.
3. Chicago: 94 shows
Chicago, with founding members Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane and James Pankow still active, performed 94 shows in 2025. The band will tour outdoor venues with Styx in summer 2026.
2. ZZ Top: 107 shows
ZZ Top performed 107 shows in 2025, up from 99 the previous year. Frontman Billy Gibbons played an additional 33 solo shows, bringing his total to 140 for the year. Both Gibbons and ZZ Top have numerous dates scheduled for 2026.
1. Melvins: 117 shows
The Melvins released the collaborative “Savage Imperial Death March” EP with Napalm Death in February and their 28th album, “Thunderball,” in April. The band played 117 concerts in 2025.
