As the road remains a home away from home for rock’s enduring icons, these bands and artists proved their resilience, performing tirelessly throughout 2024. Drawing from SetList.fm’s data, here’s a look at the classic acts that brought the most music to their fans this year:
12. Journey (73 Shows)
Though marred by ongoing feuds between Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain—rekindled this summer with yet another lawsuit over financial matters—Journey pushed forward. Sharing the stage with Toto and later co-headlining with Def Leppard, the band powered through a turbulent year.
11. Kansas (76 Shows)
Kansas celebrated their 50th anniversary with grit, despite serious setbacks. Founding drummer Phil Ehart took time off after a major heart attack in February, while bassist Billy Greer retired in September after nearly four decades. The year closed on a high note with a Pittsburgh finale that welcomed Ehart and original bassist Dave Hope back on stage as special guests.
10. Bob Dylan (78 Shows)
At 83, Dylan remains indefatigable. He performed 78 concerts this year, delighting audiences with unexpected twists. Whether covering Chuck Berry, dueling with John Mellencamp on “All Along the Watchtower,” or resurrecting rarities like “Dignity,” Dylan’s restless creativity showed no signs of slowing.
9. Alice Cooper (79 Shows)
After 90 shows in 2022 and 70 in 2023, Alice Cooper maintained his macabre momentum with 79 performances this year. Sharing stages with Rob Zombie and planning for a packed 2025, Cooper remains a fixture in the rock touring circuit.
8. The Black Crowes (80 Shows)
With Aerosmith’s farewell tour postponed and eventually canceled, The Black Crowes made their mark in 2024. Energized by the reception to Happiness Bastards, their first album in 15 years, the Robinson brothers played 80 shows, proving their bond has never been stronger.
6. Toto and REO Speedwagon (Tie, 84 Shows Each)
Toto’s Steve Lukather had an astonishing year, balancing 84 Toto shows with 22 as part of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band. Meanwhile, REO Speedwagon’s future grew uncertain as internal disputes over bassist Bruce Hall’s return led to a lineup shakeup. Their Dec. 21 performance marked the end of an era for the band.
4. Styx and Judas Priest (Tie, 90 Shows Each)
Styx maintained their touring consistency, with bassist Ricky Phillips stepping down in March and Terry Gowan stepping in. They’re also preparing a new album for 2025. Judas Priest, fresh off the success of Invincible Shield, matched Styx’s output with 90 shows while juggling remaster projects and planning for South American and European tours.
3. Foreigner (92 Shows)
Their farewell tour stretched well into 2024, with Foreigner marking 92 shows this year. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees also announced plans to extend their goodbyes into 2025, bringing former members Al Greenwood and Rick Willis back for select dates.
2. Mammoth WVH (96 Shows)
Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH is a force to be reckoned with. Balancing solo performances and opening for Metallica and Creed, Van Halen capped another relentless year on the road while hinting at work on a third album.
1. ZZ Top (99 Shows)
Leading the pack with 99 shows, ZZ Top kept fans rocking in 2024. Their Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd was a standout, and Billy Gibbons added 10 solo gigs to his schedule, bringing his tally to 109 performances. With 2025 already filling up, ZZ Top shows no signs of slowing down.
Through trials and triumphs, these classic acts reminded us why they remain timeless road warriors, bringing their music to the fans who love them.
