21 Concerts Not to Miss in the Bay Area This Season

From arena megastars to Ninja Sex Party

September 8, 2017 9:00 am

What will you do when summer is gone?

Batten down your hatches, put the tea on and let your high spirits flicker out with the sunshine?

Nay, sir. You’ll keep them burning, with this list of the 21 Bay Area live-music events not to miss this fall.

The National. Muse. LCD Soundsystem. Torres. A little outfit known as Ninja Sex Party. Another little outfit known as Guns ‘n’ Roses. 

Prepare to start syncing your calendar. 

Because there’s something about a soaring power anthem. 
Muse at Shoreline Amphitheatre, Sep. 15

Because it’s the best gateway drug to electronica out there. 
Goldfrapp at The Warfield, Sep. 16

Because Flight of the Conchords isn’t touring this year. 
Ninja Sex Party at Nob Hill Masonic Center, Sep. 30

Because there’s something to be said for a mopey power anthem.
Coldplay at Levi’s Stadium, Oct. 4

Because this’ll be the concert equivalent of Hillbilly Elegy. 
Gillian Welch at The Fillmore, Oct. 6

Because Hopalong isn’t the only great, big-hearted band from Philly. 
The War on Drugs at the Greek Theatre Berkeley, Oct. 6

Because it’s easier to say yes to overblown lunacy than no. 
Father John Misty at the Greek Theatre Berkeley, Oct. 7

Because half the fun is finding out if she’s on form — and if she is, it’ll be a night to remember. 
Lauryn Hill and Nas at Shoreline Amphitheatre, Oct. 7

Because every American artist deserves a second (or third) act. 
Conor Oberst at the Fillmore, Oct. 7

Because you could use a night of union-supporting rabble-rousing. 
Billy Bragg at Great American Music Hall, Oct. 8

Because the ’80s did provide some majestically danceable music.
Depeche Mode at Oracle Arena, Oct. 10 

Because no one can howl like this one. 
Torres at Slims, Oct. 13 

Because “Carin at the Liquor Store” might be the best song ever written about midlife marriage.
The National at the Greek Theatre Berkeley, Oct. 14

Because Tyler the Creator on Halloween? This is an obvious one. 
Tyler the Creator at the Warfield, Oct. 31

Because what, really, has this guy been up to, besides sitting down with Alex Jones?
Billy Corgan at Herbst Theatre, Nov. 1

Because when you think about it, he’s the only heir to Michael Jackson worth the title. 
Bruno Mars at Oracle Arena, Nov. 3

Because hell-to-the-yes, already-bought-the-tickets. 
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at Bimbos 365, Nov. 4

Because sometimes you don’t want to be sad by yourself. 
Noah Gundersen at Great American Music Hall, Nov. 9

Because if ’90s rock had anything worth saying, it probably came from them. 
The Breeders at Rickshaw Stop, Nov. 11

Because they’re gonna break up again and you want to see it before they do. 
LCD Soundsystem at Bill Graham, Nov. 14

Because curiosity killed the cat, and you just need to know how they’re doing. 
Guns ‘N’ Roses at Oracle Arena, Nov. 21

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