5 Hottest Summer Tours of 2015
If you made it a point to attend every major country tour this summer, you'd blow your 2015 budget in about two weeks. So, we've curated the list in an effort to give fans an idea of who is bringing the best opening acts and who is known for putting on the best live shows.
The five stars listed in this Hot Summer Tours 2015 list are some of country's biggest names because when they hit the stage, it's 90 minutes to two hours of unmatched energy. Dierks Bentley had the No. 1 tour of 2014, and his Sounds of Summer tour makes this list again. However, the competition has become hotter. One lineup just can't be topped, and it's not who you're thinking.
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Dierks Bentley’s Sounds of Summer Tour
Opening: Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan SmithBentley's Sounds of Summer tour brings along two country newcomers and Kip Moore, one of the more under-appreciated live acts in country. The "I'm to Blame" singer works a stage like a seasoned pro, because he is! Maddie & Tae are far from just getting their stage legs, and Smith brings a smooth voice and great appreciation for his growing fanbase. Of course, the "Say You Do" singer is the draw. This well-traveled vet is a sure thing in country music.
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Luke Bryan's Kick the Dust Up Tour
Opening: Dustin Lynch and Randy HouserIt's tough to deny Luke Bryan on a summer tour. This year his show includes even more hits, and even bigger venues. Florida Georgia Line will join him when he plays stadiums, but if you've got tickets for the smaller arenas, don't despair. Houser is one of country's best showmen, and Lynch is a country rocker willing to slow it down sexy with some of the R&B-inspired songs from his Where It's At album.
- 3
Jason Aldean's Burn It Down Tour
Opening: Tyler Farr, Cole Swindell and Dee Jay SilverThe Burn It Down tour will be a well-oiled machine by the time summer hits. Aldean and Tyler Farr are good friends, and Swindell is surprisingly active given his cool, calm demeanor. But it's Silver who is the X Factor. His mixes between sets keep the crowed amped up so that by the time the headliner takes the stage, they're already at Level 10. The "She's Country" singer knows what to do with that.
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Kenny Chesney's the Big Revival Tour
Opening: Jake Owen and Chase RiceKenny is back, in a very big way! The Big Revival tour includes 'openers' Jake Owen and Chase Rice, two can't-miss acts that are used to headlining their own shows. In addition, he picks up co-headliner Jason Aldean as well as Brantley Gilbert, Old Dominion and occasionally Eric Church or Miranda Lambert for stadium shows. You can't deny the lineup, or the energy that this group of artists brings.
- 1
Florida Georgia Line's Anything Goes Tour
Opening: Thomas Rhett and Frankie BallardFlorida Georgia Line earns the No. 1 Hot Summer Tour of 2015 for their cruel, hard-rocking efficiency. Fewer artists means more time for your favorite songs. Thomas Rhett is a superstar in the making with a catalog of hits to add to new music from what should be a very compelling new album. He takes chances.
So does Frankie Ballard. This country boy is really a blues-rocker in disguise. The "Young & Crazy" singer doesn't quite have the name value of some other openers, but those who show up early to catch him will quickly become fans.
And then there's FGL. Say what you want to about their music — Tyler and Brian know it's not for everyone and their grandmas. But their live show is simply unmatched. The duo have one of country's best bands (they certainly have the best drummer) and no one, not even Garth Brooks, works as hard as Florida Georgia Line on stage. It's a show you need to see to believe.