Beyond Baseball: 8 Legendary Rock Happenings at Detroit’s Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park
Detroit Baseball and Rock and Roll. They go hand in hand. There’s nothing like watching a Tigers game at the stadium. But Detroit’s baseball stadiums have served as more than just a place for Tigers home games. They’ve been iconic venues for some of history’s most legendary rock happenings! From the classic Tiger Stadium to the modern Comerica Park, these hallowed fields have hosted legendary performances that have become as much a part of Detroit’s rock and roll history as the baseball played there.
Tiger Stadium’s Rock and Roll Legacy (1912-1999)
The venerable ballpark at Michigan and Trumbull became a premier concert destination in the late 1960s through the 1990s, hosting some of music’s biggest acts and most memorable shows.
KISS Reunion Tour Kickoff (1996)
Twenty years after their first Detroit appearance, KISS returned to the historic Tiger Stadium on June 28, 1996, for the kickoff of their highly anticipated Alive/Worldwide Reunion Tour. This landmark event marked the first full concert with all four original members—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—back in full makeup and costume since 1979. The reunion tour was the highest-grossing tour of 1996, and choosing Tiger Stadium for the launch emphasized Detroit’s special relationship with the band.
A sold-out crowd of over 39,000 fans witnessed the return of the classic KISS lineup and their legendary stage show. The opening night featured Alice in Chains and local rockstars Sponge as support and was broadcast in part on MTV, bringing international attention to Detroit. For many KISS fans, this Tiger Stadium concert represented a full-circle moment—a triumphant return to the city where they had established themselves as stadium headliners two decades earlier.
The Stadium Rock Experience
What made Tiger Stadium concerts special was the venue’s intimacy despite its size. With seats close to the field and perfect sightlines, fans felt connected to the performances in a way that larger, more modern stadiums couldn’t match. The acoustics—while not designed for concerts—created a unique sound environment that bands and fans alike came to appreciate.
Comerica Park: The Modern Era (2000-Present)
When the Tigers moved to Comerica Park in 2000, the new stadium carried on the tradition of hosting major rock concerts, but with modern amenities and improved facilities for both performers and fans.
Eminem and Jay-Z (2010)
In a pairing of hip-hop royalty, Detroit’s own Eminem joined forces with Jay-Z for the historic “Home & Home” tour with shows on September 2 and 3, 2010. These concerts were particularly meaningful as they represented Eminem performing a full concert in his hometown for the first time in years.
Kid Rock’s Record Run (2013-2015)
Detroit native Kid Rock set a record with eight consecutive sold-out shows at Comerica Park spanning multiple summers. His 2013 concert series included special guests like Sammy Hagar and ZZ Top, cementing his status as one of the city’s favorite sons.
The Rolling Stones (2015 & 2021)
The Rolling Stones’ “Zip Code Tour” brought them to Comerica Park on July 8, 2015, marking a new generation of Detroit fans experiencing the legendary band. Five decades after their first Detroit appearances, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts proved they could still deliver an energetic, hit-filled show to nearly 40,000 fans.
On November 15, 2021, the Stones brought their “No Filter Tour” to Comerica Park. This performance was particularly significant as it was their first tour following the death of longtime drummer Charlie Watts, who had passed away just months earlier in August. With Steve Jordan behind the drums, the band paid tribute to their fallen bandmate while delivering a powerful set that spanned their six-decade career. Despite the chilly November temperatures—unusual for outdoor concerts in Detroit—fans packed the stadium for what many suspected might be the Stones’ final Detroit appearance. At ages 78 (Mick Jagger), 77 (Keith Richards), and 74 (Ronnie Wood), the rock legends demonstrated remarkable stamina during their two-hour performance, reinforcing their seemingly timeless connection with the Motor City.
Metallica’s Fiery Performance (2017)
On July 12, 2017, Metallica’s WorldWired Tour stop at Comerica Park became infamous for reasons beyond their mind-blowing performance. Their substantial pyrotechnic show, featuring massive flames that shot high into the night sky during songs like “Fuel” and “Enter Sandman,” was so intense that it damaged portions of Comerica Park’s outfield grass. The scorched turf required emergency repairs before the Tigers could resume play, creating a headache for groundskeepers but quite the memory for the 40,000+ fans who witnessed one of the most literally “burning hot” performances in Detroit concert history. When asked about the damage, Tiger’s Manager Brad Asmus said, “I think it was Mother Nature and Metallica combined”.
Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe’s Stadium Tour (2022)
After COVID-related postponements, the long-awaited Stadium Tour featuring Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Joan Jett finally arrived at Comerica Park on August 20, 2022. This nostalgic hair metal showcase drew tens of thousands of fans ready to listen to live music after quarantine.
When Rock Stars Meet Baseball
The relationship between Detroit’s music scene and its baseball tradition has occasionally produced memorable crossover moments beyond concerts:
Jack White’s First Pitches (2014 & 2022)
Detroit native and rock icon Jack White threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Comerica Park on July 29, 2014, before a Tigers game against the Chicago White Sox. The moment represented the deep connection between Detroit’s rock royalty and its baseball tradition.
Eight years later, White returned to the mound at Comerica Park on April 8, 2022, opening day for the Tigers’ season. This appearance came on the same day he released his album “Fear of the Dawn” and spontaneously married his girlfriend Olivia Jean on stage during his concert at Detroit’s Masonic Temple. The triple-header of releasing an album, throwing out the first pitch, and getting married made for one of the most memorable days in Detroit rock history. White, who established his Third Man Records pressing plant in the city’s Cass Corridor, has consistently championed his hometown throughout his career.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The rock concerts at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park have contributed significantly to Detroit’s identity as a music city. These events have reinforced the city’s reputation as one of America’s great rock and roll towns and provided iconic backdrops for music photography and concert films.
As baseball and music evolve, Comerica Park stands ready to host the next generation of legendary performances, carrying on the rock and roll tradition that Tiger Stadium established decades ago. For many Detroit music fans, these ballparks represent not just the home of the Tigers but also a place to go for killer shows that only Detroit can host.
