Here are 7 great concerts within a tank of gas drive from Detroit. Things have been somewhat slow as far as concerts are concerned to start the year, but it’s going to start to ramp up here soon.

Pine Knob will once again open and all will be good with the world again. I, for one, cannot wait! I’ve been to some shows at District 142, which are always fun. But outside of that, I haven’t been to too many so far in 2024. That’s going to change soon.

The first few months of the year are always sprinkled with concert tours announcing dates. This year seems to be a little light, but there is time for more shows to be added. Last year WRIF shows were few and far between at Pine Knob until mid-summer. Then it seemed like I was there every week. From Ghost to Jelly Roll, Nickleback, Shinedown, and of course, RIFF Fest.

The seven concerts listed below are my picks of shows to see in under one tank of gas. With gas prices going up again, hopefully, some of these are under a tank for you. Yes, there are many more, but these are ones that I think are surefire in my opinion.

I’ve taken many road trips to see bands play live. I’ve seen Metallica in many different venues including Pittsburgh in the summer of 2022. I’ve trekked to Akron, Ohio for my birthday to see John 5 play in a club, and to see Sons Of Appolo in Joliet, Illinois.  I love seeing bands outside the D. It’s fun to see a whole new crowd of rock fans and different venues.

Check these out and plan your own rockin’ road trip.

-Meltdown-

• Shinedown at soaring eagle june 7

  Yes, this show is sold out, but you can always win your way in on WRIF or the website. Just a couple of hours away, this is a great place to check out bands inside and out. Plus, this show makes for a perfect Friday night. Grab a room and make it a mini vacation.

• metallica in Chicago august 9 & 11

  What a road trip this would be! Seeing the mighty Met anywhere is always killer, but I do like Chicago. Again, we have chances for you to go courtesy of WRIF. Here’s what the show looked like in Detroit.

   

• halestorm and I prevail at Pine Knob july 13

  Another great middle-of-the-summer show! It’s also a Saturday night, so there’s no excuses. Both of these bands are worth seeing live, as they’re both top-notch.

• creed twice this year

  Yes, the band nobody wants to see, just sells out shows wherever they play. They’ll be playing with 3 Doors Down at Pine Knob on July 31st, then returning to Detroit to play the LCA on November 20th. Mammoth WVH will join the tour for the arenas, along with 3DD.

• motley crue at soaring eagle june 23

  Years after they said they’d never tour again, here they are. To be honest, I’d really like to see them with John 5 on guitar. He is so good! Plus, they might have new music out by then.

   

• greta van fleet may 19th at van andel arena

  I’ve only seen one show at the Van Andel in Grand Rapids, but this one might be worth the road trip. This band has become a legitimate arena band. Kinda crazy to think. They were very good at the LCA last September.

   

• Freaks on parade with alice cooper and rob zombie

  Yes, the kings of theatric rock are coming back again this summer. After playing to a sold-out crowd last year, they’re bringing the tour back on August 30th. Also on the bill, Filter and Ministry.

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