The COVID-19 pandemic is over, or at the very least, the vaccine passport social-distancing phase is over for now. What that means is a LOT of concerts to finish out the year. It has been nearly two years- worth of concert cancellations. Now we get a do-over with plenty of rescheduled events. As someone who has seen his share of great and dreadful concerts over the year, I decided to look at what’s ahead. Here are several concerts I think you should absolutely go to and a few that are probably worth skipping.

The Weeknd
When: August 23
Where: BC Place
Should You Go? YES!

To miss, this one would be a mistake. I can’t believe it was just over two years ago now that After Hours was released. It’s an album that will forever remind me of those early lockdown days in the Spring of 2020. Who wouldn’t want to hear “After Hours,” “In Your Eyes,” and “Blinding Lights”?!. I don’t think I have ever felt so nostalgic about something that is only two years old, but the world has gone through the wringer and back. Of course, he never had a chance to tour these terrific songs in Canada until now. Don’t miss it.

Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett
When: September 2
Where: BC Place
Should You Go? MAYBE

What do you do when your washed up and can’t sell out a big stadium on your own? You team up with fellow washed-up artists from an era long gone to try and relive the old days. Motley Crue wasn’t even a good live band in the eighties. Vince Neil used to be a pretty boy who couldn’t sing. Now he is an old fat guy who can’t sing. However, Def Leppard is still a serviceable live act, so maybe they can save it. Not sure about Joan Jett, though.

The Killers
When: August 19
Where: Rogers Arena
Should You Go? YES

Sometimes I forget how long the Killers have been around. A long time if you are wondering. They are always consistent in the studio and concert, so why not see them this summer. Also joining them is the genius that is Johnny Marr, guitarist and creative force of The Smiths.

Greta Van Fleet
When: August 30
Where: Rogers Arena
Should You Go? HELL NO

Greta Van Fleet sucks. They are the reason why rock music is a joke today. It has never evolved, and its diehard proponents seem content to keep rehashing the same shit to keep a small group of people happy. Get as far away from this concert as you can. Actually, maybe skip town for that week.

Machine Gun Kelly
When: July 23
Where: Rogers Arena
Should You Go? NO

It’s Machine Gun Kelly, so no, you definitely should not go.

Roger Waters
When: September 15
Where: Rogers Arena
Should You Go? Probably

If you are a younger fan of Pink Floyd, this is the closest you will get in your lifetime to see the real thing. Roger Waters was always the dominant creative force of the band, and seeing him solo feels like an alright compromise.

Griffin