May is packed with huge concerts, including three stadium shows, and a pair of sold-out nights at PPG Paints Arena. Here’s a look at the top shows coming to Pittsburgh this month:
Top concerts
May 8: AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless at Acrisure Stadium
The rock icons from Australia are bringing their Power Up tour to Pittsburgh in their first show here in 16 years.
The veteran rockers — featuring guitarist Angus Young and singer Brian Johnson — will be blasting through their hits like “Back in Black,” “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).”
“Over the years it has been possible to connect with so many people all over the world. I don’t know if it was luck or what, but I think this has been possible because we have struck a chord in people’s lives. We have been very lucky because probably what we play, our style and our sound has touched the right chords,” Young said in a 2024 interview. “Everyone can connect with our music and what we do as a band. I think it’s like that. It’s like there is that kind of connection whereby there are a lot of people who come up to you and say, ‘You guys are my favorite band.’ It’s a good feeling, actually.”
Read more: AC/DC, for 50 years on rock’s legendary ‘highway’
May 16 and 18: Pearl Jam, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers at PPG Paints Arena
Grunge icons Pearl Jam are in town for a pair of sold-out shows in Pittsburgh, with all but one stop on this run of the Dark Matter tour including two-night stands.
It’s been 12 years since Pearl Jam last played Pittsburgh, visiting Consol Energy Center on Oct. 11, 2013, on their Lightning Bolt tour. If early shows are an indication, there’ll only be a few repeats — it would be hard not to play songs like “Alive” or “Even Flow” — between the two nights for the longtime band.
“The older you get, the better you are at living in the present,” singer Eddie Vedder told Mojo magazine. “The understanding you have less time is the biggest number in the quotient.”
Read more: Pearl Jam interviewed: ‘Taylor Swift fans reminded me of punk rock crowds’
May 29: Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Sierra Ferrell at PNC Park
Rapper/singer Post Malone sold out Star Lake in 2023, and country singer/rapper Jelly Roll packed PPG Paints Arena last year, so the pair are teaming for the Big Ass Stadium tour at PNC Park.
Malone released his latest album, “F-1 Trillion” in 2024, while Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken” also came out last year.
“I think finally bringing the fun back into what I was doing really showed on the record,” Malone told Billboard earlier this year. “And I think a lot of folks had fun listening to it. And we’re going to attempt to do it again. I’m excited to keep going.”
Read more: Post Malone reveals his new album is on the way: ‘We’ve probably made 35 songs’
May 31: George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum at Acrisure Stadium
The King of Country, otherwise known as George Strait, returns to Pittsburgh for the first time in 15 years alongside outlaw country singer Chris Stapleton for a massive stadium show.
Strait, known for songs like “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and “I Cross My Heart,” hasn’t played Pittsburgh since Oct. 14, 2010, on his Twang tour.
“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop,” Strait said in a release. “I still love it just as much as I always have. Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year.”
Read more: Exploring the songs of George Strait’s ‘Cowboys and Dreamers’
Sold-out shows
May 3: Magdalena Bay at Roxian Theatre
The alternative/synth pop duo, which released its second full album, “Imaginal Disk,” last year, brings their Imaginal Mystery tour, which features a bevy of sold-out shows across the country.
May 9: Cheekface, Pacing at Bottlerocket Social Hall
The Los Angeles indie rock trio is touring in support of its latest release, “Middle Spoon,” which dropped in February.
May 10: Ole 60, Fox N’ Vead at Roxian Theatre
The fast-rising, Kentucky-based country band made its debut at the Grand Ole Opry in January, exactly one year after the band’s first live shows.
May 12: Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass & Other Delights at Byham Theater
Famed trumpeter Herb Alpert and his band will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” plus other hits from the 90-year-old’s lengthy career.
May 16: Bruce Cockburn at City Winery Pittsburgh
The Canadian singer-songwriter/activist is on the road with his Kicking at the Darkness tour, named for a line from his song, “Lovers in a Dangerous Time.”
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May 16: Smoking Popes, Off With Their Heads at Bottlerocket Social Hall
Pop punk veterans Smoking Popes will be playing the entire “Born to Quit” album in its entirety to mark its 30th anniversary, while Off With Their Heads will play the full “In Desolation” album on its 15th anniversary.
May 17: Alex Warren at Roxian Theatre
Pop singer Alex Warren, a former member of the TikTok collective the Hype House, is riding the success of his viral song “Ordinary,” which has topped the charts in the United Kingdom.
Other notable shows
May 3: Mamalarky, Colatura, Kennedy Mann at Government Center (Mamalarky’s Livvy Bennett, Noor Khan talk new ‘Hex Key’ album ahead of Pittsburgh concert)
May 4: Micky Dolenz at City Winery Pittsburgh
May 4: Bruce Hornsby and yMusic present BrhyM at Byham Theater
May 4: Nada Surf, The Cle Elum at Spirit Hall
May 9: Filter, Inside Out, Victoria Fire at Jergel’s
May 9: Maya De Vitry, Acaciawood at Mr. Smalls Funhouse
May 10: Napalm Death, Melvins, Titan to Tachyons, Dark Sky Burial at Mr. Smalls Theatre
May 13: Matt Andersen, Julian Taylor at City Winery Pittsburgh
May 15: Warren Zeiders, Tyler Braden at Stage AE
May 17: Wheatus, Punchline at Thunderbird Music Hall
May 17: Five For Fighting at City Winery Pittsburgh (John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting discusses songs highlight Ukraine, Israel and more)
May 20: Puscifer, Primus, A Perfect Circle at Petersen Events Center
May 20: Mayday Parade, Microwave, Grayscale, Like Roses at Stage AE
May 23: Barry Manilow at PPG Paints Arena
May 23: Insane Clown Posse at Mountain View Amphitheater
May 25: Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens at the Pavilion at Star Lake
May 30: Peter Hook & the Light at Roxian Theatre
May 30: The Beach Boys at Timber Rock Amphitheater
May 30: All Out Music Fest 2025: Galantis, Hayla, Meredith Marks, Michael Navarro, Athena Dion, Juicy Love, Kat Wilderness, Grant Knoche, Maude Latour, Adam Wright at Stage AE
May 31: Baroness at Thunderbird Music Hall