Summer is the perfect season for experiencing live music, whether outdoors or in concert venues. Check out our collection showcasing some of the most notable musical performances of 2026, featuring works by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow, along with photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
On April 29, 2026, Bruce Springsteen graced the United Center in Chicago as part of his Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour.
Iconic singer and bassist Glenn Hughes, known for his tenure with Trapeze, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath, brought his band The Dead Daisies to the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, for an exclusive performance on May 30, 2026. The set included classic hits from Deep Purple such as “Smoke On the Water,” “Might Just Take Your Life,” and “Stormbringer,” along with their own tracks and a rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.”
Doug Aldrich of The Dead Daisies was featured at the Arcada Theatre during this memorable night.
On May 16, 2026, Zakk Sabbath, a tribute act to Black Sabbath led by long-time Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, opened for his own band Black Label Society at the Hollywood Casino in Joliet, Illinois. Their performance included covers of iconic Black Sabbath songs like “Children of the Grave,” “War Pigs,” and “Snowblind.”
Additionally, on May 14, 2026, Pepper Kennan, the guitarist and vocalist of Corrosion of Conformity, took the stage at Outset in Chicago. Woody Weatherman, the band’s lead guitarist, shared insights with CBS News’ Jake Barlow about their recent album, “Good Man/Bad Man.” He explained that the project stemmed from their desire to explore diverse musical directions, ultimately leading to the decision to divide it into two distinct records for greater creative freedom, reminiscent of the past.
Crobot joined Corrosion of Conformity on tour, also performing at Outset in Chicago on May 14, 2026. The Canadian rock band Triumph held a concert at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, on May 13, 2026, featuring guitarist Rick Emmett. Originally scheduled for a smaller venue, the show was moved to the larger arena due to heightened demand and ticket sales.
Drummer Gil Moore, who performed alongside Emmett, noted that their first tour in three decades was inspired by the Edmonton Oilers, who played Triumph’s music during their 2025 Stanley Cup playoff run. Moore emphasized the fans’ enthusiasm as a driving force behind the tour, stating that their loyalty made the 50th anniversary celebration possible.
On May 6, 2026, rock band Alter Bridge, featuring members Brian Marshall, Myles Kennedy, and Mark Tremonti, took the stage at the Salt Shed in Chicago as part of their What Lies Within Tour. The band delivered a powerful set including fan favorites like “Isolation,” “Ghosts of Days Gone By,” and “Addicted to Pain,” as well as tracks from their latest self-titled album, such as “Silent Divide,” “What Lies Within,” and “Tested and Able.”
Bruce Springsteen’s concert on April 29, 2026, at Chicago’s United Center featured a blend of his classic hits, including “Born to Run,” “Born in the U.S.A.,” “Hungry Heart,” and “Long Walk Home.” He also performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” “Because the Night,” a collaboration with Patti Smith, and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom.” Springsteen and the E Street Band were joined on this tour by Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine.
Drummer Carmine Appice, a founding member of the 1970s rock group Cactus, performed with the band’s current lineup at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois, on April 3, 2026, to promote their album “Temple of the Blues II,” alongside the “Cactus All-Stars.” Appice was joined by notable musicians including Artie Dillon, Ed Terry, Rob Caudill, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Pat Travers, Dug Pinnick, Eric Gales, and Billy Sheehan.
The heavy metal band Lamb of God rocked the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on March 25, 2026, as part of their North American Heaviest Tour of the Year, with lead vocalist Randy Blythe taking the spotlight.
Don’t forget to follow us throughout the summer of 2026 to keep up with the latest in live music!
Photographer Jake Barlow (Instagram)
Photographer Ed Spinelli (Instagram)
Photographer Kirstine Walton (Instagram)
Edited by senior producer David Morgan.
