

The move defined them after their early breakout with an image as a kind of New Romantic boy band. Earnest pleas for tolerance like “People are People” and playfully suggestive vamps like “Master and Servant” gave way to atmospheric dirge-y washes and funereal tempos made for moping, not dancing. Between Young and Paisley, fans are sure to be treated to many familiar sing-along country hits.After their 1986 album Black Celebration, new wave legends Depeche Mode fully committed to being the most gloriously gloomy band next to The Cure to appear on stadium stages. The winner of televised singing competition Nashville Star in 2006, Young has several #1 singles to his name, including “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” and “The Man I Want to Be”.

New opener Chris Young may even elevate that rating even more.

Paisley is also a darling of the country music scene, and his live performances have consistently ranked among some of the best by fans voting on. Zac Brown Band are a significant opener, as their popularity has soared recently, but Chesney is sparing no expense for his big The No Shoes Radio Tour, which marks 20 years of touring for Chesney, who continues to be one of country music’s biggest stars. Zac Brown Band, opening for Kenny ChesneyĬountry collective Zac Brown Band will join country great Kenny Chesney on the road for several dates this summer, solidifying an all-star lineup throughout Chesney’s tour that also includes Kacey Musgraves and Eric Church. That Crystal Castles’ album covers often take place in a graveyard is an allusion to their sound, one filled with synth-tinged darkness like their surefire influences, the main act Depeche Mode. Crystal Castles craft a similarly unique electronic sound, both odd and infectious in ways that supplement a darkly romantic sound. Goulding is joining Bruno Mars on his Moonshine Jungle World Tour, and fans can expect a wonderfully grandiose show with more stars than most.Ĭrystal Castles, opening for Depeche Modeĭepeche Mode are rightly considered one of the best electronic-pop acts of all time, and are considered by many to have been responsible for ushering electronically incorporated pop music into the mainstream – even as their songs were bizarrely idiosyncratic. Not many can compare in stature in terms of opening acts, but Bruno Mars is a bright enough star. Her second album, Halcyon in 2012, drew similar praise and sales, reaching the top five in the UK. The British artist had a debut album in 2010, Lights, which debuted at #1 in the UK Albums chart. Ellie Goulding could probably sell out large venues on her own, though. The previous three openers on this list remain somewhat unknown, despite some flashes of success. Lord Huron has a big spotlight to open up for, but his ambitious sound fits the shoe. Using atmospheric samples and electronic wizardry, Lord Huron’s electro-acoustic sound should serve as an engaging opener to Dave Matthews, a legend of the live music scene. Lord Huron is the project of Ben Schneider, who has received acclaim in the music blogosphere the past several years for a caressing folk sound with elements of Afro-pop, chillwave, and other tropically inclined sub-genres of electronica. Their exciting and tight electro-pop sound should be a contemporary lead-in to New Order, who sound like the older brothers of Holy Ghost! So it makes sense that an equally eclectic group like Holy Ghost! will open for New Order this summer, in addition to spots at festivals like Governor’s Ball. Ever since some of their members were in the legendary post-punk group Joy Division, they have treaded all types of waters, from infectious dance-pop to slick guitar-rock. New Order has endured a thriving and eclectic career. Florida Georgia Line produces a very similar sound, without the boyfriend anecdotes. The feel-good country vibes of the track, as well as the massive times viewed, coincides well with Swift’s sound. The southern-rock duo is making waves with their hit track “Cruise”, which has over 25 million views on YouTube. Taylor Swift’s massive 2013 tour features accompanying acts ranging from Joel Crouse to Casey James, but Florida Georgia Line are a mainstay. For summer 2013, here are some opening acts that make the one-two headlining punch a knockout:įlorida Georgia Line, opening for Taylor Swift In addition to attracting a larger fan base, their music sets the tone and level of excitement for the act to follow. Although the main act is the ever-important draw to ticket sales, an opener can be equally important. A summer mega tour isn’t worth its namesake if it doesn’t feature a proper pre-game.
