Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley, and this week’s column features acts with longevity.
May 9
Lil Wayne
Keep your McDonald’s away from Lil Wayne’s tour bus. The rapper recently explained to Apple Music One’s Zane Lowe that a personal chef prepares meals for him on tour, which he’s done since he was 19. Maybe that’s why he’s one of the most influential rappers of all time. 8 p.m., $129, The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
May 10
Placebo
After a 10-year absence, the British alt-rockers are living proof that goth never died – it just went on hiatus. The “Pure Morning” group is finally returning to the States to perform tracks from their new album, Never Let Me Go. 8 p.m., $37-$57, Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com
May 10
Crowded House
At long last, the Australian band behind one of the greatest love songs of all time (“Don’t Dream It’s Over”) returns to the States to perform. Joining founding members Nick Seymour and Neil Finn and keyboardist Mitchell Froom are Finn’s sons, guitarist and singer Liam Finn and drummer Elroy Finn. 7:30 p.m., $50-$128, Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644.6500, mesaartscenter.com
May 12
Future Islands
It’s hard to tell why Future Islands’ 2014 performance of their breakthrough single “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on The Late Show with David Letterman went viral. A cross between the convulsive movements of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis and Elaine’s dance at the J. Peterman office party on Seinfeld, there’s something passionate about how frontman Samuel T. Herring thrusts around artistically during a performance. 8 p.m., $129, The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
May 14
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The California rap-rockers are coming to the Valley and bringing New York City legends The Strokes with them. Get your lighters ready for that performance of “Under the Bridge.” 6:30 p.m., $77-$390, State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, redhotchilipeppers.com
