Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres around the Valley. This week’s column features plenty of offerings for metalheads and an appearance by a folk legend.
July 23
Babymetal
The innovative Kawaii metal band is closing out its summer tour promoting its fifth album, the aptly titled Metal Forth. Joining the trio will be its “Kon! Kon!” collaborators, the Indian nu-metal group Bloodywood. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
July 25-26
Don McLean
Google the singer-songwriter, and the search engine will share with you shocking takes of an unpleasant and angry man. And those are just the kinder recollections of McLean. We’ve obviously never met the guy, so we can’t verify these reports. We just think his version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” is pretty good, along with his tribute to Van Gogh called “Vincent.” However, when he shows a bit of kindness, we want to take note. For instance, when speaking to Billboard last month, the folk artist went on the record to say that “Weird Al” Yankovic’s parody of his epic tribute to the ’50s, “American Pie,” titled “The Saga Begins,” was “better than the original.” For a man not known for his humility, we have to at least show McLean a little respect for appreciating Yankovic’s hilarious ode to Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. 7:30 p.m., $130.50-$145.50, Musical Instrument Museum. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
July 25
Less Than Jake
It’s going to be a ska-tastic summer when the “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads” group brings some much-needed madness and mayhem to the Valley with Fishbone and The Suicide Machines. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
July 25
Disney Descendants/Zombies Worlds Collide Tour
If you have tweens, you’re likely familiar with Disney Channel Original Movies Descendants, musicals about teenage children of Disney villains, and Zombies, a series about a zombie and a cheerleader’s star-crossed romance. The films’ stars will perform their songs in an energetic arena show for families. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. PHX Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, phx-arena.com
July 26
Volbeat
Horns up! After a short hiatus, the Danish metal band has returned to the stage to promote its latest album, God of Angels Trust, which features the hit single “In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in a Dying World of Doom.” 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
