The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 15+ Iconic 80s Bands You MUST See On Tour This Year
The 80s are officially back in full force for 2025, proving that the decade's biggest anthems have truly become timeless classics. Unlike previous years that relied on nostalgia-lite shows, the 2025 concert calendar is packed with major headliners and epic package tours, delivering fresh, unique concert experiences for fans of New Wave, Synth-Pop, and Arena Rock. This is not just a rerun; it's a massive resurgence.
As of late December 2025, the tour announcements are locked in, featuring a lineup of legendary artists and bands—including Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Def Leppard, and a star-studded roster of New Wave icons—all hitting the road. Whether you are looking for a classic rock stadium show or a deep dive into the New Romantic sound, your 2025 concert season is set to be totally tubular and electric.
The New Wave Megatours: Simple Minds, Soft Cell, and the Totally Tubular Festival
The biggest news for New Wave and Synth-Pop enthusiasts in 2025 is the sheer number of high-profile, multi-band tours that have been announced. These package shows are the easiest way to catch multiple iconic acts in one night, offering incredible value and a deep dive into the genre's history. The topical authority for this genre is peaking with these confirmed lineups.
The "Alive & Kicking" Triple-Bill: Simple Minds with Soft Cell & Modern English
One of the most anticipated tours of the year is the Simple Minds-led "Alive & Kicking Tour 2025." This is a major North American headline tour that brings together three colossal UK acts from the era. The tour is scheduled to run from May through June 2025, hitting arenas and amphitheaters across the continent.
- Headliner: Simple Minds (Known for "Don't You (Forget About Me)," "Alive and Kicking").
- Special Guest: Soft Cell (Known for "Tainted Love," "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye"). This is a rare opportunity to see the duo on a major US tour.
- Opening Act: Modern English (Known for "I Melt with You").
This triple-bill is a must-see for fans of atmospheric new wave and synth-driven pop. The combination of Jim Kerr's powerful vocals, Marc Almond's theatrical delivery, and the timeless sound of Modern English makes this a cornerstone of the 2025 tour schedule.
The Totally Tubular Festival: A Flock of Seagulls, Thomas Dolby & More
The "Totally Tubular Festival" is returning to close out 2025 with a series of East Coast shows in late December. This festival-style tour is a dream lineup for New Wave purists, featuring a massive roster of artists known for their distinctive fashion and groundbreaking music videos.
The confirmed lineup for the late-year run includes:
- A Flock of Seagulls ("I Ran (So Far Away)")
- Men Without Hats ("Safety Dance")
- Thomas Dolby ("She Blinded Me with Science")
- The Romantics ("What I Like About You")
- Bow Wow Wow ("I Want Candy")
- Tommy Tutone ("867-5309/Jenny")
Earlier legs of the tour also feature appearances by Right Said Fred, Haircut100, The Tubes, The Motels, and Animotion, ensuring that the "Totally Tubular" experience is a comprehensive celebration of 80s pop culture throughout the year.
Arena Rock Legends and Pop Royalty: Def Leppard & Duran Duran
The 80s concert scene wouldn't be complete without the arena-filling heavyweights. Both Def Leppard and Duran Duran have confirmed major touring plans for 2025, showcasing their enduring appeal and massive catalogs of hit songs.
Def Leppard: Back on the Road
Def Leppard, one of the biggest names in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and a quintessential 80s rock band, has announced a series of U.S. tour dates for 2025. The tour officially kicked off in May 2025 with a performance at the Boardwalk Rock festival in Ocean City, Maryland, and includes a stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Fans can expect a setlist packed with their biggest hits from albums like *Pyromania* and *Hysteria*, including "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Love Bites," and "Photograph." The band's consistent touring schedule highlights their dedication to their hard rock sound and their loyal fanbase.
Duran Duran: The "Danse Macabre" Continues
The New Romantic pioneers, Duran Duran, are extending their touring schedule into late 2025 and even into 2026. The band's recent shows support their latest album, *Danse Macabre*, which was released on the one-year anniversary of the album.
Specific confirmed US dates include a show in Palm Desert, CA, on December 30, 2025, with further stops planned for early 2026. This means fans will have the chance to hear classics like "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Rio" alongside newer, atmospheric tracks. Simon Le Bon and the band continue to be a vibrant live act, mixing high-fashion aesthetics with infectious pop energy.
More Iconic 80s Artists and Essential Package Tours
Beyond the major headliners, several other crucial 80s acts are touring in 2025, ensuring that every subgenre of the decade is represented. Look out for these tours to complete your 80s concert checklist.
The "I Want My '80s Tour"
Named after the famous MTV slogan, the "I Want My '80s Tour" is a nostalgia-heavy package show led by the ultimate 80s heartthrob, Rick Springfield. The tour kicks off in May 2025 and runs throughout the summer, hitting major cities like St. Augustine, Charlotte, and Dallas.
The full lineup for this tour features several artists whose songs dominated radio and the early days of music television:
- Rick Springfield ("Jessie's Girl," "Love Somebody")
- John Waite ("Missing You")
- Wang Chung ("Everybody Have Fun Tonight," "Dance Hall Days")
- Paul Young ("Everytime You Go Away")
This tour is a perfect blend of power-pop, rock, and new wave, ideal for a summer night of sing-alongs.
Classic Rock Heavyweights with 80s Roots
Many bands whose careers peaked in the 70s had massive 80s success, and they are also on the road in 2025. These acts feature prominently in the concert landscape and are essential viewing for fans of 80s rock:
- Bryan Adams: The Canadian rocker, known for 80s hits like "Summer of '69" and "Heaven," has confirmed live performances throughout 2025.
- Bruce Springsteen: The Boss continues his extensive touring, bringing his stadium-rock energy and 80s staples like "Born in the U.S.A." to fans globally.
- Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The powerhouse duo is touring, delivering their signature 80s rock anthems like "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" and "Love Is a Battlefield."
- Journey and Foreigner: These AOR giants, whose biggest hits span the late 70s and all of the 80s, are also confirmed to be touring in 2025.
The 2025 concert calendar is a testament to the enduring power of 80s music. From the massive New Wave co-headlining tours to the stadium-rock spectacles, there is a show for every fan. Be sure to check official band and venue websites for the most up-to-date schedule and ticket information, as new dates are constantly being added. Don't miss your chance to relive the decade that defined a generation.
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