The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant season for music lovers, with an array of live performances captivating audiences across the country. CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow, along with Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton, captured stunning images of some of the most noteworthy acts hitting the stage this summer.
Among the standout performances was The Weeknd, who brought his “After Hours til Dawn” tour to Chicago’s Soldier Field on May 31. Opening his set with “The Abyss,” a song from his recent film “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” he donned a mask adorned with glowing eyes and treated the crowd to nearly 40 tracks throughout the night.
On the same date, the heavy metal event “Sessanta” took place at the American Family Insurance Amphitheatre in Milwaukee. This powerhouse collaboration featured bands Puscifer, Primus, and A Perfect Circle. The evening’s lineup included iconic figures such as Maynard James Keenan and Les Claypool, all performing a mix of favorite hits and new material.
Earlier in May, iconic rock band AC/DC electrified Soldier Field with a performance that included classics like “Highway to Hell” and “Thunderstruck.” Their set was a nostalgic journey, showcasing tracks from their 17th studio album, “Power Up,” which topped the charts worldwide when released in late 2020.
Paul Simon graced the Symphony Center in Chicago with the first of three shows on May 23, where he opened with selections from his latest album “Seven Psalms” alongside wife Edie Brickell, followed by beloved hits from their extensive catalog.
Additionally, Rival Sons rocked the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on May 1, while Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds brought their “The Wild God Tour” to the Salt Shed in Chicago on April 28. Both acts are known for their powerful engagements that leave audiences enthralled.
The heavy metal band Trivium made waves during their “Poisoned Ascendancy Tour” at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on April 26. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album “Ascendancy,” the band delivered a memorable performance with fan-favorite tracks.
Returning to their roots, Chicago’s own OK Go performed at the Riviera Theater on April 25, showcasing their latest album, “And the Adjacent Possible.”
My Morning Jacket played at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee on April 18, kicking off their summer tour with a lineup of dynamic performances. Geoff Tate, along with Finnish musician Michael Monroe, also added to the rich tapestry of live music that month with shows at the Arcada Theatre.
Kylie Minogue dazzled fans at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont on April 2, with a performance that spanned multiple acts, featuring favorites like “Padam Padam” and “Tension,” along with covers from renowned artists such as Carole King and Nick Cave.
Finally, alternative metal group Deftones wrapped up March with a vibrant concert at the United Center in Chicago, where lead singer Chino Moreno engaged the crowd with tracks like “Diamond Eyes” and “Swerve City.” Meanwhile, English singer-songwriter Bishop Briggs made her mark at Metro in Chicago on March 22, performing songs from her new album, “Tell My Therapist I’m Fine.”
As summer progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating performances from these artists, highlighting the magnetic energy of live music.