The year’s first quarter tends to be a quiet time for Las Vegas concertgoers, but it’s not entirely without opportunities for getting off the couch. Here are a few of the more promising shows for January, February and early March …
Melvins at 172 (January 11) If you haven’t checked out the Rio’s new, 300-capacity venue, here’s a perfect opportunity: the latest Vegas visit by stoner-rock stalwarts Buzz Osbourne and Dale Crover, joined for this tour by bassists Steve McDonald (Redd Kross) and J.D. Pinkus (Butthole Surfers). $23.
Corrosion of Conformity at Backstage Bar & Billiards (January 25) The alt-metal vets—now reunited with longtime vocalist Pepper Keenan—will be joined by openers Crowbar,Weedeater and Mothership for what promises to be a long, heavy night. $25-$29.
Duster at Beauty Bar (January 30) What’s more surprising: that the ’90s slowcore faves are back after 15-plus years away (reportedly finishing up a catalog reissue for Numero Group) or that their tour will bring them here? $18.
Travis Scott at T-Mobile Arena (February 6) Even if you go out of your way to avoid the latest gossip about the “Sicko Mode” rapper and partner Kylie Jenner, you might like to know that Scott plans to haul a huge freaking roller coaster inside T-Mobile Arena as part of his Astroworld tour setup. $59-$130.
Los Lobos at Golden Nugget (February 8) If you still think of them as that band that covered “La Bamba,” it’s time to dig into the catalog a bit (start with 1992’s Kiko) and check out their dynamic, musically varied live show. We predict you’ll sign their online Rock and Roll Hall of Fame petition on your way home. $59-$119.
Le Butcherettes at Bunkhouse Saloon (February 14) Teri Gender Bender’s Crystal Fairy hard rock project (featuring frequent cohort Omar Rodriguez-López) dropped off the 2017 Psycho Las Vegas lineup, but you can catch her primary, high-energy garage-rock act for just $15.
The Roots at the Joint (February 22) Once Vegas semi-regulars, Black Thought, Questlove and the gang—you know, The Tonight Show’s house band—haven’t been seen ’round these parts in more than four years. $38-$155.
Duran Duran at the Chelsea (February 22 & 23) The last time the New Wave throwbacks played the Strip—pairing with Chic at Mandalay Bay in 2016—founding keyboardist Nick Rhodes missed the gig due to a family emergency. You’ll have two chances to witness the full band this time. $49-$199.
OMD at House of Blues (January 24) The English synth-poppers behind “If You Leave” (of Pretty in Pink fame) and “Enola Gay” returns, armed with recent album The Punishment of Luxury. $35-$47.
Muse at Mandalay Bay Events Center (March 2) Depending whom you ask, November’s Simulation Theory LP was either “an escape from the mire of the here and now” (NME, 4/5 stars) or “wholly derivative” (Rolling Stone, 2/5 stars). Attend and decide for yourself how well it translates to the stage. $69-$99.
Kurt Vile & The Violators at House of Blues (March 3) We never expected to see Vile back in Las Vegas, considering how poorly the indie rocker’s righteous 2016 Brooklyn Bowl performance drew. Yet here he is, giving our city another chance. Let’s reward his belief in us. $25.
Band of Horses at Brooklyn Bowl (March 7) Whether you’ve been along for the ride since “The Funeral” or hopped on with high-charting LP Infinite Arms, you’ll feel lucky to catch one of just five stops on Ben Bridwell & Co.’s 2019 West Coast jaunt. $35-$40.
Justin Timberlake at T-Mobile Arena (March 8) Originally scheduled for early December, this Man of the Woods tour date got pushed back while the pop singer recovered from a vocal cord issue. $60-$280.
