World-Renowned Rock Groups Continuing Global Tours: 15 Enduring Acts Including Rolling Stones and AC/DC
In the ever-evolving world of music, some bands have managed to stand the test of time, maintaining their relevance and captivating audiences decades after their formation. These iconic rock bands have achieved this feat through a combination of ongoing touring, releasing new albums, and delivering remarkable live performances.
Cheap Trick, formed in 1973, remain regulars on the US live circuit, with Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, and Tom Petersson as the main members. Their son Daxx Nielsen now plays the drums, ensuring the band's legacy continues to thrive.
The Rolling Stones, formed in 1962, are still touring with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, maintaining a devoted fan base. Their latest album, 2023's Hackney Diamonds, received critical acclaim. Despite the loss of longtime drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the band continues to perform.
Scorpions' reputation comes from their ambitious live shows, and they continue to sell out dates around the world. Aerosmith, formed in 1970, is currently performing on a farewell tour, in part due to concerns over singer Steven Tyler's voice. However, he seems to be holding up, as shown by his strong performance at the Black Sabbath tribute show in London this month. The band's rhythm section remains largely in lockstep, with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford on guitars and Tom Hamilton on bass.
Metallica, formed in 1981, continue to tour and record, with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo as the main members. Their latest album, 72 Seasons, was released in 2023. AC/DC, formed in 1973, continue to release albums and perform with Angus Young and Brian Johnson. Their latest album, Power Up, was released in 2020.
Deep Purple, formed in 1968, continue to tour with singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover. Their latest album, =I, was released in 2024. Iron Maiden, formed in 1975, are still defined by Bruce Dickinson's vocals and Steve Harris's bass riffs. Their latest album was released in 2024.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, formed in 1983, continue to perform with Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and Chad Smith. They reunited with guitarist John Frusciante in 2019. Depeche Mode, formed in 1980, now operate as a duo with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore. Their 2023 album Memento Mori was widely viewed as one of their best releases.
ZZ Top, formed in 1969, continue to perform with Billy Gibbons (guitar and vocals) and Frank Beard (drums). Bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021, but the band enlisted his longtime bass tech, Elwood Francis, into the trio.
Chicago, originally formed as The Big Thing in 1967, remains beloved despite frontman Peter Cetera leaving in 1985. Robert Lamm (keyboards and vocals) and Lee Loughnane (trumpet) continue as key members.
U2, formed in 1976, continue to release albums and tour, with plans for a new album and world tour. Def Leppard, formed in 1977, continue to pack stadiums, led by singer Joe Elliott and bassist Rick Savage. Their 2023 album Drastic Symphonies reimagined their classic tracks with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Scorpions are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a world tour that includes a stop at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena in October. The Who's latest tour could be their last, according to reports. Iron Maiden and Def Leppard also have upcoming tours planned.
These bands have sustained longevity by actively engaging their large fan bases with fresh material and live shows, often revisiting classic hits while evolving their sound. For example, many have continued major world tours, which generate significant revenue and keep them in the public eye. Although the provided search results focus primarily on Bruce Springsteen's exceptionally successful 2023-2025 tour, grossing nearly $730 million over 129 shows and becoming one of the highest-grossing tours in history, this underscores the importance of extensive touring in maintaining relevance in the rock scene.
Most of these bands similarly capitalize on large-scale tours that often sell out stadiums internationally, combining nostalgia with contemporary appeal. They also frequently release new albums that resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners, reflecting an ability to adapt while preserving their core rock identity.
While specific recent data for each band from the search results is not available, their enduring presence is well-documented in music media beyond this dataset, with ongoing tours and new releases often covered in industry news. Examples include U2’s continuous innovation in live performances and album releases, Metallica’s sustained popularity through both studio work and extensive touring, and Depeche Mode’s continued influence in blending rock with electronic music.
In summary, these iconic rock bands stay relevant by persistently touring globally, offering fresh music alongside their classic repertoire, and delivering dynamic live shows that reinforce their legacy and appeal to multiple generations of rock fans. The scale and success of tours like Bruce Springsteen’s 2023-2025 run exemplify the strategy often adopted by these veteran acts to maintain their status in the rock music world.
- Cheap Trick's legacy continues to thrive with their son Daxx Nielsen playing the drums, ensuring they remain regulars on the US live circuit.
- Screenings of The Rolling Stones' latest album, Hackney Diamonds, have received critical acclaim, which suggests their enduring popularity.
- In the entertainment realm, Deep Purple's latest album =I was released in a year that is not specified but is clearly in the future.
- UAE's Etihad Arena will host Scorpions' world tour celebrating their 60th anniversary, demonstrating their continued relevance in the world music stage.
