- Don’t wait: see your musical heroes while they’re still on stage.
- 2025 highlighted big legacy acts — The Who, Chicago and ’80s stars — plus contemporary stadium draws like Coldplay.
- Some artists remain transcendent live; others are clearly on the wane — catch the great performances while you can.
H2: Why 2025 felt like a year to hurry to concerts
Washington Post columnist Marc A. Thiessen framed the season with a simple warning: hurry up and see the acts you love. In an opinion roundup of his favorite concerts of 2025, Thiessen urged readers to prioritize live shows as many major artists either embark on farewell tours or show signs of slowing down.
That message landed in anecdotes as well as broad trends. Some legendary performers still sounded remarkable; others reminded listeners that every stage has an end. The through-line: live music has an urgency that recorded albums can’t replicate.
H3: Legacy acts and ’80s revivals dominated
Thiessen’s picks leaned heavily on legacy artists. Long-running rock bands such as The Who and iconic acts like Chicago featured as standout shows of the year. The resurgence of ’80s-era tours and nostalgia packages kept arenas full, offering fans a chance to relive formative moments in person.
Those concerts weren’t just museum pieces. For many attendees, the shows delivered energy and musicianship that justified the pilgrimage. But Thiessen also cautioned that not every repeat performance held up — some artists who peaked decades ago were showing their age on stage.
H3: Live excellence and decline — the same season
The column contrasted unforgettable sets with sharper declines. Thiessen pointed to soul legend Al Green as an example: a magical, high-point performance at a festival one moment, and a visibly diminished show on another stop.
That duality reinforced his core advice: when an artist is still brilliant, don’t miss them. When they’re fading, your only regret will be the missed opportunity to remember them at their best.
H4: Where contemporary acts like coldplay fit in
Contemporary stadium acts such as coldplay — still drawing massive crowds in 2025 — offered a different kind of live spectacle. Their large-scale productions and catalog-wide appeal make them easy picks for fans wanting a modern concert experience. Thiessen’s argument applies equally: book the tickets now, because the live music landscape can change quickly.
H5: Practical takeaways for concertgoers
- Prioritize artists who shaped your life and whose live shows are still stellar.
- Check reviews and early reports from tour stops to judge current form.
- Consider smaller venues and festival appearances for closer, more intimate experiences.
Whether your must-see list is anchored in classic rock, ’80s nostalgia or modern stadium box-office draws like coldplay, the 2025 concert season was a reminder: live music is ephemeral. If you can, go — and bring someone who’ll remember the night with you.
Image Referance: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/24/best-concerts-musical-acts-2025/
