August ConcertMAP

Live Music — By coleman on August 4, 2010 7:51 pm

As we all know, Madrid in August is just not the place to be; the heat is unbearable, the locals all head for the beach, students go home and venues shut down for the month. With that in mind we here at MAP won’t waste your time with a paper-thin list of concerts in August. Instead, we’ll be looking ahead at some big name concerts that have recently been announced and give you a preview of what to look for when you get back from partying in Ibiza. So have a look at your August ConcertMAP featuring the top 5 upcoming shows to close out the 2010 live music scene in Madrid:

Arcade Fire 11/20 – Palacio de Deportes: I hesitate to use too many phrases like “can’t miss” and “must see” but the truth is there won’t be a better concert to come to Madrid in the entire year. On August 3^rd the Arcade Fire is set to release, The Suburbs, one of the most anticipated rock albums in recent memory and their first in over three years. The notoriously illusive group has only set a select few concert dates so far and it just so happens that Madrid has made this exclusive list, so don’t find yourself left out. For tickets click here.

Sting w/the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 10/30 – Palacio de Deportes: The iconic figure that is Sting joins forces with London’s Royal Philharmonic for the appropriately named Symphonicity tour. The goal of the collaboration is not just a simple rehashing of Sting’s classic tunes but a complete orchestral update giving each song a new life. The Royal Philharmonic may be one of the few names that can compare with that of Sting’s and seeing how the two come together on-stage promises to be a truly great concert.

MGMT 12/17 – La Riviera: After their successful debut album, Oracular Spectacular, which included some of the liveliest dance-rock tracks you’ll find, MGMT changed gears with 2010’s Congratulations. Topping their anthemic dance floor tunes “Kids”, “Time to Pretend” and “Electric Feel” might have been nearly impossible so the duo of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden opted to go back to their musical roots for their sophomore project. While the change most likely shocked some fans, it might have been better than trying to top the songs which drove the dance floors in 2008 (and still do) and at the same time it expands the group’s musical base. Trying to dissect these two musically may be difficult but their concert offers you a chance to get a look at one of the most popular groups touring today.

Interpol 11/13 – Palacio Vistalegre: As one of the pioneers of the early 2000s rock scene in New York, Interpol may seem like yesterdays news but rather than ride off into the musical sunset the group is set to release its fourth album, Lights, on September 7^th. Accordingly, the group has embarked on a huge world tour that, thankfully, will be passing through Madrid.

#5 Tie

Elton John 10/02 & Lady Gaga 12/12 – Palacio de Deportes: These two tied for the final spot based on name alone and their somewhat similar flamboyance. While Lady Gaga is easily the most recognizable face in pop music today, Sir Elton has held that distinction for some time and the two concerts offer you a chance to see how musical tastes have evolved over the years. Elton is teaming-up with long time friend and collaborator Ray Cooper for a recreation of their incredible 1970s tours. Gaga is taking full advantage of her insurmountable popularity with a series of large scale gigs dubbed the Monster Ball tour. The veteran chart topper and pop star of the moment will both be coming to Madrid and their tickets promise to sell out fast. For tickets to the shows click here.

There are also a number of honorable mentions that could have made the list, but this is a look at the biggest names that will be passing through Madrid to help close out one of the best years in live music that Madrid has ever seen. You’re most likely out on the road for August, but when you get back make sure to book your tickets for these shows and have a final look at MAP ‘s list of music festivals as we head into August and close out the summer.