Mick Jagger, Photo: The Rolling Stones
Classic rock fans are gearing up for the chance to see two of their favourite old school rockers, Billy Idol and The Rolling Stones, live in concert when they come to town this summer. Vancouver is already a premier destination for big concerts, so prepare for an electric atmosphere when they both visit on their huge tours.
Billy Idol
Photo: Billy Idol
British punk rocker Billy Idol kicks off his Rebel Yell Canada 2024 Tour when he visits Rogers Arena on July 30 before embarking across the country. He’ll spend the summer hitting a dozen Canadian cities from coast to coast.
The 1980s rock legend, known for classic songs like “Dancing with Myself” and “White Wedding,” will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of his sophomore album Rebel Yell.
Located centrally downtown in False Creek, Rogers Arena is the city’s premier indoor multi-purpose arena that seats up to 19,700 and has been home to the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL since 1995.
To purchase Billy Idol tickets, visit Ticketmaster.
The Rolling Stones
Ronnie Wood, Photo: The Rolling Stones
Fortunately for us, Vancouver is the only Canadian stop on The Rolling Stones’ 16-city North American Hackney Diamonds ’24 Tour when Mick, Keith, and Ronnie play BC Place Stadium on July 5.
Fans can expect a full experience as the rockers promise to play all their fan-favourite songs, deep cuts, and tracks from their newest album Hackney Diamonds. Tens of thousands of Stones fans of every generation are guaranteed to pack the stadium, rock out to all their hits, and savour one of the all-time great bands before they retire.
Just down the street from Rogers Arena, BC Place has a retractable roof and seats up to 65,000. It’s home to the CFL’s BC Lions, MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. It’s famous for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and will soon host the 111th Grey Cup, Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, and seven matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
To purchase Stones tickets, visit Ticketmaster.
Record Shopping
Vinyl Records, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Looking to grab your favourite Idol or Stones album on new or used vinyl? For music fans and record collectors, Vancouver is home to a booming independent vinyl scene with fine shops like Vinyl Records and Beat Street Records (for the hip-hop crowd) in Gastown, Neptoon Records and Red Cat Records only a few blocks apart in Riley Park, both Audiopile and Highlife Records on Commercial Drive, and Zulu Records in Kitsilano.
Rock & Roll Bars
Fox Cabaret, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Vancouver is also rich with its own rock and roll history. Before the concert, check out classic rock-friendly downtown bars and venues like Guilt & Company, Library Square Pub, Portside Pub, The Blarney Stone, or The Morrissey Pub. On Main Street, try Fox Cabaret or Hero’s Welcome for some more good live music vibes.