Neil Diamond has spent the past five decades on the pop charts.
The iconic showman, known for his indelible pop anthems and endearingly corny style, broke into the charts in 1966 with the song “Solitary Man.”
That song began a long line of hits, almost all of which are perfect for karaoke: “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Cherry Cherry,” “Cracklin’ Rosie” and, of course, “Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good).”
Songwriting aside, Diamond may be best loved by his fans for his ability to deliver the goods in a live setting. The man, who has one of the greatest concert album covers of all time thanks to “Hot August Night,” is now back on the road.
Diamond will hit KeyArena at 8 p.m. May 10 as he tours behind his latest album, last year’s “Melody Road.” That album hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and was praised by some critics for returning Diamond to the schmaltzy sounds that helped make him famous.
Tickets are $78.23 to $169.27 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
***
Also this weekend, Sleater-Kinney will finish its three-night stand at the Showbox, as the indie rock trio continues its triumphant return to the stage. The group plays at 9 p.m. May 8 and 9.
Sleater-Kinney went on an extended hiatus after releasing the 2005 album “The Woods.” Interest in the band grew, however, thanks to well-received side projects such as Wild Flag and the unexpected fame of bassist Carrie Brownstein, co-star of the hit sketch comedy show “Portlandia.”
By the time the band reunited, it had gained more than a few fans, helping push its new record,
January’s “No Cities to Love,” to No. 18 on the charts — by far the band’s best showing on the charts ever.
Tickets are $30 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
***
Speaking of three-night stands, guitar great Joe Bonamassa will begin his own short residency at the Paramount Theatre at 8 p.m. May 14.
Bonamassa is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. The 38-year-old musician has made a name for himself by channeling the blues-infused sounds of rock greats like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton.
Bonamassa is touring now behind his September album, “Different Shades of Blue,” which found him both recording original tracks and paying homage to another guitar great, Jimi Hendrix, with a cover of “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun).”
Tickets are $79 to $125 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
***
It’s also time for another Life in Color concert, the annual show featuring some of the biggest names in EDM — electronic dance music. The 18-and-over show hits the Tacoma Dome at 8 p.m. May 8.
Headliners for this year’s show include Diplo, Laidback Luke, Bro Safari and Branchez. Expect those names to draw plenty of twenty-somethings eager to dress up in costumes, splatter their bodies with paint, and wave LED lights in the air.
Tickets are $68.08 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
***
Influential indie rock act The Jesus and Mary Chain will play the Showbox at 9 p.m. May 14 as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of its debut album “Psychocandy.”
The Scottish act made its name by covering its music with thick layers of buzzing guitars, influencing acts like Dinosaur Jr., among many others.
Tickets are $35 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
***
Finally, punk-flecked indie rockers Cloud Nothings also are headed to Seattle, playing a benefit show at the Neptune Theatre at 8 p.m. May 14.
Led by songwriter Dylan Baldi, the energetic Ohio-based group has built up a steady stream of buzz thanks to its past two albums, 2012’s “Attack on Memory” and 2014’s “Here and Nowhere Else.” Both of those discs showcased Baldi’s ability to meld smart lyrics with a buzz of guitar hooks.
Proceeds from the Seattle show will benefit Teen Tix, a youth arts organization.
Tickets are $15 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
