July Brings Popular Musicians to PNC Bank Arts Center

With the official start of summer now behind us, PNC Bank Arts Center gears up for a non-stop barrage of music in July. The month starts with classic rock and concludes with a superstar country star.

After we’ve celebrated our country’s independence, classic rock fans can cheer for a two headliner show when Yes and Styx come to Holmdel on July 5. 

Days later, college student’s favorites, O.A.R. bring their “Dave Matthews” style fun to PNC. The NJ July 9 date is their only area date this summer -- which makes the show so much sweeter for the fans. Speaking of the fans, they have rated the band’s shows a 4.6 out of 5 stars on LiveNation.com.

Area favorite, former rap-rocker gone country star, Kid Rock, rolls back into town on July 12 with his “Born Free Tour.” This year, Kid Rock brings Sheryl Crow as his touring mate. Lynyrd Skynrd was his opener last year and they absolutely stole they show. The problem with Kid Rock now: what should he play? Does his fans want the Country tunes that aren’t very good or the hard rock he made the world fall in love with him for? Will his tour mate this year over-shadow him again? With Crow’s huge hit list, it’s a strong possibility.

In the days following, Def Leppard and Heart, Brad Paisley, and Motley Crue all hit the stage. Neither Def Leppard or Heart has had a hit in years -- which is setting the show up on July 13 to be a half-empty gig. Paisley’s H20 II tour has been a sell-out or close to it at every venue it’s played at. He’s bringing along his drinking and pranking partner, Blake Shelton, to NJ. If you’re not familiar with Shelton, he’s one of the judges on The Voice. He’s also been on the cover of tabloids and magazines recently with the marriage of fellow country star, Miranda Lambert. Shelton is sporting a top 10 single with “Honeybee.”

Motley Crue returns without its annual “Crue Fest.” “Crue Fest” would bring rock bands that are a tad bit more current than this year's bill --- Poison and New York Dolls. Yes, Bret Michaels is a star again but the band hasn’t played a venue that holds more than 2,000 people in years. And the New York Dolls? Really? Expect the place to pack out when Crue plays but not a soul to be inside before Poison.

In the last days of the month, 311, Goo Goo Dolls, actress-turned-singer, Miranda Cosgrove, talentless Lil Wayne, Rockstar Mayhem Fest, Weezer with The Flaming Lips and finally megastar Tim McGraw come to town.

On July 21, 311 comes with Sublime with Rome, a reformation of the classic ska-rock band, Sublime, without their late singer. Sublime with Rome have gotten rave reviews for their live shows and their original tunes. It’s hard to imagine Sublime without their original singer but it works.

Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove aka the Carly in iCarly, comes on July 23 as a headliner. She is currently on tour supporting her latest EP, High Maintenance. While her acting career has her as an A-lister to the tween demographic, her singing career has yet to reach the same height.

Metal fans unite. The annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest returns to PNC for the second straight year. After Korn and Rob Zombie rocked the place last year, Disturbed, Godsmack and Megadeth round out the top 3 billed on the tour. Get to the venue early because the nonstop metal starts early on the Jagermeister and Revolver side stages. Last year's concert was loud and in your face and with this years lineup, expect nothing less than a face melting time.  Beware of parking for this concert though, the side stages take up most of the VIP parking areas.

Finally, enter country music’s nice guy Tim McGraw on July 29. His Emotional Traffic tour brings us an amazing lineup of bands. Best new artist, The Band Perry open with Luke Bryan as main support. Both artists have a slew of number one hits and could easily headline as tour themselves. Last year, Tim McGraw’s tour stop was easily one of the best selling dates of the PNC season. Parking was a mess and it took 45 minutes to get from the exit on the Garden State to the VIP parking area. McGraw pulled his kids on stage to sing one of his songs and was a standout moment. Fans never know what to expect from him gig to gig.

For further information on the schedule of LiveNation shows at the PNC, click here.