Is there anything better than being at a concert on New Years Eve?
Besides the beautiful music and alcoholic beverages, there's the sense of community by saying adios to the past and hello to a new chapter among tens of thousands of strangers who love the same tunes you do.
From Guy Lombardo to the Grateful Dead, ringing in the new year with live music has become a tradition for so many and this year some big names are joining in on the fun.
Billy Joel @ UBS Arena, New York
The Piano Man must have enjoyed his time at UBS Arena last New Year's Eve because he's headed back to Belmont Park, New York to do it again. The UBS is the NHL home of the New York Islanders and sits about 20,000 revelers.
Last year Billy played an epic 30-song set.
“Welcoming Billy Joel back to UBS Arena is the perfect way to celebrate what has been a hallmark year for the new venue,” UBS Arena Senior Vice President of Programming Mark Shulman said. “Capping off a stellar year that has featured legendary performers, marquee sporting events, and family shows with our hometown hero is the perfect way to ring in the new year.”
Last year Regina Spektor opened the show and closed the night out with Billy by helping him on "You May Be Right." Tickets are sold out but keep your eyes on his website to see if any are released.
50 Cent @ Planet Hollywood Live, Las Vegas
Instead of just parachuting in and performing a one-off, 50 Cent is going to party like it's his birthday and spend a few weeks in Sin City.
The rapper and vitamin water entrepreneur will be delighting audiences on the strip for six nights at Planet Hollywood in the heart of Vegas.
This will be 50's first Vegas residency. Over the years he'll pop in and do a show or two at Drai's nightclub that accommodates about 2,000 people. Planet Hollywood Live which has gone through a few name changes (Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts, The AXIS, Zappos Theater, etc.) seats about 7,000
Tickets available on Fiddy's website.
Morrissey @ The Hollywood Palladium
Sure, make jokes about how Moz might not make it to the show or leave at 11pm because it got drafty in the historic Hollywood Palladium, but LA loves Morrissey and Morrissey loves LA.
Plus the Palladium's stage is high enough it'd be tough for fans to get to him and hug him too much.
On his Instagram announcing the show, the social media author wrote: "Morrissey will be leading the countdown from stage, complete with midnight balloon drop." That might be worth it all right there.
Opening will be Mariachi El Bronx which will delight both Morrissey's loyal Latino fanbase in LA, and also those unaware of the San Gabriel punk band, The Bronx's alter ego who might even be better with the mariachi vibe.
Tickets available here starting at noon today.
Janet Jackson @ Resorts World Theatre, Las Vegas
Miss Jackson is returning to Vegas but this time at the three year-old Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World.
She'll perform on the 30th and then NYE, but then she will jet back for the next weekend and then come back for a half dozen gigs in February.
If anyone could rest on their laurels it's Janet but this year she performed over 50 gigs and her average setlist was close to 40 songs. While others might vacation in the islands after a busy year, Janet is kicking off a residency.
Tickets available on Janet's website.
Joey Fatone and AJ McLean @ House of Blues, Orlando
The 48-year-old boybanders (Joey of NSYNC and AJ of Backstreet Boys) have been entertaining longtime fans for both groups via the Legendary Nights Tour.
The concept is pretty genius, they put together a full band including horns and lead the sing-a-long of hits from each group and covers.
After a day at Disney with the kids, a fun night with the adults at the House of Blues sounds like a delightful New Year's Eve if in Florida.
Tickets available on AJ's Bandsintown.
