A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts beginning with Thursday, ’cause that’s when the weekend really starts, right? For a more comprehensive schedule of concerts, check out our Upcoming Events page.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Waters. In recent tours, Winter performs seated due to various health issues, and avoids playing rock music all together to focus solely on the blues. Don’t expect a “Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo” (one of his few hits), though you might hear his renown blues-out rendition of Bob Dylan's “Highway 61 Revisited.” 8 p.m., State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $25 dos.
Afroman The “Because I Got High” tongue-in-cheek rap artist has released 11 albums in 11 years; his most recent, Frobama: Head of State, dropped in May. 8 p.m., Bourbon Street Night Club, New Port Richey, $15.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
U2 w/Muse There’s no denying the sheer superstar power and awesome dynamism of U2, the foursome’s longevity earned after years of solid hits and a consistent effort to evolve without losing their distinguishing Dublin-brewed alt rock sound. Aside from the shady 12-year $100 million deal with Live Nation (which gives the live events company control of U2’s merchandise, sponsorships and official website), the band has been pretty good about retaining a sense of decorum and integrity, donating some of their billions to charitable causes around the world, bringing global issues of poverty, disease, and social injustice to light via performances, appearances, campaigns and fundraisers, and even starting their own nonprofits or backing initiatives to help those in need. No Line on the Horizon is their 12th and latest studio album, and critics (myself not included) are falling all over the thing like it’s Irish gold. But when has U2 ever really disappointed? The current “U2 360° Tour” features a 360-degree staging/audience configuration, which should make for quite the RayJay spectacle. Not sure who can afford the $250 seats in this economy, but someone’s gotta pay for that stage show and it ain’t the $35 nosebleeds (those go towards Bono’s wardrobe). 7 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, $35, $55, $95 and $250.
This article appears in Oct 8-14, 2009.