A concert finale group bow photograph by Frank Embacher showing Hans Zimmer (center) with members of the 19-piece ensemble backing him on a 2026-2027 'Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level' tour. Captured in a wide shot on a brightly illuminated concert stage, composer Hans Zimmer stands at the center with arms raised holding hands with his full touring band and orchestra ensemble as they take a collective bow before the audience. The musicians wear diverse stage attire, including a vibrant yellow-and-red plaid patterned gown and traditional draped garments, beneath an intricate array of overhead stage spotlights and light beams against a dark arena background.
Hans Zimmer (center) with members of the 19-piece ensemble backing him on a 2026-2027 ‘Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level’ tour. Credit: Frank Embacher / Sony Classical

Hans Zimmer has been the driving force behind scores that’ve defined cinema for at least three generations of moviegoers. His concerts have brought that music—think “The Lion King,” “The Rock,” “The Dark Knight,” “Dune” and so many more—but the 69-year-old wants a new tour coming to Tampa to have a different vibe.

“I want fans to feel like they’re at a rave party or riding a roller coaster. For me, every show is a new voyage of discovery,” Zimmer wrote in a press release. “The greatest challenge is the status quo – you have to do everything in your power to leave it behind and find and create something new.”

The five-time Grammy winner announced his “Next Level” tour last month, and plans to do three dates in the Sunshine State alongside a 19-piece band along with new lighting, sound and more.

Tickets to see Hans Zimmer play Benchmark International Arena in Tampa on Sunday, March 14 are on sale now and start at $95.75.

See Josh Bradley’s weekly roundup of new concerts coming to Tampa Bay below. 

Camping In Alaska w/Novely/Deep Bite/Pale Gold Wednesday, Oct. 21. 6 p.m. $24.06. Skatepark of Tampa, Tampa

Ordinary Boys (Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey) w/New Dawn Fades (Tribute to Joy Division & New Order) Saturday, Oct. 24. 8 p.m. $22.75. New World Music Hall, Tampa

Yung Gravy w/Terror Reid Sunday, Oct. 25. 7 p.m. $46.65 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

SAP w/Sludge Mother/Easterlin Thursday, Oct. 29. 7 p.m. $22.94. New World Music Hall, Tampa

Scattrbrain Thursday, Nov. 5. 8 p.m. $25. Zodiac Live (upstairs), Ybor City

Automelodi w/Glass Chapel/Guilty By Design Friday, Nov. 6. 7 p.m. $22.94. New World Music Hall, Tampa

Band of Silver (opening for Judah & The Lion w/Breakfield) Wednesday, Nov. 11. 6:30 p.m. $45.65 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Lindsey Stirling – Snow Waltz Tour w/Arkai Thursday, Nov. 19. 6 p.m. $65.25 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

Ripe Friday, Nov. 20. 6 p.m. $33.76. SkyBeach Resort, St. Petersburg

Bachman-Turner Overdrive w/John Waite Friday, Jan. 8. 6:30 p.m. $58 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Friday, Jan. 15. 7 p.m. $50 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Toby Mac’s Hits Deep Tour w/Jeremy Camp/Seph Schlueter/Katy Nichole Thursday, Feb. 4. 7 p.m. $20.10 & up. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa

The Electric Light Orchestra Experience featuring Evil Woman Wednesday, Feb. 10. 7 p.m. $42 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione Friday, Feb. 26. 7 p.m. $50 & up. Bilheimer, Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Polyphia w/Ladrons/RJ Pasin Sunday, Mar. 14. 6:30 p.m. $63.15 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Richard Elliot Friday, Apr. 16. 7 p.m. $50 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

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This article appears in Oct. 01 – 07, 2026.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...

Josh Bradley is Creative Loafing Tampa Bay's calendar editor. He started as a freelance music writer in 2020 at the age of 18, and after spending years covering, announcing, and previewing concerts in...