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The National
13-07-2025
- The National
From Rolling Stones to The Who and Scorpions: 11 of the longest-running rock bands still touring the world
With rock music retreating from the cultural zeitgeist, the mere act of enduring is a statement in itself. On that score, there are still plenty of bands out there raising the flag for the genre and maintaining their connection with a devoted fanbase. The UAE will experience this when German rockers Scorpions return to Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena in October as part of a tour celebrating their 60th anniversary. While many groups have continued with new members or revised formations, a handful continue to hit the road with core members still intact. On the back of Black Sabbath's final show last week, here are 11 bands – presented chronologically by their formation dates – that endure, loud and proud, to this day. 1. The Rolling Stones (1962) While the Rolling Stones started out as a band to jam out their favourite American blues records, core members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards continue to tour the world, and each go-around has become bigger and better Throughout their 60 years, they've held the record for highest-grossing tour multiple times. They still remain relevant with latest album, 2023's Hackney Diamonds, receiving critical acclaim. Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer, died in 2021, but his absence hasn't slowed the band's drive. 2. The Who (1964) The band is entering its twilight, with remaining members, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, reportedly stating their latest tour could be their last. Over the years, The Who has defined and redefined rock and roll with a vast catalogue of classic albums, including Tommy (1969) and Quadrophenia (1973), both of which brought theatricality and pop to rock without sacrificing any of the attitude. Original drummer Keith Moon died in 1978, and bassist John Entwistle passed away in 2002, but it is the creative chemistry and tension between Daltrey and Townshend that keeps The Who an ongoing concern. 3. Scorpions (1965) The German hard rock band is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a world tour that stops at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena in October. Ironically, despite their hard-edged sound, the group remains internationally known for perhaps their most tender song, Wind of Change. While albums like 2022's Rock Believer have become increasingly fans-only affairs, the Scorpions' reputation comes from their ambitious live shows. They continue to sell out dates around the world, including their last appearance at Etihad Arena in 2024. 4. Chicago (1967) Despite frontman Peter Cetera eventually leaving the group in 1985 towards a successful solo career, Chicago – who originally formed under the name The Big Thing – remains beloved. Robert Lamm (keyboards and vocals) and Lee Loughnane (trumpet) continue as key members of the band. While their shows are essentially greatest hits sets, featuring favourites Hard to Say I'm Sorry and You're the Inspiration, they still manage to pack in halls across North America. That may be because Chicago was never really defined by a single player or vocalist. Their appeal comes from the overall band sound, a catchy blend of jazz and pop built on bright brass sections and winning harmonies that keep the band in good stead. 5. ZZ Top (1969) ZZ Top are the quiet heroes of rock. Ever since forming, they've been absolute road-hounds. Billy Gibbons (guitar and vocals) and Frank Beard (drums) continue to perform. Bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021 but, rather than calling it quits, ZZ Top kept it in-house by enlisting Hill's longtime bass tech, Elwood Francis, into the trio. Across more than 20 albums, the band remained faithful to their groovy blend of Texas blues rock, proving if something ain't broke, why fix it? 6. Aerosmith (1970) Aerosmith is currently performing on what they've announced as their farewell tour, in part due to concerns over singer Steven Tyler's voice. However, he seems to be holding up, judging by his strong performance at the Black Sabbath tribute show in London this month. The band's rhythm section remains largely in lockstep, with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford on guitars and Tom Hamilton on bass. The gaps between albums may be long, but the group still has an amazingly loyal fan base. Throughout their career, they've been adept at releasing majestic hard rock ballads such as I Don't Want to Miss a Thing alongside ferocious rockers, notably Back in the Saddle. 7. Iron Maiden (1975) Another band that shows no signs of fading away, Iron Maiden is still defined by Bruce Dickinson's towering vocals and Steve Harris's trademark galloping bass riffs. For the most part, Iron Maiden performed uninterruptedly in stadiums and arenas for the best part of four decades. Their shows are still known for their theatricality, and Dickinson continues to pilot the band's jet when they go on tour. 8. U2 (1976) All four founding members – singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr – have remained active in both recording and touring. The group continues to release albums and innovative tours, including a much publicised Las Vegas residency to launch The Sphere in 2023. Bono recently confirmed a new album is in the works, which will be followed by a world tour. 9. Depeche Mode (1980) The British band seems to get bigger and better with each decade. Depeche Mode now operates as a duo, with singer Dave Gahan and songwriter Martin Gore continuing to lead the project. After bandmate Andrew Fletcher's death in 2022, they turned tragedy into triumph with 2023's album Memento Mori, which was widely viewed as one of the band's best releases in what is becoming a very important and influential catalogue. The group continues to tour arenas and stadiums, and each album sees them try something new – whether it's moody ambience and synth pop or finale riffs and industrial rock. Depeche Mode remains an example of how to age and still stay relevant. 10. Metallica (1981) It's hard to conceive that Metallica have been touring and recording for over 45 years, such is their vitality, momentum and impact. The band still feels as fresh as ever. This stems from how tight-knit the group is. Guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich remain the band's founding members, while guitarist Kirk Hammett has been there since 1983. Bassist Robert Trujillo – who some fans still view as the new guy – has now been with the group for over 20 years. Their latest album, 72 Seasons (2023), was well received, and the band is expected to bring their blockbuster live show to the UAE during Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 weekend in December. 11. Red Hot Chili Peppers (1983) It's easy to forget that Red Hot Chili Peppers have been kicking around for 42 years. Maybe it's the youthful energy or just their openness to continually expand their oeuvre with new sounds and styles. The band, now made up of Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass) and Chad Smith (drums), reunited with guitarist John Frusciante in 2019 and have since released albums largely servicing their fan base. But it is on tour where the Peppers are now best appreciated, with dynamic hits ranging from high-octane funk anthems such as Give It Away to the more reflective balladry of Californication and Under the Bridge. It is this range that continues to maintain the band's pedigree.
Khaleej Times
06-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Ozzy and Sabbath delight adoring fans in emotional farewell gig
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath thrilled tens of thousands of fans in an emotional farewell gig in Birmingham following a day packed with tribute sets from a star-studded lineup. Nearly six decades after helping pioneer heavy metal with an eponymous song that enthralled and frightened audiences, Black Sabbath returned to their home of Aston for Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park stadium. The one-off gig, with profits going to charity, was billed as Osbourne's last performance, five years after the 76-year-old Prince of Darkness revealed he had Parkinson's disease, which has made him unable to walk. One of music's wildest frontmen, who once chewed off the head of a bat on stage, Osbourne performed sitting on a black throne, at times appearing to tear up before an adoring crowd which lapped up hits, including Crazy Train. "You've got no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Osbourne said. Earlier, over a dozen acts including Metallica, Slayer, Tool and Guns N' Roses paid tribute to Black Sabbath and performed to a sea of fans in black band T-shirts who headbanged, moshed and crowd-surfed through a long day of rock and metal music. "Without Sabbath there would be no Metallica. Thank you, boys, for giving us a purpose in life," Metallica frontman James Hetfield said. Some of rock music's biggest names appeared on stage, including the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Megadeth's David Ellefson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, who was also the event's musical director. Morello told Metal Hammer magazine earlier that his goal had been to create "the greatest day in the history of heavy metal as a salute to the band that started it all". The gig united Sabbath's original lineup of Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward for the first time in 20 years. Some fans cried and many said they felt emotional. One of them was Runo Gokdemir, a teacher from London, who said he had sold a car for 400 pounds (Dh2,005) to pay for a ticket. "I love Ozzy that much," he said. "When I had a tough time in my teenage years, I listened to Black Sabbath, and Ozzy has got me through a lot." Lisa Meyer, who organised a Black Sabbath exhibition in Birmingham in 2019, said the band had built an enduring legacy by offering a heavier alternative to the Beatlemania and hippy music of the 1960s. "That's what really resonated with fans, giving a voice to that rage, anger and frustration, but doing it in a really cathartic way," Meyer, co-founder of the Home of Metal project, said. Ozzy finished his solo set and returned with Black Sabbath, including a shirtless Ward, to perform four of their biggest hits including Paranoid and Iron Man. Tom Mould, an engineering apprentice who stood in the front row for 12 hours, said he loved every bit of Osbourne's set: "He's still got it."
Al Etihad
03-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Abdul Majeed Abdullah concert expected to be one of biggest events on Abu Dhabi's music calendar
3 July 2025 07:18 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Saudi music icon Abdul Majeed Abdullah is set to perform live in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena on October 11. Known for his timeless hits and emotional performances, this one-night-only show promises to be a landmark cultural singer, composer and actor is one of the most prominent and influential artists in the world of Arabic music. His artistic career spans more than 40 years, during which he has left an indelible mark on the Gulf and Arab music scene. In 2019, the 'Prince of Tarab' was honoured with a star on the Dubai Walk of January this year, he was included in Billboard's inaugural Global No.1s series, alongside international stars like Dua Lipa, Yang Kun, and Diljit 62-year-old is distinguished by his powerful voice, emotional lyrics and unique style that combines authenticity and modernity, making him an artistic icon who unites his debut in the 1980s, Abdullah has emerged as a pioneer of romantic music, successfully blending traditional Gulf styles with modern musical arrangements, building a broad fan base both inside and outside Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, he has released dozens of albums and songs that have topped charts and become prominent symbols of Gulf songs are characterised by deep emotion and powerful expression, addressing themes of love, loss, nostalgia and self-reflection. His most notable and popular songs include 'Tatanafasak Doniay' (My World Breathes You), 'Tanaduh' (Contradiction), 'Ya Ibn Al Awadim' (Oh, Son of People), 'Yumken' (Sometimes), and 'Ahebek Forever' (I Love You Forever), all of which have garnered millions of views and streams across music platforms such as Anghami, Spotify and stage, Abdullah is renowned for his striking presence and ability to create an emotional connection with the audience, transforming each concert into a captivating musical experience. He has performed at major concerts at major Gulf and Arab music festivals, such as the Riyadh Season, Abu Dhabi Classics, and Jeddah Superdome, achieving remarkable audience turnout and critical show at the Etihad Arena in October is expected to be one of the biggest musical events of the year in the UAE capital. He will be performing a selection of his most popular hits amid a festive atmosphere with world-class sound and lighting. For fans of Khaleeji music, attending an Abdul Majeed Abdullah concert is not just an entertainment event, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
