Bonanza-scale concerts have been on the rise in South Africa lately as our country becomes an increasingly attractive location for some of the world’s biggest stars.

We’ve barely broken the seal on 2013, yet this already looks to be a massive year for live music in SA, with the line-up of international acts bigger than ever. Always guarding against FOMO (the fear of missing out), we’ve got a breakdown of upcoming concerts right here. So get your diaries (and credit cards)  to hand, crank up the volume in your headphones and prepare for an explosive year of live music.

The Swan Song Tour:

The global superstar trio, Swedish House Mafia, hailing from, erm, Sweden, play their final tour together in 2013 and South Africa cracked the nod. We’re guessing the Mafia is not going out quietly, so expect three very loud parties in Johannesburg (Wild Waters, Boksburg) on 25 and 26 January, and Lourensford Wine Estate, Cape Town on 27 January.


For One Night Only:

Imma let you finish but one of the most-awarded, and most controversial, artists of all time - rapper Kanye West - performs a single sell-out concert at Johannesburg’s Coca Cola Dome on 2 February.


The One Everybody Tweeted About:

South Africans were all a-Twitter as RHCP rumours dominated 2012, and finally, with the end of August came the tour confirmation: Red Hot Chili Peppers play two live, long sold-out shows on 2 February at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (yes, the same night as Kanye, what is this?!) and on 5 February, at Cape Town Stadium. Good luck getting in if you’re not clutching that ticket as we speak – this one is also supported by Die Antwoord, just saying.


Return of the Sugar Man:

Although Sixto Rodriguez has played South Africa on more than one occasion, his 2013 return marks his first as a global star after Searching for Sugar Man catapulted him, at last, on to the world stage. Originally booked for two performances, the staggering demand for tickets has led Rodriguez to now perform eight shows (on 13, 15, 16 and 18 February at Carnival City,  Johannesburg and 9, 10, 20 and 21 February at Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town.)


Your Favourite DJ:

Skrillex, that small peculiar-looking man, will be playing no small parties on 28 February in Cape Town, 1 March in Durban and finally, on 2 March in Johannesburg. Further details will be released as ticket sales open on 28 January.


Not For the Softies:

Chicago punk/ hardcore band, Rise Against play Cape Town’s RAMfest on 9 March, the Durban leg of the same festival on 15 March and at Riversands farm, Johannesburg on 16 March. Take your mom.


If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Stop Coming:

Rock legends Metallica return to South Africa for two stadium shows in April - 24 April in Cape Town and 27 April in Johannesburg. Last appearing here in 2006, Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo have garnered an almost-religious fan base. Go wearing your T-shirt.



Because They Can:

Whether it be ironic or sincere, South Africans seem to love Bon Jovi and the band brings their 90s-fuelled power ballads to Cape Town Stadium on 7 May, and to Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on 11 May.


You Better Believe:

The Bieb is coming! Justin Bieber plays the South African leg of his “Believe” World Tour on 8 May (Cape Town Stadium) and 12 May (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.) Now, regardless of this writer’s opinion, the Bieb can rock a show – as proved by his sold-out concerts which broke Computicket’s sales records (in excess of 50 000 tickets were sold for his Cape Town concert, in the first hour of release.) Wow!


So that’s that! Busy – and this is only what we know for the first five months! Maybe we’ll see you in a Golden Circle somewhere.