def leppard toronto

80s throwback concerts to see in Toronto this summer

Toronto festivals may be filling the city with alt-indie, jazz and R&B acts, but rest assured that those fond of nostalgia will have options for summer 2016, too. While some of these '80s legends are still releasing new material, let's be honest, the reason you go is to get down to their greatest hits from years past.

Here are my picks for the top '80s throwback concerts hitting Toronto this summer.

Sting and Peter Gabriel (June 29)
He may not be bringing The Police along for this show, but you can still harken back to the 80's with some grade A Sting choruses. The musician/actor/philanthropist will be joined by Peter Gabriel (another icon) for this tour, so if you've always wanted to hear "Sledgehammer" live, this may be your chance.

Journey and The Doobie Brothers (July 7)
If you're one of the many that head to karaoke with the intent of closing out the night with a stunning "Don't Stop Believin'" cover, this is the show for you. To make things even more enticing, The Doobie Brother's will also be on the scene to perform their greatest hits.

Def Leppard (July 16)
Iconic '80s band Def Leppard hits the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on July 16 to fill the venue with their brand of glam rock. To pour some sugar on this already sweet deal, REO Speedwagon and Tesla will join them.

Guns N' Roses (July 16)
Wanna see Axl and Slash do their thing? Well, unsurprisingly, tickets for the Guns N' Roses show in our paradise city sold out pretty quick, so you'll have to make do with the seats available for resale (or attempt to navigate the murky waters of Craigslist).

Bryan Adams (July 26)
Bryan Adams has come a long way since he got his first real six-string at the five-and-dime. Catch him at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre at the end of the July to get your fill of '80s Canadian chart-toppers.

Slayer (September 12)
More into metal? Slayer will be taking the stage at Sound Academy this September. Chances are most of the show will be dominated by songs from the band's most recent release, Repentless (which came out last year). However, for die hard fans of their older stuff, you'll still probably hear some favourites, too.

Steven Tyler (September 13)
To close out the summer roster of '80s throwbacks Aerosmith's eccentric frontman will be doing a solo gig at the Sony Centre. Rolling Stone has already gifted the world with his "Out on a Limb" set list and - lucky for you - favourites like "Cryin'", "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" and "Janie's Got a Gun" are all included.

What did I miss? Add more '80s throwback concerts to the comments section.

Photo via Def Leppard


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