Zigabid – A Ticket Revolution

Things to bring –

-          The obvious: Ticket/Pass/Wristband, Photo ID (especially for you 21+), ATM card and emergency cash. (ATM’s don’t typically run out – but the lines can be horrendous.)

-          Attire:  Comfy shoes are probably the most important item on this list. Heels and wedges are a no-go, and sandals can be risky, as the crowd tends to shift and toes are definitely stepped on. I’d suggest your favorite broken-in sneakers or boots – Doc Marten’s are particularly perfect for the occasion. If you’re camping, bring warm clothes; once the sun goes down, it can be crazy cold.  Last but not least, leave your nicer things at home. Festivals are about simplicity and being in the moment. You wouldn’t want to detract from that by ruining your favorite $250 jeans. Light colors are the best choice for staying cool.

-          Essentials:  Showers can be hard to come by – pack baby wipes, dry shampoo and loads of deodorant to stay clean and stomach your own scent. If you have an extra car key, bring it. If you lose your keys at a festival, chances are fairly slim of them returning to you. Your cellphone and camera, and their respective chargers, are good to bring. Some festivals, like Coachella, offer convenient “BYOC” charging areas, so fear not – you’ll never be off the grid completely. If you’re camping, bring loads of toilet paper. You never know when you’ll need it.

-          WATER! If the festival allows outside drinks, bring the biggest bottle of water you can. With summer comes often-brutal temperatures, and it’d be oh so terrible for you to have a heat stroke right before your favorite band’s set. If you’re 21 and up, don’t forget to hydrate between trips to the beer garden/full bar.

-          Last but not least, bring a dependable partner in crime! Getting separated from your group can be a nightmare, but if you bring someone you know won’t ditch you, it won’t matter if you lose your group for a bit. Being alone could be fun, but it can also be extremely stressful and overwhelming. Best to avoid getting lost/separated.

Things to leave behind –

-          Instruments:  Ok, I know you think Warped Tour is your next big break, but surprisingly, people aren’t that interested in listening to your unknown group’s music. Ditch the instruments for a business card with your band’s social accounts on it.

-          Knives / weapons / fireworks:  C’mon, it’s a festival. You don’t need any of these things. Stay positive and bring good energy to those around you!

-          Tents/chairs/furniture/blankets:  Most festivals don’t allow these items, but it’s always good to visit the event’s website to find out their stance on these items.

-          Camelbacks: Darn it, best to-go drink dispenser EVER. As amazing as Camelbacks are, most places don’t allow them – whether the contents are water or alcohol. Outside food & drink is not allowed at most festivals, but again – check their website.

-          Your bad attitude or macho swag. Plain and simple – have fun and don’t wreck anyone else’s fun. Or we’ll find you. JOKE. But someone might

That’s it! You’re as prepared as you’ll ever be for the epicness that is guaranteed to go down at any festival you attend. Are we missing anything? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

John Mayer announced on his blog today that his vocal chord granuloma had started to grow back. Because of this he’ll be taking an “indefinite break” from live performing. “Though there will be a day when all of this will be behind me, it will sideline me for a longer period of time than I care to have you count down.”, wrote Mayer on his blog.

Mayer his set to release the much anticipated Born and Raised in May and already had a string of tour dates laid out in support of the release.

We wish John a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in good health soon!

Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw

Two of country’s favorite crooners are teaming up for an amazing summer tour. Chesney hit a huge milestone yesterday: another single hit #1 on the Billboard charts – his 23rd single to do so. Chesney has a new album set to release on June 19th. The duo’s tour, Brothers of the Sun, kicks off on June 2 in Tampa, Fla. The pair have known each other for 20 years, but have yet to hit the road together. Prior to the Brothers tour, Tim McGraw will join his stunning wife and mother of his children, Faith Hill, on tour in Australia to reprise their Soul 2 Soul tour for a few shows. McGraw claims Hill is the true draw: “When I’m by myself, there’s only like two shows. When she goes with me, we sell more tickets so we have to do more shows.”

Buy tickets for Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on Zigabid.

The Beach Boys

This spring and summer, the Beach Boys will hit the road for their 50th Anniversary tour. For the first time in over twenty years, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks will visit more than 40 cities. The band recently performed at the Grammy’s and sounded phenomenal. They are set to release a new album later this year, as well as release their 50th anniversary music catalog. A second LA date was just added after their first at the Hollywood Bowl sold out.

Buy tickets for the Beach Boys on Zigabid.

Coldplay

If you listen to the radio at all, chances are your ears have been taken over by Coldplay’s latest hit, “Paradise.” Back in December, the band announced their plans for a North American tour this summer. Kicking off in Edmonton, Alberta, Coldplay begins their reign over the States and Canada from April 17 to August 11. The band has a whopping three dates just at the Hollywood Bowl, in Los Angeles, Calif. Indie acts Robyn, Wolf Gang, Marina and the Diamonds and Metronomy will rotate opening for Coldplay.

Buy tickets for Coldplay on Zigabid.

Justin Bieber

Life has a funny way of working things out. Case and point: today’s post is dedicated to Justin Bieber’s anticipated summer tour, but it also happens to be his 18th birthday. The Biebs is currently in the studio recording his third album, titled Believe, which features both Kanye West and Drake on tracks. The Canadian-born singer got his first big break after posting numerous videos on YouTube showcasing his talent. Since then, he’s blown up tremendously. From his tour movie, “Never Say Never” to countless nominations and awards, Justin Bieber has crafted his own little place in the pop world. Fans can expect to see him hit the road shortly after his album releases this summer.

Buy tickets for Justin Bieber on Zigabid.

Rolling Stones

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Stones who’ve brought us numerous hits and years of entertainment. Back in December, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met to discuss how the band would celebrate their half-century anniversary. Even better, Ronnie Wood stirred the pot up recently by stating that Stones members are “all ready to go.” Keep your ear to the wind for a tour confirmation!

Buy tickets for Rolling Stones on Zigabid.

Adele

The lovely Brit, Adele, made waves with her album, 21, and at the Grammy’s this year, where she took home FIVE Grammy’s in one night! Her manager recently spoke to Billboard and mentioned that they were very focused on her recovery from her recent throat surgery, but also just as focused on moving forward and progressing. Hopefully we’ll see Adele schedule performances for late summer, early fall.

Buy tickets for Adele on Zigabid.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga and her little monsters are set to take the world by storm on the Born This Way Ball later this year. Her world tour will begin in May, with only non-US dates confirmed at the moment. Her last confirmed date is in Perth, Australia on July 30. US tour dates should follow shortly afterward. If you missed last year’s guide on how to buy Lady Gaga tickets, see below:

Buy tickets for Lady Gaga on Zigabid.

Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews Band hasn’t tour since 2010, but don’t think that means they’re touring lightly this year. Their new tour kicks off in May and winds down in late September. With a few festival dates in between, and a few two-night stands, fans across North America will have their chance to see the band perform. The band will likely play new songs off of their next upcoming album, which is set to release later this year.

Buy tickets for Dave Matthews Band on Zigabid.

Madonna

The ruling Queen of Pop announced her MDNA world tour shortly after her performance at the Super Bowl. Her US dates start on August 28, in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center. Madonna recently dropped her second single off her MDNA album, titled “Girls Gone Wild,” which originated from EDM rockstar Benny Bennassi and his cousin Ale. Check out our guide to buying Madonna tickets below.

Buy tickets for Madonna on Zigabid.

Drake

Drake is currently on the “Club Paradise” tour with Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky. The crew is going to smaller venues, in college areas, to play for his fans who have supported him since the beginning. The tour has been making waves, and will be in California starting this weekend, on March 4th. You can enter to win tickets

Buy tickets for Drake on Zigabid.

Radiohead

Radiohead has been together for over 20 years and have sold well over 30 million albums across the globe. This spring, the band is touring across the United States. They also have a few festival dates in line around the world.

Buy tickets for Radiohead on Zigabid.

Van Halen

This spring and summer, Van Halen is coming to a city near you to rock your face off. The band is on tour with Kool & The Gang, and from what we hear, are playing over 20 songs in their set.

Buy tickets for Refused on Zigabid.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

The Boss is at it again. Bruce and the E Street Band will hit the road soon on the Wrecking Ball Tour. Dates begin on March 18th in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets are still available, just check out the link below!

Buy tickets for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on Zigabid.

At The Drive In

At The Drive in is set to perform at this year’s Coachella Music Festival in Indio, Calif. They’ll be performing at both weekend’s events, and rumors have already begun to circulate that they’ll be announcing a reunion tour later this summer.

Buy tickets for At The Drive In on Zigabid.

Refused

It’s been 14 years since the band fell apart and this year, devout fans wishes are coming true with a late spring/early summer reunion tour. Their dates kick off with Coachella performances, and are followed by a few dates in New York and festival dates in Europe.

Buy tickets for Refused on Zigabid.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Pepper fans were disappointed to find out that their tour had been pushed back from January to late spring/early summer. But the band and venues have honored all existing tickets. The rescheduled tour was due to a foot injury their singer was suffering from. The band will be on tour supporting their latest release, I’m With You. If you’re heading to Bonnaroo this year, you’ll be pleased to hear that they are set to headline the Tennessee festival in June.

Buy tickets for Red Hot Chili Peppers on Zigabid.