If the colder months are hitting you hard, think about all the exciting live music that’s arriving this year. Already, we have packages from My Chemical Romance, who will continue their spellbinding Black Parade run just in time for its 20th birthday, Hayley Williams’ first-ever solo tour, and Nine Inch Nails’ extended Peel It Back experience. That’s not including everything else that will be revealed in the next 11 months, anniversary and otherwise. With the topic on our minds, we asked our readers to rattle off their most anticipated tours of 2026. Their answers were wide-ranging, naming everyone from aformetioned emo legends to hard-rock heroes. Find the top fan picks ranked below.
Read more: Tea with Hayley Williams: AP Artist of the Year
5. Evanescence
Evanescence had a big year in 2025, between opening for My Chemical Romance and Metallica, putting out a powerful pair of singles, and Amy Lee’s collabs with Halsey, then Poppy and Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante. 2026, however, is set to be even greater. In addition to the follow-up to 2021’s The Bitter Truth, Evanescence will head out on a world tour supported by Poppy and Spiritbox, plus K. Flay, and Nova Twins on select dates, that begins in June. If you’ve been waiting to hear the live debut of “End of You,” then you’re in luck. “I’m hoping that comes out of this at some point,” Lee told Rolling Stone in December. “Same goes for our song with K. Flay, ‘Fight Like a Girl.’ I just want to bring all of us together as much as I can and bring it to life on the stage.”
4. AFI
Last year, AFI embarked on giant headlining tour in support of their shapeshifting new album, Silver Bleeds the Black Sun…Some nights, they pulled out deep cuts, including “File 13” and “Totalimmortal” in an exhilarating set at Brooklyn Paramount. In case you missed their new-wave splendor the first time around, the band announced a second leg of their North American tour, which begins in April. Expect Jade Puget’s distinct guitar work, an era-spanning setlist, and Davey Havok’s operatic vocals, which hit some of his lowest notes ever.
3. Hayley Williams
Back in 2020, Hayley Williams booked a tour in support of her debut solo album, Petals For Armor, but COVID-19 lockdowns stopped those plans in their tracks. With the surprise rollout of Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, though, came news of a tour, which sold out instantly. Williams opted for smaller, more intimate venues, including two nights at The Ryman in her hometown of Nashville, to mark her first solo run. Wonky pop duo Water From Your Eyes will open every date, who are coming off last year’s It’s a Beautiful Place. “I listened to Water From Your Eyes the whole time we were making the album, and now I can’t wait to hear those songs out in the world,” Williams said during her Artist of the Year interview with AP.
2. Bad Omens
Even though Bad Omens landed on our most anticipated albums of 2026 poll, frontman Noah Sebastian already said that there’s “still no album” planned for this year. They will, however, be in touring mode. Their DO YOU FEEL LOVE North American headliner begins in February, featuring support from Beartooth and masked band PRESIDENT. If you caught their recent Veeps livestream from Amsterdam, you know to expect Sebastian’s fluid vocals, shifting between soaring croons and throaty screams, a huge sound, and plenty of pyrotechnics fit for an arena show.
1. My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance’s reunion tour went all out, featuring Gerard Way donning several viral looks (inspired by Bela Lugosi’s Dracula, Joan of Arc, Princess Diana, etc.) designed in collaboration with Marina Toybina. For their Black Parade commemoration, though, they elevated the shows even further. All last year, the band played through their revered 2006 album, wearing updated versions of their Sgt. Pepper-inspired marching band outfits, elaborating on the story through fictional countries and characters, and hosting mock elections. Their 2026 shows should follow suit, hopefully with a surprise or two.
