2019 Concert Preview: All the big shows from Justin Timberlake to Elton John, and more

The next 12 months look to be one of the most exciting in memory for Memphis music fans. With an abundance of arena, amphitheater and major theater shows already confirmed for 2019, the concert calendar offers plenty – with genres ranging from country to pop, R&B to alt-rock, as well shows by the hottest new stars and farewell tours from musical icons.

And that doesn't even include the various festivals (Beale Street Music Fest, Mempho Music Fest), and the various outdoor concert programs ("Live at the Garden," and the Mud Island Summer series) that will be announced in the next few months.  

Here are the big shows confirmed for 2019. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. 

January

Willie Nelson, Jan. 5 at the Orpheum: The new year gets off to a grand start with the timeless sage of American music, Willie Nelson. The 85-year-old Nelson just earned his 50th and 51st Grammy nominations for a pair of 2018 LPs, “Last Man Standing” and “My Way.” The show is sold out. 

Justin Timberlake, Jan. 12 at FedExForum: Millington-born global pop icon Justin Timberlake makes a quick trip back to Memphis following last year’s FedExForum stop on his “The Man of the Woods” tour. Timberlake was recently forced to cancel the remainder of his 2018 dates due to issues with his vocal chords, but he will be rested and ready for his Bluff City redux next month. Tickets: $87 to $225. 

February

Panic! At the Disco, Feb. 6 at FedExForum: Vegas rockers Panic! headline a FedExForum show in support of their sixth and latest LP, “Pray for the Wicked.” Republic Records artist Two Fee will open the show. Tickets: $27 to $67. 

Kelly Clarkson, Feb. 9 at Landers Center: Pop hitmaker Kelly Clarkson will headline a Landers Center concert as part of her “Meaning of Life” tour. Boosting the bill is Grammy Best New Artist nominee Kelsea Ballerini. Tickets: $53 to $399. 

Bel Biv DeVoe, Feb. 16 at the Landers Center: A show billed as the “R&B Valentines Rewind” is a throwback to new jack sounds headlined by Bel Biv DeVoe and featuring performances from Monica, 702 and Dru Hill. Tickets: $57 to $123 

KISS, Feb. 23 at FedExForum: Touted (not for the first, and possibly not the last time) as a kind of long goodbye, theatrical rockers KISS bring their farewell “End of the Road World Tour” to the FedExForum. Tickets start at $44 and go up to $1,000-plus. 

March

John Mellencamp, March 17 at the Orpheum: The heartland rock veteran will take the stage of the Orpheum on St. Patrick’s Day, playing hits, new favorites and telling stories in what is billed as “The John Mellencamp Show.” Tickets: $79 to $259. 
 
Weezer/The Pixies, March 22 at FedExForum: Two generations of alt-rock bands unite for an arena tour as Weezer and The Pixies pair up, with the caravan hitting FedExForum in late March. Tickets: $22 to $147. 
 
Zac Brown Band, March 30 at FedExForum: Georgia-based country outfit Zac Brown Band bring their “Down the Rabbit Hole Live!” tour to FedExForum at the end of March. Tickets: $36 to $96.  

April

Death Cab for Cutie, April 7 at the Orpheum: The Seattle alt-pop outfit, led by singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, plays the Orpheum this spring as part of an extended tour in support of their LP "Thank You For Today." Tickets: $35 to $75. 

Leon Bridges, April 24 at the Orpheum: Contemporary soul man Leon Bridges, brings his electrifying act to the Orpheum stage. Bridges will be highlighting songs from his two acclaimed LPs, 2015’s “Coming Home” and this year’s “Good Thing.” Tickets: $39 to $69. 

Santana, April 27 at BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove: The Southaven venue gets things going with a late spring turn from guitar great Carlos Santana, who will stop as part of his “Global Consciousness 2019” tour. Tickets: $29 to $129. 

May

New Kids on the Block, Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson, May 10 at FedExForum: It’ll be quite a nostalgia trip as late-'80s/early-'90s mall pop phenoms New Kids on the Block, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany, along with hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa, hit the road together for the “Mix Tape Tour.” The package will play FedExForum in May. Tickets: $26 to $176.  

June

“Weird” Al Yankovic, June 20 at the Orpheum: Comedy song kingpin Yankovic will be on the road as part of his “Strings Attached” tour, a production that promises all his classic hits done up with costumes, props and a video wall as well as a full symphony orchestra. Tickets: $39.50 to $289.  

Train/Goo Goo Dolls, June 23 at BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove: Two of the most successful pop-rock radio acts of the last two decades, Train and Goo Goo Dolls, join forces for a summer tour that will stop at Snowden Grove in June. Tickets: $29 to $125. 
 
Twenty One Pilots, June 26 at FedExForum: Following the recent release of their fifth studio album, “Trench,” Ohio electro pop outfit Twenty One Pilots – featuring Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun – will bring their live “Banditos” tour to FedExForum this summer. Tickets: $36 to $76.

August 

Backstreet Boys, Aug. 27 at FedExForum: Backstreet really is back. The boy band superstars from the ‘90s are reunited and on the road in support of their new album (due in January), titled "DNA." The group has a late summer stop planned for FedExForum. Tickets: $26 to $122. 

October

Carrie Underwood, Oct. 23 at FedExForum: Country-pop queen Carrie Underwood routes her “Cry Pretty Tour 360” into the FedExForum this fall, as the singer will perform in the round. Support acts on this all-female package include fast-rising country acts Maddie and Tae and Runaway Jane. Tickets: $43 to $93. 

Elton John, Oct. 30 at FedExForum: Piano playing pop legend Elton John is retiring, but has included Memphis on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. Tickets for that show have already sold out. But fans who were shut out can keep their fingers crossed for the possibility of a second show being added.