Cleveland concert promoters face a complex process when trying to bring large concerts into Cleveland. There are numerous factors they must take into account, including available dates, venue space and expenses associated with hosting shows as well as travel. But in order for it all to work successfully: an artist who can sell out stadiums must also be interested in Cleveland, with dates that fit with their schedules being of prime importance.
Billy Joel and Rod Stewart made headlines this week with the announcement that they will co-headline a concert at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 13th for their inaugural co-headlining concert since both are Hall of Fame artists with iconic hits internationally as singer-songwriters, both have been honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Joel in 1999 solo artist status, Stewart as part of The Faces in 1994.
On Thursday, Mayor Justin Bibb, Destination Cleveland CEO David Gilbert and Live Nation SVP of Marketing and Sponsorship Sales Barry Gabel met at a press conference to announce the concert, with tickets going on sale to the general public for sale starting February 2.
Though both musicians will perform, fans can anticipate an emphasis on Joel’s classics at this concert. Joel is one of the biggest-selling solo artists ever, having sold over 160 million albums and singles in the US alone; six-time Grammy winners (including receiving an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award from Grammy) as well as having held monthly residencies at Madison Square Garden since 2014.
Rod Stewart has enjoyed an illustrious career that includes ten Top 10 albums in the UK and 16 Top 20 singles. He has received many of the music industry’s highest honours, such as being named New York Times bestselling author, ASCAP Founders Award for Songwriting, Grammy Living Legend status and two-time induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – in 2021 he was honored to receive knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
Recently he has toured with Elton John, KISS and Genesis; last year he performed at Ohio Stadium with Stevie Nicks. Additionally he will perform at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on February 24, Petco Park in San Diego on April 13, Busch Stadium in St Louis on September 27 and Alamodome in Denver on October 25 – not to mention touring his own band, The Ronnie Wood Experience this summer; tickets for their show in Cleveland go on sale February 2.