Variety's writers have compiled a roundup of the year's top 50 concerts, highlighting performances by artists including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, David Byrne, and Paul McCartney. The selection spans pop, rock, R&B, and more, showcasing innovative tours and intimate shows across major venues. Published on December 31, 2025, the list celebrates a vibrant year for live music.
The annual roundup from Variety captures a diverse array of standout live music experiences in 2025, from arena spectacles to intimate tributes. Key highlights include David Byrne's innovative 'Who Is the Sky' show at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on November 20, featuring cordless choreography by seven musicians and dancers on a wrap-around LED set, described by critic Chris Willman as a 'high-tech but even higher-human' production that left audiences receptive to joy.
Beyoncé opened her 'Cowboy Carter' tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on April 28, blending theatrics with country and Americana themes, serving as both a spectacle and a history lesson, according to Steven J. Horowitz. Lady Gaga's arena tour kickoff at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 16 explored life's dichotomies through her 'Mayhem Ball' production, ending with a stripped-down bow in casual attire.
Other notables encompass Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert's balanced take on 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl on August 3, with Erivo's 'Gethsemane' hailed as transfixing; Paul McCartney's surprise intimate set at New York's Bowery Ballroom on February 11, drawing 575 fans for a career-spanning performance; and Kendrick Lamar and SZA's joint stadium show at MetLife Stadium on May 8, delivering classics despite rain.
The list also features veteran acts like The Who on their farewell tour at the Hollywood Bowl on October 1, where Roger Daltrey hit high notes at 81, and emerging moments such as Chappell Roan's duet with Elton John at his AIDS Foundation party on March 2. Critics noted the year's tours from Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, and others brought unadulterated bliss and maximalist theatrics, underscoring live music's enduring appeal amid a packed schedule of reunions and debuts.
