Imagine Dragons and Macklemore are two of the biggest names in pop and hip hop music today. They have both topped the charts with massive hits over the past decade. Now, the two are teaming up for a massive North American tour in 2023 that is bound to be one of the hottest tickets of the year. Fans are excited to see the two hitmakers share a stage, but they also can’t wait to find out the top-notch openers that will be joining the tour. There is always major anticipation around who will get the coveted supporting slots on tours of this magnitude.
Imagine Dragons Background
Imagine Dragons first broke onto the scene in 2012 with their hit album Night Visions featuring the smash singles “It’s Time” and “Radioactive.” The band has gone on to become one of the most successful rock groups of the 2010s and 2020s. Fronted by dynamic vocalist Dan Reynolds, Imagine Dragons are known for their blend of pop, rock, hip hop, and electronica. Over the years, they have collaborated with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Kygo. Some of their major hits include “Believer,” “Thunder,” “Natural,” and “Bones.” Their 2021 album Mercury – Act 1 debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Fans are eagerly awaiting the second act. Imagine Dragons are renowned for their powerful live performances, so their upcoming tour with Macklemore is sure to result in some electric shows.
Macklemore Background
Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, exploded onto the music scene with his 2012 album The Heist, which featured the mega-hit “Thrift Shop.” The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold over 7 million copies. Macklemore is known for his clever wordplay and incisive lyrics about social issues. After going solo from his hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, the rapper has continued to find success. His single “Glorious” with singer Skylar Grey hit the top 40 in 2017. Macklemore’s raw, emotional lyrics and hooks have made him a festival favorite. Like Imagine Dragons, Macklemore is revered for his interactive live shows, where he connects deeply with audiences.
Supporting Acts
The Imagine Dragons x Macklemore tour is shaping up to be an epic bill filled with today’s top artists. While the two headliners are enough to draw massive crowds, fans are also eager to learn about who will open the concerts each night. Tour openers are a great chance for concertgoers to discover new talent and enjoy a diverse music experience. Based on recent tours by Imagine Dragons and Macklemore, we can predict that the supporting acts could include these contemporary artists:
Grouplove
The indie pop band Grouplove have opened for Imagine Dragons on their last two North American tours. Songs like “Tongue Tied” and “Welcome to Your Life” have brought Grouplove mainstream success. Their high-energy, infectiously catchy songs pair perfectly with Imagine Dragons’ aesthetic. It would be no surprise if Grouplove secured a third straight stint as Imagine Dragons’ tourmates.
YUNGBLUD
English singer YUNGBLUD has been on the rise since his 2018 EP underrated youth. Tracks like “I Think I’m OKAY” and “original me” have turned the 25-year-old artist into a Gen Z favorite. YUNGBLUD even teamed up with Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds to record the protest song “Original Me” in 2020. His pop punk rebellion would gel nicely alongside the headliners.
Allen Stone
Soulful indie singer Allen Stone supported Macklemore extensively early in his career. He landed slots opening Macklemore’s campus shows and then arena tours in 2012 and 2013 as songs like “Sleep” and “Say So” made waves.Fast forward to 2022, and Stone just released his fourth studio album Building Balance. Macklemore could easily tap Stone again to join this forthcoming tour.
Talib Kweli
Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli has collaborated with Macklemore multiple times over the years. In 2013, they joined forces on the thought-provoking song “Sneak Preview.” Given their history, it would be fitting if Talib Kweli served as the hip hop opener on select dates of the tour. His music would transition smoothly into Macklemore’s headlining set.
blackbear
The indie pop singer-songwriter blackbear has seen his profile rise dramatically since breaking through in 2017 with the song “do re mi.” He has collaborated with multiple artists over the last several years, including Gucci Mane, Justin Bieber, and Machine Gun Kelly. blackbear even teamed with Macklemore and Kesha in 2021 on the alt-pop single “Summer Nights.” blackbear’s moody lyrics and synthetic beats could pair up nicely with Macklemore’s hits.
Tour Details
Below are the key details known so far about the upcoming Imagine Dragons x Macklemore North American tour:
Tour Dates | Cities |
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March 1 to April 29, 2023 | Over 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada including Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Nashville, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver |
The tour currently includes over 40 shows, although more dates are expected to be added. The concerts will hit many major markets across the U.S. and Canada.
Ticket On-Sale Date | November 18, 2022 |
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Tickets for the public go on sale Friday, November 18. Pre-sales for fan club members and certain credit card holders will happen earlier that week. Given the enormous popularity of both Imagine Dragons and Macklemore, shows are anticipated to sell out quickly once tickets go live.
Tour Promoter | Live Nation |
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Concert giant Live Nation is promoting the tour. They have partnered closely with both Imagine Dragons and Macklemore over the years for tours and festivals. Expect top-class production and coordination across all concerts from the Live Nation team.
Setlists and Production
While full setlists are yet to be revealed, fans can expect to hear Imagine Dragons and Macklemore run through their catalogs of smash hits at these shows. Both artists are dynamic live performers who pour their hearts into every show. Concertgoers will get non-stop energy and entertainment from the two charismatic headliners.
Imagine Dragons Setlist
Hits like “Radioactive,” “Demons,” “Believer,” “Natural,” “Bones,” and “Enemy” seem like sure bets in Imagine Dragons’ setlist. Lead singer Dan Reynolds has an incredible vocal range from pop melodies to rock screams that electrifies arenas. The band is also known for their elaborate light shows and pyrotechnics. Get ready for fire blasts, confetti blizzards, and strobe explosions synchronized to the music.
Macklemore Setlist
Fans can count on Macklemore rolling through smash hits like “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us,” “Downtown,” and “Glorious.” The rapper delivers his witty, socially conscious lyrics with high energy. He constantly works the stage and interacts with the crowd. Macklemore’s sets feature costume changes and video interludes to create an unforgettable experience. Like Imagine Dragons, he knows how to takeover an arena with unmatched stage presence.
Conclusion
The Imagine Dragons and Macklemore joint tour is gearing up to be a can’t-miss event in 2023. The two acts defined pop music over the past decade with their distinctive sounds. Concertgoers are in for an eclectic blend of alternative rock and hip hop. Based on recent touring patterns, fans can expect compelling up-and-coming acts like Grouplove, YUNGBLUD, Allen Stone, Talib Kweli, and blackbear to support the headliners on select dates. Both Imagine Dragons and Macklemore are renowned for their elaborate productions, flawless vocals, and boundless energy. Each show promises to be a high-octane experience full of the artists’ biggest hits. Make sure to buy tickets early before this historic tour sells out at every stop!