Top 10 musical artists that need to perform at Notre Dame Stadium
According to the website setlist.fm, Johnny Cash was the first artist to play at Notre Dame Stadium in 1977. That would be the last musical performance at the stadium until Chicago played at halftime of the Irish’s 2017 game against USC. Since then, Chicago has come back for one other game, and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have played there twice apiece. Weezer appeared there for the 2019 Winter Classic, and Billy Joel played a full show there in 2022.
Other than that, Notre Dame Stadium has a very paltry history when it comes to hosting big musical acts. I don’t know or care what’s behind that. I just want to see Notre Dame Stadium become a hot spot for concerts like most other stadiums around the world are when they don’t have games to host. Plus, such things only can be a boost to South Bend’s economy, and those shouldn’t have to happen only during football season.
Here are 10 artists I believe need to add Notre Dame Stadium to their next tour:
Paul McCartney
Despite having just turned 81, the former Beatle still is able to sell out stadiums worldwide and put on a fantastic show. We don’t know how much longer this member of the greatest band that ever existed can keep that pace up, so find a way to get him to South Bend while you still can.
The Rolling Stones
No artist has earned more money from playing live shows than the Stones. With Mick Jagger and Keith Richards still alive and kicking, you want to grab a piece of this pie while it’s still there for the taking.
Taylor Swift
I’m about as far from being a Swiftie as it gets, but even I have to acknowledge that this is her year with her concerts as big as the hype surrounding them. If you want to see a surge of visitors to South Bend, particularly with the young female demographic, have her come.
Jonas Brothers
I respect how the brothers have been able to show they’re a legitimate musical act that doesn’t need Disney to hype them up. You’ll get young people to South Bend in bunches if you book them.
Beyoncé
One of my favorite college professors once surprised his daughter with Beyoncé tickets under the ruse that they were going to go around live-music hot spot Nashville that night to try and discover the next hot artist. Instead, they got to see Queen Bey, and there aren’t many artists more beloved than her.
Lizzo
There isn’t an artist out there now that encourages her fans to love themselves more, and her self-expression is very admirable. She’s going to be at the top for a long time, so you might as well bring her to South Bend.
Lady Gaga
She’s proven in recent years that she’s more talented than her pop sound and unique costumes let on. When you strip all of that away, there’s an incredible voice, which her Little Monsters always enjoy.
U2
If there’s a band that has been able to connect with audiences better on such a spiritual level, I haven’t seen it. U2 has built enough of a following over the decades that they’ll fill any stadium easily.
Coldplay
There’s just something about Coldplay that draws people to them. No other band out there sounds like them, and it is for that reason that they can sell out any stadium easily.
Metallica
It’s hard to believe Metallica has been around for as long as it has, but people still flock to them. This would be a great opportunity for Notre Dame Stadium to generate its loudest sound ever that doesn’t count football crowds.
