From left to right: (top) The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Depeche Mode, (bottom) U2, Oasis, Metallica
Yesterday we looked at which of the big solo artists could be coming back to Switzerland soon. Today: the big bands that we are eagerly awaiting to return to Switzerland. Things are looking a little better: Several heavyweights could be visiting us again soon.
U2 are the real object of longing. Last performance: September 11 and 12, 2010 on the 360° tour at Letzigrund. So that was more than a decade and a half ago. The following tours ("Innocence + Experience" 2015, "The Joshua Tree" 2017/2019, "Experience + Innocence" 2018) skipped Switzerland, while the spectacular Sphere residency 2023/24 took place exclusively in Las Vegas. There is currently speculation about new music and a major stadium tour. Dubious ticket portals are already announcing a tour for 2026. But there are no officially confirmed dates. Should such a tour actually become a reality in 2027/28, a stop in Switzerland should have a very good chance given the history and market strength. Probability for 2027/28: As soon as a European leg is confirmed, it is not unrealistic.
Depeche Mode are no deniers. On the "Memento Mori Tour", Dave Gahan and Martin Gore played at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern on June 11, 2023. After the intensive touring cycle, a creative break is to be expected for the time being; a new album has not yet been announced. It would be realistic to think about a larger tour again from 2027 at the earliest. Traditionally very likely to include a Swiss stop. Probability in the medium term: high. Until then, we'll console ourselves with "Enjoy The Silence", in the most literal sense.
Oasis would be a big sensation for many Swiss fans. At the moment, however, it remains a pipe dream. An official reunion tour with a date in Switzerland has not yet been confirmed, even though rumors and speculation keep circulating in the media. As long as there are no concrete tour plans from the Gallagher brothers on the table, a possible Swiss stop remains pure speculation. Probability: very difficult to assess. Everything from "unlikely" to "not out of the question" is possible.
The Rolling Stones last played the Letzigrund in Zurich on September 20, 2017. Their "Hackney Diamonds Tour" 2024 initially took them through North America; there has been repeated talk of further stages and possible European plans. However, a new European tour has not yet been officially confirmed. One thing is clear: with an average age of around 80, the clock is ticking: any future tour could be the last. Probability: medium. With an ever-shrinking window of opportunity.
AC/DC were "only" guests at the Letzigrund on June 29, 2024 with the "PWR/UP" tour. After this big stadium tour, the focus will initially be on other countries and a break. Further international activities are on the horizon for 2026, although no Swiss dates have been confirmed yet. Experience has shown that the band allows a few years to pass between major European stages. Probability of a quick return: Rather low.
Kiss have finally said goodbye. On July 7, 2022, they played their "End of the Road" concert at the Hallenstadion, followed by the final double show at Madison Square Garden in New York on December 2, 2023. At the end, the band announced that they would only perform as digital avatars in future. Produced by the same creative teams behind the ABBA avatars in London. A classic Kiss rock show in Switzerland is now history; whether the avatar show will come to Switzerland one day remains to be seen.
Metallica are the bright spot of the current concert year: the band will be coming to Letzigrund Stadium on May 27, 2026 with the "M72 World Tour": an exclusive date for German-speaking Switzerland, with Gojira and Knocked Loose as support acts. No need to calculate the odds - Metallica are definitely coming.