Believe it or not, Tucson occasionally gets some of the coolest musical acts on Earth, be they mainstream headliners or indie unknowns.
There are loads of shows coming up this fall, but here are just a few worth mentioning.
Velvet Revolver - Aug. 21
Made up of one part Stone Temple Pilots, three parts Guns 'n Roses and that guy who played guitar with Dave Navarro, this quintet of veteran rockers performs with Chevelle opening. Tickets start at $30. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Casino del Sol's AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road.
Nine Inch Nails - Sept. 17
Trent Reznor and company will play the most anticipated show this fall, with Queens of the Stone Age and Autolux opening. Tickets are on sale now at nin.com for $35 and $45. The show begins at 7 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
The Decemberists - Sept. 17
Unfortunately, this Portland-based literary indie band is booked the same night as some world-renowned industrial rock band. But, should you miss the show here, they'll be performing the next night in Phoenix at the Marquee Theatre. In Tucson, Sons and Daughters will open. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 the day of the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
The Kills - Sept. 18
Yes, it's a two-piece guitar and drum band with a male and female. No, it's nowhere near the take-home-to-mamma wholesomeness of the White Stripes. London's The Kills bring murky, oversexed and vampy blues to Plush for a night that promises to titillate. The Deludes and She Wants Revenge open the show at 8:45 p.m. at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Tickets are $10.
ZZ Top - Oct. 1
If you got "Legs" be sure to use 'em to walk to this show. Or take a car. Your call. Tickets start at $25. The show begins at 8 p.m. at Casino del Sol's AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road.
The New Pornographers - Oct. 1
Don't expect to see any nudity, but this Vancouver-based indie band still puts on a great live show filled with hooky and incessantly catchy power-pop. Destroyer and Immaculate Machine open. Tickets are $15. The show begins at 9 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Mötley Crüe - Oct. 4
With a newly nipped and tucked Vince Neil on vocals, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, and the rest of the Crüe will take you back (to your diapers, most likely) as they "Shout at the Devil" for the love of the "Girls, Girls, Girls" at Casino del Sol's AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road.
Devendra Banhart - Oct. 8
The frontrunner of the free-folk movement, San Francisco's Devendra Banhart promises to bring his generally unfettered sound to Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Likely to be fully bearded, unwashed and possibly shoeless, Banhart will certainly look right at home on Fourth Avenue. Bunny Brains open the show at 9:45 p.m. Tickets are $14.