More info about each of these shows is available below. And check out Phoenix New Times' concert calendar for other shows happening around town from Monday, July 18, to Thursday, July 21.
Subhumans
Tuesday, July 19The Rebel Lounge, 2303 East Indian School RoadLet’s set the record straight: the Subhumans that are set to invade The Rebel Lounge this week are the legendary UK anarcho-punk act born in 1980 and not the Canadian punk band of the same name that originated in the late ’70s. It means you’ll be rocking out to such agitprop songs as “All Gone Dead,” “It's Gonna Get Worse,” and “This Year's War,” all sung by longtime frontman Dick Lucas. He’s not the only OG member of Subhumans, as guitarist/backup vocalist Bruce Treasure and drummer Trotsky are still with the band some 40-plus years after their debut (though some of the lineup have also performed in Citizen Fish). And even though most of their setlists consist of songs dating back to the ‘80s, the music remains timely, particularly such lyrics as “I can’t get a word in edgeways/Surrounded by so many lies/They just treat us like subhumans/We’re the people they despise.” 8 p.m., $20 via seetickets.us. Benjamin Leatherman
Cowboy Junkies
Tuesday, July 19, and Wednesday, July 20Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 East Mayo BoulevardFormed in Toronto in 1985 by siblings Michael, Margo, and Peter Timmins, alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies were ahead of their time. Albums from most of the band’s nearly four decades of existence featured the sort of slow-paced, intimate, and introspective songs (what we once described as a “low-key, country-gothic downer sound”) that became a Cowboy Junkies hallmark and influenced future alt-country artists. They’re touring behind their recently released 18th studio album, Songs of the Recollection, and are due in the Valley this week for a two-night stint at the Musical Instrument Museum’s music theater. Both shows are sold out, but avid fans can hit up the secondary market for tickets. 7 p.m. Benjamin Leatherman
Billy Howerdel
Wednesday, July 20Crescent Ballroom, 308 North Second AvenueIn Arizona, anything or anyone connected to favorite musical resident (and winemaker) Maynard James Keenan is of particular interest. That's all well and good, but Billy Howerdel, guitarist and backing vocalist for Keenan's project A Perfect Circle, is much more than just an associate of the local legend. You can find out when you see Howerdel perform at Crescent Ballroom on Wednesday, where he'll undoubtedly play plenty of tracks off his new album, What Normal Was, which was released June 10 via Alchemy/Rise Records. It's his first solo album in his own name (his first, 2008's Keep Telling Myself It's Alright, was released under the name of his project ASHES dIVIDE), and Guitar World magazine says, "The A Perfect Circle man has channeled his early influences … which treads a line between Pink Floyd and Nine Inch Nails.” Rock on. 8 p.m., $30-$179 via seetickets.us. Jennifer Goldberg
Purity Ring
Wednesday, July 20The Van Buren, 401 West Van Buren StreetThe music of electronic duo Purity Ring is so fresh and modern that you'd be forgiven for thinking they're some hot new band poised to blow up in the music scene. In fact, Megan James and Corin Roddick have been making music together for more than a decade, but their sound, which Rolling Stone magazine has "creepy and alluring," has the knack of always sounding new and exciting. You'll find out if you hit The Van Buren this week, when the pair will take the stage at the downtown Phoenix venue. Purity Ring is wrapping up their tour to promote their graves EP, which came out in early June, so come out and experience all the chill. Post-punk/synth-wav newcomer ekkstacy will open. 8 p.m., $23-$26 via ticketweb.com. Jennifer Goldberg
REO Speedwagon, Styx, and Loverboy
Wednesday, July 20Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 North 83rd AvenueYou might be inclined to refer to REO Speedwagon, Styx, and Loverboy as dad rock, given that each band’s heyday happened ages ago. But as the recent resurgence of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” from 1986 proves, just because a track is old doesn’t mean it's not a great listen. And the iconic jams created by this trio of ‘70s and ‘80s hitmakers definitely qualify for that category. REO Speedwagon is best-known for such infectious power ballads as “Keep Pushin,” “Keep on Loving You,” and “Take It On The Run” (the latter of which was showcased on Cobra Kai a few years back.) Styx’s hits include “Mr. Roboto” and “Come Sail Away,” both of which are karaoke standards. And the sweet riffs of Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend” have inspired many an air guitarist in the decades since its release. Consider attending this summertime nostalgia tour when it swings through the Valley this week whether you love these bands ironically or just love them period. 6:45 p.m., $29.50-$354.50 via ticketmaster.com. Benjamin Leatherman
