Whether you’re a K-popper or a hip-hop head, here are the best concerts in the UAE this year.
Live entertainment is well and truly back in the UAE, with a slew of artists taking to stages across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So, if you’re a lover of live music, these are the all-important dates for your diaries. Curtain up – here are the best concerts in the UAE.
Diana Ross and Seal: 9 January 2026
Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi’s premier open-air concert series, has announced a landmark double bill, with soul superstar Diana Ross and global icon Seal set to perform on the same evening. Diana Ross, recipient of a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award, remains one of the most important figures in contemporary music and popular culture. Her biggest hits include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Chain Reaction,” “I’m Coming Out”, and “Endless Love” with Lionel Richie. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, Seal is recognised as one of contemporary music’s most versatile artists. His unmistakable vocals power global hits such as “Killer” and “Crazy,” while “Kiss From A Rose” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned GRAMMY® Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
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Ludovico Einaudi: 10 January 2026
Acclaimed pianist Ludovico Einaudi to bring his soulful melodies to the Saadiyat Nights concert series. Born in Turin, Einaudi’s musical journey began under his mother’s guidance, who introduced him to the piano at a young age. His early experimentation with music eventually led him to pursue formal training in Milan, where he honed his composition skills. He later went on to compose music for theatre, TV, and film, including This Is England, The Intouchables, and Nomadland. Einaudi’s music draws inspiration from minimalism and contemporary pop. Some of his most famous works include “Experience,” “Nuvole Bianche,” and “I Giorni.”
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Francis Mercier: 17 January 2026
Francis Mercier will once again take over Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, transforming the open-air venue into a dancefloor by the sea. With the harbour on one side and the city skyline on the other, Francis Mercier returns with his Solèy party brand, bringing a blend of Afro house, Latin house, deep house and soulful sounds. Expect percussion beats and tunes that will not only make you bust a move on the dancefloor, but also make you feel the music within. Over the years, Francis Mercier has racked up over 400 million streams, with tracks such as “Sauti,” “Premier Gaou,” and “Kamili.”
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Lewis Capaldi: 17 January 2026
Abu Dhabi is hitting the high notes. Saadiyat Nights has announced that Lewis Capaldi will be heading to the capital. The Scottish superstar is scheduled to perform on Saturday, 17 January 2026, and tickets are selling fast. In 2019, he released his debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, which spent six weeks at the top of the UK Albums Chart. Lewis’ debut song, “Bruises,” was so successful that it racked up twenty-five million streams on Spotify. The crowd-pleaser “Someone You Loved” reached number one on the American charts. The song earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Song of the Year.
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Linkin Park: 20 January 2026
Rock band Linkin Park will take over Etihad Arena on Yas Island for a high-octane show that promises the kind of cathartic sing-alongs. Expect a set packed with era-defining anthems such as “In the End,” alongside new material from the band’s latest album, From Zero. Air guitars will be out, heads will be banging, and voices will be hoarse the morning after. The Abu Dhabi date forms part of the From Zero World Tour and marks the band’s first UAE performance since 2010.
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LANY: 23 January 2026
LANY will bring its Soft World Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in early 2026. For those unversed, LANY is an American alt-pop sensation. Pronounced Lay-nee, the band hails from Los Angeles and first came together in 2014. The band is fronted by Paul Klein, whose vocals and honest songwriting have become their signature. Les Priest joins him on guitar and Jake Goss on drums. LANY shot to fame with hits like “ILYSB,” “Malibu Nights,” and “Super Far,” quickly building a global fan base. The band’s sound promises a blend of nostalgic pop and modern alt-rock, earning them critical acclaim.
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John Mayer: 24 January 2026
John Mayer makes his long-awaited Abu Dhabi debut at Saadiyat Nights with a night of virtuoso guitar work and crowd-pleasing hits under the stars. For the uninitiated, Mayer was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and rose to fame with the 2001 album Room for Squares. Across a career spanning more than two decades, he has collected seven Grammy Awards and delivered era-defining hits, including “No Such Thing,” “Daughters,” “Gravity,” “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” and “Waiting on the World to Change.” Expect a set that moves between pop confessionals, blues-leaning jams and pristine radio anthems.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
A. R. Rahman: 23 January 2026
A. R. Rahman is heading back to Abu Dhabi with a blockbuster concert at Etihad Arena. Expect a journey through a catalogue that has shaped modern film music. Setlists from Rahman’s recent touring have balanced crowd-pleasers with deep cuts, so you might hear anthems such as “Jai Ho,” “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” “Kun Faya Kun,” and “Vande Mataram,” delivered with the cinematic scale that made him a two-time Academy Award and two-time Grammy winner, alongside a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. What followed was a run of era-defining scores for films including Rangeela, Dil Se…, Taal, and Lagaan, cementing his reputation as the “Mozart of Madras.”
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Tom Odell: 24 January 2026
Known for his emotional songwriting and piano-driven performances, Tom Odell’s upcoming Dubai performance promises an evening that’ll hit you right in the feels. For those unversed, Tom Odell was born in Chichester, England, and started writing songs in his teens before catching the world’s attention with his debut album, Long Way Down, in 2013. It included the hit song “Another Love,” which went viral years later, introducing his music to an entirely new generation of fans. Over the years, Tom Odell has established a reputation as one of the UK’s most popular artists, with hits such as “Can’t Pretend,” “Heal,” “Magnetised, “”I Know,” and many more.
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Max Richter: 29 January 2026
Abu Dhabi’s spectacular open-air concert series, Saadiyat Nights, will welcome one of the most celebrated and influential composers of our time, Max Richter. Over the past two decades, he has redefined contemporary orchestral music. His music blends acoustic and electronic elements to create deeply emotional, thought-provoking works. His compositions have inspired a generation of artists and captivated audiences across the globe. Richter’s repertoire spans ballet, film, theatre and opera, encompassing genre-defining solo albums and award-winning scores for dance, art and fashion.
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Air Supply: 30 January 2026
Live Nation Middle East will welcome legendary soft rock duo Air Supply to Coca-Cola Arena in January 2026. Formed in 1975 when Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met in the chorus of the Australian touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Air Supply have spent nearly five decades captivating audiences with heartfelt ballads and unmistakable 80s hits. Their chart run includes five consecutive top-five singles: “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” “The One That You Love,” and “Here I Am.” The band has sold more than 20 million copies across their first three albums and Greatest Hits, while radio staples such as “Sweet Dreams” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” continue to resonate with new generations.
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Central Cee: 30 January 2026
Central Cee will start 2026 in spectacular style with a one-off show at Bohemia Dubai on Friday, 30 January 2026. The British rapper, real name Oakley Caesar-Sue, hails from Ladbroke Grove, London. He is of Chinese and Guyanese origin. When he was young, his father introduced him to American hip-hop, and the Notting Hill Carnival introduced him to dancehall and reggae. At 17 years old, he headlined his first show at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen in London. In 2020, he rose to fame with the songs “Day in the Life” and “Loading.” The rapper of the moment is known for his chart-topping hits, including Doja and Sprinter, a collaboration with fellow UK rapper Dave.
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Alesso: 31 January 2026
Dubai, get ready to dance. Swedish DJ, songwriter and record producer Alesso has announced that he is heading to Dubai. He will be performing at Terra Solis on Saturday, 31 January 2026. If you have danced to festival house over the last decade, you have likely danced to Alesso. The Stockholm-born DJ and producer, real name Alessandro Lindblad, has built his reputation on uplift and precision, balancing pop-level hooks with arena-ready synths. His breakout era delivered staples like “Calling (Lose My Mind)” with Sebastian Ingrosso and Ryan Tedder, and the shimmering “Heroes (We Could Be)” featuring Tove Lo, a crossover favourite that pushed him onto mainstream charts. Add “Under Control” with Calvin Harris and Hurts, plus fan favourites like “Years,” and you have a set list that practically writes itself.
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Ministry of Sound: 31 January 2026
London’s most storied dance institution is heading East. To mark 35 years at the heart of club culture, Ministry of Sound is taking its anniversary world tour to Dubai, touching down at Ain Dubai on Saturday, 31 January 2026. It is the first time the brand has staged its full experience in the UAE, and the plan is for a takeover that runs from daylight to after dark beneath the Ain Dubai skyline. Heading up the lineup are New York house legends Dennis Ferrer and Armand Van Helden, joined by DJ Tennis and HoneyLuv. The lineup also features Caiiro, Da Capo and Enoo Napa, alongside Brazilian talent Aline Rocha, Dubai-based deep house duo Arcade 82, and more.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for more information.
Ricky Martin: 31 January 2026
Abu Dhabi is turning up the volume with the announcement that Latin superstar Ricky Martin will headline Saadiyat Nights on Saturday, 31 January 2026. Having spearheaded the “Latin Explosion” of the late 1990s, Ricky Martin is widely recognised for introducing Latin pop to the global mainstream. With his signature high-energy performances, the Latin music icon delivers hit after hit. Fans can expect a dynamic setlist packed with chart-topping favourites like “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “She Bangs,” and “Vente Pa’ Ca,” alongside fresh tracks from his latest album.
GO: Visit https://www.ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Muse: 4 February 2026
Muse will be bringing its head-banging rock songs back to the UAE capital. Muse will be heading to Etihad Arena next year. This rock band—consisting of Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard, and Chris Wolstoneholme—formed in 1994 and has dominated the music scene ever since. With its unique fusion of rock, electronic, R&B, and a dash of rock opera, Muse has managed to stay in the game for 30 years. With chart-topping albums like The 2nd Law, Absolution, and Drones, and hits including Hysteria, Psycho, and Uprising — not to forget a cabinet full of awards, Muse has solidified their spot as one of the biggest acts in the world.
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Yo Yo Honey Singh: 6 February 2026
Indian rap superstar Yo Yo Honey Singh will officially launch his new world tour, My Story, in Dubai. The first stop on the tour will be the Coca-Cola Arena, where a full house and high-decibel sing-alongs feel all but guaranteed. If you remember the 2011 music video for “Brown Rang,” you will recall Burj Khalifa looming in the background. The track catapulted Yo Yo Honey Singh into the mainstream. Years later, he returned to the city to film his latest video, “Chingam,” at Dubai’s immersive attraction House of Hype. Now he is coming back to celebrate that shared history with a live show built around his story.
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Adriatique: 7 February 2026
Louvre Abu Dhabi is leaning into its nocturnal side as Masquerave returns for a third edition, bringing late-night energy to one of the capital’s most striking cultural settings. The third edition of Masquerave is set in the museum’s park, blending art, architecture, and nightlife with an avant-garde concept, themed masks, and a soundscape that extends beyond usual gallery hours. Headlining the night is Adriatique, the Swiss duo Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer, whose melodic house and techno have become a main-stage favourite from clubs to festival megastructures. This is their first-ever performance in Abu Dhabi, running from midnight to 2am. Expect the kind of hypnotic build-and-release they’re known for, with tracks like “Home” and the Afterlife-era anthem “Ray” sitting high in the canon.
GO: Visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae for more information.
Alex Marley & The Wailers: 7 February 2026
The sun is shining, and the weather is sweet at Barasti Beach. On 7 February 2026, the FACT award-winning beach club is hosting the Bob Marley Birthday Festival. The event features a fun-filled line-up of local and international acts. The live entertainment blends reggae rhythms with modern interpretations. The line-up includes reggae artists, DJs, and The Wailers. The group is preserving the sound and soul of Bob Marley’s music. The group includes Alex Marley and the remaining members of Bob Marley and The Wailers, known for the songs “People Get Ready” and “One Love”.
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Argy: 7 February 2026
Greek hitmaker Argy makes his much-anticipated debut at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, bringing his immersive audiovisual concept NEWORLD to the city for a one-night showcase that promises to blur the line between club set and cinematic spectacle. This Dubai date also doubles as the official release party for NEWORLD II, the producer’s upcoming album and the next chapter in a project that has quickly grown into a global talking point. The show will be a full-blown multisensory experience. Conceived as a “parallel world and shared spiritual gathering”, the concept blends melodic techno with visuals and immersive storytelling.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Mariah Carey: 7 February 2026
Abu Dhabi is hitting the high notes. Saadiyat Nights has announced that the singing sensation Mariah Carey will be heading back to Abu Dhabi. Over Mariah’s career, she has sold more than 220 million records. She has an endless list of hit singles, which include “Always Be My Baby,” “Emotions,” “Fantasy”, and “Hero.” Plus, her Christmas album has become a staple in the season, and includes “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” In September 2025, Mariah Carey released her new album called Here for It All, her first studio LP since 2018. The singles include “Type Dangerous”, which samples Eric B. & Rakim, and “Sugar Sweet”, featuring Kehlani and Shenseea.
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Rewind Fest DXB: 7 February 2026
Music enthusiasts and nostalgia-seekers, rejoice. The much-loved Rewind Fest DXB is making a triumphant return in 2026, promising another epic celebration of the sounds from the 80s and 90s. Headlining the all-day festival is Marc Almond and Soul II Soul, joined by a star-studded roster that includes Nik Kershaw, Heaven 17, Go West, Jason Donovan, The Real Thing, Cutting Crew, Toyah, and Disco Inferno. With non-stop performances, live DJs, activities, food, and a high-energy celebration, this event promises the ultimate throwback party.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Bryan Adams: 11 February 2026
The capital’s flagship open-air concert series is turning up the volume. Saadiyat Nights has confirmed that multiple award-winning rock legend Bryan Adams will headline the event for a one-night-only performance. With a career that spans more than four decades, Adams is known for a catalogue of songs that defined an era. The Canadian icon arrives in the UAE capital as part of his global Roll with the Punches shows. Audiences can look forward to “Summer of ’69”, “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”, “Heaven”, “Run to You” and “Please Forgive Me”, delivered with the raw energy that has defined his live performances for generations.
GO: Visit ticketmaster.ae for more information.
Train: 12 February 2026
Multi-Grammy Award-winning, diamond-selling band Train will perform at Coca-Cola Arena on 12 February 2026. Expect an arena-sized sing-along to global anthems including “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Drops of Jupiter,” and “Drive By.” Since forming in 1994, Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks, earned three Grammy Awards, and landed 14 Billboard Hot 100 singles. Their diamond-certified hit “Hey, Soul Sister” was the most downloaded single of 2010 and has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
The Calling: 14 February 2026
The American rock band The Calling will headline the new sports-and-music event, AccessPass Festival, in Abu Dhabi. Taking place on 14 February 2026, it is held at 321 Sports on Al Hudayriyat Island. The Calling topped Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts for 23 weeks with their 2001 single “Wherever You Will Go” – later named the number one song of the 2000s. Audiences can expect the band to perform hits from their Before The World Turns To Dust tour, including “Adrienne,” “Could It Be Any Harder,” “Anything,” and more.
GO: Visit https://festival.accesspass.ae for more information.
Wu-Tang Clan: 22 March 2026
Wu-Tang Clan are taking their victory lap to Dubai. Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber tour promises rare cuts, era-defining classics and one night of pure Shaolin spirit at Coca-Cola Arena. Wu-Tang Clan’s Dubai performance promises a setlist that touches every corner of the Clan’s mythology. Fans can look forward to songs that have never been performed live and the heavy hitters that rewired rap in the ’90s. Top tracks are the pillars of the night. “C.R.E.A.M.” remains a generational touchstone, “Protect Ya Neck” still snarls, “Triumph” unfurls like a lyrical relay, and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit” turns any arena into a call-and-response cathedral. Add “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” and “Gravel Pit,” and you have a catalogue built for live detonation.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Big Time Rush: 26 March 2026
Big Time Rush will bring their In Real Life Worldwide Tour to Coca-Cola Arena next year. Expect a high-energy, career-spanning set, including every song from every episode of the TV series. Plus, special guests Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Kramer Glickman. Since reuniting in 2020, the quartet has released “Another Life” (2023) and sold out arenas across the US and beyond.
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Andrea Vanzo: 27 March 2026
Live Nation Middle East will present Italian musician and composer Andrea Vanzo at the New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, on 27 March 2026. Based in Bologna, Vanzo is an award-winning artist celebrated for an evocative, cinematic sound that blends modern classical composition with subtle pop influences. Following the success of his debut album Intimacy Vol. 1 (October 2022), Vanzo has built a loyal global following. The Dubai concert offers fans the chance to experience the world of Intimacy live, including selections from Intimacy Vol. 2, released in October 2025.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Josh Groban: 27 March 2026
Josh Groban is officially coming to Dubai. The American singer, famed for his powerhouse vocals and emotional ballads, will bring his GEMS World Tour to Coca-Cola Arena on 27 March 2026, adding another major name to the emirate’s already packed entertainment calendar. Over the years, Josh has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. His discography includes chart-topping releases such as Closer, Noel, Awake, Stages, Bridges and Harmony, each showcasing his ability to move between pop, classical crossover and Broadway-inspired sounds.
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Keinemusik: 28 March 2026
Pacha ICONS is going big next spring, and it is bringing one of electronic music’s most in-demand collectives along for the ride. Keinemusik will headline the upcoming Pacha ICONS show at Bab Al Shams Arena in Dubai on Saturday, 28 March 2026, with the party running from 7pm to 4am. Known for curating high-energy house music nights with world-class lineups and high-end production, Pacha ICONS is stepping away from its usual Playa Pacha home at FIVE LUXE JBR for what’s being billed as its biggest show yet. For this edition, the series will transform Bab Al Shams Arena into an immersive open-air venue, leaning into the drama of the desert for a one-off experience that channels the spirit of Ibiza under the stars.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Jon Batiste: 12 April 2026
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 has unveiled a range of exciting events that celebrate cultural diversity and artistic excellence from across the world. Opening night sees Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Jon Batiste inaugurate the festival at Emirates Palace Auditorium. Fans can expect music from his latest project, Big Money, which he introduced to audiences in summer 2025, along with selections that showcase his improvisational flair. Fresh off a Super Bowl performance and global acclaim for Beethoven Blues and World Music Radio, he brings his genre-defying sound and creative brilliance to the capital for the first time.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Tarkan: 17 April 2026
Turkish pop sensation Tarkan is bringing his global star power to Etihad Arena on Yas Island. He burst onto the scene in 1992 and quickly became a household name worldwide. His debut album Yine Sensiz was an instant success, with follow-up albums like Aacayipsin and Olurum Sana, cementing his status as a pop phenomenon. With more than 15 million albums sold, Tarkan’s hits include “Simarik,” “Sikidum,” “Kuzu Kuzu,” “Dudu,” and “Yolla.” Expect a show packed with nostalgia, dance-floor favourites and the charisma that’s made him a legend across generations.
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Hyperound: 18 April 2026
Brace yourself, K-Pop fans. K-pop superstars are coming to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on 18 April 2026. Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi’s set list includes boyband ENHYPEN, who were formed on the survival show I-LAND. Ten, the Thai pop powerhouse prized for razor-sharp dance lines and versatile vocals, also joins the fun. FIFTY FIFTY will also perform, having broken through globally with “Cupid”, a viral pop hit that cracked both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK top 10. Elsewhere, ARTMS unites five former LOONA members, turning reinvention into its own mythology.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Christina Aguilera: 24 April 2026
The capital is hitting the high notes. The American superstar Christina Aguilera is coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. In 1999, she released her debut single, Genie in a Bottle, which became a worldwide smash hit. She was part of the wave of teen idols. Her hit singles include Ain’t No Other Man, Beautiful, Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You), Lady Marmalade, and What A Girl Wants. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Plus, she is familiar with the Middle East.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Hauser: 2 May 2026
Croatian cello sensation Hauser will perform for one night only at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The concert forms part of the Abu Dhabi Festival, presented in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Live Nation Middle East, Miral, and FACT Magazine, the official media partner. The Abu Dhabi concert will spotlight his latest album, Cinema, a tribute to some of the greatest film scores ever composed. Audiences can look forward to an evening of movie melodies reimagined for the cello, with arrangements designed to stir emotion, spark nostalgia and deliver more than a few goosebumps as Hauser brings these soundtracks to life in the capital.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Scorpions: 3 May 2026
Iconic rock bands have come and gone, but 60 years since its inception, the Scorpions are still going strong. In fact, the legendary band is embarking on its Coming Home — 60 Years of Scorpions world tour, with a pit stop in Abu Dhabi confirmed for 3 May. Formed in Hanover in 1965, the band has long been a disruptor in hard rock and heavy metal, distinguished by influential lyrics that reflected the remarkable developments in Germany at the time. Scorpions will set the stage ablaze with a whole host of smash hits, including Big City Nights, Still Loving You, and more.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Def Leppard: 2 August 2026
Following their show at the YASALAM F1 after-race concerts in 2022, Def Leppard are returning to the UAE for a show at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. The upcoming show promises to be a great night of rock and unforgettable hits. We hope they play some of their rock classics, such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites.” The band has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide and has also been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
