As long as we still have millennial nostalgia on the brain, let’s think about who could follow the likes of Nickelback, 50 Cent, and the Jonas Brothers in 2025. The record-breaking crowds for those shows proved that millennials — this writer is an elderly millennial himself — are ready to rodeo with the bands that populated their iPods and burned CDs.
If the crowd for Nickelback is any indication, seeing Creed at RodeoHouston isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. It’s going to happen, so embrace it with arms wide open.
Justin Timberlake would be a great candidate for a sold-out show, but he’s coming through Houston’s Toyota Center at the end of the year. He could always come through in 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of “FutureSex/LoveSounds”. Sometimes chest pains aren’t just chest pains. Be sure and talk to your doctor.
Past appearances by Fall Out Boy (2015), Panic! At The Disco (2019) and blink-182 (2017) proved that even pop-punk has a place at NRG Stadium. Bun B’s All-American Takeover featured hip-hop acts like Rick Ross, Ying Yang Twins, Eve, and Nelly that ably scratched the Y2K-era itch.
Kings of Leon (2019), Gwen Stefani (2022), Bruno Mars (2013) and Maroon 5 (2005, 2006, 2014) have all been through the building and would be welcomed back with a quickness.
With all that in mind, let’s engage in a little idle speculation about which Millennial-friendly musical acts might threaten the Jonas Brothers’ new attendance record of 75,600 for RodeoHouston 2025. Hopefully, at least a couple of them perform on the star-shaped stage next year.
The Killers
No lie, this would be a hugely sought-after ticket across several demographics, not just people who had Friendster accounts. The Killers have international clout to (cowboy) boot. Did you know that “Mr. Brightside” has over 2 billion spins on Spotify?
Weezer
It wasn’t too many album cycles ago that Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo was wearing cowboy hats and pearl snap shirts on album covers and rocking the country boy aesthetic. They also have plenty of hits to keep everyone captivated for an hour, meaning all killer no filler. If their September stop at Toyota Center sells out, it’s a no-brainer to bring them back in March.
Creed
Creed and Nickelback were two of the best-selling rock acts of the late ‘90s and early 2000s even while they were openly reviled by the Pitchfork crowd. A new generation has rediscovered them with a little less seriousness. Creed can play as long as they leave the Texas Rangers gear at home.
Paramore
Paramore are one of the most popular acts of the past 20 years, growing with the Warped Tour audience they came up with to be spin-class icons. Lead singer Hayley Williams is her generation's Debbie Harry. This is Mom Music now, and moms need to party too.
Miley Cyrus
It’s actually highly surprising that Miley Cyrus hasn’t returned to RodeoHouston since her two Hannah Montana shows in the 2000s. A lot has happened in the meantime. And hey, you know the wardrobe would be immaculate.
Korn
As long as we’re booking Creed, let’s bring on the cowboy hats and the dreadlocks. Korn is not the same Korn they were in 1999. These guys are now upstanding citizens with grandkids and church ministries.
Christina Aguilera
She’s been drawing huge crowds at her Las Vegas residency. We might not ever see Britney Spears at the rodeo, sadly, but this would be the next best thing.
Avril Lavigne
“Sk8er Boi” was released 22 years ago. Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? Did you know there are good and bad cholesterol levels? It’s true.
Snoop Dogg
It’s only a matter of time before they start selling THC seltzers at the rodeo.
Rob Zombie
Come on, you know you want to see Rob Zombie’s army of robot monster stage props on the dirt at NRG Stadium.
Creed seems like an inevitable follow up to Nickelback.
