The arrival of hot weather tells us its time to put together our first 2011 summer concert preview list. Many of your favorite classic rock bands are hitting the road, together in exciting combinations in some cases, for shows all across the country. Grab some beers, a few friends and check out our 2011 Summer Concert Preview:

  • 10

    Alice Cooper

    Newly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cooper celebrates his induction with the 'Old School' box set highlighting his early work with the Alice Cooper Group. Alice, who is nearly always on the road, will strike out again for a set of dates that will include a Detroit show with Ace Frehley opening. Anybody up for a road trip?

  • 9

    Steve Miller Band

    After some serious health issues, veteran guitarist Steve Miller has been back on the road over the past few summers. With a pair of new blues albums released in the past year, Miller will tour this summer with a selection of both new and old favorites.

  • 8

    Ted Nugent

    with Derek St. Holmes

    On a nationwide 2011 concert mission to cause permanent hearing damage in every city, Ted Nugent has a unique twist for his summer touring plans -- the return of former Nugent vocalist Derek St. Holmes, who will join the 'Nuge for summer dates. Derek is the voice heard on a number of Nugent favorites, including our favorite really, really long guitar jam 'Stranglehold.'

  • 7

    Deep Purple

    The veteran classic rockers are preparing to work on a new album that would mark the first release of new material from the band since 'Raptures of the Deep' from 2005. In the meantime, they'll be out on tour for a series of 2011 U.S. concert dates, performing with a full symphony orchestra prior to international shows in July that will begin in Germany.

  • 6

    Soundgarden

    with The Mars Volta

    One of the most unlikely reunions of the summer takes flight as Chris Cornell and the members of Soundgarden come back together for an expanded set of U.S. and Canadian tour dates, after performing a smattering of shows together in 2010. The Mars Volta will open most dates with additional support coming at select shows from Queens of the Stone Age, Coheed and Cambria, Mastodon, and the Meat Puppets.

  • 5

    Yes and Styx

    The pairing of Yes and Styx seems initially odd until you think about some of the progressive rock touches in Styx songs like 'Crystal Ball.' We'd expect that since they're sharing the bill with Yes, you'll probably see some cool deep cuts come out of the woodwork. Yes, on the other hand, will have new material from 'Fly From Here,' their first album with vocalist Benoit David at the helm.

  • 4

    Motley Crue and Poison

    with the New York Dolls

    This bill brings together two bands that most fans probably never expected to see, mainly because of past comments regarding Poison from Motley bassist Nikki Sixx. It's all water under the bridge now, apparently, and as a result, Motley and Poison will share the stage together this summer with the New York Dolls handling opening duties.

  • 3

    ZZ Top

    That little ol' band from Texas keeps on rolling, having recently wrapped up a successful spring tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd. They'll start the summer with some shows overseas before coming back to the States in August for a month's worth of dates.

  • 2

    Def Leppard and Heart

    With a new double live album to promote, Def Leppard will be on the road this summer with the always dynamic Heart. Sure to be a highlight in the supporting role, the undiminished Zep-infused vocals of Ann Wilson and the guitar work of her sister Nancy are always a pleasure to witness in concert.

  • 1

    Journey

    with Foreigner and Night Ranger

    The veteran San Francisco rockers anchor a triple bill with an amazing combined catalog of radio hits. If their similarly powerful tour with Heart and Cheap Trick from several years ago is any indicator, this package will likely be one of the hottest tickets of the summer.

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