The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be a season that echoes the legendary summer of ‘93—a time when icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Elton John graced the stage in a cascade of unforgettable performances. Just as those concerts defined an era, this year promises a similarly electrifying lineup, one that has music lovers buzzing with anticipation.
Reflecting on the summer of ’93, I was 21, and it was a time that remains etched in the memory of my generation—a generation that was ravenous for music. That summer was a whirlwind of concerts, a frenzy that allowed us to finally see the global superstars we had idolized for years up close. Thanks to the visionary efforts of Ahmet San, Turkey experienced high-production events for the first time, was introduced to the grandeur of stadium concerts, and witnessed firsthand how dreams could be transformed into reality.
That unforgettable summer saw Michael Jackson, Madonna, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Sting, Scorpions, and Elton John all take the stage in rapid succession, dazzling Turkish audiences like never before. It was a time when liberalism and free market values were at their peak, and with that, the floodgates of sponsorship swung wide open. The result was a wave of monumental concerts and festivals that continued to flourish into the mid-20th century. Summers may have been dry, but the festival clouds were always on the horizon, ready to burst with excitement.
As the scene grew, everyone from clubbers to radio stations, managers to agencies, transformed into festival and event powerhouses. Music, once a simple pleasure, became entwined with beach and sand, meadow and grass, extreme sports, entertainment, drinks, and conversations. This evolution marked a shift, turning the once pure love of music into a frenzy of consumption.
In the second half of the millennium, the vibrant energy of concerts and festivals began to wane, giving way to a period of stagnation. Especially after 2010, such events became increasingly rare and challenging to organize. However, this year marks a refreshing change, as we are experiencing a summer concert schedule that’s more intense than we’ve seen in many years. While it may not rival the iconic summer of 1993, if all the announced events come to fruition, Summer 2024 promises to be quite memorable.
As we reflect on the summer we’ve already experienced, we find ourselves looking back with fondness at some standout performances from the Jazz Festival, with incredible shows by Wishbone Ash, Scorpions, Placebo, Massive Attack, Megadeth, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bruce Dickinson, Judas Priest, and Opeth. Although we’ll surely miss the events that have passed, the summer is far from over, and a plethora of exciting concerts and festivals still await us.
For metal enthusiasts, this summer offers some thrilling events. Apocalyptica will be bringing their unique spin on Metallica tracks to the stage on September 19. On September 21, the Bosphorus Open Air Metal Test at Küçükçiftlik Park will be a highlight for metalheads, and Soen will be touring in three cities alongside In Flames and Accept, promising an electrifying experience at each venue.
Jazz aficionados are also in for a treat. Al DiMeola, renowned for his electrifying guitar performances, is set to captivate audiences, and the Akbank Jazz Festival is gearing up for its 34th edition. Running from September 28 to October 13, the festival will showcase over 30 musicians across numerous venues. Highlights include Kurt Elling, the iconic American jazz vocalist, as well as young virtuoso Isaiah Collier, Cuban jazz pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa, Brazilian sound innovator Rodrigo Amarante, and Tatiana Eva-Marie, known for her vibrant gypsy jazz vocals.
Additionally, the 8th Bozcaada Jazz Festival and the 6th Kaş Jazz Festival will offer delightful experiences for those enjoying their vacations. These events promise to enrich the summer with a blend of exciting performances and atmospheric settings.
Reflecting on the void left by the pandemic, when even the faintest rustle of activity seemed distant, one of the greatest yearnings among audiences in our country was for the return of major concerts and international ensembles. The global cultural and artistic landscape took a significant hit during those years, leaving a palpable gap. This year’s lineup of concerts and festivals is undeniably extensive, yet the question lingers: under what conditions can these events be sustained? Will we look back on the summer of 2024 as a golden era, or will its memory be fleeting?
The challenges posed by the global situation have set formidable barriers for organizing such events. Economic contractions and soaring inflation have driven up costs, placing a strain on these endeavors. With dwindling sponsorship and rising ticket prices, the future of large-scale events is uncertain. As we revel in the vibrant offerings of this summer, it is crucial to support and appreciate these events, recognizing the effort and resilience behind them.
