Though it’s almost the holiday season, there are still plenty of killer live shows coming through town this month. We’re here with the perfect excuse to bail on family plans and skip out on your office Christmas party, five sure-thing concerts happening in the Phoenix area this month.

12.6

The Wallflowers at Marquee Theatre
Centered around songwriter Jakob Dylan, Grammy award winning act The Wallflowers have enjoyed surprising longevity since their breakout 90’s single “One Headlight” thanks to a modest cult following and a healthy touring schedule. Their latest album, 2021’s “Exit Wounds” has drawn solid critical reviews, specifically calling out Dylan’s duets with Shelby Lynne. $67.50 – $97.50. 730 N Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ; luckymanonline.com // @luckymanshows

12.7

METZ and Kowloon Walled City at Valley Bar
Sub Pop heavy rockers METZ are responsible for some of the coolest, most ear-punishing heavy indie rock records of the 21st century, crafting short, propulsive, ragers that recall the label’s early days as a grunge outpost. The band is celebrating 10 years together with a massive US tour, bringing along cerebral metal band Kowloon Walled City to open their shows. $12.50 – $25.00. 7 p.m.; 130 N Central Avenue Phoenix AZ; valleybarphx.com // @valleybarphx

12.13

Silversun Pickups and Wilderado at Marquee Theatre
December means holiday-themed shows featuring huge bands in intimate venues presented by local radio stations, events like the six day ALT AZ Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at the Marquee Theatre featuring appearances from The Struts, Story of the Year and others. We’re most excited for night four, headlined by shoegazey alt-rock icons Silversun Pickups with support from indie rockers Wilderado. $34 – $54. 6:30 p.m.;  730 N Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ; luckymanonline.com // @luckymanshows

12.14

Soccer Mommy and TOPS at The Van Buren
Hell of a doubleheader at The Van Buren, featuring two of our favorite poppy indie rock bands going, Nashville auteur Soccer Mommy joined by special guests, Montreal sophisti-pop icons TOPS. Soccer Mommy’s latest album, “Sometimes, Forever” is enriched by noisy textural flourishes, thanks to production work by Daniel Lopatin of Oneohtrix Point Never, a vibe that’s carried over to their latest live incarnation. $25. 8 p.m.; 401 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ; @thevanburenphx

12.15

Curren$y, The Far Side, Buddy, Phony Ppl, Mavi & more at Celebrity Theatre
High Holidays, a multi-city package tour featuring a killer lineup full of oddball, offbeat hip-hop acts, stops through Phoenix this month, featuring Curren$y, The Far Side (featuring members of The Pharcyde), Buddy, Phony PPL, and, one of our favorite up-and-coming rappers, Mavi. This is one for the heads, a stacked roster of some of the best rappers of the last 30 years. $35 – $144.50. 7 p.m.; 440 N 32nd St Phoenix, AZ; celebritytheatre.com // @celebtheatrephx

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