17 Legendary Rock Bands That Have Played Live in Iowa [GALLERY]

Who is your all-time favorite band or artist? There's no wrong answer, I promise!

For me, it depends on the day. Sometimes it's Alice in Chains, and sometimes it's Toby Keith. Weird combo, I acknowledge. When you've been in radio more than half your life, you tend to have unique tastes.

I have been fortunate enough to see Toby in concert prior to his passing. Sadly, not  Alice in Chains, in their original incarnation. I was still too young when they had to disband.

If you grew up with artists who still tour like Bruce Springsteen or Sir Paul McCartney, or the recently retired Elton John (he's fantastic live), you hopefully had or maybe have a chance to see them live still.

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For other acts like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, well, that ship has sailed.

Today, we'll look back at some of the legends of various formats, though mostly rock, that have played the Hakweye State.

The Legends Have Played Iowa

From Petty to the Stones to the Who and beyond, I have put together a list of 17 legends, past and present, who've done at least one show in Iowa.

READ MORE: Remembering When Garth Brooks Played Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Most have done more than one show here, but in the case of Led Zeppelin, one was the magic number.

Below, we'll explore some of the greats who have zig-zagged the world, but managed to make time to play in Iowa.

From the 1960s through to the 2010s, Iowa has been a great place for artists to visit. No, we don't have an arena that holds 60,000 screaming fans. No, Taylor Swift (on this list), likely won't play in Iowa again in the foreseeable future.

But back before travel was fairly easy, bands had to hit smaller states and certainly venues, to reach more fans.

If you were fortunate enough to see any of the acts listed below, please reach out and let me know when and where the show was, even if it wasn't in Iowa.

17 Legends That Played in Iowa

Let's have a look at the legends who took the stage in Iowa.

READ MORE: All The Acts Coming to the 2025 Iowa State Fair

From shows in Des Moines, to Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, and Iowa City, take a look at the greats who've dropped by Iowa!

Rock on!