The Best Concerts of 2012 in Istanbul

2012 is a resounding comeback year for the live music business, and an exciting time for music lovers in Istanbul, with a diverse group of entertainers coming and going to Istanbul that includes classic rock, pop, and heavy metal icons, along with beloved singers / songwriters, oldies bands. Here’s a peek at some of the best concerts in Istanbul for 2012.

Every year they are getting bigger and better in Istanbul. Thinking about a trip to Istanbul in 2012, but can’t decide when you should go? Why not plan your trip around one of these top events for Istanbul that will rock the city in 2012.

So if you’re going to Istanbul in 2012, these are the dates to put in your agenda now. Our list of the Top concerts in Istanbul for 2012 is updated as many others famous stars are stopping in Istanbul as part of their international tours this year. But a few events stand out; they would have in any year. I’ve included links to fan videos on YouTube so we can share the experience.

Best Concerts in Istanbul for 2012

Suzanne Vega – 22 May 2012 21:30
Suzanne Vega will pair her acoustic guitar with the songs she writes and be joined by Duncan Sheik, composer of the Tony Award-winning smash Spring Awakening, for a performance at Salon İKSV, İstanbul.
MADONNA – June 07 2012 17:30
Madonna is having a huge party and everyone’s invited at Türk Telekom Arena, İstanbul. Over 55,000 Turkish fans queued for hours outside the Turk Telecom Arena to see pop diva Madonna perform in Istanbul.
Dany Brillant – June 11 2012 21:30
at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Amphitheatre, İstanbul
Skin From Skunk Anansie DJ Set – June 16, 2012 22:00
One of Britain’s leading female rock singers Skin is also a fashion icon, a renowned DJ is coming to Istanbul on June 16th with her DJ set to perform at Otto – Santral, İstanbul
Megadeth – June 19 2012 16:00
The pioneer of the American thrash metal movement, Megadeth is coming to Turkey as part of their new album “Th1rte3n” Tour at KüçükÇiftlik Park, İstanbul.
Tom Jones – June 26 2012
Tom Jones, the Welsh crooner who is famous for his rich voice, will perform on June 26 at Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena. Jones has had a huge fan base in Turkey since 1965, and his albums have sold more than 100 million worldwide.
Jessie J – June 26 2012
British pop star Jessie J will perform June 26 in Istanbul at KüçükÇiftlik Park, İstanbul.
Nancy Ajram – June 27 2012
A rising star in the world of Arabic music, Nancy Ajram will also take the stage at Cemil Topluzlu as part of Istanbul’s shopping fest on June 27.
Pitbull – June 30 2012 18:00
International music sensation Pitbull is coming to Istanbul on June 30th as part of his new album Planet Pit World Tour at KüçükÇiftlik Park, İstanbul.
Guns’N’Roses – July 04 2012 12:00
American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses will perform in Istanbul this summer on July 4th 2012 at Parkorman İstanbul at the “Tuborg GoldFest” uniting fans with some of the most famous Rock bands in existence.
Within Temptation – July 04 2012 12:00
Within Temptation is coming to Turkey! They will be playing at the Tuborg Goldfest festival this summer. The festival takes place from the 4th to the 7th of July and is held at the Parkorman in Istanbul.
Duran Duran – July 9 2012
The legendary pop band Duran Duran will be in Istanbul on July 9th with Map İletişim organisation.
Chris de Burgh – July 10 2012 21:00
witness a great concert from one of the tender voices of UK, Chris de Burgh on his ‘Footsteps 2’ Tour at Küçükçiftlik Park.
Morrissey – 19 July 2012 21:00
at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Açıkhava Sahnesi, İstanbul
Red Hot Chili Peppers – September 8 2012
Red Hot Chili Peppers to play Turkey for the first time at Santralistanbul September 8, 2012.
Stevie Wonder – September 14
Stevie Wonder will visit Istanbul this September, for his first concert here. Garanti Jazz Green is featuring the master pianist and singer of soul music will at santralistanbul on September 14.
Leonard Cohen – September 19
Canadian singer songwriter, novelist and poet Leonard Cohen is the latest big name to be announced to perform in Istanbul this summer. Cohen will take the stage on Sept. 19 at the Ülker Arena.
Lenny Kravitz – October 4
Lenny Kravitz, the rocker, songwriter, producer, fashion designer, is set to perform on Oct. 4 2012 for his first Istanbul performance in four years.
Enrique Iglesias – October 24
Famous singer Enrique Iglesias will come to Istanbul for a concert at Küçükçiftlik Park on October 24th. as a part of his Euphoria Tour.
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – November 10
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts will be hosting one of the world’s greatest orchestras, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra on Saturday, 10 November in Haliç Congress Centre.
Thin Lizzy – November 11
Legendary Irish rock band Thin Lizzy is set to perform in Istanbul November 11th as part of its ongoing tour.
Jennifer Lopez – November 16
Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez will perform in Istanbul on Friday, November 16 at the “Ülker Sports Arena” as a part of her “Dance Again” World tour, in her first-ever appearance in Turkey.
Sting – November 26
British rock star Sting will perform in Istanbul on November 26th at Ataköy Athletizm Arena as a part of his Back To Bass Fall 2012Tour.