Have These 14 Rock Bands Played in Maine More Than Any Other?

Having lived here for almost 25 years, it’s been pretty awesome to see that Maine has been a regular stop for many big names in rock and alternative music over the years. 

There was a time when big name artists like Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Pearl Jam and Metallica played in our state. However, over the years, they became too big for their own good… or maybe I should say too big for OUR good. 

Unfortunately, bands like this are now playing venues bigger than anything we can support in Maine at this time. That said, we still get our share of great rock shows and Boston isn’t that far away. 

I thought it would be fun to do a deep dive in to see what rock bands played in Maine the most over the years. Although I can’t confirm that I missed any, I do know the following bands have shown our state plenty of love over the years. 

Excluding our talented local acts, here’s a rundown of the bands that I found to have played the most shows in the state and I’m pretty confident that we have two clear winners: 

**Note: The number of appearances is based off of setlist.fm and could be slightly more or less. 

1. Phish – With a massive following in New England, Phish has rocked a large number of shows in Maine. Starting from small clubs back in the late 80’s to legendary festival appearances​. The Vermont based band has played in Maine 49 times since their first performance at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor on January 20, 1989. 

2. Guster, the beloved Massachusetts-based band, has a strong connection to Maine, having played in the state 49 times since their first performance at Granny Killam's in September of 1995. They have captivated audiences with their engaging live shows including one “Guster on Ice: Live From Portland, Maine” that was made into a live DVD/CD back in 2003. One of their standout events is the annual Guster on the Ocean, which features three performances each year at the State Theatre and Thompson’s Point. 

3. Bob Dylan – Not going to lie, this one kind of surprised me. This legend has played in Maine 30 times and he goes back further than anyone else on this list. Bob played his first show in Maine at The Memorial Gymnasium in Orono back on November 8, 1964 and played his most recent show here over 50 years later back in 2016 at Thompson’s Point. 

4. Aerosmith – As Boston natives, Aerosmith has had a long and celebrated relationship with Maine. Over the decades, according to setlist.fm, they’ve played 24 shows, including in venues like the Cumberland County Civic Center (now Cross Insurance Arena) and The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach, Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor​ all the way back to their first performance in Maine at the USM Gorham Campus in 1973 – can you imagine being at that show?! 

5. ZZ Top – These legendary bearded sharp dressed men have played in our state 22 times dating back to 1975. Here’s a fun fact for you: Did you know ZZ Top were the very first band to play at the Cumberland County Civic Center back in 1977​? 

6. Melissa Etheridge – Melissa has a big fan base here and fans are always eager to come out to see her perform, which has now been a total of 20 times, dating back to her first performance at The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach in July of 1989 opening for Little Feat. 

7. J. Geils Band – Hailing from just down the street in Boston, there was a time when Peter Wolf and the boys would come up to Maine quite often. Their first show was at the Wadsworth Gymnasium in Waterville back on October 6, 1971. 

8. Godsmack – Another Massachusetts band, Godsmack has made Maine a regular stop on their tours. Performing a total of 17 times at venues like the Maine Savings Amphitheater, Cross Insurance Arena​ and in their early days at the State Theatre, dating back to their first show here on August 2, 1998. 

9. Sevendust – Sevendust has been a frequent presence in Maine's rock scene, that’s what happens when you have a dedicated fan base in a certain state. Lajon Witherspoon and the boys are known for their high-energy performances and dedication to touring, performing an impressive 17 times since their first known show in 1997. 

10. Cheap Trick – Maybe not as much in recent years but Cheap Trick has made a notable impact on Maine's music scene, performing 14 times in the state since their first performance in November of 1977 certainly solidifying their status as one of the key rock bands that helped shape Maine's concert history.

11. Disturbed – Disturbed has shown Maine all the love since they first popped on the map back in 2000. Unfortunately we haven’t seen David Draiman and the boys since 2016, but prior to that they’ve performed across Maine a total of 12 times dating back to their first show for the WCYY Holiday Bizarre on November 28th, 2000 at the Cumberland County Civic Center. 

12. Def Leppard – We don't see these guys in Maine a ton these days but they’ve certainly shown us the love over the years dating back to their first performance in Maine at the Cumberland County Civic Center opening on August 5, 1981, opening for Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhodes. Def Leppard has rocked Maine 11 times.

13. Jethro Tull – They may not have the most performances in Maine compared to these other bands, but they did perform a total of 11 times dating all the way back to the late 60’s. They graced the City Hall Auditorium stage, now known as Merrill Auditorium, back on July 1, 1969, just weeks before the iconic Woodstock Festival. 

14. Chevelle – These alt metal rockers have frequently performed in Maine over the years, often headlining shows or opening for other big names in rock​. Chevelle has played in Maine 11 times since their first show at the State Theatre back in December of 1999.