Tommy James and the Shondells, alongside Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, will headline the Grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair on August 31, 2024. Tickets for this highly anticipated concert range from $33 to $53.75 and will be available for purchase starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday through Etix or by calling 800-514-3849.
The concert marks the first Monday of the State Fair, a night traditionally reserved for performances by iconic pop stars from the 1960s. In recent years, this date has featured the popular Happy Together tour, which has been led by the Turtles.
Iconic Hits and Nostalgic Performances
Tommy James formed his band in 1959 at the young age of 12, eventually evolving into the Shondells five years later. The group’s rise to fame began with their hit “Hanky Panky,” which topped the charts in 1966. They followed up with several other successful singles such as “Mirage,” “Sweet Cherry Wine,” and “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” Notably, three of their biggest songs found renewed popularity in the 1980s through covers by artists like Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”), Billy Idol (“Mony Mony”), and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (“Crimson and Clover”). Additionally, the legendary Prince included a version of “Crimson and Clover” on his 2009 album, “Lotusflow3r.”
Meanwhile, Herman’s Hermits emerged during the British Invasion that followed the Beatles’ success in the early 1960s. Between March and August 1965, the band dominated the Billboard Top Ten, holding a remarkable 24 consecutive weeks with five singles, including their number one hits “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am.” Other notable tracks from the band include “I’m into Something Good,” “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat,” and “There’s a Kind of Hush.”
Exciting Lineup for the Fair
Tommy James and Herman’s Hermits will join a stellar lineup for the Minnesota State Fair, which also includes previously announced headliners such as Bonnie Raitt on August 27, Weird Al Yankovic on August 28, Sierra Ferrell on August 30, and Rod Stewart closing the event on September 1. This year’s fair promises to deliver an engaging mix of music and nostalgia that appeals to fans of all ages.
With a blend of classic hits and vibrant performances, the concert on August 31 is set to be a memorable highlight of the Minnesota State Fair, drawing in fans eager to relive the magic of the ’60s music scene.
