Five Comeback Tours That Brought Ultimate Nostalgia

Comeback tours are more than just performances; they are a chance for fans to relive the magic of a bygone era, reconnect with the music that defined moments of their lives, and experience a sense of unity with others who share that nostalgia. Over the years, some comeback tours have transcended mere performances, becoming cultural events that remind us of why we fell in love with certain bands or artists in the first place. Here, we take a look at five that delivered the ultimate nostalgia:

1. The Rolling Stones – "No Filter Tour" (2017–2019, 2021–2022)

When The Rolling Stones announced their "No Filter Tour" in 2017, it marked yet another chapter in the band's incredible journey that started in the early 1960s. Fans worldwide flocked to stadiums to see Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood perform their classic hits like "Paint It Black," "Gimme Shelter," and "Satisfaction."

Despite being in their 70s, the Stones performed with the energy of musicians half their age, proving that rock and roll has no expiration date. The tour was especially poignant following the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, making the latter part of the tour a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. For fans, it was a moment to reflect on decades of music that has remained timeless, bringing back memories of their youth and the soundtrack that defined it.

2. Spice Girls – "Spice World - 2019 Tour"

For anyone who grew up in the 1990s, the Spice Girls were more than just a pop group; they were a cultural phenomenon that defined an era. After years of speculation, the Spice Girls (minus Victoria Beckham) announced their comeback tour in 2019, dubbed the "Spice World Tour." The tour spanned several cities in the UK and Ireland, attracting a massive turnout of fans eager to relive the glory days of "Girl Power."

The setlist was filled with their biggest hits like "Wannabe," "Spice Up Your Life," and "Say You'll Be There," and the production was a colourful, over-the-top celebration of 90s pop culture. The tour allowed a generation to reconnect with their inner teenager and experience a carefree, fun-filled nostalgia trip back to when the world first fell in love with the Spice Girls.

3. Fleetwood Mac – "An Evening with Fleetwood Mac" (2018–2019)

Fleetwood Mac's "An Evening with Fleetwood Mac" tour in 2018–2019 was a highly anticipated event for rock fans worldwide. The tour marked the band's first major outing without long-time guitarist Lindsey Buckingham since the 1990s, but it didn't stop Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, and John McVie from delivering a show that celebrated the band's decades-long history.

With hits like "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Rhiannon," the band took audiences on a journey through their storied career. For many fans, the tour was a chance to see a band that has weathered numerous storms and line-up changes over the years but has always remained true to its unique sound. It was a testament to their endurance and a celebration of a catalogue that has provided the soundtrack to millions of lives.

4. Backstreet Boys – "DNA World Tour" (2019–2023)

The Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, made a triumphant return with their "DNA World Tour" in 2019. The tour, supporting their tenth studio album, "DNA," was a celebration of both their new music and the hits that made them famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Fans packed arenas across the globe, singing along to classics like "I Want It That Way," "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," and "Larger Than Life."

The tour was a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of boy bands, with choreography, harmonies, and the charisma that made the Backstreet Boys a household name. It reminded fans of a simpler time when boy bands ruled the airwaves and pop music was at its peak. For many, it was not just a concert but a reunion with their teenage years.

5. ABBA – "Voyage Virtual Concert" (2022–)

ABBA, one of the most iconic pop groups of all time, had long resisted the lure of a comeback tour—until they announced the "Voyage Virtual Concert" in 2022. This wasn’t a traditional live tour but a cutting-edge virtual concert experience featuring digital avatars of the band members performing their greatest hits and new material.

For fans who thought they'd never see ABBA "live" again, the "Voyage" experience was an innovative blend of nostalgia and futuristic technology. It allowed audiences to see ABBA perform songs like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "Take a Chance on Me" in a way that felt both new and familiar. The virtual format also made it accessible to fans worldwide, creating a sense of global nostalgia and connection that transcended the usual boundaries of a tour.