If you have front-row seats to the Foo Fighters show July 23 at Conseco Fieldhouse, you'll have a chance to deliver a message to singer-guitarist Dave Grohl on behalf of all of Indianapolis:

"Welcome back. What took you so long?"

Eight years have passed since the Foo Fighters performed here. The gap can be measured in three studio albums, seven Top 5 modern rock singles and various U.S. tours.

But Grohl's band isn't the only one making an overdue return to Indianapolis this summer.

Radiohead, scheduled to play Aug. 3 at Verizon Wireless Music Center, last performed on Hoosier soil in 1995.

U.S. dates for Radiohead are relatively rare, however, and stops in the Midwest often mean one night in Chicago.

In the case of singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, his new album is his first since 2005 (when he last performed locally). The Backstreet Boys are back after more or less falling off the face of the planet, and the bad boys of Motley Crue are revving up for a comeback of their own.

Catch up on what these artists have been up to when they haven't been appearing on a stage near you:

Radiohead

7 p.m. Aug. 3, $53 and $30, Verizon Wireless Music Center

Then: On Sept. 26, 1995, Radiohead performed at Deer Creek Music Center. As the opening act on R.E.M.'s "Monster" tour, the band played about 10 songs per show, with material split between the albums "Pablo Honey" and "The Bends."

Now: In many ways, 1995 was a lifetime ago for vocalist Thom Yorke, guitarists Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien, bass player Colin Greenwood and drummer Phil Selway. Radiohead is widely considered to be the world's foremost rock band, thanks to landmark albums "OK Computer" (1997), "Kid A" (2000) and "In Rainbows" (2007). The English quintet famously transformed its sound from one dominated by electric guitars to one accented by electronics. "In Rainbows" originally was released as a digital download, with customers instructed to pay as little or as much as they desired. When "In Rainbows" was released in CD format in January, Americans purchased more than 100,000 copies -- good enough for top spot on Billboard's albums chart.

Jack Johnson

7 p.m. June 13, $43 and $28.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

Then: When Jack Johnson appeared Aug. 29, 2005, at Verizon, he was a newly minted darling of collegiate listeners everywhere. In the tradition of Dave Matthews and John Mayer, the Hawaii-based singer-songwriter followed a mellow groove to success.

Now: Johnson debuted at No. 1 on Billboard magazine's albums chart with this February's "Sleep Through the Static," and his show at Verizon Wireless Music Center is the first date on a summer world tour. While the 33-year-old now ranks as a mainstream sensation, Johnson uses his stardom to spread an eco-friendly message and his songs have a sharper political edge than ones written by either Matthews or Mayer. At the same time, concert-goers can count on hearing laid-back love songs "Bubble Toes" and "Banana Pancakes."

Foo Fighters

7:30 p.m. July 23, $45, $38.50 and $25, Conseco Fieldhouse

Then: As a supporting act for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Foo Fighters appeared twice in Central Indiana in 2000: April 8 in Bloomington and July 7 at Verizon Wireless Music Center (known then as Deer Creek). Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl racked up an impressive number of hit singles -- "This Is a Call," "Big Me," "Monkey Wrench," "Everlong" and "Learn to Fly," for instance -- on early Foo Fighters albums.

Now: Grohl and his bandmates have released three studio albums since 2000. Hit singles "The Pretender," "Best of You" and "All My Life" will be played live locally for the first time when the Foo Fighters perform July 23 at Conseco Fieldhouse -- and Grohl surely will embrace his habit of screaming "Oh, yeah" in place of some lyrics. You might also catch Pat Smear in action. Guitarist Smear left the Foo Fighters in 1997, but he's joined the band onstage several times this year.

Motley Crue

5 p.m. July 18, $94.50, $54.50 and $29, Verizon Wireless Music Center

Then: When Motley Crue shared a Verizon Wireless Music Center bill with Aerosmith on Oct. 13, 2006, it was one of the coldest nights for a concert in the venue's 20-year history. Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee and Mick Mars played in front of tall blasts of fire that warmed at least the fans closest to the stage. The band's performance included signature tunes "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Kickstart My Heart."

Now: Bank on warmer conditions when Motley Crue visits Verizon in mid-July. The notorious quartet also will be promoting music from the album "Saints of Los Angeles" (set for release June 24) -- the first recording to feature Neil, Sixx, Lee and Mars since 1997's "Generation Swine." On a tour named "Crue Fest," the headliners will play the role of elder statesmen to acts such as Buckcherry and Papa Roach. Sixx, meanwhile, landed on the New York Times bestseller list with 2007's "The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star."

Backstreet Boys

6:30 p.m. Aug. 10, $50, $45 and $25, Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.

Then: It doesn't get much bigger than playing back-to-back sellouts in an NBA arena, which the Backstreet Boys did March 10 and 11, 2000, at Conseco Fieldhouse. The boy band's "Black and Blue" tour featured "in the round" production, and vocalists Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson flew above the crowd thanks to safety wires.

Now: The Backstreet Boys are down a member after Richardson left the lineup in 2006. The pop singers released comeback album "Never Gone" in 2005 (their first since "Black and Blue") and follow-up "Unbreakable" in 2007. Although the Indiana State Fair isn't a prestige gig to rival past sellouts at Conseco Fieldhouse, "Never Gone" did sell 10.million copies worldwide. In other news, former Backstreet manager Lou Pearlman was sentenced in May to serve 25 years in federal prison on a conviction of conspiracy, money laundering and making false statements during a bankruptcy proceeding.

Modern Rock: Get fresh with these bands

1. Loretta

9 p.m. June 6, $7, Birdy's

With their soaring vocal harmonies and emotionally drenched music, Loretta has held claim to being one of Indianapolis' most beloved local acts for most of this decade. The quartet recently announced it's retiring gracefully with this final show, which is also a release party for its final recording, "Message Received, Not Understood." .

2. Death Cab for Cutie with Rogue Wave

7:30 p.m. June 14, $35, the WhiteLies.tv Lawn at White River State Park

Indie rock takes the spotlight for an evening show under the stars at the Lawn. Death Cab for Cutie will fill the June air with their lush pop; fellow indie favorites Rogue Wave will open. .

3. Spiritualized with the Dirtbombs

8 p.m. July 21, $16, The Vogue

A unique pairing makes this show an early contender for the best club show of the summer. The raw soulful rock and electric live show of Detroit's Dirtbombs kicks off the evening, while the lush, psychedelic trance rock of the UK's Spiritualized caps the night. .

4. Wilco

7:30 p.m. Aug. 4, $29.50-$36.50, WhiteLies.tv Lawn at White River State Park

Critical and fan favorite Wilco follows up its hometown appearance at Lollapalooza in Chicago with a trip down to Indy for an outdoor show. The group continues to walk the line between roots rock and experimental sounds with its 2007 album "Sky Blue Sky." .

5. Daughtry, with Virgin Millionaires

7:30 p.m. Aug. 9, $39.50-$59.50, Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Lottery Grandstand

Chris Daughtry proves you don't have to win "American Idol" to be successful. He went from a controversial fourth-place finish to become one of the biggest-selling artists in modern rock. Indy's own Virgin Millionaires opens the show, with hopes to reach Daughtry's stardom after their nationally released debut album drops later this year.

-- Steve Hayes, Indianapolis Music Net

Pop life: Teen idols and tabloid queens

1. Shelby Lynne at The Vogue

This concert has been cancelled

2. John Mayer with Colbie Caillat and Brett Dennen

7:30 p.m. July 5, $29.50-$53.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

Pop star John Mayer has never been afraid to try new things. His musical resume includes hip-hop, blues and rock. He's an active blogger who also dabbles in stand-up comedy, filmmaking and celebrity dating. Jennifer Aniston is the latest name on Mayer's list of famous girlfriends.

3. American Idols Live

7 p.m. July 22, $39.50-$68.50, Conseco Fieldhouse

Even though we're disappointed that Hoosier singer Amanda Overmeyer just missed the cut for tour eligibility, this'll still be a good concert. Newly crowned "Idol" winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta head up the 53-show tour.

4. The Jonas Brothers & Avril Lavigne

7 p.m. July 23, $27-$79, Verizon Wireless Music

Ranging in age from 16 to 20, The Jonas Brothers have filled the role of clean-cut pop idols for the current generation of teen and preteens. The trio is poised to move from stardom to superstardom, thanks to its new Disney Channel movie (premiering June 20) and new album due in August.

5. Jessica Simpson

7:30 p.m. Aug. 7, $25-$50, Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Lottery Grandstand

Jessica Simpson has reached a level of celebrity in which it's tough to remember how she got famous in the first place. For those with a short memory, she was a singer first, then reality-show star, film actress and tabloid queen. Simpson returns to her roots with this event recently added to the fair's concert lineup.

-- Steve Hayes, Indianapolis Music Net

Bang for your buck: One price, many acts

1. Kroger Indy Jazz Fest

Opens 6.p.m. June 13 and 3.p.m. June 14 and 15, $25 per day/$65 three-day pass, Military Park

The annual Kroger Indy Jazz Fest promises to fill Military Park with jazz and its legacy. Bluesman Buddy Guy, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, soul revivalist John Legend and local stars are among the 19 acts.

2. Independent Music + Art Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 14, free, Harrison Center for the Arts

Probably the summer's best bargain, the Independent Music+Art Festival gathers 18 area acts for a free, all-day event, and sets up the shows near the Talbot Street Art Fair. You can take in hip-hop from Mudkids, jazz from Rob Dixon and Triology and rock from State, for example.

3. Dude Fest

June 20-22 (times vary), $15 single-day pass/$20 Saturday pass; $40 weekend pass, Emerson Theater and Zanies Too

It takes two venues to contain the Dude Fest, dedicated to hardcore punk rock and heavy metal bands and the fans that love them. The Emerson Theater hosts an all-ages crowd; Zanies welcomes the 21+ crew.

4. Vans Warped Tour

Noon, July 31, $24.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

For sheer volume of bands in a single day, no other festival can match the Vans Warped Tour's 2008 lineup. Gym Class Heroes and Forever the Sickest Kids are among the 79 bands.

5. Rib America Festival

Aug. 29-Sept. 1, $5 after 5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday through Monday; otherwise free, Military Park

Rib America Festival marks the end of the summer festival season, serving up top-name live music for just $5 a day, along with tasty ribs. Peter Frampton, Shooter Jennings, Ted Nugent and .38 Special share the bill with local acts.

-- Steve Hayes, IMN

Twang: Big names bring bootscootin' tunes to town

1. The Avett Brothers with The Everybodyfields

9 p.m. June 6, $18, The Vogue

The Avett Brothers have won fans by mixing lyrics about modern life with music that sounds like it was written a century ago in the group's home in the North Carolina mountains. The trio should appeal to those who like old-time country, bluegrass and jam-band music.

2. Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift

8 p.m. June 14, $31-$74.75, Verizon Wireless Music Center

One of country music's top-selling groups brings its high-tech, pyro- and laser-fueled stage show to Verizon. The band has teamed up with one of country's most promising artists, 18-year-old Swift.

3. Brad Paisley, Chuck Wicks, Jewel and Julianne Hough

7:30 p.m. June 26, $25-$54.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

Country hitmaker Brad Paisley teams up with a trio of artists attempting to make the jump to country music from other claims to fame. Chuck Wicks appeared on the short-lived Fox reality show "Nashville," Jewel is attempting to parlay pop stardom into success in country and Julianne Hough won national attention on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

4. Carrie Underwood with Keith Anderson

7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, $40.50-$75.50, Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Lottery Grandstand

In the debate over which "American Idol" winner has had the most successful post-show career, Carrie Underwood seems to have taken the lead over first-season winner Kelly Clarkson. Underwood recently added two more Grammy Awards and an Academy of Country Music award to her 12 million album sales and six No. 1 singles.

5. Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan, and Luke Bryan

4 p.m. Sept. 13, $29.50-$99.50, Lucas Oil Stadium

Though it happens past the official end of summer, we felt like we shouldn't skip the first concert scheduled for Lucas Oil Stadium. Peyton Manning's buddy Kenny Chesney teams with Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Gary Allan and Luke Bryan to attempt to fill the 70,000-seat stadium.

-- Steve Hayes, IMN

Age-defying marvels: Get tickets before your parents beat you to it

1. Steve Miller Band & Joe Cocker

8 p.m. June 28, $18.50-$118.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

Once upon a time, not so long ago, the Steve Miller Band was a fixture on the summer schedule at what was then Deer Creek Music Center. The classic rocker responsible for radio staples like "Jet Airliner" and "Rock 'n Me" returns to what is now Verizon Wireless Music Center with fellow '70s hitmaker Joe Cocker.

2. 'Weird' Al Yankovic

8 p.m. July 3, $29.50-$47.50, WhiteLies.tv Lawn

Weird Al Yankovic has been turning hit singles into humorous parodies about food, geek life, pop culture and other topics for nearly 30 years. In fact, his career has officially outlasted many of the artists he's parodied. Whether you've been on board with Weird Al since "My Bologna" or became a fan of his recent hit "White and Nerdy," this show should deliver both the music and laughs the comedic artist is known for.

3. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood

7:30 p.m. July 3, $29-$64.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

"American Girl(s)" and boys can get a jump on Independence Day with this show by consummate red-white-and-blue rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty and his longtime band should have no problem pleasing the crowd as he picks from his catalog of nearly 50 top 40 singles.

4. Neil Diamond

8 p.m. July 29, $53-$118, Conseco Fieldhouse

Neil Diamond's music is finding a new generation of fans, whether it's in movies like "Saving Silverman" or the traditional eighth-inning sing-along of "Sweet Caroline" at Boston's Fenway Park. The legendary pop singer and songwriter tours in support of a new album, "Home Before Dark," his second with star producer Rick Rubin.

5. Poison with Dokken & Sebastian Bach

8 p.m. Aug. 15, $16-$134.50, Verizon Wireless Music Center

With '80s rock appearing on the "Guitar Hero" video game and '80s rock stars surfacing on reality TV, glam metal and party rock is getting new life. Even though it's been 18 years since Sebastian Bach and Skid Row had a hit with "18 and Life," you can still expect old and brand-new fans to be hairbanging side by side at this concert.

-- Steve Hayes, IMN

Lollapalooza: Stay home or go?

Indy is a great place for live music, but for a festival of big names -- and unfortunately, big spending -- Chicago is the place to go. If you've already spent your stimulus check, we can help make your Lollapalooza weekend (Aug. 1-3) a little cheaper. Here's a rundown of the pros and cons:

Con: Advance 3-day passes are $190.

Pro: More than 80 major acts performing at one place, one weekend and one price. Highlights include Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Wilco, Kanye West, Bloc Party, the Black Keys, Gnarls Barkley and even Blues Traveler.

Con: 180 miles to Chicago. Gas will probably cost $50 each way.

Pro: Megabus.com quotes this trip for $50 round-trip. Amtrak starts at about $60, but either way you don't have to lug around your bulky car and pay for parking.

Con: You'll get hungry. Beer and greasy festival food is expensive -- and the lines go on forever.

Pro: Lollapalooza generally allows for park re-entry. Plan your concert schedule and skip out for cheap eats.

Con: As much as you hope to party all day and night, you ought to sleep for a few hours. But where?

Pro: Indy and Chicago aren't that far apart. Maybe your neighbor's barber's babysitter has a couch to offer a well-behaved concertgoer (that's you, hopefully). Or try www.couchsurfing.com to find willing Chicagoans who would be happy to have you stay over for free.

Con: You work weekends?

Pro: SOL unless you plan ahead and ask for time off. We can't help you there.

Con: The tickets are STILL $190, or $205 if you're lazy and wait until the last minute.

Pro: Lolla offers a pretty decent volunteer program. Offer a little bit of your time to the park and stay in for free all day. They've been known to provide cold water to volunteers all day, as well. Volunteer for three days and you just earned a weekend pass. Sign up -- quickly, because it's competitive -- at http://tools.planetcse.com/lolla

Con: You only care about Wilco and Radiohead and can't stand long drives or the heat. And you're afraid of portable toilets.

Pro: Well, then, you should really just stay in Indy. Radiohead performs at Verizon Wireless Music Center on Aug. 3 and Wilco goes live Aug. 4 at White River State Park. So, why are you still so cranky?

-- Nina Mehta, Indy.com

Viva la venues

Concert tickets are available at the venues, at ticketmaster.com or by calling (317) 239-5151.

Conseco Fieldhouse

125 S. Pennsylvania St., (317) 239-5151 or www.consecofieldhouse.com

Emerson Theater

4634 E. 10th St., (317) 357-0239 or www.emersontheater.com

Harrison Center for the Arts

1505 N. Delaware St., (317) 396-3886 or www.harrisoncenter.org

Indiana State Fairgrounds

1202 E. 38th St., (317) 927-7500 or www.in.gov/statefair

Lucas Oil Stadium

500 S. Capitol Ave., (317) 262-8600 or www.lucasoilstadium.com

Military Park

601 W. New York St., (317) 233-2434

Verizon Wireless Music Center

12800 E. 146th St., Noblesville, (317) 776-8181

The Vogue

6259 N. College Ave., (317) 259-7029 or www.thevogue.ws

WhiteLies.tv Lawn

White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., www.in.gov/whiteriver/lawn

Zanies Too

5914 E. 10th St., (317) 357-6022 or www.zaniestoo.com