Early national hip hop tours and festivals (Fresh Fest, 1985–1991)

1. Fresh Fest concept and sponsorship takes shape

   Jan 1, 1984Labels: Russell Simmons, Charlie Stettler, Swatch

   • Fat Boys
   • Addictive

2. Swatch Watch Fresh Fest launches in Detroit

   Oct 6, 1984Labels: Cobo Arena, Kurtis Blow, Run-D M

   • Concert DB
   • setlist fm

3. Fresh Fest expands the stage show format

   Dec 1, 1984Labels: MCs and, hip-hop showcase, stage show

   • Fat Boys
   • KPL

4. Fresh Festival II draws large Midwestern crowd

   Jun 27, 1985Labels: Wings Stadium, Run-D M, Grandmaster Flash

   • KPL

5. Fresh Fest packages help break emerging acts

   Nov 1, 1985Labels: touring packages, labels and

   • Fat Boys
   • Andscape

6. Krush Groove Christmas show reflects touring momentum

   Dec 27, 1985Labels: Madison Square, Krush Groove, LL Cool

   • RockTourDB
   • Sotheby s

7. Fresh Fest IV flyer documents 1987 touring circuit

   Jun 24, 1987Labels: Shea's Buffalo, Salt-N-Pepa, Heavy D

   • Smithsonian

8. 1987 Def Jam Tour reaches major West Coast venues

   Jul 25, 1987Labels: Henry J, LL Cool, Oakland

   • setlist fm

9. Def Jam’s 1987 tour model broadens the “festival” idea

   Sep 3, 1987Labels: Def Jam, Public Enemy, Eric B

   • Concert Archives

10. Def Jam Tour expands to the United Kingdom

    Nov 1, 1987Labels: Hammersmith Odeon, London, Def Jam

    • Ah

11. Late-1980s “super tours” build on Fresh Fest precedent

    Jan 1, 1989Labels: Nitro Tour, LL Cool, super tours

    • Andscape

12. Fresh Fest era closes as touring becomes standard practice

    Jan 1, 1991Labels: Fresh Fest, multi-act tours, early 1990s

    • Addictive