Although it is rare for top international acts to visit the Cayman Islands, a quick hop over the water to Florida can put you on track to see some of the best bands in the world perform live. The next couple of months are going to be hot on the Florida music scene. Whether your taste includes 80s rockers, modern rock, metal or even a little bit of country, there is something for everyone.

Air Supply
Soft rock group Air Supply had a number of big hits in the 80s, including ‘All out of Love’ and ‘Making love out of nothing at all’. They will be playing on 28 August in the Paladium Theater in St Petersburg.

Carrie Underwood
The biggest success story to come out of American Idol, Carrie Underwood performs on 25 October in Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Creed
One of the more successful bands of the late 90s and early 2000s, massive hits like ‘With arms wide open’, ‘My Sacrifice’ and ‘One Last Breath’ made Creed a household name before they split up in 2004. Now back together after a five year hiatus and still rocking, you can catch them on 31 August at the Cruzan Amphitheatre in Miami or on 1 September at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa.

Deftones
Alternative metal group Deftones will hit the stage at Fillmore Miami Beach on 25 August.

Goo Goo Dolls
Rockers Goo Goo Dolls made their big break with the song ‘Iris’ from the City of Angels soundtrack. Although they have been relatively quiet of late, fans can catch them in Miami at the Bayfront Park Amphitheatre on 14 August, or in Tampa at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre on 15 August, when special guests Switchfoot will also be appearing.

John Mayer
Whether you classify him as rock, pop or blues, John Mayer’s songs, including hits like ‘Your body is a wonderland’ and ‘Waiting for the world to change’ has gained him a loyal following. He will be performing in Tampa at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre on 10 September and in Miami at the Cruzan Amphitheatre on 11 September.

Kings of Leon
Made up of three brothers and their cousin, music is a family affair for Kings of Leon. Catch these alternative rockers on 17 September at the Cruzan Amphitheatre in Miami or on 18 September at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa.

Lady Gaga
For those who plan well ahead, Lady Gaga’s The Monster Ball Tour will hit Miami on 12 April, 2011, at the BankAtlantic Center and the American Airlines Arena on 13 April.

Maroon 5
Alternative rockers Maroon 5 rocketed to success after the release of their debut album in 2002 with hits like ‘Harder to Breathe’, ‘This Love’ and ‘She will be Loved’. They will be hitting the stage at the Bayfront Park Amphitheatre in Miami on 19 August.

Neil Young
For those who like their folk rock with a side of social conscience, legendary singer/songwriter Neil Young will be performing in Miami at Hard Rock Live on 23 September.

Public Enemy
Although they might not pack quite the punch they once did, Public Enemy has been a force in the hip hop world since they first came to prominence in the late 80s. Catch this legendary group in Miami at Revolution Live on 17 September.

Roger Waters
One of the founding members of Pink Floyd, Rogers Waters is taking the group’s massive album ‘The Wall’ on tour again, with a 14 November date in Miami at the BankAtlantic Center and on 16 November in Tampa at the St Pete Times Forum.

Rush
The Canadian rockers first toured the US more than 35 years ago, but are still going strong. They have been cited as an influence by bands like Metallica, Primus, Smashing Pumpkins and Dream Theater  and the individual musicians in the group are all recognised as leaders and innovators in their field. Catch Rush’s Time Machine tour in Tampa on 1 October at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre or in Miami on 2 October at the Cruzan Amphitheatre.

Shakira
Colombian pop sensation Shakira has won fans around the globe with hits like ‘Whenever, wherever’ and ‘Hips don’t lie’ and even performed at the closing ceremonies of the World Cup recently. She will take to the stage in Miami at the BankAtlantic Center on 25 September.

Tears for Fears
The pop rock duo Tears for Fears hit the bigtime in the 80s, broke up in the 90s and got together again at the turn of the millennium. They are touring again, and those who still remember hits like ‘Mad World’, ‘Shout’ and ‘Everybody wants to rule the World’ can catch the band on 31 August in Miami at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or on 1 September in Tampa at the Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Florida natives Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will perform in Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum on 16 September. ZZ Top, the band with the most legendary facial hair in rock and roll history, will also be performing.

Uproar Fest
For anyone interested in getting a little bit of aggression out of their system, Uproar Fest might be just the thing. With loud and aggressive bands like Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm and Hellyeah taking the stage, it should be an awesome event for fans of hard rock and alternative metal. The festival takes place on 5 September in Tampa at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre.