Chris Rock in Concert at Heinz Hall; The xx Plays Stage AE (Tues., 5/16/17)

1) Only Chris Rock could not tour for nine years and then return with three virtually sold-out shows at the Benedum Center. Fans looking for catharsis after the presidential election may have helped sales, but the feat arguably has more to do with Rock remaining a great comedian. His career began in 1984 at New York’s Catch a Rising Star. Eddie Murphy saw Chris Rock performing his stand-up routine at a club one night and was so impressed he decided to mentor him. He even gave Rock his first film role, Beverly Hills Cop II. Rock was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993. 1994’s “Big Ass Jokes” was his first HBO comedy special. 1996’s Emmy-award-winning “Bring the Pain” followed as did 1999’s “Bigger & Blacker.” His writing, directing, and acting credits include movies such as 2003’s Head of State and 2014’s Top Five. In 2005, he co-created “Everybody Hates Chris,” a television series based on his teenage years that he also narrated. Hosting credits include the 77th and 88th Academy Awards. The latter ceremony was infamous for its lack of racially diverse acting nominees, something which Rock addressed throughout the show. On and off stage, Rock is thoughtful, illuminating, and funny. 8 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (CM)

2) Rock bands usually toil in obscurity for a few years before making it big. Yet every now and then, one is raptured to fame as soon as it drops its first album (The Doors, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, The Strokes, etc.). The latest such group is The xx. The British band members had barely graduated high school when their self-titled debut impressed critics with its mesmerizing rhythms, minimalist approach, and surprisingly mature songs of devotion and heartache. The record took the Mercury Prize (the U.K. equivalent of the Grammy for Album of the Year) in 2010, and the much-awaited follow-up, Coexist, came in 2012. The xx was the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” last November and dropped their latest album, I See You, in January. I See You reached no. 1 on three Billboard charts: Top Alternative Albums, Independent Albums, and Top Rock Albums. A nice trifecta! Sampha opens. Doors at 7 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (EC/RH)

3) During Fozzy’s early days, WWE wrestler Chris Jericho declared his fandom for not only the band but also its frontman, Moongoose McQueen. Meanwhile, McQueen had no idea whom Jericho was. (Fans were quick to catch on that they were the same person.) What became Fozzy began in 1999 when guitarist Rich Ward invited Jericho to play with his band, Fozzy Osbourne. In 2000, Jericho joined permanently, the group truncated its name, and the members released an eponymous album of mostly metal covers. 2002’s Happenstance saw more originals than Fozzy, but the group was still largely a covers band. 2005’s All That Remains changed that. The album not only includes all new material but also one of the band’s best known songs, “Enemy.” Jericho, a six-time professional wrestling world champion, recently returned to the WWE, but expect a new album soon, possibly this year. In the meantime, catch Fozzy at Diesel. Sons of Texas, KYNG, and Through These Walls open. 7 p.m. 1601 E. Carson St. (CM)

4) Do you want to go see the battlin’ Buccos play the Washington Nationals but your dog is giving you the “we don’t spend enough time together” look. Don’t fret the Pirates got you covered with Pup Night, aka bring your dog to the Pirate game night. A portion of the proceeds benefit local animal organizations. If your dog can catch anything thrown their way please let the Pirates know as they are down an outfielder. 7:05 p.m. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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