We could take the easy route and look ahead to the year in music with the basics: Yes, Justin Timberlake appears Feb. 16-17 at United Center and there may just be a new Adele album. But what would be the fun in that?
So without the need for "confirmed details" here are our wild guess predictions for 2014 in music, all of which are still 100 percent guaranteed to happen. Well, maybe 90 percent. Call it 80. -- Dana Moran, Matt Pais, Ernest Wilkins
DM
- After rolling through a much more low-key 2013, Jack White chooses to headline Riot Fest. His performance features fire twirlers and acrobats.
- Limp Bizkit's return album, "Stampede of the Disco Elephants," will shock the world by revealing an introspective kaleidoscope of American values set to a background of hardcore EDM.
- Speaking of EDM, this year's Spring Awakening fest will pull off a last-minute relocation to Wrigley Field after vocal Bears fans protest the denigration of their turf.
- Lollapalooza decides to add camping after seeing its success at Coachella and Bonnaroo. This clearly will not end well.
- Beyonce and Jay Z begin producing Blue Ivy's first album. It's never too soon to start!
MP
- A cappella's popularity means Pentatonix's sold-out show Feb. 8 at Chicago Theatre will be nationally televised. But only to viewers who can beatbox the opening to N'Sync's "Pop."
- Three Chicago rappers will sign major label deals, but none will release an album this year. Rockie Fresh's proper debut will arrive, though.
- Haim's May 17 performance at Riviera will be so good that it ruins all future concert-going experiences for attendees. Worth it.
- Jay-Z and Fall Out Boy will co-headline Lollapalooza (Aug. 1-3). Aaron Paul will be in attendance as usual, this time with Bryan Cranston.
- D'Angelo's long-overdue follow-up to 2000's "Voodoo" will finally arrive in July. The cover art will be Questlove checking his watch.
EW
- Your Lollapalooza 2014 headliners: Arcade Fire, Nicki Minaj, Tool, Muse, Metallica and Outkast. Save this statement.
- In what some will call the most ironic thing that has ever happened, Pitchfork will be headlined by a reunited Creed, playing "Human Clay" in its entirety.
- U2 will eschew any sort of artistic integrity and release the first album that can only be listened to by drinking a soda and belching.
- Chance the Rapper's ascent will continue with a full-length album and an early slot on the new, Seth Meyers-hosted "Late Night" show.
- The long-awaited first Chicago show for Lorde (March 18 at Aragon) will somehow be attended by every single one of your co-workers, who say she totally killed it.
@redeyechimusic
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.