Revenue / 06.28.23

The Age of Blockbuster Tours Is Upon Us

Access Staff

Pollstar (06/26/23) Gensler, Andy

The live music industry has seen phenomenal success in the first half of this year, with Pollstar's 2023 Mid-Year Top 100 Worldwide Touring chart showing most metrics indicate double-digit spikes over last year. Average show grosses surged 64.7%, average tickets sold grew 49.3%, and average ticket prices increased 10.3%. Total grosses climbed 51.1% and tickets sold rose 37%, while the average gross of the North American Top 100 Tours has topped $1 million and reached a stunning $1.5 million worldwide. “You're seeing the strength and the conviction of the consumers,” said Live Nation's Bob Roux. “The shift in discretionary spending to live events and experiences over things has given our industry a big boost over the last couple of years and that trend continues and is growing.” For the first time in Pollstar's history, five blockbuster tours — Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran — exceeded a $100 million gross on the mid-year count. “I think there's just an appetite for the fans to see these spectacles,” said Gridiron Stadium Network Executive Director Joe Litvag. “As long as the artists keep delivering on their side, which they're doing, then this is going to continue.”

Read the full story from Pollstar.

Tags: Revenue , tours