Why are artists like Beyoncé touring fewer cities now?

Rising touring costs and larger production demands make it more efficient for artists to play extended runs in fewer locations, with audiences traveling to them.

How have concert production costs changed since pre-pandemic?

Tour production has scaled significantly, with the number of trucks needed for equipment nearly doubling, drastically increasing logistical expenses.

What is dynamic ticketing and why do artists use it?

Dynamic ticketing adjusts prices based on demand, allowing artists to capture more revenue that would otherwise go to scalpers.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Live Music's New Era: Big Shows, Fewer Stops

Live Music's New Era: Big Shows, Fewer Stops

18 Nov

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Summary

Artists now book fewer cities with extended stays.
Tour production costs have surged with massive truck counts.
Dynamic ticketing aims to fairly compensate artists.

Live Music's New Era: Big Shows, Fewer Stops

The live music landscape has transformed dramatically since 2020. Agents are guiding artists through a new era where fewer cities host extended runs, driven by soaring production costs and the sheer logistics of moving massive stage setups, with some tours requiring up to 60 trucks. This contrasts sharply with previous years' shorter, more frequent stops.

Strategies like Harry Styles' 15-night residency at Madison Square Garden exemplify this trend, allowing artists to create a significant cultural moment and own a market. Beyoncé's approach of playing fewer cities for more dates also reflects the increased expense and complexity of touring today.

Furthermore, dynamic ticketing is gaining traction as a method to ensure artists capture more of the market value for their shows, aiming to redirect profits from scalpers back to the creators. This evolving market prioritizes artist development and maximizing revenue for their endeavors.