Live Music Industry Faces Slowdown After Post-Pandemic Boom
After a rapid resurgence following the COVID-19 pandemic, growth in the global live music industry appears to be losing momentum, according to new data.
Findings from a report conducted by music analytics company Chartmetric indicate a significant drop in the proportion of artists touring in 2024 compared with recent years. The research found that not only emerging acts but also mid-level and superstar performers have been scaling back their live appearances.
“It’s not just emerging artists opting out,” the report stated. “Mid-level and even superstar performers are also seeing a noticeable decline in their tour schedules.”
Chartmetric analysed touring activity among 3,000 artists across three categories – superstar, mid-level, and emerging – and found marked reductions in the number of performers undertaking 10 or more shows per year.
In 2022, 19% of mid-level artists met the threshold for touring status. By 2024, that figure had fallen to just 12%. Among superstar acts, the proportion dropped from 44% to 36% over the same period.
Rising costs and logistical challenges appear to be major contributing factors. The report cites increases in travel and accommodation expenses, sluggish ticket sales for some performers, and steeper visa fees for international acts entering the United States.
Last year, US visa fees for foreign musicians rose dramatically to $1,615 per artist — more than triple the previous cost of $460.
Other trends may also be at play. The ongoing decline of small and mid-sized venues, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe, is making it harder for artists to plan comprehensive tours. Industry observers note that many acts are choosing to play fewer shows and skip smaller towns and cities altogether.
The findings come as concerns grow about the long-term sustainability of the live music ecosystem, particularly for up-and-coming artists who rely on touring to build audiences and generate income. As such, industry leaders are calling on governments to step in and help protect the future of touring.
Key measures include targeted funding to help more artists tour sustainably and efforts to make live events more accessible and appealing to fans. Protecting local music venues from closure is also seen as vital to preserving the grassroots foundations of the industry.
One notable initiative has emerged in the UK, where the government has supported the launch of the UK Live Trust – a scheme that channels £1 from every ticket sold at stadium and arena concerts into a fund for smaller venues.
High-profile acts such as Diana Ross and Mumford & Sons have already lent their support, with the scheme raising over £500,000 to date.
Meanwhile, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has announced a new grassroots initiative, A Summer To Save Music, coordinated by his Peace & Justice Project. The campaign aims to spotlight the importance of local live events through a series of community concerts.
“There’s a real appetite from performers and their teams to support the wider live ecosystem,” said Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE, the UK’s umbrella body for the live music industry. “But there is still much work to do.”
