When do big concerts return? It’s a complicated picture right now as some musicians sell out shows and others postpone them yet again. Just last week, Travis Scott’s fall Astroworld Festival sold out quickly, while Justin Bieber delayed his tour to 2022.
This summer, the concert business is expected to re-open gradually, thanks to vaccination efforts in the U.S. and U.K. But bigger concerts in arenas and stadiums could take until late summer and fall to gain momentum. Here’s a guide to what to expect:
Summer could be busier than anticipated
As more Americans get vaccinated and lockdown restrictions ease, concert tickets are selling briskly, in-person events, often socially-distanced ones, are proliferating and tour announcements are coming in fast. On Tuesday, Phish announced a 2021 tour that launches in July.
During an earnings call last Thursday, Michael Rapino, chief executive of Live Nation Entertainment , the world’s biggest concert promoter, said that since February “our confidence has increased for our key markets,” including the U.S. and U.K. He pointed to “artists’ increasing confidence in performing this summer,” noting tours by Dave Matthews Band and Luke Bryan.
Concert dates are out there but not set in stone
Just because a date is listed on your favorite performer’s website doesn’t always mean the show will happen.
