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A small share of concerts drives half of sector revenue, highlighting concentration and stagnant ticket prices

Executive summary: In 2025, 368 concert events accounted for half of the total live music revenue, representing only 1.6 % of all events, while attendance grew but ticket prices did not increase. This shows extreme revenue concentration in a few large‑scale acts, making the sector dependent on a small number of hits and limiting pricing upside despite higher crowds.

Who is involved: Major concert promoters, ticketing platforms, top‑tier artists, and large venues.

Likely next: Continued reliance on mega‑events may prompt discussions on pricing practices and potential regulatory scrutiny, while promoters look to diversify into mid‑size shows to broaden revenue bases.

In 2025 just 368 live music events – only 1.6 % of the total – generated 50 % of the industry’s receipts, according to Il Sole 24 Ore. Attendance at these shows rose, yet average ticket prices remained flat, indicating that growth is coming from higher volumes rather than price increases. The result is a highly concentrated market where a handful of mega‑acts and promoters capture the bulk of earnings, while the majority of events contribute little to the top line.

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