The live music business that returned after the pandemic looks very different. Agents and artists had to adapt quickly, and Creative Artists Agency has been at the center of that shift. Consequently, touring strategies now balance bigger productions, concentrated residencies, and new ticketing pressures.
Bigger Productions, Fewer Cities
First, production and routing have changed dramatically. For example, what once fit in about 13 semi‑trucks now often needs 30 to 60 trucks. As a result, moving gear is far more expensive and complex. Therefore, many artists choose to stay longer in fewer cities. For instance, Harry Styles did 15 nights at Madison Square Garden, and Beyoncé favors multi‑night runs. Moreover, these residencies create event‑level buzz and let crews build larger, more intricate shows.
Second, festivals and ticketing are evolving in tandem. Festival ticket sales have softened, and many fans now pick and choose which events to attend. In addition, attendees often arrive later in the day, which reduces exposure for emerging acts. Thus, agents treat festival slots as launchpads and plan follow‑up dates within months to convert exposure into growth. Meanwhile, ticketing debates continue: dynamic pricing can boost artist revenue, but resale markets and scalpers still siphon money away. Consequently, industry leaders are discussing caps on platinum pricing and smarter resale controls.
Agents at the Center
Finally, agent strategy matters more than ever. Agents must design moves that cut through a crowded calendar, and they must protect artist income. For example, a great agent will turn a midday festival slot into a sustained market presence. In addition, agents are experimenting with pricing models that favor artists over middlemen. However, technology and workarounds mean the secondary market will not disappear overnight.
In conclusion, live music in the mid‑2020s has stabilized but changed. Bigger productions, concentrated residencies, softer festivals, and ticketing fights now define the era. Therefore, smart agenting and clearer ticket rules will shape the next phase, and fans should expect fewer one‑off stops but bigger, more intentional shows.
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