The concert and music festival industry continues on its upward trajectory, as the number of tickets sold grows, ticket prices increase, and events regularly sell out. The success of the live music industry will likely endure as young adults, a core audience, grow their income and the economy remains strong. However, as artists play in bigger venues with more expensive tickets and issues persist with the ticket purchase process, potential or recent attendees may be dissuaded to attend more live music events in the future.

The concerts examined in this Report include live musical performances at concert venues in the US for which attendees pay an entrance price. Music festivals are defined as musical events held on consecutive days in which various musical artists perform a live set. It does not include the many festivals organized mainly by local councils that hold a variety of arts-based events usually over the course of a month, or concerts where admission is free, such as neighborhood or food festivals.

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has defined attendees as adults aged 18+ who have attended at least one concert or music festival in the last 12 months.

Throughout the Report, those who have attended a concert or music festival are referred to as “attendees,” “goers,” or “audience” while concerts and music festivals are also referred to as “live music performances,” “live music events,” or “live music industry.”

This Report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s Live Entertainment Venues – US, December 2016, as well as Mintel’s Live Entertainment – US, December 2014, and Entertainment Venues – US, December 2013.