Home Blog Page 131

Live Nation Report Finds People Now Prefer Concerts Over Sports, Movies, and Even Sex

0

Live Nation, the global leader in live entertainment, today released Living for Live — its largest global report to date — revealing that live music has overtaken sports, film, and even sex as the world’s top form of entertainment.

Based on a survey of 40,000 people across 15 countries, the report captures a powerful shift in how people spend their time, express their identities, and connect with others through live experiences.

“This report confirms what we’re seeing on the ground everywhere,” said Russell Wallach, Live Nation’s Global President of Media and Sponsorship. “Live music isn’t just growing, it’s shaping economies, influencing brands, and defining culture in real time. Fans have made live the heartbeat of global entertainment, and it’s now one of the most powerful forces driving connection and growth worldwide.”

Fans Choose Concerts as the World’s #1 Entertainment
Nearly four in 10 people globally (39%) say if they could only choose one type of entertainment for life, they’d choose live music — ranking it above movies and sports. When faced with an even starker choice, 70% said they’d rather see their favorite artist live than have sex.

Fans Go to Shows to Show Who They Are
For 85% of fans, music defines who they are — and for 84%, live experiences give them the most life. What they wear, share, and experience at concerts has become part of how they express themselves and connect with others.

Concerts Are the New Life Milestones
Fans save, plan, and even commemorate concerts permanently – 75% say they plan their calendars early around shows, one in four have gotten a temporary or permanent tattoo to mark a live music memory, and nearly 80% say concerts bring their family closer together.

Global Stages, Global Fans
Fans are proving that music speaks every language. In 2024, they traveled 40 billion miles for concerts — equal to 83,000 trips to the moon — with 71% of people globally listening to artists outside their native tongue and 84% saying live music unites across borders.

When Fans Move, Economies Move
Nearly six in 10 fans travel for shows yearly, creating ripple effects across hotels, restaurants, and retail. From stadium tours to festival weekends, concerts have catalyzed tourism and local economic growth.

Fans Crave Real Experiences
In an age of digital saturation, 93% of fans say they attend shows because they crave real experiences over virtual ones, and 80% would rather spend money on experiences than things. For most, concerts remain the most emotionally charged shared-experience on earth.

Live music has become a central driver of global culture — the place where attention, loyalty, and influence meet. What was once entertainment is now infrastructure, and the next decade of culture will be built live.

To explore Living for Live and its nine key global fan trends, visit livingforlive.com

Sources: 

  • Live Nation Living for Live Global Study 2025. Findings based on a sample of 40,000 respondents 18–54 across 15 countries.
  • Live Nation Custom Global Study, 2025. Findings based on a sample of 1,000+ heavy social media users 18+ across 8 countries.

Swedish Pianist Builds Underwater Piano to Teach an Octopus to Play

0

In what might be the most chaotic crossover between marine biology and music theory, Swedish piano wizard Mattias Krantz spent six months building an underwater keyboard to teach an octopus named Tako how to play piano. Turns out, teaching a creature with eight arms and no attention span to master Chopin is harder than it sounds. After testing endless methods, Krantz’s experiment proves one thing: humans may have opposable thumbs, but octopi have impeccable range.

Peter Bagge’s ‘The Complete Hate Volume 1’ Collects Classic 1990s Alternative Comics in One Definitive Edition

0

Peter Bagge, along with the Hernandez brothers and Daniel Clowes, is one of the primary architects of the alternative comics genre that exploded in the 1980s and 1990s. His compelling and best-selling comic book series Hate chronicled the exploits of Buddy Bradley and his gang of lovable losers through the rise and fall of the grunge era, and beyond. Going beyond mere satire, Bagge’s observations helped fashion the aesthetics and attitudes of the only significant youth movement to emerge from the Pacific Northwest.

The Complete Hate is a new paperback series that includes the original 30-issue run from 1990–1998, the nine subsequent Hate Annuals, and tons of other Hate-related comics, illustrations, and ephemera created for books, magazines, comics, toys, and other merchandise. Bagge combined his cartoony drawing style with uncomfortably real Gen X characters, and the comic books resonated with readers. Volume 1 collects the first major arc of the series, (Hate 1-15), focusing on young Buddy Bradley’s travails in early 1990s Seattle, with a lengthy introduction by Bagge. Each volume contains new covers, endpapers, title pages, and other surprises by the author.

Stephen Wilson Jr. Announces 2026 ‘Gary The Torch’ Tour

0

Stephen Wilson Jr. has announced his 2026 Gary The Torch Tour, the follow-up to his globe-spanning Søn of Dad Tour. The run begins March 6 in Columbus, Ohio, with stops in Toronto, Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Chicago, and more. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 14, at 10 a.m. local time.

Before the tour launches, Wilson Jr. will perform at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, where he’s nominated for New Artist of the Year and will share the stage with Shaboozey for their collaboration “Took A Walk.” He’ll close 2025 with two sold-out nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and return to the road in 2026 following standout performances at Red Rocks, Newport Folk Festival, and Under The Big Sky Festival.

Gary The Torch Tour Dates:
Jan 27-31 – Key West, FL @ Mile 0 Festival
Feb 17 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Feb 26 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
Feb 27 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
Feb 28 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
Mar 6 – Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live!
Mar 7 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Mar 10 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora
Mar 11 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
Mar 14 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
Mar 18 – Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues
Mar 21 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
Mar 22 – Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
Mar 25 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
Mar 28 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
Apr 11 – Bossier City, LA @ The Paradise Theater at Margaritaville Bossier City
Apr 15 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Apr 17 – Kansas City, MO @ The Midland Theatre
Apr 18 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
Apr 22 – Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha
Apr 24 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
Apr 25 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
Jun 6 – Lexington, KY @ Railbird Music Festival
Jul 18 – Whitefish, MT @ Under The Big Sky Festival

The Man From Delmonte Return with New Single ‘Every Time’ and Upcoming Album ‘Better Things’

0

Beloved Manchester indie band The Man From Delmonte are officially back with their first new album in 35 years and a brand-new single, ‘Every Time.’ The track captures the group’s unmistakable charm — Mike West’s songwriting, Martin Vincent’s shimmering guitars, and Sheila Seal’s rich harmonies — while offering a matured, heartfelt sound rooted in nostalgia. The single’s B-side features a live recording of their 1980s debut ‘Drive, Drive, Drive,’ recorded at a sold-out Manchester Academy show this spring.

Following two sold-out reunion gigs and the success of their reissued albums ‘Big Noise’ and ‘Good Things in Life,’ The Man From Delmonte will release a limited-edition 7” of ‘Every Time’ and ‘Drive, Drive, Drive (Live)’ on colored vinyl, with proceeds benefiting Stretford Food Bank. Fans can grab a copy at the band’s Fountain Records signing on Nov. 15 or see them live at Manchester’s O2 Ritz on Dec. 21 for the launch of their long-awaited new album ‘Better Things.’

Organoclorados Unveil Haunting Visual for ‘Take Me Down’

0

Brazilian post-punk band Organoclorados have released the music video for “Take Me Down,” a dark, cinematic piece that deepens the band’s growing international presence. The independently produced video captures the song’s tension between surrender and resistance, with shadow-drenched visuals and introspective performances that mirror its emotional core.

“Take Me Down” fuses post-punk urgency and classic rock richness through haunting guitars, pulsing bass, and plaintive vocals. The video alternates between band shots and symbolic imagery of falling and rebirth, creating a dialogue between fragility and defiance. Sung in English and produced with minimalist precision, the track continues Organoclorados’ evolution as one of Brazil’s most compelling independent exports.

BENEE Announces 2026 North American ‘Particles Tour’

0

BENEE is ready to get personal. With her new album Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles now out in the world, the genre-bending singer is taking her introspective sound and surreal pop energy back to the stage. Her freshly announced “Particles Tour” begins Feb. 27 in Sacramento and winds through 23 cities across North America, finishing Apr. 3 in Los Angeles.

Fans can expect a show that captures BENEE’s signature mix of humor, heart, and hazy production — music that feels as unpredictable as the thoughts it was born from. Known for her magnetic live presence and relatable storytelling, she’s built a reputation for turning personal chaos into euphoric sing-alongs. With tracks from her new album and a setlist that threads between vulnerability and groove, “Particles” promises to be her most immersive tour yet.

“Particles Tour” 2026 Dates:
Feb 27 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
Feb 28 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Mar 2 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
Mar 3 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
Mar 4 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre
Mar 6 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at The Complex
Mar 7 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
Mar 9 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Mar 10 – Chicago, IL – Metro
Mar 12 – Toronto, ON – The Concert Hall
Mar 13 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
Mar 14 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
Mar 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
Mar 19 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Mar 20 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Mar 21 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
Mar 23 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
Mar 24 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
Mar 26 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Mar 27 – Austin, TX – Scoot Inn
Mar 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
Mar 31 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego
Apr 3 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre

Mt. Joy Announces ‘Hope We Have Fun Tour: Part 2’ for 2026

0

Indie rock favorites Mt. Joy will hit the road again next spring for the ‘Hope We Have Fun Tour: Part 2,’ following their sold-out 2025 run in support of the album Hope We Have Fun. The band’s last tour sold nearly 200,000 tickets and featured stops at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and The Greek Theatre, plus multiple hometown shows in Philadelphia. Their latest record debuted in Spotify’s U.S. Album Chart Top 10 and delivered AAA Radio hits like “Highway Queen (feat. Maren Morris)” and “She Wants to Go Dancing.”

The 2026 leg begins April 9 at Hard Rock Live Hollywood in Florida and continues through April 25 at Austin’s Moody Center, with stops in Charlotte, Atlanta, Kansas City, and New Orleans along the way. Mt. Joy will also perform at Railbird Music Festival in June.

‘Hope We Have Fun Tour: Part 2’ 2026 Dates:
Apr 9 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Hollywood
Apr 11 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Apr 14 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amp
Apr 16 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Apr 17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Apr 18 – Atlanta, GA – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
Apr 21 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Apr 23 – New Orleans, LA – Champions Square
Apr 24 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater
Apr 25 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Jun 6–7 – Railbird Music Festival – Lexington, KY

Oak View Group Partners with Lyft as Official Rideshare Provider for 75+ Venues Nationwide

0

Oak View Group has announced a major partnership with Lyft, naming the rideshare company as the official rideshare partner for more than 75 OVG-managed venues across the United States. The collaboration spans OVG’s Arena Alliance and Theater Alliance members, as well as 35 arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and performing arts facilities in its broader portfolio. Lyft will provide improved rideshare zones featuring clear pickup and drop-off points, live traffic updates, and enhanced wayfinding to streamline guest arrivals and departures.

Through the partnership, OVG and Lyft will deliver fans with a seamless, reliable, and efficient transportation experience, while partnering on initiatives that drive community engagement and sustainability. Lyft will receive prominent branding across existing rideshare zones at all participating venues, ensuring clear pick-up and drop-off locations with accurate pin names, coordinates, and real-time updates on road closures before and after events.

“At OVG, we not only create and manage iconic venues, but we relentlessly focus on providing all fans extraordinary experiences,” said Dan Griffis, President, Global Partnerships, Oak View Group. “Joining forces with Lyft delivers that commitment — removing friction points for fans and helping them arrive safely, efficiently, and with ease. Lyft is an incredible brand that not only elevates our commitment to our guests but also supports a dynamic approach to innovation and our unrelenting drive to create stronger communities.”

Additionally, OVG and Lyft will collaborate on local community programs, co-branded social and digital media content, and in-venue signage across all partner locations. Together, the partnership aims to increase ride volume, drive new rider acquisition, and enhance the fan experience by optimizing venue operations and reducing estimated arrival times.

“Partnering with Oak View Group positions Lyft at the center of 65 million live entertainment experiences each year,” said Jeremy Bird, EVP, Lyft. “By becoming the Official Rideshare Partner across more than 75 premier venues nationwide, we’re solving a critical transportation challenge at scale—turning every concert, game, and show into an opportunity to demonstrate why Lyft is the smarter choice for getting there and back. This partnership reinforces our commitment to being embedded in the moments that matter most to people.”

The partnership will span OVG’s Alliance partners including 20 of OVG’s Arena Alliance and 20 Theater Alliance associates; the OVG Alliance is an exclusive membership network that unites the industry’s leading sports and entertainment venues. Through these alliances, OVG brings together venue operators, sports teams, and live event leaders to share best practices, develop innovative fan experiences, and create national brand partnerships that drive value for both venues and audiences. In addition, Lyft will service 35 of OVG’s portfolio of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and performing arts facilities representing some of the most iconic live entertainment destinations.

Matt Rife Expands ‘Stay Golden World Tour’ with 40+ New 2026 Dates Across the Globe

0

Comedian Matt Rife is taking his ‘Stay Golden World Tour’ to new heights, adding over 40 global dates across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The newly announced leg includes stops at major venues such as The O2 Arena in London, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and a special performance at Singapore Indoor Stadium. Select markets will also feature a 360-degree in-the-round stage design for an immersive comedy experience.

The expanded North American dates begin February 28 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and continue through March 29 in Cincinnati, OH. Rife then heads to Europe on April 13 for a string of arena shows across Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Rome, and more, before returning stateside June 26 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL. Tickets go on sale November 13 at 12 p.m. local time with an artist presale, followed by the general on-sale November 14 at 12 p.m. local.

Just Announced: Matt Rife “Stay Golden World Tour” 2026 dates:
2/07 – Singapore Indoor Stadium – Singapore
2/28 – Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
3/01 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC
3/12 – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – Jacksonville, FL
3/13 – Benchmark International Arena – Tampa, FL
3/14 – Enmarket Arena – Savannah, GA
3/15 – Lenovo Center – Raleigh, NC
3/28 – KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
3/29 – Heritage Bank Center – Cincinnati, OH
4/13 – Ziggo Dome – Amsterdam, Netherlands
4/17 – Hallenstadion – Zurich, Switzerland
4/18 – Unity Arena – Oslo, Norway
4/20 – Avicii Arena – Stockholm, Sweden
4/22 – 3Arena – Dublin, Ireland
4/23 – The O2 Arena – London, England
4/24 – AO Arena – Manchester, England
4/25 – OVO Hydro – Glasgow, Scotland
4/27 – Sala Santa Cecilia Auditorium – Rome, Italy
6/26 – Hard Rock Live – Hollywood, FL
6/28 – Spectrum Center – Charlotte, NC
7/11 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
7/24 – Ocean Casino Resort – Atlantic City, NJ
8/22 – Alaska Airlines Center – Anchorage, AK
8/23 – Carlson Center – Fairbanks, AK
8/27 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR
9/04 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
9/05 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
9/25 – Choctaw Casino – Choctaw, OK
10/09 – Ford Idaho Center Arena – Nampa, ID
10/10 – Moda Center – Portland, OR
10/11 – Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
10/18 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
10/24 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
10/25 – United Center – Chicago, IL
11/07 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
11/08 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
11/20 – UBS Arena – Belmont Park, NY
11/21 – KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY
11/22 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
12/12 – Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX
12/13 – INTRUST Bank Arena – Wichita, KS
12/26 – Mortgage Matchup Center – Phoenix, AZ
12/29 – Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK

Matt Rife “Stay Golden World Tour” 2026 dates 
1/16 – Wolfbrook Arena – Christchurch, NZ
1/17 – Spark Arena – Auckland, NZ
1/19 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, AU
1/20 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, AU
1/22 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Adelaide, AU
1/23 – Palais Theatre – Melbourne, AU
1/24 – Palais Theatre – Melbourne, AU
1/30 – ICC Sydney Theatre – Sydney, AU
1/31 – ICC Sydney Theatre – Sydney, AU
2/01 – Sydney Opera House – Sydney, AU
2/03 – Perth HPC – Perth, AU
2/04 – Perth HPC – Perth, AU
2/05 – Perth HPC – Perth, AU
7/18 – Kinsmen Park – Edmonton, AB
7/19 – Assiniboine Park – Winnipeg, MB
8/06 – Garrison Grounds – Halifax, NS
8/07 – Garrison Grounds – Halifax, NS
8/08 – Maine Savings Amphitheatre – Bangor, ME
8/28 – Prince’s Island Park – Calgary, AB
8/29 – ONE Spokane Stadium – Spokane, WA
8/30 – Stanley Park – Vancouver, BC
8/27 – Walmart AMP – Rogers, AR