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Live Entertainment Market to Hit $270B by 2030, Fueled by Music Concert Boom and Immersive Tech

Eric Alper
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Live Entertainment Market to Hit $270B by 2030, Fueled by Music Concert Boom and Immersive Tech

The global live entertainment market is expected to grow from USD 202.90 billion in 2025 to USD 270.29 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The live entertainment market is driven by rising consumer demand for immersive, real-time entertainment experiences, fueled by the popularity of live concerts, sports, and interactive events. Advancements in live-streaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies have expanded audience reach and engagement across platforms. The integration of digital ticketing, mobile apps, and data analytics has also enhanced user experience and event management efficiency. Additionally, increased consumer spending on leisure activities and favorable government policies supporting cultural and entertainment events are encouraging investment in the sector. These factors contribute to the robust expansion of the live entertainment market.

The pre-recorded/recorded streaming type holds the largest market share in the live entertainment market in 2024.

The dominance is driven by increased consumer preference for flexible, on-demand content accessible across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix. Content creators and organizers benefit from scalable monetization models, including subscriptions, advertising, and pay-per-view. The segment’s low operational costs and global reach further cement its leadership. The live ticket sales segment follows as the second largest, propelled by strong consumer turnout for in-person events post-pandemic recovery.

Music concerts are projected to be the fastest-growing application segment in the live entertainment market during 2025–2030.

The growth is fueled by the rising demand for immersive, communal experiences and the resurgence of large-scale festivals and international tours. Technological innovations such as AR-enhanced shows and hybrid concert formats have also broadened audience access and engagement. The segment is further supported by increased artist-led initiatives and brand sponsorships targeting the youth demographic. As artists and organizers increasingly prioritize direct fan interaction and experiential content, the music concert segment is poised for rapid expansion through 2030.

China is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in the live entertainment market during the forecast period,

Music concerts are the fastest-growing segment in China’s live entertainment industry, powered by a strong post-pandemic rebound in attendance—concerts with over 10,000 people rose by 84.4% in 2024—and a surge in festival tourism, especially among 18–30-year-olds, who travel across cities for immersive experiences. Government support—through subsidies, streamlined approvals, and venue incentives—is boosting large-scale events in cities like Shanghai, Sichuan, and Haikou. Moreover, the integration of AR, hybrid streaming, and festival innovations has expanded reach and engagement, while concert-driven tourism generates substantial economic spillover in accommodation, dining, and retail.

Major companies operating in the global live entertainment companies include Live Nation Entertainment (US), AEG (US), CTS Eventim (Germany), HYBE Corporation (South Korea), SM Entertainment (South Korea), MSG Entertainment (US), and TEG (Australia).

Skywork Unveils Mureka V7 and TTS V1, Ushering in a New Era of Emotionally Intelligent AI Music and Voice

Eric Alper
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Skywork Unveils Mureka V7 and TTS V1, Ushering in a New Era of Emotionally Intelligent AI Music and Voice

Skywork has unveiled its latest music model, Mureka V7, alongside an all-new audio model, Mureka TTS V1. The latter introduces groundbreaking Voice Design capabilities for timbre customization, delivering an exceptional experience to users worldwide.

Previous iterations, including the Mureka O1 and V6 models, have garnered widespread global recognition, fueling nearly 3 million new user registrations since their official launch in late March.

Mureka V7: Crafting More Captivating Melodies for You

The latest upgrade Mureka V7 transforms users’ musical inspiration into a single click. It marks not just a quantum leap in efficiency, but a fundamental evolution in sound quality.

1. Mureka V7 delivers superior music quality. With enhanced melodic development, better arrangements, and more realistic vocal / instrument rendering, it ensures radio-ready excellence in every creation.

2. Mureka V7 redefines musical innovation. Compositions generated by Mureka V7 can actively inspire creator workflows.

Of course, these auditory enhancements are rooted in measurable technical advancements:

1. An increase in average performance rating of V6’s 43.4% to V7’s 57.7% represents a significantly higher probability of generating desirable songs from lyric inputs.

2. With 44% enhanced vocal realism and expression, the output consistently sparks reactions like “This can’t be AI-generated!”

3. With nearly 100% improvement in overall audio quality, Mureka V7 overcomes homogenized AI sound profiles.

How Mureka Crafts Irresistible Melodies?

Mureka V7 introduces major enhancements to MusiCoT (Analyzable Chain-of-Musical-Thought Prompting (https://musicot.github.io/), a specialized Chain-of-Thought (CoT) prompting framework designed for music generation. This upgrade delivers significant improvements in the coherence and sonic performance of AI-generated music mainly through three key innovations:

Structure-First, Generation-Second: Cognitive Modeling of Human Compositional Processes

MusiCoT first guides the model to generate a comprehensive musical structure – including sections, emotional arcs, and instrumentation layouts – prior to audio token generation. This approach effectively resolves the “local optimization trap” inherent in traditional AR models, enabling compositions with more natural progression and dynamic development.

Interpretable Musical Chain-of-Thought with Style-Adaptive Capabilities

By integrating CLAP (Contrastive Language-Audio Pretraining), MusiCoT constructs a semantically grounded musical chain-of-thought. The improvement not only enhances structural analyzability and controllability but also accepts reference audio inputs of variable lengths as style prompts, significantly improving model flexibility in stylistic replication and variation while mitigating risks of direct copying.

Leading Comprehensive Validation: From Subjective Evaluation to Objective Metrics

Extensive experimental results demonstrate MusiCoT’s superior performance across both subjective and objective metrics. The technology significantly outperforms conventional solutions in structural integrity, melodic coherence, and overall musicality, achieving state-of-the-art benchmarks in multiple evaluations.

The latest iteration of MusiCoT achieves unprecedented alignment with human compositional cognition at the structural level. Through scale-up of the proprietary datasets of Mureka and embedding refined information granularity, the latest solution features enhanced controllability and scalability, largely bridging the text-audio modality gap. Future iterations will further advance the system’s creative potential and industrial-grade capabilities.

Mureka TTS V1: Unlimited Timbre Choices, One-Click Customization

Moreover, the newly launched Mureka TTS V1 supports the Voice Design feature, which means users can generate custom vocal timbres simply by describing desired voice characteristics in text.

Mureka TTS V1 also demonstrates significant improvements across key technical metrics in voice design function:

1. Scoring 4.6 for speech sound quality, surpassing ElevenLabs (4.36), with significantly superior auditory performance across all competitors;

2. Scoring 4.64 for word segmentation and phrasing accuracy, indicating superior comprehension of input intent and linguistic expression;

3. Significantly improved overall listening experience, delivering markedly smoother and more coherent audio output

Mureka V7 represents a paradigm shift in AI music generation – from mere technical utility to genuine artistic empathy. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s the dawn of emotionally intelligent composition, where every melody resonates with human feeling and every rhythm pulses with narrative purposes.

Today, Mureka V7 is a personal recording studio in your pocket. Tomorrow, we hope to see your songs that are created in your bedroom or kitchen, or even in the subway, to top the charts.

Your creative journey begins from Mureka!

W Montréal and Billboard Launch ‘Billboard Live’ Series with Local Star CRi on July 31

Eric Alper
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W Montréal and Billboard Launch ‘Billboard Live’ Series with Local Star CRi on July 31

W Montréal is turning up the volume on its commitment to music, culture, and bold luxury with the launch of an exciting new collaboration: Billboard Live at W Montréal. On July 31, the hotel will host the inaugural edition of this exclusive series, headlined by Montréal’s own CRi, the critically acclaimed electronic music artist known for his atmospheric soundscapes and genre-defying performances.

Music has long been one of W Hotels’ core passion points—alongside Taste, Scene, Body, and Stance—each shaping how the brand curates immersive and elevated guest experiences. From W PRESENTS, the global platform spotlighting emerging talent, to local activations that blur the lines between high-design hospitality and cutting-edge performance, music is in W’s DNA.

“We’re thrilled to announce a bold new partnership between W Montréal and Billboard & Rolling Stone Canada—two icons at the intersection of music, culture, and lifestyle. With a powerful editorial footprint and a trusted voice in championing both emerging and established talent, Billboard and Rolling Stone Canada bring unmatched credibility and cultural relevance to this collaboration.” Says Alexandre Tessier, Director of Sales and Marketing, W Montreal.

The Billboard Live series is an extension of Billboard’s deep-rooted authority in music culture. As the definitive voice of the global music industry for more than a century, Billboard is known for its iconic charts, in-depth artist coverage, and culture-shaping storytelling. Its evolving platforms continue to spotlight both mainstream and emerging artists across genres—shaping the sounds and stories that move audiences around the world.

By bringing Billboard Live to W Montréal, the partnership merges two powerful tastemakers in hospitality and music. The result: a high-impact platform for discovery and celebration—one that’s as editorially rich as it is emotionally resonant.

“The energy of Montréal is electric, and music is the heartbeat of it all. This collaboration with Billboard marks a new chapter for us—bringing together artists, creatives, and our guests in a way that’s deeply immersive, uniquely local, and undeniably W.” Said Sarah Le bars, Marketing Manager, W Montreal.

The Billboard Live at W Montréal debut will be a high-impact evening celebrating the convergence of sound, style, and innovation. Because at W Montréal, every scene has a soundtrack!

Fender Unveils 2025 Fender Next Class, Spotlighting 20 Global Artists Shaping the Future of Guitar

Eric Alper
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Fender Unveils 2025 Fender Next Class, Spotlighting 20 Global Artists Shaping the Future of Guitar

Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces its seventh annual Fender Next class: a global artist development program designed to spotlight and support the next generation of guitar players making waves in music and culture. Since its launch in 2019, Fender Next has elevated 175 artists across various genres and geographies, offering them the tools, visibility, and platform to shape the future of guitar.

Handpicked by Fender’s Artist Marketing team, the 2025 Fender Next artists hail from all corners of the U.S., Mexico, U.K., France, Germany, Japan, China, and New Zealand—showcasing the global impact and creative range of today’s guitar community. Since its inception, Fender Next has helped fuel the rise of dozens of genre-defining artists, with 75+ featured in Fender campaigns and eight earning FMIC signature models including boygenius, Blu DeTiger, Orville Peck, Kingfish, Tyler Bryant and much more.

Selection for Fender Next is guided by guitar ability, artistic influence, fan engagement, and alignment with Fender’s brand, along with industry referrals and data-driven insights from managers, labels, agents, and tastemakers that further inform the curation process. Additionally, for the first time in Fender Next history, alumni Omar Apollo and IDLES, were invited to personally nominate artists, further enriching the program’s sense of community and creative continuity.

“Fender Next has always been about championing the artists who are redefining the role of guitar in music and culture,” said Jason Klein, Artist Marketing Lead, Fender. “What makes this year especially meaningful is that some of our past Fender Next alumni helped identify and recommend artists of the new class—proof of both Fender and the creative community’s belief in this artist development program and its ability to inspire next generation guitarists. We’re honored to support these artists with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and grow.”

Fender will drive increased exposure for the new class of Fender Next artists through the brand’s award-winning marketing campaigns, inclusion on Fender’s website and social channels which boast more than 17 million followers worldwide. This year’s class will also receive a curated welcome pack featuring gear that supports their creativity in the studio and on the road, including a Player II Modified Stratocaster with gig bag, Hammertone effects pedal, Mustang Micro Plus headphone amp, PreSonus HD9 headphones, Fender strap, cable, mug and a one-year PreSonus Studio One subscription.

Beyond product and platform access, Fender Next artists benefit from strategic partnerships that help amplify their reach on the global stage. This includes editorial support and unique programming and performance opportunities via Lagunitas Brewing Company; connecting artists with new fans and celebrating the intersection of music and culture.

In 2025, the tradition continues with a new class reflecting modern guitar’s bold, boundary-pushing spirit. Featuring rising stars like Malcolm Todd, Renee, Horsegirl, Leon Thomas, and many more, the Fender Next Class of 2025 boasts a stacked roster that spans genres, from pop and indie, to alt-rock, punk and R&B. These artists are redefining what it means to be a modern guitarist and pushing the boundaries of music across all styles and stages.

The Fender Next Class of 2025 Includes:

• Aziya (UK)• Lambrini Girls (UK)
• Balu Brigada (New Zealand)• Leon Thomas (USA)
• Brandy Senki (Japan)• Maggie Baugh (USA)
• Chinese Football (China)• Malcolm Todd (USA)
• Cruza (USA)• Man/Woman/Chainsaw (UK)
• Darumas (USA)• Marc Scibilia (USA)
• Flawed Mangoes (USA)• Oracle Sisters (France)
• Fleshwater (USA)• otoha (Japan)
• Friko (USA)• Renee (Mexico)
• Horsegirl (USA)• wavvyboi (Germany)

“We are super excited to be part of Fender Next. Time to blast riffs and throw a tv out a hotel window. Thank you to all involved, may the gods of rock smile down on you amen,” said Lambrini Girls.

“I’m so excited to be on Fender Next, this is like a dream come true for me. I grew up watching some of my idols do this series so it’s definitely a full circle moment. I hope to inspire more people to pick up the guitar and hopefully fulfill their dreams of being in Fender Next too,” said Malcolm Todd. 

Ariana Grande Unveils ‘Plush Vanilla,’ Her Dreamiest LOVENOTES Fragrance Yet, Exclusively at Sephora

Eric Alper
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Ariana Grande Unveils ‘Plush Vanilla,’ Her Dreamiest LOVENOTES Fragrance Yet, Exclusively at Sephora

Academy Award nominated and Grammy winning global sensation Ariana Grande expands her LOVENOTES fragrance collection with her newest scent, Plush Vanilla, launching exclusively with Sephora on July 31st. The launch of Plush Vanilla introduces a new chapter to the multihyphenate’s iconic LOVENOTES fragrance collection bringing in a new era of gourmand fragrance.

“The launch of the LOVENOTES fragrance collection was incredibly special to me and I was so excited to continue this story and deliver my next little love letter to my fans. I love this new chapter of the collection, the fragrance itself is so incredibly addictive and delicious, and I am so excited to have developed this as an exclusive for Sephora. It was such an honor to launch in Sephora and this next step is truly just so exciting and such an honor. This fragrance is so divine, and my favorite from the LOVENOTES collection I can’t wait for everyone to experience Plush Vanilla!”

After over a decade of unwavering success, Ariana Grande embarked on a strategic retail partnership with Sephora, expanding the brand into stores nationwide and Sephora.com in July 2024. The successful launch brought Ariana’s fragrance portfolio into one of the most influential, global beauty retailers and further expanded the brand’s visibility within the premium fragrance market. The upcoming, exclusive launch of Plush Vanilla marks the ongoing collaboration and commitment to building the Ariana Grande fragrance business together. ™

“The Plush Vanilla launch marks an exciting next step in our ongoing partnership with Sephora,” explains Noreen Dodge, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Commercial Officer of LUXE Brands. “Their commitment to innovation and trend leadership within the fragrance category aligns perfectly with Ariana’s creative vision for the brand. We’re proud to bring this exclusive, new fragrance to life with a retail partner who shares our passion for building the brand in a way that resonates deeply with today’s consumer.”

“Launching Ariana Grande Fragrances at Sephora was a defining milestone for both the brand and our company, marking a new chapter of growth,” said Tony Bajaj, Chief Executive Officer of LUXE Brands. “We’re incredibly proud of what this partnership represents and the momentum it continues to build.”

LOVENOTES Plush Vanilla, created by DSM-Firmenich’s Clement Gavarry, is a light, silky vanilla that flows effortlessly, like layers of soft silk. Wrapped with creamy sandalwood, warm amber, and cashmere woods, the effect is a delicate, playful, modern vanilla that is addictive and alluring.

The iconic LOVENOTES bottle has been reimagined with a whimsical design in a vibrant, lavender color featuring miniature floating hearts that bring the collection to life.  The striking campaign image of Ariana is featured on the carton as a bold evolution to the design.

New Podcast ‘Charlie’s Place’ Tells the Untold Story of a Jim Crow-Era Nightclub That Defied Segregation Through Music

Eric Alper
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New Podcast ‘Charlie’s Place’ Tells the Untold Story of a Jim Crow-Era Nightclub That Defied Segregation Through Music

How did a Black man in the 1940s Jim Crow South open a club where Black and White people danced side by side to the tunes of music’s legendary entertainers? The answer lies in a story as unforgettable as the music that turned a nightclub into a place of unity.

Beginning Monday, July 21, 2025, CHARLIE’S PLACE, a new five-episode, documentary-style podcast series hosted by filmmaker Rhym Guissé, uncovers the unbelievable true story of a revolutionary Myrtle Beach juke joint that brought communities together through the power of music. Segregation was the law in the 1940s and 1950s, but Charlie’s Place had its own rules—Black and White people were welcome to enjoy some of the greatest musicians of our time: Little Richard, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. The groundbreaking music venue became a symbol of joy, strength and hope in a divided time. In CHARLIE’S PLACE, Guissé shares the remarkable story of resilience and unity of a community and the transformative power of music.

Charlie Fitzgerald, a powerful Black businessman whose past was shrouded in mystery, was the club’s enigmatic founder who achieved the impossible—an integrated nightclub in Myrtle Beach. His success was an inspiration to many but a danger to those in power. As the club flourished, it sparked intense resistance from segregationists, leading to a raid by Ku Klux Klan members, and profound change that reverberated through the community.

The podcast takes listeners on a journey through the legendary venue’s history—revealing the truth behind its origins, the challenges it faced and the vibrant community it brought together. Interspersing interviews with historians, cultural experts and Carolinians who share firsthand accounts of growing up during the height of Charlie’s Place, Guissé tells the story of how this music venue defied segregation and what happens when people choose courage and community over division. It’s a tale of triumph and tragedy, of resilience and joy, of a place where music did more than entertain—it changed lives and shaped a movement.

“Charlie’s Place is a meaningful part of Myrtle Beach’s history that reminds us of the power of community and the importance of coming together, even in the hardest times. Preserving its legacy is about more than just remembering the past. It is about honoring the people who stood up for unity in a divided time and helping that message continue to inspire future generations,” said Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach.

“Working on this project showed me the beauty of preserving Black legacy with care. Storytelling isn’t just creative work — it’s about honoring culture and history, and I feel truly honored to carry that responsibility,” said Guissé. 

Co-produced by Atlas Obscura, the leading travel and content community destination, Rococo Punch, the award-winning independent audio production studio known for their thoughtful storytelling and exquisite sound, and in partnership with Malcolm Gladwell’s acclaimed podcast and audiobook company, Pushkin Industries, and Visit Myrtle Beach, CHARLIE’S PLACE is a captivating exploration of an overlooked and significant chapter in American history. The first episode will air on Monday, July 21, 2025, with future episodes available weekly on all major podcast listening platforms. Starting July 21, Pushkin+ subscribers can binge the full, five-episode series ad-free. Pushkin+ subscribers can also access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, and exclusive binges of other Pushkin content. Sign up for Pushkin+ on the Charlie’s Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.  For more information on Charlie’s Place, visit www.charliesplaceshow.com. 

Leona Lewis to Sparkle in Las Vegas with 33-Show Holiday Spectacular ‘A Starry Night’

Eric Alper
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Leona Lewis to Sparkle in Las Vegas with 33-Show Holiday Spectacular ‘A Starry Night’

Grammy-nominated and record-breaking Christmas sensation Leona Lewis will light up Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas this holiday season with A Starry Night, a new Christmas spectacular beginning in November. The powerhouse vocalist, performing her first-ever live shows in the United States, will transform the glitz and glam of Voltaire into a winter wonderland during a set of 33 exclusive performances running from November 1st through January 3rd.

Presales start on Wednesday, July 30th at 10 am local time ahead of the general sale on Friday, August 1st. Vibee VIP Concert & Hotel Experience packages will also be available. A Starry Night is intended for all ages. General admission tickets start at $75.

Delivering an enchanting evening of career-spanning records including “Bleeding Love,” “Better In Time,” and her new Christmas classic “One More Sleep,” Lewis’s impressive vocals will be on full display inside the intimate venue with a show designed to capture the spirit of the season. The Christmas spectacular, filled with heartfelt hits and holiday cheer, will offer guests of all ages a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience not to be missed.

“I’m elated to bring this show to Voltaire as it’s been years in the making, made specially for my fans,” said Leona. “Christmas has always been such a special time for me and my family and there’s nothing quite like the energy of Las Vegas during the holidays. I cannot wait to take the stage and spread some holiday magic!”

Leona Lewis 2025 A Starry Night:

Saturday, Nov 1
Sunday, Nov. 2
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Friday, Nov. 7
Saturday, Nov. 8
Sunday, Nov. 9
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Friday, Nov. 14
Saturday, Nov. 15
Sunday, Nov. 16
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Thursday, Nov. 27
Friday, Nov. 28
Saturday, Nov. 29
Friday, Dec. 5
Saturday, Dec. 6
Sunday, Dec. 7
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Friday, Dec. 12
Saturday, Dec. 13
Sunday, Dec. 14
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Friday, Dec. 19
Saturday, Dec. 20
Sunday, Dec. 21
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Friday, Dec. 26
Saturday, Dec. 27
Sunday, Dec. 28
Tuesday, Dec. 30
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Friday, Jan. 2
Saturday, Jan. 3

Modern Rock Meets Classic Cool on All-Star Bad Company Tribute Album

Eric Alper
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Modern Rock Meets Classic Cool on All-Star Bad Company Tribute Album

The Struts put their signature spin on Bad Company’s timeless anthem “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy,” the first single from the upcoming tribute album Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, arriving October 24th via Primary Wave.

“We are so thrilled for the British music legends, Bad Company, to finally be getting their well-earned induction to the Rock Hall. It’s been a real pleasure to pay homage to them with our cover of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy’ and I hope they enjoy it as much as we loved recording it,” shares The Struts’ Luke Spiller.

This is the first-ever band-approved tribute album, honoring the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of rock’s most iconic bands. It features contributions from legendary and contemporary artists across rock, country, and Americana, including The Pretty Reckless, Charlie Crockett, Slash, Hardy, Def Leppard, and others, offering fresh interpretations of Bad Company’s classic songs.

Both frontman Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke also appear on several tracks, performing alongside these artists. The tribute album is executive produced and curated by Gary Spivack (Danny Wimmer Presents), who programs all U.S. rock festivals.

  1. Ready for Love – Bad Company, Hardy
  2. Shooting Star – Bad Company, Halestorm
  3. Feel Like Makin’ Love – Bad Company, Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
  4. Running with the Pack – Bad Company, Blackberry Smoke, Paul Rodgers featuring Brann Dailor
  5. Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy – Bad Company, The Struts
  6. Bad Company – Bad Company, Charley Crockett
  7. Rock Steady – Bad Company, Dirty Honey
  8. Burnin’ Sky – Bad Company, Black Stone Cherry
  9. Seagull – Bad Company, Def Leppard, Paul Rodgers
  10. All Right Now – Bad Company, The Pretty Reckless

Ed Sheeran Adds More Stadium Magic to 2026 Loop Tour With New Dates Across Australia and New Zealand

Eric Alper
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Ed Sheeran Adds More Stadium Magic to 2026 Loop Tour With New Dates Across Australia and New Zealand

Due to overwhelming demand, Ed Sheeran has added four more shows to his Australian and New Zealand Loop Tour in 2026, presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live.

Having sold over 2.5 million tickets across Australia and New Zealand to date, Sheeran’s Loop Tour sees the beloved singer returning to our shores with a new live show that’ll follow the release of his new album, Play, out Friday, September 12th. Performing at stadiums in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch (his first show there in 11 years), before heading to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, Ed’s new live show promises to be filled with surprises, new music, as well as his biggest hits.

Presales for all shows are underway, with staggered times, ahead of the general sale on Tuesday, July 29th.

Led by lead singles “Azizam,” “Sapphire,” and “Old Phone,”​ Play marks the beginning of a fresh new chapter for Sheeran. The singer-songwriter’s latest work is an explorative, technicolor pop album that captures the fun, chaos, and heart of an artist reinvigorated by life and travel. Promising all-new stage production centred around the joyful, expansive sound of Play, the upcoming stadium shows will incorporate new visuals, intimate acoustic moments alongside his renowned loop pedal performances, and the full stadium sing-alongs only Ed Sheeran can deliver.

Inspired by musical cultures from around the globe – particularly Indian and Persian cultures and their surprising melodic connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with through shared scales, rhythms and melodies – Play encompasses an eclectic and borderless sound. On the album, Sheeran has teamed up with producers and musicians from across the globe, showcasing his limitless musicianship.

Ed Sheeran The Loop Tour 2026 Australian/New Zealand Dates:

Jan 16 – Auckland, NZ @ GO Media Stadium
Jan 21 – Wellington, NZ @ Sky Stadium
Jan 24 – Christchurch, NZ @ Apollo Projects Stadium
Jan 31 – Perth, WA @ ​Optus Stadium
Feb 1 – Perth, WA @ ​Optus Stadium
Feb 13 – Sydney, NSW @ Accor Stadium
Feb 14 – Sydney, NSW @ Accor Stadium
Feb 15 – Sydney, NSW @ Accor Stadium
Feb 20 – Brisbane, QLD @ Suncorp Stadium
Feb 21 – Brisbane, QLD @ Suncorp Stadium
Feb 22 – Brisbane, QLD @ Suncorp Stadium
Feb 26 – Melbourne, VIC @ Marvel Stadium
Feb 27 – Melbourne, VIC @ Marvel Stadium
Feb 28 – Melbourne, VIC @ Marvel Stadium
Mar 5 – Adelaide, SA @ Adelaide Oval

The Weeknd Brings a Fever Dream Home

Eric Alper
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0
The Weeknd Brings a Fever Dream Home

From the opening notes of The Abyss, Abel Tesfaye drew 50,000 fans into a world designed to mesmerize. His return to Toronto marked a full-circle moment—scarlet-lit, stadium-sized, and rich with gratitude. The Weeknd guided the audience through a 40-song narrative that shimmered with memory, power, and an otherworldly sense of control.

The stage design revolved around a towering LED structure that morphed into a hallway, a skyline, a mirror—always alive, always watching. Every moment flowed seamlessly, a testament to Tesfaye’s mastery of sequencing and set design. Dancers in flowing red robes moved with an eerie stillness, channeling the tension of a fever dream. Their presence felt theatrical and ritualistic, adding depth to the world Tesfaye built note by note.

After Starboy, he removed his mask, revealing himself like a character stepping from myth into reality – whatever that is, as we know so little about him compared to other pop stars living on social media. The gesture echoed the Super Bowl moment that introduced many to his full creative vision—knowing, deliberate, and timed with precision. From After Hours to Save Your Tears, Tesfaye held the crowd in a trance, always in motion, always tethered to something larger than the sum of lights and beats.

The stretch from São Paulo to Save Your Tears carried a BPM pocket that sent shockwaves through the stadium floor. In this sequence, Tesfaye connected the emotional core of his catalog to the rhythm of a packed dancefloor. Each drop hit with the clarity of intention and the thrill of freedom.

Throughout the night, he moved like someone guiding a story, not just performing one. His voice soared across Wicked Games, Timeless, and House of Balloons with the same wounded clarity that first earned him a devoted following in Toronto. That connection remained strong as he paused to reflect on watching Blue Jays games in the very stadium where he now stood, bathed in gold light.

The concert featured over two dozen songs with more than a billion streams, but the show never relied on numbers alone. Every moment felt earned, shaped by Tesfaye’s vision and carried forward by the crowd’s devotion. With each song, he invited fans deeper into the narrative – even coming off-stage to have members of the audience sing along with him – one full of neon reflections, masked silhouettes, and music that moves from club to cathedral.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow presented Tesfaye with a key to the city ahead of his shows, and declared this weekend “The Weeknd Weekend.” In response, Tesfaye pledged support for new creative voices in Toronto, backing it with Live Nation to support the the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and The Weeknd’s alma mater of Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute to create spaces for youth to connect, create and thrive. That generosity extended into the performance itself—designed not to prove anything, but to share everything. To bring you along for the ride, and to remind you that he’s the kind of guy that will always have a second location to take you to when going out – and you’ll love it.

With this first of four nights at the Rogers Centre, The Weeknd expanded his legacy while anchoring it firmly at home. After several past cancelations in the city for reasons not his doing, It was a coronation lit by every voice, every strobe, and every memory brought into the present, knowing he’s only 35 and 6 albums in. After last night, it’s proof he’s just getting started.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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