For whom the Sphere tolls: Metallica’s next live frontier

The heavy metal veterans' North American agent, Dennis Arfa, unpacks the strategy behind the band's "monstrous" 24-date Las Vegas residency

News 18 June 2026

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Bad Bunny shifts record 800k tickets in Spanish cultural coup

“What we witnessed with Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS Tour in Spain was truly unprecedented," says Live Nation Spain's Nacho Córdoba

News 17 June 2026

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Benin backs exhibition, live ambitions with 9,000-cap arena

Cotonou is set to welcome the country's first arena-level venue, which also forms a key pillar of the government's economic strategy

News 18 June 2026

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Role Model up first for Spotify’s Reserved tour ticket initiative

The streaming giant's live initiative launches in the US today, with selected fans able to make purchases for the Chuck On Tour next week

News 18 June 2026

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Wellington Town Hall New Zealand

Wellington venue reopening to mark ‘defining cultural moment’

Pop band Drax Project will lead a special concert lineup to relaunch the town hall, which officials call "the creative heart of the city"

News 18 June 2026

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Beyond AAA markets: The key to touring entertainment’s viability

IQ reports on how smaller markets can drive touring success when major city venues are oversubscribed

Feature 18 June 2026

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Festival news: Los Angeles to host America’s Block Party

Plus: Updates and lineup news from Vans Warped Tour, Rock for People, EXIT Festival, and Afrojam Fest

News 18 June 2026

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‘Women are a driving force in live entertainment’

A new study from THE TEAM's Collective captures the importance and value of live experiences from 15,000 respondents across 12 countries

News 17 June 2026

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MOST POPULAR

LGBTIQ+ List 2026

LGBTIQ+ List 2026

Say a huge hello to our latest cohort of queer pioneers who are making an impact in the international live music business and beyond...

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Toby Corton

Toby Corton

Mighty Hoopla / Sounds Queer / State is Flow

"Pay artists fairly, regulate, and redistribute profits in favour of the people who, without their work, the 'music industry' would just be 'industry'"
Peter Allott-Fletcher

Peter Allott-Fletcher

AEG Presents

"Everything has become more expensive, and often unpredictably so – global events have an almost immediate impact"
Jyn Paul

Jyn Paul

DICE

"Equitable access to tickets remains the biggest challenge the industry faces in keeping fans motivated and artists connected"
Antonia Lines

Antonia Lines

LIVE Trust

"We're working in collaboration with the live sector to fix long-term problems and create a better future for everyone"
Erik Kammerer

Erik Kammerer

Live Nation

"We need to slow down, pause, and identify those who will challenge industry norms while also honouring legacies"
Steve Berry

Steve Berry

Stagetruck Ltd

"I do what I do because I want everyone who comes to work with us to feel welcome, included, and part of something they’re proud of"
Mariano Otero

Mariano Otero

Fever / DICE

"The ticketing industry is entering a period of increased scrutiny and regulatory change, which is both necessary and overdue"
Ethan-James Luke

Ethan-James Luke

Legends Global

"The audiences are diverse, the talent is diverse, so the people shaping the industry should reflect that, too"
Kat Winfield

Kat Winfield

CAA

"It’s not just about representation on paper; it’s about creating an environment where people genuinely feel supported"
Małgorzata Staniszewska

Małgorzata Staniszewska

Alter Art

"When we prioritise fair treatment, economic security, and a safe, respectful environment, we create an industry where talent can thrive"
Bihter Çetinyol

Bihter Çetinyol

Charmenko

"The industry in Türkiye is small; you can only work for corporations, governmental corporations, municipalities, and private companies"
Sandra Schweizer

Sandra Schweizer

Gadget Entertainment AG

"Being surrounded by so many people actively shaping the business was genuinely inspiring and gave me a stronger sense of perspective"
Mica Sefia

Mica Sefia

Black Lives in Music

"As a Black, queer, neurodivergent woman, my identity informs everything I do, whether intentionally or not"
Harry Wilding

Harry Wilding

Festival Republic / Kelham Pride / ILMC

"I plan to help grow [Kelham Pride] year on year, while keeping it free and accessible to the community"
Bruno Sérgio Gomes

Bruno Sérgio Gomes

30e

"Demand is huge, but production costs, routing, and ticket affordability are putting a lot of pressure on the middle of the market"
Paul Schäfer

Paul Schäfer

Freelance

"Representation matters because it creates role models, opens pathways, and signals to the next generation that there is space"
Thiago Nakano

Thiago Nakano

30e

"In Brazil, where music is such a strong part of people’s identities, tours can become real cultural moments"
Pol Mitchell

Pol Mitchell

Soft Serve Management

"There’s been a real backslide in lineup diversity in mainstream events, which is a signal of bigger economic and systemic disruption"
Mary Allen

Mary Allen

UTA

"We’re navigating a significant level of touring oversaturation alongside growing price resistance"
Shorlette Ammons

Shorlette Ammons

Farm Aid

"The same handful of corporations controlling food systems are often shaping culture and access in entertainment, too"
Plenitude Arena

Paris La Défense Arena to rebrand to Plenitude Arena

News 17 June 2026

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AMG to reopen Brighton Hippodrome in 2027

News 17 June 2026

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Obama Presidential Centre

Lineup of stars announced for Obama Presidential Centre opening ceremony

News 17 June 2026

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Korean gov’t unveils €1.7m fund to boost indie K-pop acts globally

News 17 June 2026

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Robbie Williams reveals restructured live touring team

Ahead of a busy touring period, the British hitmaker has signed to ATC Management and WME for worldwide representation

News 17 June 2026

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Black Promoters Collective charts course for stadium shows

After debuting on the Billboard Top Promoters Chart last month, the coalition says its independent DNA is the key to its jump to the next level

News 16 June 2026

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Live Nation stock hits all-time high as firm adds Buenos Aires arena

News 16 June 2026

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YouTube steps up live concert offerings with new series

News 16 June 2026

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Guatemala’s Arena Gallo set to be ‘game-changer’ for region

"There truly will be a before and after," Move Concerts' Phil Rodriguez tells IQ of the 14,500-capacity indoor arena, set to open next year

News 16 June 2026

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LIVE Music Toronto launches to support citywide sector

CIMA's Andrew Cash tells IQ about joining forces with MusicOntario to create a new advocacy initiative for Toronto's independent live ecosystem

News 16 June 2026

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Global Arena Guide 2026 out now: 70 markets & 650+ venues

In association with Legends Global, the industry's definitive guide to arenas also includes the inaugural batch of Arena Stars

News 16 June 2026

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London’s ‘Live at Chelsea’ marks first edition since pandemic

Kilimanjaro Live's Stuart Galbraith tells IQ about the event's return and the opportunities afforded by the historic location

News 15 June 2026

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Issue 145 Jun 2026

The Pride Edition

LGBTIQ+ List 2026, Loud & Proud, Montreux Jazz Festival's 60th anniversary, New Zealand market report, The Architects - Pino Sagliocco

Read more about this issue
S. Thaman India

India’s OG Tour cancels Hyderabad show as stage collapses

Organisers said "sudden" severe weather forced the cancellation as fans post video of the stage falling in strong winds

News 15 June 2026

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Superstruct to offer artist mental health support across summer festivals

The company will extend a partnership with OpenUp beyond its employees to offer access to psychologists to artists performing at its festivals this summer

News 15 June 2026

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Bonnaroo dampened by severe weather for second year in a row

A year on from a full-scale cancellation, the C3 Presents-organised US festival was hit with storms that led to nearly a dozen sets cancelled

News 15 June 2026

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TEG elevates Amy Mackie to ticketing MD

Mackie will now oversee ticketing strategy and operations across Ticketek's core markets of Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the UK

News 15 June 2026

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LGBTIQ+ List 2026: Presenting this year’s queer pioneers

IQ's annual recognition of 20 executives from all over the world who are making an impact in the international business has been revealed...

News 15 June 2026

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IQ 145 out now: Sixth annual Pride edition shines light on industry inclusivity

Supported by AEG Presents, the latest edition of IQ serves as a Rolodex of queer talent, a handbook for allies, and an industry reflection

News 15 June 2026

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‘You can’t be global if you don’t include Africa’: TMG launches African talent agency

TMG founder Obi Asika says agency could be "final piece in the puzzle" for a breakthrough for African touring

News 15 June 2026

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New L-Acoustics LiDAR mapping eyes time savings for venues

The company becomes the first speaker manufacturer to offer venue-scale LiDAR capture integrated into its sound system software, Soundvision

News 12 June 2026

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LATEST JOBS

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REPORT

Global Arena Guide 2026

The definitive guide to arenas hosting live music and entertainment, in association with Legends Global

Read more about this issue
Disney Worlds Collide Tour cred. Concerts Special

Disney Worlds Collide Tour unveils debut European run

News 12 June 2026

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Patricio O'Ryan Fenix Entertainment

‘Market maturity’ key to Fenix Entertainment’s Colombian acceleration

News 12 June 2026

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Tour news: Maná & Muse multiply markets with more dates

News 12 June 2026

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BMAC opens door to R&B Tour learning experience

News 12 June 2026

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Irish festivals file affidavit following tickets.ie collapse

Three festival have begun their bid to reclaim ticket money they allege is owed to them after ticketer ceased trading last week

News 11 June 2026

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From block party to blockbuster: Kilby Block Party’s remarkable rise

The team behind the independent Utah festival tell IQ how a combination of flexibility and community has helped power its incredible growth

News 11 June 2026

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Live music recognition tech forcing ‘fundamental shift’ for PROs

News 11 June 2026

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Legends Global appoints Caroline Wright as EVP of NA venues

News 11 June 2026

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The Art of Loving Live: Olivia Dean on Tour, part 2

In the second of a two-part series, IQ explores how belief, instinct, and a rule-breaking mindset drove Olivia Dean's rise to her first arena tour

Feature 11 June 2026

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AMC Theatres walks back plans to launch live concert experience

The US-based cinema giant has postponed its new interactive simulcast offering, pausing shows from the likes of Bebe Rexha and Paris Hilton

News 11 June 2026

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EDC Mexico 2024 Gallery Photo

Festival news: EDC reveals lineup for Colombia debut

Plus: Michelada announces cancellation, lineups revealed for Eden Sessions, Sandringham, and We Move Outside, and Katy Perry joins Dua Lipa's Sunny Hill

News 11 June 2026

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K-pop titans BIGBANG plot 20th anniversary stadium tour

The AEG Presents-promoted outing will span 31 dates across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia, launching this August in Goyang

News 11 June 2026

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Hans Zimmer: Taking film concerts to the next level

With 50 sold-out arena shows and over half a million ticket sales, Hans Zimmer’s latest tour is redefining how audiences experience scores

Feature 20 May 2026

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What a score: The rise of cinema with live orchestras

As a new generation discovers soundtracks, and nostalgia drives rewatching favourite films, Eamonn Forde charts the growing popularity of movie and orchestra experiences

Feature 11 May 2026

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Trusted IP: Exhibition trends beyond immersive

Adam Woods explores key developments in touring exhibitions

Feature 11 May 2026

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LATAM: The land of opportunity?

Josefina Armendariz & Florencia Mauro report on booming touring entertainment in Latin America, where diverse markets make local knowledge the key to success

Feature 11 May 2026

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Cuarteto: The Argentinian party music going global

Cuarteto’s rise is being driven less by streaming and more by a relentless live model, with high-frequency shows, loyal audiences, and a touring logic built for scale

Feature 30 March 2026

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MOST POPULAR

COMMENT

CAA’s Maria May unveils electronic-focused mental health initiative

If we want this business to keep evolving, we have to look after the people who make it work

Maria May

The storied agent tells IQ about the inspiration behind her new dance music-focused programme with the Music Industry Therapist Collective

COMMENT 11 May 2026

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The role of the System-Breaking Grand Concert in Hungary’s struggle for System Change

The role of the System-Breaking Grand Concert in Hungary’s struggle for System Change

Tamás Kádár

Sziget Festival CEO Tamás Kádár explains how a mass public concert energised voters ahead of Hungary's recent election

COMMENT 24 Apr 2026

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We come one: how live music creates physical synchrony

We come one: how live music creates physical synchrony

Paul Dolan

Behavioural scientist professor Paul Dolan dives into how live music helps us connect physically as well as emotionally

COMMENT 23 Apr 2026

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The launch of the UK Artist Touring Fund is a moment of real significance

The launch of the UK Artist Touring Fund is a moment of real significance

Kelly Wood

Kelly Wood, National Organiser for Live, Theatre & Music Writers at Musicians' Union, outlines the fund's impact on the wider touring ecosystem

COMMENT 18 Mar 2026

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Médecins Sans Frontières on the life-changing power of live music

Putting on a show and supporting those in crisis is a clear win-win

Dr Natalie Roberts

As ILMC kicks off, Dr Natalie Roberts from charity partner Médecins Sans Frontières describes the impact live music can make

COMMENT 24 Feb 2026

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UK live campaigners call for time-bound EU touring talks

News 10 June 2026

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The Art of Loving Live: Olivia Dean on Tour

Feature 10 June 2026

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US indie promoter Jade Presents reveals $3m debt in bankruptcy filing

News 10 June 2026

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TEG - New Order - Sydney Opera House - Credit Warren Jackon.

NSW gov’t aims to boost scope of Sydney Opera House concerts

News 10 June 2026

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Bandsintown unveils ‘Boost’ feature for concert promotion

Tours will be able to pay to have relevant fans alerted about upcoming shows, with prices varying based on venue size

News 10 June 2026

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Germany’s Rock am Ring shifts 48,000 tickets in record time

Hot on the heels of this year's event, fans snapped up more than half of the tickets for the institutional rock festival's 2027 edition

News 10 June 2026

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Jay-Z announces Paris and LA stadium shows

News 09 June 2026

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Surprise Olivia Rodrigo set rounds out 2026 Primavera Sound

News 09 June 2026

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Has simplicity become touring’s next great spectacle?

Raw Cereal's co-founders tell IQ how advancing technology and a crowded market are driving demand for more thoughtful, connected experiences

News 09 June 2026

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India eyes diversified touring circuit with Guwahati Guns N’ Roses show

The Guwahati appearance is one of two dates for the band in India this November

News 09 June 2026

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Fix the Tix launches platform for reporting ‘predatory’ resale practices

Announcing the launch, coalition partner NIVA also says it has identified 6,000 deceptive URLs and called on states to bring additional consumer protections

News 09 June 2026

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BTS concerts spur South Korea hotel price-gouging crackdown

Following reports of Busan hotels charging up to 20x their usual rates, officials are proposing tougher penalties to help protect tourists

News 09 June 2026

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QUICK READS

Role Model up first for Spotify’s Reserved tour ticket initiative

2 minute read

Wellington venue reopening to mark ‘defining cultural moment’

3 minute read

Festival news: Los Angeles to host America’s Block Party

3 minute read

‘Women are a driving force in live entertainment’

3 minute read

REPORT

International Ticketing Report 2025

The only global guide to the live entertainment ticketing market – for anyone interested in or working in live event ticketing

Read more about this issue

Italy’s Hellwatt Festival saga ends in cancellation

News 09 June 2026

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Tour news: Charli xcx announces autumn US run

News 09 June 2026

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Tickets for Good expands into Germany

News 08 June 2026

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BST Hyde Park expansion highlights London’s growing festival debate

News 08 June 2026

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‘Built for a digital world’: NYC’s The Square opens with Madonna

Hidden behind an 18,000 sqft, 8K LED electronic billboard sits New York's newest performance space, which formally opened last week

News 08 June 2026

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‘Viable and scalable’: Move Afrika on its growing multi-city circuit

The event expanded to Pretoria in 2026, which Global Citizen's Iphie Chuks-Adizue says can be a proof of concept for pan-African touring

News 08 June 2026

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Inside the big top: How Take That brought back ‘The Circus Live’

News 08 June 2026

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$7bn development around Chicago’s United Center launches

News 08 June 2026

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ILMC team 2026

ILMC announces employee ownership transition and new senior appointments

Employee ownership secures an independent future for the company, managing director Greg Parmley says

News 05 June 2026

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The B.R.A.T. Pack: Inside Yungblud’s London base

Part shop, part fan club, part venue—B.R.A.T. is Yungblud’s London base and a novel move in artist development. IQ explores how it works and if it can scale

Feature 05 June 2026

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AXS boosts partnerships with US independent venues

The ticketing leader has announced new partnerships with California's famed Troubadour, along with the seven-venue Marathon Live portfolio

News 05 June 2026

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Conference news: FOCUS Wales caps off bumper edition

Plus: Announcements from Germany's Reeperbahn, Iceland Airwaves, Bulgaria's SoAlive, and Spain's Primavera Pro

News 05 June 2026

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The Latest Reports

Global Arena Guide 2026

Touring Entertainment Report 2026

LatAm Live 2026

European Festival Report 2025

Global Promoters Report 2025

International Ticketing Report 2025

Global Stadium Report 2025
Touring Business Handbook 2025 Cover

Touring Business Handbook 2025

COMMENT

Music Minds Matters’ Sarah Woods unveils new industry-specific study

Poor mental health in music is not inevitable – let's come together to change it

Sarah Woods

For Helplines Awareness Day, charity CEO Sarah Woods unveils a new targeted mental health support scheme for the live industry

COMMENT 23 Feb 2026

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Sziget’s Tamás Kádár on championing freedom of expression

At Sziget, neutrality has never been an option

Tamás Kádár

After their Take A Stand award win, CEO Tamás Kádár reconfirms the Hungarian festival's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community

COMMENT 11 Feb 2026

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Superstruct’s Alex Mahon on the need for human interaction

The human need for connection has not gone anywhere

Alex Mahon

New Superstruct CEO Alex Mahon highlights the growing importance of concerts and festivals in the digital age

COMMENT 12 Jan 2026

Read Article
How CAA’s Task Force champions charity and community

Music has a power that goes far beyond entertainment

Emma Banks

Nordoff and Robbins chair Emma Banks discusses how the next generation of CAA leaders are delivering change to charities and communities

COMMENT 22 Dec 2025

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Making space for the independents

Going independent isn't just a romantic idea

Johanna Beckman

Promoter Johanna Beckman describes how fledgling Swedish independent company Rush Ent. is doing things differently

COMMENT 18 Dec 2025

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REPORT

Global Stadium Report 2025

The Global Stadium Report is the first publication dedicated to global stadium touring worldwide.

Read more about this issue
Primavera Sound

Storms force Primavera Sound opening night headliner cancellations

News 05 June 2026

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Tributes paid to MOBO Awards founder Kanya King CBE

News 05 June 2026

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Zürich venue closures raise concerns for Swiss pipeline

News 05 June 2026

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Q&A: Annabelle Mauger, lililillilil

Comment 04 June 2026

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Mi Ami Festival on the emerging ‘middle road’ of Italian festivals

A tension is emerging between local and international focuses, the Milan festival says, as it wraps up its 2026 edition

News 04 June 2026

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British Airways ARC

‘Plug and play’ production package key to British Airways ARC proposition

As British Airways ARC approaches opening night, AEG Presents' Lucy Noble tells IQ how it aims to reduce costs for touring acts

News 04 June 2026

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China looks to open trio of Sphere-like venues

News 04 June 2026

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Irish live events express anger as tickets.ie ceases trading

News 04 June 2026

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Movers & Shakers: Stageco ups Wouter Van Mierloo to CEO

Plus: The latest batch of industry appointments and promotions from Ticketek, MC² Live, Roundhouse, and DTD Concerts

News 04 June 2026

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LatAm ticketers eye increased resale integration

Senior ticketers in the South American market tell IQ about how more integrated resale could improve the fan experience

News 03 June 2026

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Festival news: BTS lead star-studded iHeartRadio lineup

Plus lineups and latest announcements from Portola, Out of the Blue, Riot Fest, Montreux, and more

News 03 June 2026

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Margate Winter Gardens

Reopening Margate Winter Gardens seeks to reignite touring heritage

The seafront UK venue has announced a March 2027 opening date after four years of closure and a renovation that will take capacity to 3,000

News 03 June 2026

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The Showtime Group charts next phase of growth

Founder Leo Green is readying to scale the UK-based company's repertoire-led portfolio of live experiences following new investment

News 03 June 2026

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AEG Presents doubles down on Austin with new venue

The entertainment company will take over a 1,700-cap space in the Texas capital, adding to its forthcoming 4,000-cap venue in the city

News 03 June 2026

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City Focus: The mighty Manchester

The UK city is in the middle of a full-scale creative resurgence, powered by serious economic weight and cultural confidence

Feature 03 June 2026

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Australian industry body calls for live production tax incentive

Live Performance Australia has urged rebates worth 40% of eligible production expenses in the live sector

News 03 June 2026

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UK government was ‘up and down’ on touting measures, MP says

Labour's Alex Sobel also claims extent of fees claimed by resellers was key source of indecision before the bill was announced as draft legislation last month

News 02 June 2026

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Céline Dion adds ten more dates to Paris residency

The residency now stands at 26 shows over seven months after 'unprecedented' demand for tickets

News 02 June 2026

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Tour news: Diljit Dosanjh & Phoebe Bridgers reveal major shows

Plus: Announcements from Dave, Kehlani, Massive Attack, Asake, A$AP Rocky, Nothing But Thieves, Duran Duran, Sonic, The Chicks, manifest & Adéla

News 02 June 2026

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Wembley Stadium set for ‘biggest ever’ live music summer

The national stadium today said it was expecting "around three million" fans to attend 34 concerts across the summer

News 02 June 2026

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EXIT rolls out Pyramids of Giza festival as world tour expands

Charlotte de Witte, Michael Bibi, and Adriatique are among the first names confirmed for Starlight Festival, set for 8-11 October

News 02 June 2026

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Is P-pop Asia’s next major music export?

Acts like BINI and SB19's arrival on the US festival circuit indicate how the Pinoy pop genre from the Philippines is making waves worldwide

News 02 June 2026

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Mongolia’s Steppe Arena on its unique approach to booking

The Ulaanbaatar venue says audiences are now expecting top-class live entertainment despite the challenges of booking in the country

News 01 June 2026

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Legends Global-operated California amphitheatre ready to open

With a naming rights deal secured, the $21m FMB Amphitheater of Long Beach will open this week with a show from local superstar Snoop Dogg

News 01 June 2026

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