IQ 144 out now: behind Olivia Dean’s arena coup, Giddings on 50 years, Swiss market report

The latest edition of IQ, the international live music industry’s leading magazine, is now available, offering a detailed look at the artists, executives, and markets shaping the sector.

Olivia Dean leads this month’s coverage as IQ examines the making of The Art of Loving Live tour. In the feature, Lisa Henderson goes behind the scenes of the artist’s first arena headline tour to find out how belief, gut instinct, and a rule-breaking mentality has fuelled one of the most exciting trajectories in pop.

Elsewhere, a major profile of John Giddings marks his five decades in the business. In Flying Solo, he reflects on key milestones across his career and outlines the priorities and challenges that lie ahead as he enters a new chapter.

The beleaguered European tour from Kanye West is also subject to an analysis piece, which breaks down the questions the controversial run is posing for the live music business, and readers will also find a breakdown of the potential shockwaves and next steps stemming from Live Nation’s landmark antitrust verdict.

Meanwhile, read all about the latest developments from the International Festival Forum (IFF), as the leading festival booking event reveals a new LA edition as well as a new London venue.

IQ also takes a close look at Yungblud’s London base in The B.R.A.T. Pack, analysing how the operation functions, the strategy behind its structure, and whether the model can scale as demand and activity increase.

In Mad for it, the focus shifts to Manchester, where the city’s live music ecosystem  is experiencing significant growth from grassroots venues to arena-level activity. The report explores the drivers behind the surge and the implications for the wider UK market.

This edition’s market report sees Adam Woods put the microscope on Switzerland. Swiss Magic brings together promoters, venues, and ticketing companies across the country to map out current trends, operational pressures, and areas of opportunity in one of Europe’s most consistently active live markets.

Readers will also find the latest comment and columns, movers and shakers, new signings and new music, and key stories and analysis from across the global industry.

A selection of features will appear online in the coming weeks. To access the full range of reporting, analysis, and interviews, subscribe to IQ or explore the complete contents of the latest issue on the dedicated IQ page.

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