What is driving the stadium concert boom?

As 2026 shapes up to be another huge year for mega shows, IQ investigates the key factors powering the surge

The Weeknd's After Hours 'Til Dawn Tour © Matthew Swensen

In the aftermath of the busiest-ever summer for global stadium tours, a handful of international agents and promoters have weighed in on the factors powering the trend.

Oasis, Dua Lipa, AC/DC, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Shakira, Ed Sheeran, Linkin Park, Travis Scott, Imagine Dragons, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Stray Kids, Sam Fender and Iron Maiden are just a few of the many artists to have played on live music’s biggest stages this year.

You've used your free article this month

Continue reading with a free account, or subscribe for unlimited access to all of our news, features and reports.

Subscribe Create a Free Account

Related Content

Back to top