Country Profile: Greece
Once overlooked by many touring acts, Greece has now firmly established itself as a very strong draw on the European circuit.
Festivals like Ejekt, Rockwave, Release Athens, and AthensRocks have attracted an increasing number of international names, and major promoters such as GMI Live, Detox Events, Xlalala Presents, High Priority Promotions, and Fuzz Productions are driving the market forward.
Touring conditions for those who do visit continue to improve, though challenges remain. “Demand is very high, and the audience is hungry,” says Giannis Moustakas of GMI Live. “But the government and the private sector need to invest more in live music – especially in mid-sized venues of 10,000–15,000 capacity. Rising costs and high rents are also a challenge.”
Giannis Paltoglou of Ejekt Festival/Detox Events notes another complication. “During summer, accommodation and flight costs rise sharply, and Greece has very high VAT compared to other European countries. Careful planning…