Rock legends AC/DC thunder back into the global top 10 as live music surges

Key Points:

• Live music attendance and revenue are booming globally, with live shows generating over $6 billion in revenue in just three quarters, highlighting a strong desire for shared, real-world musical experiences despite the rise of digital streaming and AI.
• South Korean K-pop groups BTS and TWICE dominate the live touring charts, reflecting the success of South Korea’s government-backed cultural export strategy, while rock bands like AC/DC also show a significant resurgence in live music popularity.
• Major artists including Ed Sheeran, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, and Luke Combs rank among the top live acts, though Taylor Swift was absent from recent rankings due to not touring during the data collection period.
• The live music industry is evolving with digital and hybrid shows, such as KISS’s digital avatars and ABBA’s "ABBA Voyage," but the core appeal of live, communal music experiences remains strong and continues to attract major investments from companies like Apple and AEG.
• Local music scenes, exemplified by Austin’s vibrant venues and emerging international acts like South Korea’s Rolling Quartz, underscore the global and grassroots passion for live performances, blending cultural influences and fostering close connections between artists and audiences.