How many artists are touring in 2025? Study reveals the numbers are on the decline
Chartmetric’s latest study reveals a major decline in artists touring, even for major artists.
A steep drop in touring levels
Touring has long been considered a key part of an artist’s career, both for an exposure and financial boost. However, many artists have cancelled or cut down on tours in recent years. A new Chartmetric study reveals that even superstar and mid-level artists are scaling back on live shows.
The study tracked how many of the top 1,000 mid-level and superstar artists played at least 10 concerts in 2022 versus 2024. The findings? Mid-level artists saw a 7% drop in activity (from 19% to 12%). Superstar artists saw an even sharper decline: 44% of them toured in 2022, compared to just 36% in 2024. Notably, high-profile names like Jennifer Lopez, The Black Keys, and Lauryn Hill & Fugees all cancelled tours in 2024.
This isn’t just a trend among emerging artists- it’s an industry-wide shift.
Why artists are touring less
Such a drop off only begs the question: why are artists touring less?
Rising costs
Touring has become increasingly expensive. From rising fuel and accommodation costs to insurance and food, many artists can’t afford to hit the road. In fact, 82% of musicians worldwide can’t afford to tour beyond their local area.
Going global poses an even greater challenge for artists. In 2024, artist visas to the US almost quadrupled (from $460 to $1615 per musician) in the first price rise since 2016. For bands, those costs add up fast. Add the price of international flights, baggage, and equipment insurance, and touring becomes unfeasible for many.
Low ticket sales
Soaring ticket prices are pushing fans away. Combine that with global economic strain and less people have the disposable income to buy tickets. For artists, this means smaller crowds and thinner profit margins. Why risk a tour that might not even break even?
Different artist priorities
While touring still remains a great way to gain exposure, not all artists want to tour. Some are shifting their focus to the studio, prioritizing skill development and creating new tracks. With social media and streaming offering new ways to reach fans, touring isn’t always seen as necessary to gain visibility anymore.
Streaming’s influence
Streaming has changed how fans discover music. Listeners can instantly access new tracks without needing to see artists live. This shift has left touring “relatively decentralized from the listener’s experience” of music discovery.
While fans still have a desire to see live music, and artists still want to tour, streaming has disrupted the dynamic causing a problem for live music performances.
What does the future of touring look like?
Government and industry support
Chartmetric suggests a need to support touring infrastructure. Government and industry bodies need to step up to protect live music, especially at the grassroots level. This support could make live shows more accessible and affordable for fans, help artists to fund their tour, and protect smaller venues.
In the UK, the live music industry body LIVE has established its LIVE Trust for industry support. It collects a voluntary £1-per-ticket levy from arena and stadium concerts which is distributed to local venues- a move that could be vital for sustaining the scene.
Bigger artists supporting smaller acts
Established acts can play a key role in nurturing the next generation. Opening slots on major tours can be career-changing for smaller acts. These opportunities can help boost exposure and streaming engagement to large audiences, helping take their career to the next level.
“Slots at larger concerts are very significant in getting support for emerging artists”
Patrick Ross, COO of Music Ally
More global tours
Despite the challenges, global tours are expected to grow. Massive acts like Coldplay and Billie Eilish are performing in Asia this year. Coldplay alone drew record-breaking crowds in India earlier this year, performing to over 111,000 fans per night. As international audiences grow, some markets may present new opportunities for touring success.
The bottom line
Touring is no longer a guaranteed part of an artist’s strategy. With rising costs, falling sales, and shifting fan behaviours, the industry needs to support live music. Whether through policy, funding initiatives, or government support, it’s clear that change is needed to ensure a sustainable touring future for artists at every level.
What’s most concerning is that the impact now goes beyond just smaller artists, having a profound effect on the number of major artists touring too. If the live music ecosystem is to thrive, the whole industry will need to pull together to keep the show on the road.
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