Australian Live Music Resurgence Meets High Costs

After enduring strict lockdowns, Australian concertgoers have shown an incredible eagerness to return to live events, with significant audience numbers seen at performances by major artists and theater productions. Last year, top acts like Guns N’ Roses, Bruno Mars, and Billie Eilish, alongside beloved Broadway shows such as Hamilton and Frozen, attracted swarms of fans, signaling a recovery for the struggling live performance sector. Big-name festivals also made a comeback, with crowd-pullers such as Splendour in the Grass and Bluesfest drawing fans in droves.

Rising Ticket Prices Amid High Demand

Demand was so high that ticket prices saw a sharp increase, with concert tickets, in particular, witnessing a staggering 53% hike, averaging around $87. Musicals and festivals weren’t far behind, commanding hefty sums for admission, with festival tickets averaging $169.53 and musical theater seating costing around $128. This surge in pricing reflected a 30% general ticket price increase across events.

Sector Challenges Despite Audience Growth

Despite the influx of over 24 million attendees and a $2 billion revenue in ticket sales, the live performance industry isn't breathing a sigh of relief just yet. The sector is combating spiraling production and touring costs directly linked to lingering COVID-19 impacts. These include a significant 40% rise in transportation costs for shows between major cities and the broader challenges imposed by the cost-of-living crisis, making it harder for families to attend events.

In response to these financial pressures, the industry is cautious about continuous price raises. With audiences becoming more selective, the emphasis is on ensuring live performances remain accessible, especially during times when disposable income is limited. Notably, the classical music scene witnessed its highest-ever ticket sales thanks to popular acts like Andrea Bocelli and 2CELLOS.

The Ongoing Recovery and Future Prospects

Australia’s live performance sector’s resilience is apparent, with Victoria and New South Wales leading the post-pandemic resurgence in audience attendance and ticket sales. Upcoming tours by international stars such as Taylor Swift are expected to further boost the momentum. However, beneath the surface of these robust figures are underlying struggles, with small to medium organizations and not-for-profits still reeling from the pandemic's long-term effects, facing skill shortages and funding challenges.

LPA’s chief expresses concerns over the struggles within the industry, citing skill shortages, high production costs, and changing consumer behaviors as major problems. Meanwhile, the record attendance at musical theater shows exceeds those at major sports events, indicating the cultural shift and varied interests of Australians.

music, theater, costs