Exploring the Number of Concerts Bands Play Per Year
The number of concerts that bands play per year can vary widely based on several key factors, including the band's popularity, genre, touring schedule, and overall strategy. Let's delve into the details and insights to understand this intriguing aspect of the music industry.
Varied Capacities and Scenarios
The number of shows a band performs in a year can range from a low of 10 to a high of 150 or more. Some of the key scenarios that determine this variance include:
Popular Touring Bands
Bands in the top tier of popularity, such as major artists like Taylor Swift or U2, often engage in extensive world tours with numerous dates. These tours can easily sustain 100 to 150 performances per year.
Middle-Level Bands
Bands that are moderately popular may play between 30 to 70 shows per year. These bands often tour regionally or nationally, but the scale of their tours is more manageable compared to top-tier acts.
Local or Emerging Bands
Smaller, local bands may play anywhere from 10 to 30 shows per year. Often, they focus on local venues and festivals.
Festival Appearances
Some bands may also play at festivals, which can significantly increase their number of concerts in a single year without the need for a full tour. Festivals provide opportunities for bands to play multiple times and reach diverse audiences.
Personal Insights
Recently, a band member from a major touring reggae/world group shared their experiences. With pre-COVID schedules, they were working from Wednesday to Sunday, often with two to three shows on a Friday or Saturday. This intensive touring schedule involved traveling Friday, performing Saturday, and taking Sunday off for travel. The band's tours were lucrative, with well-paying tours that covered expenses and provided luxurious accommodations. Interstate tours often included a week in one place to visit multiple locations, all paid for.
When asked about their concert count, the band member stated, "Pre-Covid, I played easily 250 paid shows a year. That doesn't include my studio gigs, which I do remotely while touring or in the studio when I'm home." Their touring group and regional group had them out from Memorial Day to Halloween, six nights a week, providing a robust schedule and financial stability.
Post-COVID Adjustments
Post-COVID, the landscape has changed significantly for many bands. Many face limited outdoor and restaurant gigs, with all tours grounded. This has created a period of uncertainty and lower performance counts for many artists.
One band member, who performs in both major touring and regional bands, describes their current situation as feeling like they are in a "musical holding pattern." They are busy enough to not be homeless, but their creative life feels paused. Despite the challenges, they are optimistic about the future, stating that when they are finally allowed to resume tours and performances, they will "blow the roof off."
The Impact of Band Goals and Logistical Considerations
The concert frequency of a band is ultimately determined by a combination of the band's goals, audience demand, and logistical considerations. Each scenario mentioned above reflects different priorities and strategies. Major touring acts prioritize global exposure and financial success, while local or emerging bands might focus on building a local fan base.
No matter the band's size or popularity, the industry is fundamentally evolving. With the changes brought about by the pandemic, the number of concerts bands play per year may continue to fluctuate based on health and safety guidelines, fan engagement, and economic factors.