A Snapshot of the Concert Economy: Insights from Coldplay

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Concerts aren’t just about music—they’re multi-billion-dollar economic engines that impact multiple industries, from ticketing platforms to tourism, hospitality, taxation, and sustainability.

As Coldplay’s 2025 India tour took the country by storm, we at Treelife took a closer look at the numbers, stakeholders, and economic impact behind this massive event. With revenue numbers, total attendees, and a ripple effect across various sectors, this was more than just a concert—it was a case study in how live events fuel economy and growth.

What’s the Concert Economy?

A concert economy refers to the ripple effect large-scale music events have on multiple industries, including hospitality, transport, food & beverages, merchandise, and other local businesses. 

When a global artist like Coldplay performs in India, the financial impact extends far beyond ticket sales. The entire event ecosystem—from airlines and hotels to restaurants, transport, and local businesses—experiences a surge in revenue.

Concerts drive employment, generate tax revenue, and contribute to the growth of industries like ticketing, event management, and streaming platforms. The Indian live events market was valued at ₹88 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach ₹143 billion by 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6%. The ticketed live music segment alone is expected to reach ₹1,864 crore ($223 million) in 2025. Music events form a substantial part of this ecosystem, with concert numbers expected to double from 8,000 in 2018 to over 16,700 by 2025.

Key Components of the Concert Economy

1. Ticketing Revenue – The biggest driver of revenue, shared between artists, event promoters, and ticketing platforms.
2. Sponsorship & Brand Partnerships – Brands pay crores to associate with global tours (e.g., BMW & DHL for Coldplay).
3. Media Rights & Streaming – Platforms like Disney+ Hotstar acquire streaming rights, adding a new revenue channel.
4. Tourism & Hospitality Boost – Hotels, flights, and local businesses benefit from concert-driven travel.
5. Government Earnings – GST, venue permits, and licensing fees contribute to the public economy.
6. Local Business Growth – Restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, transport services, and even street vendors see a surge in demand, with metro stations in Ahmedabad handling over 4,05,000 passengers during Coldplay’s concerts.
7.  Government Earnings – GST, venue permits, entertainment taxes, and licensing fees contribute to state and national revenue. Coldplay’s concerts alone generated an estimated ₹58 crore in GST revenue from ticket sales. 

In essence, a concert isn’t just a musical event—it’s a massive business operation that impacts multiple industries.

Coldplay’s India Tour by the Numbers

Here’s a breakdown of the financial impact Coldplay’s concerts had in India:

1. Revenue from ticket sales – ₹322+ crore across five shows in Mumbai & Ahmedabad
2. BookMyShow’s earnings from convenience fees – ₹32.2 crore
3. GST collection for the government – ₹58 crore at 18% GST (ticket sales)
4. Metro revenue spike – ₹66 lakh in additional earnings (during concert days)
5. Metro passenger surge – 4,05,264 passengers to Motera Stadium during Ahmedabad concerts
6. Disney+ Hotstar streaming numbers – 8.3 million views during concert days
7. Total concert attendance – 400,000+ fans across five shows

Coldplay’s concerts didn’t just impact the fans inside the stadiums—it boosted local businesses, increased hospitality demand, and drove digital engagement across streaming platforms.

Who Makes Money in the Concert Economy?

A concert of this scale involves multiple stakeholders working together to create a profitable and smooth experience.

1. Tour Promoters & Event Organizers – Live Nation (Coldplay’s global promoter), BookMyShow (ticketing & event organization in India)
2. Ticketing Platforms – BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, District by Zomato
3. Venue Operators – DY Patil Stadium (Mumbai), Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)
4. Sponsorship & Branding – BMW (Battery Partner), DHL (Logistics Partner), Mastercard, Disney+ Hotstar (Streaming Rights)
5. Media & Streaming Rights – Disney+ Hotstar exclusively streamed the concerts in India
6. Production & Logistics –responsible for stage design, sound, and lighting
7. Sustainability & Energy Partners – BMW-powered show batteries, kinetic floors for energy generation
8. Government & Regulatory Bodies – Earnings from GST, licensing fees, and event permits

From ticketing to brand partnerships, venue revenues to tax collections, the concert economy is an interconnected web of businesses, governments, and event specialists working together.

The Challenges & Future of India’s Concert Economy

While concerts bring massive economic benefits, they also come with significant challenges that impact the overall experience for fans, organizers, and businesses. Addressing these barriers is essential for the growth of India’s live music industry.

1. Ticket Scalping & Resale – Black-market ticket prices surged up to ₹80,000, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
2. Infrastructure Gaps – Venue congestion, inadequate public transport, and lack of large-scale arenas limit event scalability.
3. Taxation & Licensing Complexities – High GST rates (18%), multiple permits, and regulatory approvals make organizing large concerts more challenging.
4. Sustainability Issues – While Coldplay introduced kinetic floors and battery-powered shows, most concerts still rely on diesel generators.

What’s Next for India’s Concert Economy?

India’s live concert economy is on the verge of massive expansion, driven by increasing demand, rising disposable incomes, and global interest in music tourism. Here’s what lies ahead:

Projected Market Growth

• India accounted for 27,000 live events, from music to comedy shows and theatre, in 2024, 35% more than in the same period last year.
• Estimated concert-linked spending is expected to reach 60 billion rupees and 80 billion rupees on an annual basis over the next 12 months.
• Aggregate revenue from India’s live entertainment market is projected to be around $1.7 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of nearly 20% over the next three to five years.
  

More Concerts, Bigger Events

• In 2018, India hosted 8,000+ concerts—by 2025, this is expected to double to 16,700+.
• Large-scale music & food festivals are expected to attract 1.5 million unique visitors annually—Ziro Festival, Hornbill Festival, NH7 Weekender, Zomaland, Nykaaland, and more.
  

Expanding Revenue Streams

• OTT Platforms live-stream digital platforms and sponsorships will further boost industry revenues (e.g., Disney Hotstar x Coldplay – 8.3 million views).
• Growth in regional concerts will create new revenue opportunities in Tier 2 & 3 cities.
  

Better Infrastructure & Investments

• Modern multi-purpose venues are being developed across major cities.
• Improved logistics, ticketing technology, and audience experience will drive higher attendance.

India’s concert economy is poised to become a global leader, benefiting from strong growth, technological advancements, and an increasing global appetite for music tourism. As the industry evolves, it presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses, brands, and fans alike.

Read our report for more information on how India’s concert economy is evolving and the opportunities it presents for businesses and artists alike.