The live entertainment industry in 2025 is defined by its contradictions. Concerts seem to be more popular than ever, yet for every successful run, there’s a growing number of tours being canceled for financial reasons . Post-Covid inflation has driven up prices everywhere, including the cost of putting on a great tour, leading to higher ticket prices.

Speaking last week at CNBC and Boardroom’s “Game Plan” conference , Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino took a rosier outlook, insisting that the demand for live entertainment has never been higher, and tickets are “underpriced.”

“Music has been underappreciated,” Rapino said, especially compared to sports. “In sports, I joke it’s like a badge of honor to spend 70 grand for a Knicks courtside [seat]. They beat me up if we charge $800 fo

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