Concert tourism is where wanderlust and music collide, creating unforgettable experiences and massive economic waves. It’s not just about watching your favorite artist perform—it’s about the thrill of traveling to a new city, exploring its vibe, and losing your voice alongside thousands of strangers who know every lyric like you do. But here’s the kicker: concerts aren’t just for the fans; they’re a cash cow for cities. Major events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour rake in billions—not just from ticket sales but from packed hotels, sold-out restaurants, and, the overpriced band merch. In fact, Taylor’s tour alone is boosting local economies so much that “swift-onomics” which refers to the economic influence of musician Taylor Swift, is a subject taught in Harvard.
It’s not just the local businesses that cash in; entire cities transform for these events. New venues are constructed, public transport systems suddenly become efficient, and food trucks park strategically outside arenas, ready to serve post-concert food to hungry fans. Festivals like Coachella go one step further—they turn the middle of a desert into a bustling paradise of music, fashion, and artisanal grilled cheese, generating over $250 million annually for California’s Coachella Valley. Concert tourism doesn’t just bring in visitors; it reinvents the city’s cultural landscape, often making a lasting impression long after the stage lights dim.
Before I get into some of my favourite concerts let me tell you some fun Concert Facts
- Metallica holds the record for being the only band to play on all seven continents—including Antarctica! Their 2013 concert in Antarctica, aptly named “Freeze ’Em All,” was held in front of just 120 people.
- Coldplay’s recent tours are carbon-conscious! They use kinetic dance floors and energy-generating bikes to power parts of their shows.
- Ed Sheeran performed for over 8 million fans during his Divide tour, earning a record-breaking $775 million.
- Gaga performed at over 200 shows in a single year during her Monster Ball Tour. That’s an average of a show every 1.8 days.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see a ton of concerts that could rival any bucket list. Marshmello, Post Malone, Green Day, Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, Diljit Dosanjh, Charlie Puth, Lucky Ali, Shaan, Sonu Nigam—the list goes on. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Up next? Shawn Mendes, Louis Tomlinson, and Glass Animals. At this rate, my concert lineup looks like a playlist that’s come to life.
Let me give you my top 3 concerts
If I had to choose my top 3 concerts, it wouldn’t even be a competition—these three have left an indelible mark on my heart.
Coldplay: Hands down, the best concert I’ve ever experienced. I saw them twice in Singapore, and honestly, I’d do it a hundred times over. The visuals were out of this world, the crowd was electric, and the way they made everyone feel like a part of the show was surreal. Those LED wristbands lighting up in unison were pure magic. Coldplay isn’t just a band—they’re a full-fledged experience. Their music, their energy, and the way they interact with the crowd make them a league of their own.
Arijit Singh: Now, this man deserves his own genre of concerts. He promised a 2-hour set and gave us 4.5 hours of pure musical bliss. That’s dedication, humility, and talent rolled into one angelic human. With just his voice and a few musicians, he captivated an entire arena like it was nothing. His ability to make you cry, then laugh and then dance is unparalleled. Truly a one-man show and an unforgettable experience.
Post Malone: Posty brought the energy—and then some. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was chaos (in the best way). His set was electric, and the crowd was absolutely wild. But… I couldn’t shake the feeling that some parts were lip-synced. Don’t get me wrong, it was still an epic concert, but it lacked that raw, live vibe I love. Still, I walked away sweaty, hoarse, and thoroughly entertained—so it’s a win in my book.
While these three take the top spots, I’ve been fortunate to see some other fantastic performances. Karan Aujla’s show, for instance, was decent but didn’t live up to my expectations—it lacked the spark I was hoping for. On the other hand, Black Eyed Peas and Green Day were incredible. Despite not knowing many of their songs, their energy and crowd engagement won me over. Charlie Puth, with his flawless voice and undeniable charm, delivered a pitch-perfect performance that was nothing short of magical. Marshmello was electrifying, though I’d call it more of a DJ experience than a traditional concert—but it still had me dancing like no one was watching. And then there was Lucky Ali in Dubai, whose small, intimate venue made the experience so personal and simple. His soulful voice filled the space effortlessly, creating a cozy and heartfelt vibe that’s hard to come by in larger arenas. Every concert has left me with a unique story, a moment to treasure, and a song that takes me right back to that magical night.
Travel Footprints 