India’s rising concert economy: A new era of live entertainment

In 2024 alone, India witnessed between 70 and 80 concert days with audiences exceeding 10,000—underscoring a strong appetite for large-scale entertainment. This surge is driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid digital adoption, and an audience eager for world-class experiences.

According to the report, “India’s rising concert economy: Coldplay’s Ahmedabad tour sets the blueprint for India’s next cultural boomtowns” by EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow, one of the key drivers of this growth is the ability of cities like Ahmedabad to host large-scale international music concerts. Notably, Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres concert in Ahmedabad highlighted the city's potential, attracting over 222,000 fans and generating an estimated INR641 crore in economic impact. This not only boosted local businesses but also enhanced Ahmedabad’s global visibility.

The ripple effect of such events extends beyond immediate financial gains. Core impacts include direct contributions such as ticketing revenues and taxes, while enabling impacts span across allied industries such as tourism, hospitality, transport, logistics, and retail. Furthermore, these events foster opportunities for local creators and professionals, promote sustainable practices, and drive inclusivity and diversity.