Irving Azoff reflects on rapid growth in live entertainment while addressing major industry challenges at a Bloomberg summit.

October 15, 2025

Source:
Rolling Stone
Robust Growth in Live Events
Live entertainment demand is soaring. At the recent Bloomberg Screentime summit in Los Angeles, influential music executive Irving Azoff described the current live entertainment boom as stronger than ever post-pandemic. "We're seeing intense ticket demand and packed venues," Azoff stated, framing the resurgence as a direct response to the challenges of recent years.
Key Points:
Sustained audience enthusiasm for concerts and live performances since the pandemic's end.
Expansion in venue capacity and technology investment across the US and internationally.
This optimism signals continued confidence from both investors and artists in the sector’s long-term prospects (Variety).
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Source:
Getty Images
Industry Challenges: Ticketing and Royalties
Azoff sharply criticized secondary ticket sellers—resale platforms he likened to financial stock shorting. He argued these companies often sell tickets they do not own, which creates risks for both fans and event organizers (Billboard).
Ongoing Issues:
Ticket authenticity and price speculation remain serious concerns.
Complaints about ticket resale transparency have not been fully resolved.
On music streaming royalties, Azoff pointed to how audio-only services pay artists more fairly than platforms like YouTube, underlining a pressing issue for artist compensation in a digital-first era.
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Source:
University of Illinois Alumni Association
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