Coldplay has been ranked as the easiest artist to see live, with their ambitious 225-date global tour spanning five continents, according to a new study by Premier Inn. This extensive tour enables fans across the world to experience their electrifying performances in a variety of locations. In contrast, Bon Jovi has been positioned as the hardest artist to see live, with their upcoming ‘Forever’ tour scheduled for only 14 shows, nine of which will take place in New York City alone.
The study highlights a growing trend where major acts are opting for exclusive residencies in capital cities over wider tours that traverse multiple regions and countries. This trend raises concerns about the implications for fans and the future of live performances. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is likely that concert-going strategies will need to be re-evaluated, with fans potentially having to travel further to see their favorite artists perform.
Accessibility of Live Music
The Premier Inn study analyzed major world tours running throughout 2026 and those that concluded in 2025, using a scoring system that considered factors such as the number of countries visited, cities covered, frequency of non-capital performances, total tour dates, and continental spread. The study found that Coldplay’s extensive tour has made them a beacon of hope for music enthusiasts longing for live entertainment.
Other artists, such as Harry Styles and Ariana Grande, have also adopted a strategy centered around lengthy residencies, with Styles scheduled to perform 30 nights at Madison Square Garden and Grande set for a 10-night stint at London’s O2 Arena. While these blockbuster shows undoubtedly excite fans, they also suggest a narrowing accessibility for concertgoers based in other regions. According to the London tourism board, the city’s music scene is a significant draw for tourists, with many fans traveling from around the world to see their favorite artists perform.
Impact on Fans
The change in touring strategies is not just a concern for fans of specific artists, but also has a broader impact on the music industry as a whole. A report by the UK Music Industry Association found that 175 towns and cities across the UK no longer host regular touring shows from professional artists, effectively leaving approximately 25 million fans without access to live music. This shift towards more exclusive performances in major cities may lead to increased costs for fans, with hotel bookings surging by 40-80% during concert weekends.
Some of the key findings from the Premier Inn study include:
- Coldplay’s 225-date tour spans five continents, making them the most accessible artist to see live
- Bon Jovi’s 14-show tour, with nine performances in New York City, makes them the hardest artist to see live
- Harry Styles and Ariana Grande have adopted a strategy centered around lengthy residencies, potentially limiting accessibility for fans in other regions
As the music industry continues to evolve, it is likely that fans will need to adapt to new touring strategies and potentially travel further to see their favorite artists perform. The Premier Inn study provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of live music and the impact it has on fans and the industry as a whole.
