Live Nation, a concert giant, has announced that its US clubs will no longer take a percentage of artists’ merchandise sales at live shows, allowing artists to keep 100% of the profits. This move is part of Live Nation’s “On the Road Again” program, which aims to support developing artists and crew at the club level. In addition to this change, Live Nation will also provide an extra $1,500 per show to cover fuel and travel expenses for the artists. The program will not have an end date and is being funded through the venue’s existing earnings, with no impact on consumers.
The On the Road Again program extends its support beyond artists by offering financial bonuses to local promoters, tour reps, and venue crew members who have worked over 500 hours in 2023. Live Nation is also donating $5 million to its Crew Nation relief fund to assist crew members facing unforeseen hardships. Through these initiatives, Live Nation expects to deliver tens of millions of dollars in extra earnings to club artists and crew by the end of the year. This move comes as Live Nation continues to experience booming revenues, with a 27% year-on-year revenue growth to USD $5.6 billion in their Q2 earnings report.
Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, stated that supporting live artists is always their core mission. He emphasized the company’s commitment to making it easier for thousands of artists, including developing artists, to continue pursuing their passion for performing live. With the On the Road Again program, Live Nation aims to support artists at all levels on their touring journey and ensure that they can keep doing what they love – playing for their fans.
