Concert scene hits crescendo with sold-out arenas, high demand

Illustration: Liu Xiangya/Global Times

The city of Xi'an, known for its rich history, hosted a night of vibrant celebration on Sunday as the popular Chinese boy band TFBOYS held a concert to mark their decade-long journey in the music industry. Fans took to the streets of the ancient city, waving colorful flags in honor of their idols. The venue itself was not to be outdone, with enthusiastic fans filling every nook and cranny outside the concert hall.

During ticket pre-sales, more than 5 million people competed for the reportedly 30,000 tickets. Some scalpers have even resold front-row seats for up to 2 million yuan ($278,000) per ticket, according to rumors.

Simultaneously, the city of Yichang in Central China's Hubei Province was abuzz with excitement as Chinese singer Xue Zhiqian took the stage for his national tour. On Saturday, singers Li Ronghao and Richie Jen's concerts took place at different halls of the same center in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, gathering more than 30,000 music enthusiasts. 

It's undeniable that the post-pandemic era has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the domestic concert scene. Tickets are now a hot commodity, and even foreign artists have been granted approvals for performances, with US singer Charlie Puth set to perform at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on October 31.

In the first half of 2023, live entertainment in China has experienced a remarkable revival. Business-driven performances, excluding venue shows, surged more than 400 percent, ­totaling 193,300 events. The revenue from these performances skyrocketed to 16.8 billion yuan, a 673.49 percent increase over 2022. 

Audience numbers also soared, with 62.27 million people watching the shows, a tenfold increase, according to data from the China Association of Performing Arts.

This renaissance of the concert industry can be attributed to multiple ­factors. Not only has a resurgent consumer market paved the way for the revival, but an increased willingness to spend on entertainment has also significantly contributed. Concerts themselves have evolved into more intricate and high-quality experiences, with advancements in stage design, audio technology and supporting facilities. 

These efforts have catered to the audience's sensibilities and speak to the evolving desires of the younger generation. This surge underscores a sustained cultural demand for entertainment and innovation within the arts and entertainment industry.

Attending concerts of beloved artists is also a means for youths to express their feelings. 

A decade ago, TFBOYS debuted when its members were just 12 or 13 years old, captivating not only their peers but also adults. 

For devoted fans, who have supported them since their inception and now have a certain economic foundation, this 10th-anniversary concert carries profound significance. 

For many veteran singers such as Jay Chou, whose domestic concerts sell out every time, their concerts underscore fans' yearning for the bygone days of their youth. As one concertgoer expressed online, "I am not just here for the music. I've come to reminisce about my entire youth." 

She is just one of many young people who travel to other cities or even other countries to pursue their beloved artists.

Furthermore, government support in terms of concert infrastructure also plays a pivotal role. For instance, the city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province has introduced policies specifically targeting concert events that have led to an up to 30 percent reduction in venue rental fees. 

Similarly, Xue Zhiqian's concert in Hengyang, Central China's Hunan Province in July was complemented by three days of free public transportation provided by local authorities, which offered convenience to attendees and greatly boosted local tourism. 

All these efforts not only fuel local economies but also enhance the image of government bodies as ­service-oriented entities.

As the lights dim and the applause echoes, it's evident that China's concert culture is back with a resounding force that is an amalgamation of passionate fans, artist innovation and government encouragement.

The author is a Global Times reporter. [email protected]