Taylor Swift's Eras Tour film grosses $260M as concert films and livestreams surge
Concert films and livestreamed gigs are on the rise, offering fans new ways to experience live music from home. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour movie, released in 2023, became a box office blockbuster, grossing over $260 million globally. Billie Eilish is set to release a 3D concert film recorded during her Manchester tour stop, in collaboration with director James Cameron. K-Pop group BTS drew 18.4 million global viewers for a livestreamed comeback show on Netflix, and sells livestream tickets for Japanese dates starting at $47. Fans have mixed feelings: some see it as a way to relive emotions, while others feel exploited by additional costs. Videographer Violetta Coretnic of We Stream says the trend is driven by revenue and visibility pressures. Up-and-coming artist Tom A Smith warns that digital shifts could harm grassroots venues, urging support for independent acts. The article also notes that concert films have existed for decades but are now more prominent.
Key facts
- Taylor Swift's Eras Tour film grossed over $260 million globally in 2023.
- Billie Eilish's 3D concert film was recorded in Manchester with James Cameron.
- BTS livestreamed comeback show drew 18.4 million viewers on Netflix.
- BTS livestream tickets for Japanese dates cost $47 to $114.
- Fan Haze Haunter paid £50 less for Eilish's 2022 tour than current prices.
- Violetta Coretnic says livestreaming is motivated by revenue and visibility.
- Tom A Smith believes live music at grassroots venues is vital.
- Concert films have been around for decades but are now more prevalent.
Entities
Artists
- Taylor Swift
- Billie Eilish
- BTS
- James Cameron
- Haze Haunter
- Martha Greenhough
- Violetta Coretnic
- Tom A Smith
Institutions
- BBC Newsbeat
- Variety
- Netflix
- We Stream
- Co-Op Live
Locations
- Manchester
- United Kingdom
- Norwich
- London
- Sunderland
- Japan