Beyond the Boom: New Trends Shaping India’s FOMO driven Concert Economy

India’s live concert industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, social media hype, and an evolving entertainment culture.

While ticket sales, economic impact, and FOMO-driven demand dominate discussions, several emerging trends are shaping the industry’s future. From ticket reselling challenges to virtual concert experiences, India’s concert landscape is expanding in ways beyond what meets the eye. Imagine spending long hours refreshing booking sites and failing to find parking at the stadium, only to see a faint glimpse of the artist. 2025 is the year of packed stadiums hosting internationally acclaimed artists. Is this the rise of consumerism or a FOMO-driven economy? Limited ticket availability and the rarity of international artists touring India fuel FOMO. People are willing to pay premium prices to secure their spot, fearing they might not get another chance.

The live events industry in India, which includes concerts, festivals, and other performances, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-20% from 2023 to 2025. According to a Bank of Baroda report, expenditures jumped by 1600-2000 crore in the last two to three months after the announcement of these concerts.

Ahmedabad on the map of live entertainment

Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad have emerged as key hubs for concerts, thanks to their world-class venues, robust infrastructure, and enthusiastic audiences. The success of these events has also encouraged event organisers to explore newer markets, bringing live entertainment to smaller cities and towns.

User @aaraynsh on x says “wasn’t expecting this from Gujarat, but the Coldplay Ahmedabad concert vibe is looking better than the Mumbai one. The lights, infrastructure, and crowd are perfectly syncing with the vibe. Not far when artists will prefer this venue over others after this concert.”

The concert, held at the state-of-the-art Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera—the largest cricket stadium in the world—showcased Ahmedabad's ability to seamlessly host mega-events. The stadium's cutting-edge facilities, including advanced lighting and sound systems, created an electrifying atmosphere that left attendees and artists alike in awe. The crowd's energy and enthusiasm were unparalleled, with fans from across the country and beyond coming together to create a memorable experience.

The Concert Economy

The year saw a stellar lineup of global superstars gracing Indian stages, reflecting the country's growing prominence on the world concert map. Pop sensation Dua Lipa brought her electrifying performance to Mumbai, captivating fans with her chart-topping hits and high-energy choreography. Rock legend Bryan Adams returned to India, drawing massive crowds with his timeless classics and nostalgic anthems. Ed Sheeran, known for his soulful melodies and acoustic brilliance, mesmerized audiences in Delhi and Bangalore, while Maroon 5 delivered a high-octane performance in Hyderabad, blending their signature pop-rock sound with an unforgettable visual spectacle.

On the domestic front, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh continued to dominate the concert scene, selling out stadiums across the country with his infectious energy, powerful vocals, and charismatic stage presence. His performances not only showcased the growing popularity of regional music but also highlighted the diverse tastes of Indian audiences, who are increasingly embracing both global and local acts.

Source: Curated by the author on https://www.rapidtables.com/tools/line-graph.html. Figures estimates, not exact.

Reasons for Surge in Demand for Concerts
This surge in demand for concerts can be attributed to several factors. India's rapidly growing middle class, with higher disposable incomes, is now prioritizing experiences over material possessions. The post-pandemic era has further fueled this trend, as people seek to reconnect with live entertainment and create lasting memories. Additionally, the proliferation of social media and digital platforms has made it easier for fans to stay connected with their favourite artists, driving excitement and anticipation for live performances.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy/story/india-go-live-the-172-billion-cue-for-economy-from-coldplays-record-breaking-concert-in-ahmedabad-462265-2025-01-28

CA Kanan Bahl, in a post on X, refuted the 1 billion economic impact claims surrounding the Coldplay concert and calculated the actual economic impact to be approximately 886 Cr.

He stated, "Influencers were claiming that Coldplay added 1 billion to the economy. This piqued my curiosity so I decided to investigate further. My analysis estimates the actual figure to be around 886 Crore or 102 million.

Bahl broke down the spending patterns, estimating that attendees spent an average of ₹20,000 to ₹27,000 per person, with the major expenses distributed as follows:

• Tickets: ₹352 crore

• Travel, accommodation, and food & beverages: ₹498 crore

• Merchandise: ₹11 crore

• Sightseeing and other expenses: ₹25 crore

He also highlighted that 75% of Mumbai attendees and 80% of Ahmedabad attendees travelled from outside the host cities. Additionally, ticketing platform BookMyShow reportedly earned ₹32 crore in platform fees, representing 10% of the total ticket sales.

The tweet by @BahlKannan highlights India's impressive economic growth and projected rise to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, overtaking economic powerhouses like Japan and Germany. This projection reflects India's rapid GDP growth, which is driven by factors such as a young population, increasing urbanization, and a growing digital economy.

The Growing Issue of Ticket Scalping & Resale

With high demand and limited tickets, reselling has become a lucrative secondary market, leading to skyrocketing prices. Scalpers buy tickets in bulk and resell them at inflated rates, sometimes charging double or triple the original price. In countries like the UK and the US, strict anti-scalping laws regulate the secondary ticketing market. India, however, lacks a comprehensive policy to curb this practice, allowing black-market ticket sales to flourish. If left unchecked, these inflated prices could make concerts unaffordable for many genuine fans, creating a need for stricter regulations or verified resale platforms.

India’s Potential as a Global Festival Hub

While single-artist concerts are thriving, India has yet to establish itself as a major music festival destination like the US (Coachella) or Europe (Tomorrowland). However, this could soon change. With scenic locations like Goa, Rajasthan, and the Northeast, India has the potential to host large-scale festivals that attract both domestic and international attendees. Events like Sunburn and NH7 Weekender have laid the groundwork, but more international festivals could enter the market if infrastructure and sponsorship support improve. A well-organized music festival culture could position India as a go-to destination for global event tourism.

Indie & Regional Artists Gaining Global Exposure

International concerts in India are not just benefiting global superstars—they are also opening doors for local talent. Indian indie musicians, hip-hop artists, and regional performers are getting opportunities to be opening acts, expanding their fanbase beyond domestic audiences. Additionally, global collaborations between international and Indian artists are increasing. Recent examples include AP Dhillon and international rappers, as well as Indian classical musicians being featured on global albums. This trend is gradually helping Indian music break into the global market.

VIP Culture & Exclusive Concert Experiences

Gone are the days when a concert ticket simply granted access to a general standing or seating area. The rise of VIP culture has transformed concert experiences, with premium ticket categories offering exclusive perks. Fans willing to pay extra can access backstage lounges, premium seating, meet-and-greet sessions, and even after-parties. Luxury brands are capitalizing on this trend by partnering with event organizers to create high-end concert experiences. As India’s affluent class grows, expect more premium-tier concert offerings in the future.

The Rise of Virtual Concerts & VR Experiences

With soaring ticket prices and limited availability, technology is offering alternatives. Virtual reality (VR) concerts and live-streaming are gaining traction, allowing fans to experience concerts from their homes. Global companies like Meta are investing in VR concert technology, and India’s Jio could soon follow suit. A well-executed VR concert could provide fans with an immersive front-row experience at a fraction of the cost. As technology advances, hybrid concert formats combining in-person and virtual experiences may become the norm.

Concerts as a Tourism & Branding Strategy for Indian Cities

Cities hosting international concerts are witnessing increased global visibility, helping them establish themselves as cultural hubs. Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bangalore are now actively positioning themselves as concert-friendly cities, leveraging international events to boost tourism and local economies. With improved transportation, better venues, and tourism-driven branding, Indian cities could soon rival international music destinations like Singapore and Dubai.

Policy Support & Infrastructure Expansion: The Need of the Hour

While India’s concert industry is growing rapidly, challenges remain. The lack of mid-sized venues (15,000-30,000 capacity) restricts flexibility for event organizers, forcing them to choose between small indoor halls or massive stadiums. Additionally, government support through tax incentives, event subsidies, and streamlined licensing could attract more global artists. Investing in better infrastructure and policy support will be key to sustaining this industry’s momentum.

Conclusion: What’s Next for India’s Concert Industry?

Concerts like those of Diljit Dosanjh and Coldplay are more than just entertainment—they are economic powerhouses that drive growth across multiple sectors. From direct revenue generation to long-term infrastructure development, these events play a crucial role in shaping India’s cultural and economic landscape. As the demand for live entertainment continues to rise, the economic impact of such concerts will only grow, benefiting artists, businesses, and audiences alike.

India’s live music scene is expanding beyond just ticket sales and FOMO-driven demand. Whether it’s tackling ticket scalping, establishing global music festivals, or integrating VR concerts, the industry is evolving in multiple directions. With strong policy support, strategic branding, and technological innovations, India could emerge as a global powerhouse in the live entertainment space. As concert culture continues to thrive, fans, artists, and businesses alike stand to benefit from its transformation.