Concert ticket prices across Australia, North America and Europe have more than doubled in real terms since the 1980s as streaming economics and mega-tours reshape the global live music industry.
The music industry’s removal of the physical CD single created record revenues at the end of the 1990s but many argue the strategy also accelerated piracy and permanently changed music consumption.
Stephen Colbert returned to television less than a day after ending The Late Show, resurfacing on Monroe public access TV with Jack White, Jeff Daniels and Eminem.
Paul McCartney wrapped up The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as the programme’s final guest, revisiting Beatlemania, The Beatles’ first American visit and stories from Liverpool that continue to inspire his music.
Ed Sheeran has announced his departure from Warner Music after 15 years, saying the decision reflects changes in his life and career rather than conflict with the label.
Kylie Minogue’s rise from Australian television star to global pop icon was built alongside Terry Blamey, whose 25 year management partnership helped create one of music’s most enduring success stories.
Tash Sultana has entered the first global label partnership of their career, signing an exclusive worldwide recording agreement with BMG after years of international independent success.
Karnivool guitarist Drew Goddard has been confirmed as keynote speaker for WAMCon 2026 in Fremantle, highlighting the conference’s focus on artist development and the Australian music industry.
The AIR Awards have announced the nominees for 2026, with Ninajirachi, Folk Bitch Trio and Way Dynamic among the artists leading this year’s independent music honours.
Jet have expanded their long-running relationship with BMG, with the company acquiring publishing interests tied to key members of the Australian rock band behind Get Born and Are You Gonna Be My Girl.
Entries for the 2026 Diana Torossian Emerging Songwriter Award are now open, with emerging Australian songwriters competing for mentoring sessions worth $20,000 and a $3,000 cash prize.
UNIFIED Music Group has expanded into New Zealand, appointing veteran manager Matt Harvey to lead its long-term investment into Aotearoa artists and infrastructure.
Weird Fishes has signed rising Australian artist RAGEFLOWER, marking the company’s first major addition since launching in 2025 amid growing international interest.
The ARIA Hall Of Fame is under scrutiny again, with critics arguing that the 2026 inductees overlook the pioneers who shaped Australian music before 1985.
APRA marked its centenary at the 2026 APRA Awards with Paul Kelly performing Flash And The Pan’s Walking In The Rain, written by Harry Vanda and George Young.
INXS have been honoured with the Ted Albert Award at the 2026 APRA Awards in Sydney, with Jenny Morris delivering a tribute recognising their global impact and songwriting legacy.
Kristie McCarthy, Founding Director of Neon Tiger Mgmt, has been awarded the 2026 Lighthouse Award at the AAM Awards in Sydney recognising her contribution to Australian artist management.
Melbourne Park has switched to AXS for ticketing across its major venues. The move signals a shift in the global ticketing landscape and raises questions about the future of live event access in Australia.
A US federal jury has ruled that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary operated as an illegal monopoly in the concert ticketing market, potentially reshaping the global live music industry.
