In a clear sign that London’s music scene has roared back to life, staggering new figures have revealed that more than one million people attended live music events across the capital last

week.

The capital is home to one of the greatest music scenes in the world and post-pandemic the city has seen an exciting revival with gigs, concerts and festivals taking the capital by storm.

From the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park and Greenwich Summer Sounds to performances by Maroon 5, the Weeknd, Blur and The 1975, last week saw a plethora of musical talent perform across the city, bringing in more than £320million to the capital in ticket sales and secondary spend.1 This included sold-out arena gigs and smaller grassroots venues all across the capital.

More than 80,000 people a night packed out Wembley Stadium to see Blur, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard, with The Weeknd selling out the London Stadium with 80,000 people a night. The British Summer Time festival saw 60,000 people a day pack into Hyde Park to hear music legends Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. Overall, the Music Venues Trust and Mayor’s Office have estimated that over a million would have seen live music in the capital last week.

These performances followed on from star studded events that have already taken place in the capital this year with Beyoncé dazzling international fans in May with five shows from her electrifying Renaissance world tour, Harry Styles sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium and Lana Del Rey headlining BST Hyde Park on Sunday night.

As well as boosting London’s leading status as a leader in live music, the tens of thousands of visitors to London from other parts of the UK and overseas to see international acts like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Blur and Pulp are supercharging the capital’s revival through their spend in hotels, restaurants and other cultural and leisure attractions in London.

There is also a great deal more to look forward to in the weeks ahead with Busted, Bebe Rexha and Blink 182 all set to perform over the next few weeks. July also sees the return, and the 20th anniversary, of the Somerset House Summer Series (6-16 July), which featured sold out performances from Gabriels, Interpol and Alison Goldfrapp last weekend.

The Mayor is also supporting live music across the capital by protecting venues through his London Plan including the Agent of Change principle. Sadiq has also provided dedicated support to grassroots music venues as part of his Culture at Risk Business Support Fund, as well as funded training for music venues operators on sustainability. As well as international stars, the Mayor is encouraging Londoners and visitors to enjoy local grassroot venues that play such a pivotal role in helping London’s talent to thrive.

Music not only breaks down barriers but brings family, friends and communities together as well as playing a vital role in powering our economy.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “London’s music scene is the best in the world with renowned artists playing to thousands across our capital’s fantastic stadiums and venues. London has been abuzz with excitement over the last week, and given everything that happened during the pandemic, it’s genuinely fantastic that over million people were able to see brilliant live music last week. 

“Music inspires in a unique way, bringing together people like nothing else can, and plays a vital role in driving forward our economic recovery. From our world-class stadiums to grassroots venues unearthing the next generation of talent, London is the undisputed world leader in live music, and there’s a lot more still to come over this summer.”

Jon Collins, Chief Executive of LIVE, said: “These figures confirm London’s place as one of the best places on the planet to enjoy live music – across all genres, from a diverse range of artists and at a great mix of venues. The truly exciting news is, with the right support, we could be doing even more.  Supporting the grassroots venues and events that help develop the next generation of talent and offering even more shows to delight Londoners, tourists and day-trippers alike.”

Beverley Whitrick, COO of Music Venue Trust said: "Music is the glue that binds London together. It's fantastic to see so many people celebrating the incredible culture of diverse music that is an essential part of our modern British identity, and to see how artists like Wolf Alice, Dua Lipa, Blur, The 1975, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Charlie XCX and Coldplay have progressed out of the smallest London venues to headline our biggest arenas and stadiums. Tonight in a small venue in London the artist that will play Wembley in 10 years time is taking the very first step of their career. Be in that room when it happens!".   Photo by Lackerj, Wikimedia commons.