Sustainability efforts in UK and US pay off

At Billie Eilish’s Manchester, UK concerts at Co-op Live, the venue and Eilish’s team implemented a fully plant-based menu, slashing food-related carbon emissions by 47% and conserving 3.5 million liters of water across four sold-out shows; contributing to Co-op Live’s mission to become a truly sustainable arena.

In Denver, CO, Outside Festival doubled down on its sustainability efforts. The festival eliminated single-use plastics, launched a refillable cup program, deployed battery energy systems and encouraged low-carbon travel, with nearly 30% of fans walking, biking, or using public transportation. More on their efforts can be found in the fest’s 2025 Impact Report.

Additionally, non-profit organizations like Rock and Wrap It Up! and Musically Fed are working with venues, artists, and promoters to donate unused catering to those in need.

VENU looks to raise $30 million

Venu Holding Corporation (VENU) has announced that it will sell 2.5 million shares of common stock at $12 per share via an underwritten public offering, with the goal of raising $30 million. VENU plans to use the raised funds to develop the Sunset Amphitheater in McKinney, TX and the Sunset Amphitheater in Broken Arrow, OK. The McKinney, TX amphitheater will have a 20,000-cap when it opens in 2026 and is expected to be VENU’s flagship location. Broken Arrow’s venue will have a 12,500 capacity.

Stadiums are using tech and design to boost spending

According to IQ Magazine’s 2025 Global Stadium Report, stadiums are tapping into technology and other new strategies to boost on-site spending and transform the concert experience into a truly immersive consumer journey. Some examples include automated bar terminals like Boxbar, self-service merch stores and mobile ordering, which can increase revenue 7-15%. Venue redesigns with generous concourses, pop-up merch stalls, and elevated hospitality and VIP lounges have also contributed to fans arriving earlier, staying longer, and spending more.

Lawsuit over bootleg Benson Boone merch

Ceremony of Roses, the company responsible for Benson Boone’s official tour merch, has filed a federal lawsuit targeting bootleggers selling counterfeit items outside Boone’s concerts. The suit argues that the inferior-quality knock-offs damage both the artist’s reputation and the integrity of the official brand. The company is seeking an injunction to empower law enforcement to seize and impound unauthorized merchandise sold before, during, and after performances, especially since many designs include tour dates and venues, indicating that the illicit sellers follow the tour route.

Bandcamp warns of new fees and delays to merch coming into the US

Speaking of merch, Bandcamp is warning that the new tariff rules and elimination of the de minimis exemption (allowing most imports under $800 to enter the US duty-free) may affect shipments into the United States. There are some exemptions for "informational media" like vinyl and CDs. As part of the warning, Bandcamp says that new, unexpected fees may be added to shipments and to expect delays as “some Bandcamp sellers may choose to temporarily pause shipments to the US” while they figure out new policies and procedures.

Teen guilty of Taylor Swift concert terror plot sentenced, but no jail time

A Berlin court has delivered an 18-month suspended sentence - but no jail time - to a 16-year-old Syrian national, Mohammad A., after finding him guilty of aiding a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts last year. The teen, then 14, shared bomb-making instructions and connected the primary suspect with IS operatives. Meanwhile, in Austria, the main suspect in the same plot was sentenced to two years in prison for affiliation with the terrorist group, though he was not directly linked to the planned attack itself.

AEG Community Foundation gives away $400,000 in grants

AEG’s Community Foundation has awarded $400,000 in grants to 20 nonprofit organizations across the US, with each grant ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. These funds support programs in K-12 education, the arts, and health and wellness with many aimed at underserved communities where AEG and its partners operate. Nominations came from AEG employees, and a national executive board selected recipients based on their impact. This marks the Foundation’s 25th year of investing in community, helping groups continue their work empowering youth through STEAM, creative expression, leadership, and sports.

Beyoncé sets new country tour record

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour wrapped up in Las Vegas at the end of July bringing in a total of $407.6 million via 1.6 million tickets sold across 32 shows across the US, UK, and Europe, making it the highest-grossing country tour in Billboard’s Boxscore history. With that, Beyoncé became the first woman and American act to have two tours cross the $400 million mark. All hail Queen Bey!

#PeopleNews

MusiCares: Theresa Wolters has been named Executive Director after serving as Interim Executive Director and previously Vice President of Health & Human Services for the non-profit organization.

AXS: Two execs have been added to the team, Sarah Vetting has been named General Manager of Stadiums & Arenas, and Annie Flook has been appointed Vice President of Artist Relations.

AEG Presents:Jim King was promoted to Chief Executive Officer, AEG Presents UK and European Festivals.

• Stanford Live is hiring a Facilities Specialist to support the physical environments and building systems for Frost Amphitheater and Bing Concert Hall in Stanford, CA. Salary: $90,270 - $98,000.

• The New York Racing Association is looking to fill openings for a Director, Events & Experience and a Manager, Events & Experience leading up to the grand reopening of the new Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont, NY. Salaries range from $85,000 - $163,000 based on the role.

• Peachtree Entertainment is seeking a Venue Marketing Manager in Nashville, TN.

Last Week's Results:
50% of BOH readers say tourism drives the most impact in festival economy, while 50% say local businesses (restaurants, shops vendors) does.

Lineups, Festival & Tour Announcements 

• Playboi Carti’s fall “Antagonist” tour will kick off on October 3 in Salt Lake City, UT and wrap on December 1 in Atlanta, GA. 

• Louis Tomlinson is bringing his Away From Home Festival stateside with Lauv, Steve Aoki, Plain White T’s and Daya joining him on the bill for the October 4 - 5 fest in Cooperstown, NY. 

• Migo Fest will make its debut at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY on  October 11 with Netón Vega, Chino Pacos, Aleman and DannyLux headlining.

• Mumford & Sons, Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, and Lily Meola were announced for Wild Horses Festival, December 27 at San Diego, CA’s Petco Park.

• Linkin Park and Playboi Carti will headline Lollapalooza India, January 24 - 25 at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai. 

• Florence and the Machine will traverse the UK and EU during the “Everybody Scream” tour beginning February 6 in Belfast and ending March 9 in Berlin. 

• Meanwhile Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, The Creator, and Chappell Roan top the lineups for Lollapalooza Chili (March 13-15 at Parque O’Higgins in Santiago), Lollapalooza Argentina (March 13-15 at Hippodromo de San Isidro in Buenos Aires), and Lollapalooza Brazil (March 20-22 at the Autódromo de Interlagos in São Paulo). 

• Ariana Grande has announced her “The Eternal Sunshine Tour” starting next June 6 at Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA and ending August 23 at the O2 in London, UK.

Cancelations, Changes

• Evolutions Fest was postponed just a week before its scheduled September 5 - 7 weekend because “the venue has not secured the necessary permitting for the festival.” However, according to the Sugar Mountain Performing Arts Center, they were “fully capable and ready for the Evolutions team and their participants to arrive.”

• Field & Stream Music Fest has been canceled for the second straight year due to “circumstances beyond our control.” Though Saving Country Music says it was due to low ticket sales. The fest’s instagram has been wiped clean with just the cancellation post remaining. 

• Doja Cat has dropped out of ACL in order to focus on her upcoming album release. The Killers will replace her headlining slot Sunday of both weekends. 

• Kneecap has canceled all US tour dates due to band member Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh)’s upcoming court hearing. The band’s Toronto and Vancouver shows will continue as planned.

• October 2025 (various cities): MusicCares is hosting a series of Music Professionals as Athletes Clinics across the US.

• Spotify’s Top 5 Songs of Summer 2025 (though it seems to be missing anything from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack). 

• Spotify also introduced direct messaging within its app and expanded its integration with Instagram. 

• How music biz students are moving the industry forward.

• 7 Unexpected questions to ask before hiring an event vendor.

• Cool event ideas from August you may have missed.

• How Endless Summer became a pop-culture phenomenon.

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