Artists Are Canceling Arena Tours Right and Left. Maybe They Shouldn’t Have Been Playing Arenas in the First Place

In 2024, the road’s gotten rough for everyone from Jennifer Lopez to the Black Keys. There are a lot of reasons why artists aren’t selling out big concert venues like they used to—but GQ columnist Chris Black wonders if the big concert venues are the problem.

Last week, the Black Keys, a band best known for soundtracking car commercials and occasionally fistfighting fellow Nashville resident Jack White, canceled the entire North American leg of a scheduled arena tour without explanation. Why would a band without a major hit in years think it can sell out arenas in tertiary markets? No one can be sure, but the touring business is in trouble, and part of the reason is ego.

READ ALL ABOUT IT AT GQ

Views: 26

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

billy jones bluez updated their profile
17 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Sparoh’s “Panama” Delivers a Powerful Message of Confidence and Creative Freedom

Sparoh is an Atlanta-based artist creating music at the crossroads of melodic trap, alternative pop, and punk-fueled rebellion. Equal parts vulnerable and unapologetic, her work explores identity, liberation, and the complexities of Black womanhood.Raised in the DMV on a foundation of jazz, funk, and blues, Sparoh was drawn early to artists who challenged convention and redefined what was possible. Influenced by trailblazers like Joyce Kennedy,…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Devon Dionis is now a member of True Skool Network
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Thursday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Gus Drops Highly Anticipated Single "Growing Stronger (10 - Year Anniversary Version)"

Gus is making a comeback. He's growing stronger and the world is starting to take notice. He's been recording and doing music for over a decade. He's caught some fire but he's kept going and is making an impact that lasts on the ears and hearts of his listeners. He's reaching for his goal this time around and he aims break the wind and give you music that touches the…See More
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

KEV CHOICE ENSEMBLE (WIN TICKETS) at Yoshi's, Oakland

June 26, 2026 from 7pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT.  June 26, 2026 Genre-blending pianist/MC/composer celebrates Black Music Month KEV CHOICE ENSEMBLE@ Yoshi's, 510 Embarcadero, Oakland Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PM Doors: 9:15 PM / Show: 9:30 PM…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
realmuzik posted discussions
Tuesday
Krea Gomez is now a member of True Skool Network
Jun 15

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service