Concert Films Become Extension of Live Touring
The concert film is changing how artists connect with audiences, spanning from major pop acts to independent musicians. Last week, Oasis announced their documentary about their reunion tour will be released in theaters before becoming available for streaming.
The Oasis film, directed by Steven Knight, will be shown in select IMAX and cinemas worldwide starting September 11, and will later stream on Disney+ internationally and Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S.
This development transforms the band’s tour into a broader multimedia event. Over the past several years, concert films have grown from niche projects into a substantial additional income source and a means of increasing cultural impact for touring artists.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour generated over $260 million globally, while Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé also received a premium theatrical release. Stop Making Sense was re-released through A24, reaching new audiences.
Concert films are a standard practice within K-pop, with films, documentaries, livestream screenings, and theatrical events integrated into the touring process. Netflix and AEG Presents Announce ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ Concert Tour.
As touring has become central to the music business, and some superfan subscription models have diminished, live performances remain economically important for artists. With streaming revenue fragmented, live shows have become the primary premium product. Concert films allow artists to capitalize on the live experience through theatrical and streaming releases.
Concert films also address accessibility issues. Stadium tours can be financially and geographically prohibitive for many fans. Theatrical screenings offer a more affordable, communal experience. Fans are recreating aspects of the live event in cinemas, such as exchanging friendship bracelets at Taylor Swift Recognized as Top Global Artist screenings.
These films also serve as a way for artists to document and solidify their legacy. The Oasis reunion is already being positioned as a significant live event, and the documentary will contribute to its place in cultural history.
For independent artists, the focus can be on expanding beyond the stage with immersive content like documentaries, livestreams, and behind-the-scenes footage, extending the tour experience beyond the venue. Music Marketing Tools and Platforms can help with this.
