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Why are veteran acts turning their backs on touring – and what hope is there for new artists?
Several established artists are stepping back from touring, citing its financial and personal toll. Frank Turner has paused live performance for the foreseeable future, while Enter Shikari plan to become dormant as a recording and performing band after 2027, highlighting pressures that could also make it harder for new acts to build careers.
Turner said he wants time to recover and be with family, and pointed to worsening tour economics, social media and his health. Enter Shikari described a cumulative strain: streaming has reduced income from record sales, touring brings less money, and some venues take growing cuts of merchandise revenue. Support is emerging, including a fund launched by Radiohead’s Philip Selway, Live Nation and the Music Industry Therapy Collective to provide mental health care for artists and crew on smaller and mid-sized tours.
In short
- Frank Turner is taking a touring break after 28 years.
- Enter Shikari plan an indefinite hiatus after 2027.
- Financial and mental health pressures are driving artists off the road.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Touring can bring severe financial, physical and emotional strain, especially when streaming provides little income, costs rise and venues take a share of merchandise sales. Established artists may reasonably step back to protect their health and family life, while the same pressures can make it difficult for newer acts to develop sustainable careers; targeted support may help, but cannot remove the underlying risks.
The case against
Touring remains a valuable way for artists to reach audiences, build a following and earn income, and stepping back can be a personal choice rather than evidence that live music is no longer viable. Support such as mental health care for smaller and mid-sized tours could ease some of the burden, while different approaches to touring and career-building may still offer opportunities to new artists.