Large names skip Vancouver on concert tours. Why?

Oliver Quezada visits more than 20 concerts a year.

“I love to listen to live music,” he said.

“Going to these concerts is simply a crazy experience because you grow with an album, you grow with an artist. And it can be seen live how wow.”

But he noticed a shift in the types of shows that come to BC

Larger artists, people who would play larger arena shows, skip Vancouver.

Lorde, Kendrick Lamar, Charlie XCX, Lady Gaga, Burna Boy – the list continues – have overlooked Vancouver on their last tours.

Even when Taylor Swift announced the Eras tour data for the first time, Vancouver was Initially exuberant.

“For me personally, one of the great misters Kali Uchis was with her 'sincere tour',” said Quezada.

If there are more than three million people in the Metro Vancouver region and almost six million provinces, potential concert goers wonder why the city is getting the cold shoulder.

Venues

While there is Growing concern about smaller venues For aspiring artists in BC, since it has more and more close business, it has the right phases for larger acts. The Pacific Coliseum in East Vancouver has more than 15,000 permanent seats and can add 2,000 seats on the ground. According to Ticketmaster, the Rogers Arena has a capacity of up to 19,000 for concerts. In the meantime, BC Place can use up to 54,500 people.

The BC Place manager Chris May said that more big concerts have come to the stadium in recent years, but this year it was slow when they are preparing for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

He said the event location also made sure how the travel cycle works.

“When demand in Europe or Asia is high (as this year), North America often sees an increase in the following year. This is already reflected in our calendars 2026 and 2027.”

Cost

One of the main reasons why Vancouver is avoided by larger artists is the costs, according to the publicist and industry expert Eric Alper.

“If consumers pay more for food or rent, the artists pay exactly the same issues,” he said. That means more money for hotels, dishes, travel and events.

Even employment fees for the sale of Merch in Canada can be expensive, said Alper.

“These additional costs are absolutely a deal breaker when it comes to artists who decide whether they skip or play Canada.”

O'clock | Costs, border crossings probably contribute to the fact that vancouver is sniffed:

Why some artists Vancouver skip on their latest tours

What do Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Burna Boy have in common? Apart from the fact that it is some of the most popular artists, none of them come to their latest tours to Vancouver. Ashley Moliere from CBC assumes why.

Not to mention the exchange rate – most artists want to be paid in American dollars. If the Canadian dollar is weak, the costs for the recording of a show for booking agents are increasing.

As the YVR concerts founder Angela Vannatter emphasized, it is also expensive for people who live there.

“The cost of living in Vancouver is so high that buying a concert ticket is actually out of the question,” she said.

However, this means that it is also difficult to do hotels and travel to other cities to see shows.

Border crossing

If the travel expenses for artists are unaffordable, they may be wondering if they play in Seattle, it is not so difficult for them to get up to Vancouver the next day.

Think about it again, said Alper.

He said that there are complex visa requirements for artists every time when they cross the border. Getting this visa can be expensive and time -consuming and it is not worth it for the artist and his team.

“Even if we are and claim to be a very, very friendly neighbor in the USA, there are many paperwork and there are many additional costs in addition to the usual fees, just to overcome the border,” said Alper.

The border crossing could also be difficult for concert goers, said Vannatter due to the tensions and uncertainties between Canada and the USA.

“As a fan, it's really annoying.”

Support local musicians

If your favorite international pop star does not come to an arena near you, you should see a local talent instead.

“The only big advantage I hope [for] If there is a lack of American or British artists here, the Canadian music industry will all value Canadian artists, ”said Alper.

Vannatter said there are many local musicians who sound similar.

“The chances are good that they write about an experience with which they can refer and understand themselves. Understanding among us is the most important thing for the community.”

Even Quezada, who loves a big show, has recently tried to review minor appearances.

“I had such a funny time and it is definitely a different perspective on concerts,” he said.

But he still feels offended by Kali Uchis.

“The only thing is that these artists I really want to see are popular for a certain reason.”