Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Concert residency
View on Wikipedia

A concert residency,[1][2][3][4][5] or simply residency, is a series of concerts, similar to a concert tour, but performed at only one location.[6][7] The Pollstar Awards defined a residency as a run of 10 or more shows at a single venue.[8] An artist who performs on a concert residency is called a resident performer.[9][10] Concert residencies have been the staple of the Las Vegas Strip for decades, pioneered by singer-pianist Liberace in the 1940s and Frank Sinatra with the Rat Pack in the 1950s.
Celine Dion's A New Day..., from 2003 to 2007, is the most successful concert residency of all time, grossing over US$385 million ($583.83 million in 2024 dollars)[11] and drawing nearly three million people to 717 shows. This commercial success was credited with changing and revitalizing Las Vegas residencies, which previously had the negative perception of something that performers resorted to when their careers were in decline. Dion is further recognized as the "Queen of Las Vegas".[12][13][14]
History
[edit]The concept of a concert residency was established by pianist and singer Liberace with a 1944 debut in Las Vegas.[15] Nearly ten years later, Liberace had his own show at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, which reportedly earned "Mr. Showtime" around $50,000 per week. After years of pursuing other projects in Los Angeles, he returned to his Vegas residency and earned around $300,000 a week, until his death from AIDS-related complications in 1987.[16]

Liberace's 1944 debut was followed by Frank Sinatra with the Rat Pack, as well as Elvis Presley.[15] In April 1956, Presley began a two-week concert residency at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino, following the release of his self-titled debut album. His shows were poorly-received by the conservative, middle-aged hotel guests[17]—"like a jug of corn liquor at a champagne party," wrote a critic for Newsweek.[18] Nevertheless, between 1969 and 1976, Presley would perform 837 consecutive sold-out shows at the (formerly) Hilton Las Vegas, which has since been renamed the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.[19]
Kurt Melien, vice president of entertainment at Caesars Palace, explained that "Historically, Vegas residencies were more a loss leader event – famous artists playing in small showrooms just to draw in the gambling crowds."[20] In the music world, Las Vegas was known as the place where singers went to "die"—if their careers hadn't suffered already—and where they could earn a comparatively meager wage in their "twilight" years, entertaining tourists on the Strip alongside magicians like David Copperfield, illusionists and Siegfried & Roy's tigers.[20] Music journalist Jim Farber stated, "There used to be a certain element of cheesiness to playing in Vegas. I talked to Cher about that, and she referred to it as an 'elephant graveyard where talent goes to die' — and she was speaking of herself."[21]
Celine Dion revitalized residencies in the 21st century, with the resounding success of her A New Day... residency between 2003 and 2007. In 2011, she would begin another successful run at Caesars Palace, with a contract through 2019. Her residencies introduced a new form of theatrical entertainment; with a fusion of song, choral ensemble, orchestral accompaniment, performance art, innovative stage craft, state-of-the-art technology, and even a tribute to her friend and idol, Michael Jackson, Dion managed to popularize the Las Vegas residency as a desirable way for top artists to essentially tour in place, letting their most dedicated fans come to them. Kurth Meline explained, "Céline was a pioneer without question. Twenty years ago, we couldn't have got someone the stature of Britney Spears to appear in Vegas. Stars like her would never have considered it if Céline hadn't paved the way. She changed the face of modern Vegas." Dion's second residency, Celine, saw her perform a record-breaking 1,000th show at The Colosseum on October 8, 2016, which she dedicated to the memory of her late husband and manager, Rene Angelil.[22]
Since the 2010s, many other major performers have followed suit and accepted residency offers.[23] This includes a variety of top acts, such as EDM DJs Tiesto and Calvin Harris,[24] pop and R&B performers (including Adele, Jennifer Lopez, Diana Ross, Katy Perry, Usher, and Mariah Carey), and rock bands (such as Def Leppard and Aerosmith).[25] Towards the end of the decade, there were even shows by hip hop acts such as Drake and Cardi B.[26][27] By 2017, a tenth of Forbes Celebrity 100 had signed a residency contract in Las Vegas.[28]
Residencies as part of tours
[edit]Due to high demands, some artists extend their touring schedule at a single venue, making it a "mini residency". In other case, after a successful standalone residency, an artist expands it into a multi-venue concert series. Mariah Carey's The Celebration of Mimi (2024–2025) started as a 24-show residency, then she added more international shows across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.[29] Tours such as Madonna's Madame X Tour was conceived as a series of residencies in select cities.[30] Harry Styles' 15 shows at the Madison Square Garden, as part of his Love On Tour, won the Pollstar Award for Residency of the Year.[31]
Venue
[edit]For decades, Las Vegas has been the central destination for concert residencies.[1] New York City has also grown as a residency destination, beginning with Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden in 2014.[32] In 2022 Harry Styles performed 15 nights at Madison Square Garden from August 20 to September 21.[33] American rock band Phish also performed a 13-show residency at the same venue, from July 21 to August 6, 2017. Bruce Springsteen held his 2017–18 residency, Springsteen on Broadway, at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York City.[1] In August and September 2007, the O2 Arena in London held a 21 concert series titled 21 Nights in London: The Earth Tour by Prince.[34] From January to March 2009, Luis Miguel played a run of 25 shows at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Michael Jackson had scheduled 50 concerts series titled This Is It from July 2009 to March 2010 at The O2 Arena in London, but they were cancelled due to his death. Mexican rock band Maná signed a residency tour at the LA Forum in Los Angeles, CA. "Maná: LA Residencia", exclusively at the venue starting March 2022 and will continue until the end of the year or until ticket sales drop.[35][36]
Box office
[edit]
One of the most successful residencies in history was Elvis Presley's 636 consecutive shows at the International and Las Vegas Hilton from July 1969 through December 1976.[37] However, the box-office data for his residency are unavailable. Celine Dion's A New Day... is the most successful concert residency of all time, grossing $385.1 million and drawing nearly three million people to 717 shows.[38] Her second residency, Celine, is the second most successful one, generating $296 million from a total of 427 shows between 2011 and 2019. These two residencies made Dion the highest-grossing resident performer of all time.[39]
Following Celine Dion, Elton John has become the second-most successful concert resident performer; his Red Piano residency grossed a reported $169 million between 2004 and 2009,[40] and his Million Dollar Piano residency grossed $131 million between 2011 and 2018. Another top-selling residency was Britney Spears's Britney: Piece of Me, which began in December 2013 and ended in December 2017,[41] grossing $137.7 million.[42] From 2023 to 2024, U2 staged a residency called U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, which grossed $244.5 million from just 40 shows;[43] Billboard described it as the "fastest grossing residency in Boxscore history".[44]
Outside of Las Vegas, Bruce Springsteen grossed over $113 million with 236 shows of his New York residency Springsteen on Broadway.[45][46] Billy Joel grossed $266.8 million with his monthly residency at Madison Square Garden since 2014.[47]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c McIntyre, Hugh (September 14, 2017). "Forget Vegas, New York City Has Become The New Go-To City For Concert Residencies". Forbes. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
- ^ "Newly engaged Ricky Martin off to Vegas for concert residency". Reuters. November 17, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
- ^ Olya, Gabrielle (April 11, 2017). "Britney Spears, Beyoncé and More Singers Who Have Slimmed Down and Shaped Up for Concert Residencies and Tours". People. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
- ^ "Paul McCartney 'fancies' O2 concert residency". BBC. December 21, 2009. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
- ^ THR Staff (August 7, 2012). "Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to Launch Las Vegas Concert Residency". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
- ^ Donaldson, Maggy (April 11, 2019). "As Vegas eyes millennials, concert residency industry booms". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ Ganz, Jami (March 14, 2017). "Las Vegas residencies: Here's your guide to summer 2017". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
- ^ "31st Annual Pollstar Awards To Honor The Year's Best". Pollstar. November 14, 2019. Archived from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ "Best Resident Performer: Shania Twain". lasvegasweekly.com. July 17, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- ^ "Britney Spears Rakes in Honors at Best of Las Vegas 2017 Awards". billboard.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Celine Dion Ends Historic Las Vegas Residency Run With Heartfelt, Hit-Laden Farewell". Billboard. June 9, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ Olmsted, Larry. "Celine Dion Returns To Las Vegas' Newest Resort—Along With Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan And Katy Perry". Forbes. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ Furdyk, Brent (June 9, 2019). "Final Show: Celine Dion Closes Out Las Vegas Residency After 16 Years". ET Canada. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ a b Cragg, Michael (January 19, 2016). "Jennifer Lopez and the changing face of Las Vegas". The Guardian. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ "Notable Las Vegas performance residencies". sfgate.com. July 29, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ Gilliland, John (1969). "The All American Boy: Enter Elvis and the rock-a-billies" (audio). Pop Chronicles. University of North Texas Libraries.
- ^ Guralnick, Peter (January 8, 2004). "How Did Elvis Get Turned into a Racist?". The New York Times. Retrieved August 11, 2007.
- ^ "Notable Las Vegas performance residencies". sfgate.com. July 29, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ a b Bell, Chris (November 29, 2013). "Why is Las Vegas gambling $15 million on Britney Spears?". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ Pesce, Nicole Lyn (February 27, 2019). "The multimillion-dollar reason Janet Jackson is going all-in on a Las Vegas residency". MarketWatch. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ "Celine Dion Pays Emotional Tribute To Husband At 1000th Las Vegas Gig". HuffPost UK. October 10, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez heading to Las Vegas for residency in 2016". Chicago Tribune. May 13, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis (July 17, 2014). "Las Vegas's gamble with dance music". The Guardian. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ "Def Leppard to rock the Las Vegas Strip for 12 shows". reviewjournal.com. February 13, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ "Drake & Cardi B's Las Vegas Residencies Are A Massive Win For Hip-Hop". HotNewHipHop. February 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ Cragg, Michael (February 22, 2019). "How Vegas went from musical retirement village to the home of Cardi B". The Guardian. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ Lerner, Rebecca. "Meet The Celeb 100 Stars Cashing In On The Vegas Residency Boom". Forbes. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ "Mariah Carey Will Celebrate 'Emancipation of Mimi' Anniversary with Las Vegas Residency". Rolling Stone. February 6, 2024.
- ^ https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-madame-x-tour-grosses-brooklyn-shows/
- ^ https://news.pollstar.com/2023/02/22/harry-styles-bad-bunny-among-2023-pollstar-award-winners-chappelle-grohl-henley-make-surprise-cameos/
- ^ Chandler, Adam (April 21, 2017). "The United States of Billy Joel". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ "Harry Styles Celebrates Historic 15-Show Run at Madison Square Garden With Banner Raising". Rolling Stone. September 22, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Prince Kicks Off 21-Concert Residency With Epic Three-Hour Show". rollingstone.com. April 15, 2011. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ "Mana Will Play 'Unprecedented' Exclusive Residency at LA Forum in 2022". Billboard.
- ^ "Maná on Their Historic Los Angeles Residency – and the Surprises They Have in Store". Rolling Stone. November 15, 2021.
- ^ Katsilometes, John (April 26, 2015). "Was number of Elvis' consecutive sold-out shows in Las Vegas 636 or 837? – Las Vegas Sun Newspaper". lasvegassun.com.
- ^ Waddell, Ray (October 18, 2008). "Full House". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 38 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Celine Dion Wraps Historic 16-Year Run in Las Vegas With Record-Breaking $681 Million in Ticket Sales". Billboard. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ Devlin, Mike (March 9, 2017). "Sir Elton rockets back to Victoria". timescolonist.com. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ Katie Kindelan (September 17, 2013). "Britney Spears Announces Las Vegas Show Live on 'GMA'". ABC News. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ "Britney Spears Piece of Me show top $100 million in ticket sales". Billboard. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ Frankenberg, Eric (March 28, 2024). "U2 Leads February Boxscore Report With Final Sphere Shows". Billboard. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
- ^ Frankenberg, Eric (November 28, 2023). "U2's First Batch of Shows at the Sphere Generated Nearly $110 Million in Ticket Sales". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
- ^ Paulson, Michael (January 2, 2019). "'Hamilton' Leads a Record-Breaking Holiday Week on Broadway". The New York Times.
- ^ "SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY Broadway Grosses – 2018". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- ^ Frankenberg, Eric (September 12, 2024). "25 Biggest Concert Residencies of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
External links
[edit]Concert residency
View on GrokipediaOverview
Definition
A concert residency is a series of multiple concerts performed by the same artist or group at a single venue over an extended period, typically spanning weeks, months, or even years, and usually concentrated in one city. This format contrasts with traditional touring by emphasizing prolonged engagement at a fixed location rather than traveling between multiple sites. According to industry standards set by Pollstar, a residency qualifies as a run of ten or more shows in a single venue, allowing performers to establish a semi-permanent presence that fosters deeper audience connections.[1] Essential elements of a concert residency include the fixed venue, which enables elaborate production setups not feasible in transient tours, and repeated performances that build anticipation and loyalty among fans. These shows often incorporate themed or evolving setlists, where artists may introduce variations, special guests, or thematic segments across dates to incentivize multiple attendances and keep the experience fresh. Additionally, residencies are structured to integrate with local tourism, drawing visitors who combine attendance with stays, dining, and attractions in the host city, thereby boosting regional economies—such as the $400 million in economic impact from Bad Bunny's 2025 Puerto Rico residency.[6][7] Residencies can be organized as block bookings, featuring consecutive dates for intensive scheduling, or intermittent arrangements, with shows spread across non-consecutive weekends or months to accommodate artist availability and venue demands—as seen in Bad Bunny's 30-date Puerto Rico run across ten weekends. This flexibility distinguishes residencies from one-off events while maintaining their core focus on sustained, location-specific performance.[8]Key characteristics
Concert residencies are distinguished by their artistic flexibility, enabling performers to develop elaborate productions that evolve over multiple shows, such as intricate staging, varied costume changes, and dynamic setlist adjustments that would be challenging to replicate in transient tour environments.[9] For instance, artists like Lady Gaga have utilized residencies to alternate between high-energy pop spectacles and intimate jazz performances within the same venue, fostering creative experimentation without the constraints of frequent relocation.[9] This format contrasts with one-off concerts, where logistical limitations often restrict such depth and innovation.[1] Logistically, residencies offer significant advantages through minimized travel demands on artists and crews, leading to reduced costs for transportation and setup while allowing for a consistent production environment.[10] Fixed venues facilitate repeated audience attendance without the fatigue associated with global touring, as seen in extended runs where performers can refine technical elements like sound systems over time.[11] This stability also supports crew efficiency, with permanent installations cutting daily load-in and load-out expenses that can exceed those of traditional tours.[1] Audience dynamics in residencies emphasize loyalty and engagement, cultivated through specialized offerings like themed performances, exclusive VIP experiences, and localized interactions that encourage repeat visits from both regional and traveling fans.[10] Venues often integrate these elements to create a sense of community, such as affordable ticketing for intimate settings or international draw through destination appeal, enhancing fan retention compared to the broader but less personal reach of tours.[11] Durations of concert residencies vary widely, from short series of 10 to 20 performances to extended commitments surpassing 100 shows across several years, allowing artists to tailor commitments to their career phase and creative goals.[9] Shorter runs, like Harry Styles' 15-show stint at Madison Square Garden, provide intensive bursts of activity, while longer engagements, such as Adele's 100 performances in Las Vegas, sustain revenue streams and deepen artistic refinement.[11][10] Hybrid formats further characterize residencies by blending performance styles or venue types, such as combining theatrical elements in arenas with casino-integrated shows or alternating between full concerts and acoustic sets in multifunctional spaces.[9] Examples include artists like Tiësto transitioning between nightclub and daytime club environments, which expand accessibility and diversify the overall experience without requiring separate tours.[12]History
Origins and early examples
The concept of concert residencies traces its roots to the vaudeville era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where performers delivered repeated variety shows in fixed theaters across urban entertainment districts.[13] These productions featured a mix of comedy, music, dance, and sketches, often running for weeks or months to capitalize on local audiences, laying the groundwork for extended engagements by individual artists or troupes.[14] A prominent example was the Ziegfeld Follies, launched in 1907 by producer Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. in New York City, which presented annual revues inspired by Parisian variety traditions and featured elaborate staging with repeated performances over seasons until 1931.[15][16] Key influences on these early formats included Prohibition-era speakeasies from the 1920s, which operated as underground venues fostering live jazz and cabaret acts in hidden urban spaces, thereby popularizing fixed-location entertainment as a means to draw crowds despite legal restrictions.[17][18] Hollywood's burgeoning film industry also shaped entertainment districts by exporting glamorous revue styles and star-driven spectacles, encouraging theaters to host prolonged runs that mirrored cinematic allure and attracted cross-over performers.[19][20] Following World War II, the format evolved with the rise of lounge acts in emerging resort cities like Las Vegas, where hotels sought reliable draws through extended performer commitments. Pianist Liberace pioneered this shift with his debut residency in November 1944 at the Hotel Last Frontier's Ramona Room, delivering flamboyant piano performances that ran for weeks and established the model for celebrity-driven, venue-specific shows.[21][22][23] The adaptation to rock and pop came in the late 1960s, exemplified by Elvis Presley's residencies at the International Hotel in Las Vegas from 1969 to 1976, where he performed over 600 shows, blending high-energy concerts with theatrical elements to revitalize his career and popularize the residency among contemporary musicians.[24][25]Development in Las Vegas
The development of concert residencies in Las Vegas accelerated during the 1970s and 1980s, transforming the city into the preeminent hub for extended artist engagements. Frank Sinatra, a pivotal figure, maintained high-profile residencies at Caesars Palace throughout this era, including a notable run in 1982 that showcased career-defining performances and drew massive crowds to the venue's showroom.[26] Similarly, Wayne Newton solidified his status as "Mr. Las Vegas" with frequent residencies at prominent Strip hotels, performing multiple shows nightly at venues like the Desert Inn, Frontier, Sands in the 1970s, and later Bally's, Caesars Palace, and the Las Vegas Hilton in the 1980s, often earning record attendance figures.[27] These engagements, alongside acts like Liberace at the Riviera Hotel, emphasized lavish production values and repeat performances, capitalizing on Las Vegas's growing tourism infrastructure to establish the city as the residency capital.[21] By the late 1980s, however, the format faced significant challenges from market saturation and artist fatigue. The proliferation of showrooms across Strip casinos led to overbooking and repetitive lineups, diminishing novelty and contributing to perceptions of residencies as "career killers" for performers who risked burnout from nightly repetitions of the same material.[28] Hotel occupancy rates on the Strip declined from over 77% in 1980 to around 70% by 1982, reflecting broader economic pressures that strained entertainment offerings and prompted some artists to seek touring alternatives.[29] The 1990s and early 2000s marked a revival, driven by strategic corporate investments that reinvigorated the residency model. Celine Dion's "A New Day..." residency, launching in 2003 at Caesars Palace, exemplified this renewal, blending high-spectacle elements like acrobatics and multimedia with a theater-in-the-round setup in the 4,000-seat Colosseum, grossing over $385 million across 717 shows through 2007.[30] The Colosseum itself, purpose-built by Caesars Entertainment and opening in March 2003 specifically for Dion's run, featured advanced acoustics and a sloped circular stage to optimize intimacy and sound for extended engagements, pioneering modern venue design tailored to residencies.[31] This corporate-backed approach, including multimillion-dollar deals and sponsorships from entities like AEG Presents, addressed prior saturation by focusing on superstar exclusivity and innovative production, restoring profitability and allure to Las Vegas residencies.[32]Global expansion and modern trends
The concept of concert residencies began expanding internationally in the 2000s, moving beyond the traditional Las Vegas model to major cities in Europe and Australia, where artists leveraged large arenas for extended runs to capitalize on local fan bases and minimize touring logistics. A seminal example was Prince's 21-night residency at London's O2 Arena in 2007, titled 21 Nights, which drew approximately 350,000 attendees and showcased innovative staging with a mix of hits and improvisational elements, setting a benchmark for non-U.S. residencies.[33] In Australia, the format gained traction in the 2010s with artists performing multiple shows in iconic venues; for instance, Björk's Cornucopia production marked a week-long residency at Perth Festival in 2023, blending immersive theater and music to explore environmental themes, attracting international audiences to the region's cultural scene.[34] This growth reflected a broader trend toward localized, high-capacity performances that fostered deeper artist-audience connections while adapting to global market demands. The COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 onward accelerated innovations in concert residencies, prompting virtual and hybrid formats to maintain artist visibility amid venue closures and travel restrictions. Billie Eilish pioneered online engagement with her October 2020 livestream concert Where Do We Go? When the Party's Over, which reached a global audience through a single performance streamed from a custom-built stage, offering an intimate alternative to live events and incorporating interactive elements like real-time fan messages.[35] Post-recovery in 2021–2022, arenas saw a resurgence of traditional residencies, such as Eilish's six-night run at London's O2 Arena in June 2022 to promote Happier Than Ever, which emphasized elaborate visuals and sold out to over 90,000 fans, signaling a return to in-person spectacle with enhanced health protocols.[36] These adaptations not only sustained revenue streams but also expanded accessibility, blending digital tools with physical gatherings. In the 2020s, concert residencies have increasingly incorporated sustainability and technological advancements, addressing environmental concerns and enhancing immersive experiences. Residencies inherently reduce carbon emissions by limiting artist and crew travel—for example, Ed Sheeran's multi-show runs in single cities minimized flights, resulting in low total CO2 emissions of less than 150 metric tons for his 2022 European tour—a model echoed in residencies that prioritize local production and eco-friendly venue practices like renewable energy use.[37] Technologically, augmented reality (AR) integration has transformed performances, elevating engagement without additional physical sets.[38] Emerging markets have further propelled the global spread, particularly in Asia and Europe, where residencies cater to fervent local fandoms. In Seoul, K-pop acts like SEVENTEEN have embraced the format with multi-night homecoming series, such as their 2023 Follow concerts at Gocheok Sky Dome, spanning two days and drawing approximately 17,000 fans per night with synchronized choreography and fan-chanted interactions that highlight the genre's communal energy.[39] Europe's arenas, like London's O2, continue to host extended runs, exemplified by The Killers' record-breaking six-show residency in July 2024 for their Rebel Diamonds tour, which combined pyrotechnics and narrative setlists to celebrate two decades of the band, underscoring the venue's role in sustaining high-profile international acts.[40] These developments illustrate residencies' evolution into versatile, region-specific phenomena that balance commercial viability with cultural resonance up to 2025.Venues and locations
Venue requirements
Venues suitable for concert residencies must typically accommodate between 2,000 and 20,000 seats to balance intimacy with commercial viability, allowing for repeated performances over extended periods without overwhelming production costs.[41][42] The layout should feature flexible staging areas that support consistent setups across multiple shows, including adjustable orchestra pits—often requiring at least 18 square feet per musician for acoustic and spatial efficiency—and extensive backstage accommodations such as multiple dressing rooms, production offices, and loading docks to facilitate artist and crew logistics.[43][44] Essential infrastructure includes advanced sound and lighting systems capable of delivering high-fidelity audio and dynamic visuals tailored to the residency's thematic elements, with integrated platforms like Dolby Atmos for immersive experiences in larger spaces.[45][46][42] Climate control systems are critical for maintaining performer and audience comfort during long-term occupancy, often involving HVAC designs that handle high attendance volumes without disrupting performances.[47] Additionally, proximity to on-site or adjacent hotels is a key convenience factor, minimizing travel fatigue for artists committed to frequent shows.[12] Adaptability is achieved through modular stage designs, which use interlocking platforms and adjustable components to enable quick modifications—such as set piece rotations or reconfiguration—between performances without necessitating complete teardowns, thereby reducing downtime and operational costs.[48][49] These systems support creative evolution in residencies, allowing productions to refresh visuals or layouts while preserving core infrastructure.[50] Safety and licensing compliance is paramount, with venues required to adhere to stringent fire codes for extended occupancy, including flame-resistant materials, adequate emergency exits, and on-site fire prevention plans reviewed by local authorities.[51][52] In entertainment hubs like Las Vegas, union labor requirements govern rigging, electrical, and stagehand operations, ensuring standardized practices for setup and maintenance across the residency duration.[53]Prominent locations and venues
Las Vegas stands as the preeminent hub for concert residencies, largely due to its specialized venues designed for extended performances. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, opened in 2003 specifically to host Celine Dion's groundbreaking residency, has since become synonymous with the format, welcoming nearly 10 million fans through a series of high-profile runs by artists like Elton John and Mariah Carey.[54] With a capacity of 4,300 seats and advanced acoustics featuring 156 speakers, the venue has facilitated intimate yet grand productions, exemplified by Dion's 1,141 shows over 16 years that drew over 4.5 million attendees.[55] Complementing this legacy is the Sphere, a cutting-edge immersive venue that debuted in September 2023 with U2's 40-show residency, utilizing a massive 160,000-square-foot LED interior for 360-degree visuals and haptic seating to redefine residency experiences.[56][57] Beyond Las Vegas, other U.S. cities serve as key centers for residencies, often leveraging iconic arenas for more flexible, intermittent schedules. New York City's Madison Square Garden has hosted Billy Joel's record-breaking monthly residency since 2015, culminating in 104 performances over a decade that underscored the venue's role in sustaining artist-fan connections without full-time commitments.[58] In Atlantic City, casino-integrated spaces like the Borgata Event Center and Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort have supported residencies by acts such as The Spinners and Rob Schneider, capitalizing on the region's entertainment ecosystem to attract regional audiences with multi-night stands.[59][60] Internationally, select venues blend historical prestige with modern programming to host residencies that appeal to diverse markets. London's Royal Albert Hall frequently features hybrid classical-pop productions, such as the Ministry of Sound Classical series, where a 50-piece orchestra reinterprets dance anthems in multi-night runs, drawing on the hall's acoustics for orchestral enhancements since its 1871 opening.[61] Similarly, Macau's Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macao caters to Asia's booming concert scene, hosting extended residencies like Jacky Cheung's record-breaking series that boosted local gross gaming revenue through sold-out performances for Cantopop enthusiasts.[62] Emerging markets are fostering new residency hotspots, with Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena exemplifying growth in the Middle East since its June 2019 opening. This 17,000-capacity multipurpose venue has transformed regional live entertainment by accommodating international acts and local talents in extended formats, including DJ residencies and multi-show runs that leverage its advanced staging to serve expatriate and tourist demographics.[63][64]Production aspects
Staging and set design
Staging and set design in concert residencies emphasize durable, reusable elements that support extended runs while delivering high-impact visuals and narratives unique to fixed-venue performances. Unlike touring productions, residency designs prioritize elaborate, modular setups such as custom hydraulic stages, pyrotechnics, and expansive video walls, allowing for consistent spectacle across dozens or hundreds of shows. For instance, Britney Spears' Piece of Me residency at the Axis Theater featured ornate sets with clever video displays and fiery dancing sequences, creating a narrative arc from melancholic introspection to bold reinvention, complete with a rolling pyramid platform and ring-of-fire effects.[65] Similarly, Aerosmith's Deuces Are Wild at the Park MGM incorporated a central platform stage surrounded by a giant winged band logo, inflatable props from their album Toys in the Attic, and surreal Cirque du Soleil-style dancers, all engineered for multi-night reuse.[66] To sustain audience interest over repeated performances, productions often incorporate incremental evolutions, such as updated costumes or occasional guest appearances, without overhauling the core design. Cher's residency at Caesars Palace, for example, included 17 elaborate costume changes per show, designed by Bob Mackie with feathers, sequins, and headdresses that varied slightly across her three-year run to refresh the visual experience.[67] These modifications help maintain freshness while preserving the production's structural integrity. Technical innovations play a crucial role in enhancing dynamism, particularly through LED screens for immersive, song-synced visuals and automation systems for seamless scene transitions. U2's residency at the Sphere venue utilized a state-of-the-art video-powered set by Es Devlin and Stufish Entertainment Architects, featuring a 46-foot by 46-foot raked video deck stage resembling a neon turntable—modeled after Brian Eno's art piece—integrated with the venue's world's highest-resolution LED interior screen for real-time, hallucinatory projections like desert sunrises during "Where the Streets Have No Name."[68][69][70] Automation from providers like TAIT Towers enables quick hydraulic lifts and turntables, as seen in residency setups that facilitate rapid prop shifts and performer elevations, optimizing for the repetitive format.[71] Budget considerations for these designs reflect substantial upfront investments in custom elements, offset by the extended lifespan of residency formats. Celine Dion's A New Day production at the Colosseum, with theater construction and show costs approximately $100 million, was amortized over 714 shows, ultimately grossing $385 million.[41] Spears' Piece of Me received a $35 million revamp in 2016 for its extension to 250 performances, incorporating enhanced video walls and automated features that justified the outlay through sustained revenue of $138 million.[72][66]Scheduling and performance format
Concert residencies typically feature 2 to 4 performances per week, often concentrated on weekends such as Thursdays through Saturdays, spanning durations of 3 to 24 months to balance artist availability with audience demand.[9] For instance, Adele's "Weekends with Adele" residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace ran from November 2022 to November 2024, delivering over 100 shows primarily on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing four days of rest weekly.[9] This structure enables artists to maintain high performance quality while minimizing travel fatigue compared to traditional tours.[9] Performance formats vary by venue scale and artist vision, ranging from full-length concerts lasting 90 minutes to two hours in large theaters to more abbreviated sets of 60 to 90 minutes in intimate casino lounges.[12] Larger productions, like those at The Colosseum, emphasize elaborate full concerts with consistent setlists, while lounge settings such as Voltaire at The Venetian offer cabaret-style shows with shorter, themed segments tailored to the space.[73] Many residencies incorporate additional fan engagement elements, including meet-and-greets or exclusive access for fan club members, often bundled as VIP packages to enhance the intimate experience.[74] As indoor events in climate-controlled venues, residencies are inherently weather-independent, eliminating disruptions common to outdoor tours.[12] Contingency plans for cancellations, such as illness or unforeseen issues, typically involve rescheduling within the residency's timeframe or offering ticket exchanges, ensuring minimal impact on the overall run.[75] Artist health protocols are integral, with mandated rest periods built into schedules to prevent burnout during extended engagements.[9] For example, Cher's multi-year Vegas residencies from 2017 onward, including "Classic Cher" and subsequent extensions totaling over 200 shows through 2020, incorporated regular breaks to support vocal and physical recovery, reflecting industry standards for long-term performers.[76] These protocols prioritize sustainability, allowing artists like Cher to sustain high-energy deliveries across years without compromising well-being.[76]Economic and cultural impact
Box office and revenue models
Concert residencies generate revenue through multiple streams, with ticket sales forming the core component, often accounting for the majority of income due to high demand and fixed venue capacity. Supplementary sources include merchandise sales, which can be boosted by exclusive items available only at shows, and VIP packages offering premium experiences like meet-and-greets or backstage access, providing higher margins than standard tickets. Venue sponsorships also play a key role, frequently representing the second-largest revenue source after tickets, as brands leverage the concentrated audience for marketing exposure.[77][78][79] For major artists, average gross revenue per show in residencies typically ranges from $1 million to $5 million, reflecting economies of scale from repeated performances at optimized venues like those in Las Vegas. This figure varies based on artist draw, venue size, and production quality; for instance, high-profile engagements at advanced facilities such as the Sphere have exceeded this range, with one notable residency averaging over $6 million per performance across 40 dates. Pricing strategies emphasize dynamic models, where ticket costs adjust in real-time based on demand, often resulting in premium pricing for front-row or VIP seats targeted at tourists, while locals may access discounted or bundled options. Many residencies in Las Vegas integrate bundling with hotel stays, creating comprehensive packages that combine show tickets with accommodations to enhance overall revenue and appeal to out-of-town visitors.[41][80][81] Risks in residency economics stem from high fixed costs, including venue rental, staging, and crew expenses, which remain constant regardless of attendance fluctuations, potentially leading to losses if shows underperform. These are often mitigated through pre-sale guarantees, where artists receive a minimum payment or a percentage of net profits—whichever is higher—ensuring financial stability before public sales begin. By 2025, residencies have become an increasingly significant part of overall artist touring revenue, driven by their predictability compared to traditional tours and the post-pandemic preference for localized, high-yield performances.[82][83][84]Highest-grossing residencies
Concert residencies have generated substantial revenue, particularly in Las Vegas, where dedicated venues enable extended runs with high ticket demand. According to Billboard Boxscore data, the highest-grossing residencies are dominated by iconic artists performing long series of shows in premium theaters, often exceeding hundreds of millions in total earnings.[41] The following table summarizes the top 10 highest-grossing concert residencies of all time, based on reported figures as of mid-2025:| Rank | Artist(s) | Show Name | Venue | Years | Gross ($M) | Tickets Sold | Shows | Key Venue Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celine Dion | A New Day… | The Colosseum, Las Vegas | 2003-2007 | 385.1 | 2.8M | 714 | Purpose-built arena for theatrical productions, high capacity (4,100 seats) enabling consistent sell-outs. |
| 2 | Celine Dion | Celine | The Colosseum, Las Vegas | 2011-2019 | 296.2 | 1.7M | 427 | Iconic venue with superior acoustics and staging, supporting elaborate shows over multiple years. |
| 3 | Billy Joel | Billy Joel at The Garden | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 2014-2024 | 266.8 | 1.9M | 104 | Historic arena's prestige and New York draw, with 20,000+ capacity for broad appeal. |
| 4 | U2 | U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere | Sphere, Las Vegas | 2023-2024 | 244.5 | 663K | 40 | Immersive LED dome and 360-degree visuals, averaging $6.1M per show through premium pricing. |
| 5 | Elton John | The Red Piano | The Colosseum, Las Vegas | 2004-2009 | 166.4 | 982K | 247 | Intimate yet grand theater design, facilitating high average ticket prices around $150. |
| 6 | Bruno Mars | Bruno Mars at Park MGM | Dolby Live, Las Vegas | 2016-present | 154.8 | 479K | 92 | Modern 5,200-seat hall with advanced sound, allowing flexible scheduling and repeat demand. |
| 7 | Garth Brooks | Garth Brooks/Plus ONE | The Colosseum, Las Vegas | 2023-2025 | 137.7 | 306K | 72 | Near-100% occupancy in a proven venue, boosted by artist's country fanbase and no-opening-act format. |
| 8 | Britney Spears | Britney: Piece of Me | The AXIS, Las Vegas | 2013-2017 | 137.7 | 916K | 248 | Large 4,000-seat space optimized for pop spectacles, with dynamic pricing driving revenue. |
| 9 | Eagles | Eagles: Sphere Las Vegas | Sphere, Las Vegas | 2024–2026 (ongoing as of November 2025) | 135.5 | 458K | 28 | Cutting-edge haptic seats and visuals enhancing ticket values up to $1,000 for premium sections. |
| 10 | Dead & Company | Dead Forever Residency 2024 | Sphere, Las Vegas | 2024 | 131.8 | 477K | 30 | Venue's technological immersion supporting jam-band style, with high per-show grosses around $4.4M. |
Most-attended residencies
Concert residencies with the highest total attendance are typically measured by cumulative tickets sold across all performances in a single engagement at one venue, emphasizing longevity and consistent sell-outs over shorter, high-capacity runs. Celine Dion's A New Day... (2003–2007) at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace holds the record, with 714 shows drawing 2,814,577 attendees, facilitated by the venue's 4,100-seat capacity and nightly performances that built a loyal international fanbase.[30] Similarly, her follow-up residency Celine (2011–2019) at the same venue amassed 1,741,175 tickets over 427 shows, contributing to a combined total exceeding 4.5 million fans across both productions in Las Vegas.[85][55] Billy Joel's monthly residency at Madison Square Garden (2014–2024) ranks among the most-attended modern examples, selling 1.9 million tickets across 104 performances in the 20,000-seat arena, with the format allowing for repeated visits from New York-area fans and tourists.[86] Factors driving high attendance in these residencies include extended durations—often spanning years—combined with venue capacities that support frequent, sold-out crowds, as well as repeat attendance from dedicated followers who return multiple times. For instance, Elvis Presley's pioneering Las Vegas engagement at the International Hotel (now Westgate Las Vegas, 1969–1976) featured 636 sold-out shows in a 2,000-seat showroom, yielding an estimated 1,272,000 attendees through twice-nightly performances during month-long stints.[2][87] The Donny & Marie residency (2008–2019) at the Flamingo Las Vegas exemplifies longevity in a smaller venue, with 1,730 performances attracting 900,000 fans in a 750-seat theater, where intimate staging encouraged high repeat visitation over the 11-year run.[88] In contemporary cases, residencies like Lady Gaga's Jazz + Piano (2019–2024) at Dolby Live at Park MGM accumulated 48 shows in a 5,200-seat venue, totaling approximately 250,000 attendees, bolstered by the stripped-down format appealing to jazz enthusiasts and Gaga's core fans for multiple viewings.[89][90] These figures exclude unverified or partial data, focusing on confirmed ticket sales to highlight the scale of audience reach.| Residency | Artist | Venue | Years | Shows | Total Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A New Day... | Celine Dion | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | 2003–2007 | 714 | 2,814,577[30] |
| Madison Square Garden Monthly | Billy Joel | Madison Square Garden | 2014–2024 | 104 | 1,900,000[86] |
| Las Vegas International Hotel | Elvis Presley | International Hotel (Westgate Las Vegas) | 1969–1976 | 636 | ~1,272,000[2] |
| Celine | Celine Dion | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | 2011–2019 | 427 | 1,741,175[85] |
| Donny & Marie | Donny & Marie Osmond | Flamingo Las Vegas | 2008–2019 | 1,730 | 900,000[88] |