Tour or residency? Jade, CMAT and Wolf Alice speak out
BBC World
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The debate over whether artists should prioritize tours or residencies has sparked discussions among top performers like Jade Thirlwall, CMAT, and Wolf Alice. Some artists, including Harry Styles and Ariana Grande, are opting for extended residencies in major venues, with Styles performing 12 nights at Wembley and Grande doing 10 nights at London's O2 Arena. While residencies can offer health benefits by reducing travel stress, they also raise concerns about accessibility and affordability for fans, especially those traveling long distances. Artists like CMAT argue that residencies allow for creative growth but caution against neglecting smaller venues, which are crucial for developing musicians.
For fans, the shift to residencies often means higher costs due to accommodation, travel, and food expenses in addition to ticket prices. While large-scale residencies can boost local economies—Taylor Swift's Eras Tour contributed nearly £1 billion to the UK economy—critics worry about excluding smaller crowds and limiting opportunities for grassroots growth. Wolf Alice’s bassist Theo Ellis acknowledges the appeal of residencies but emphasizes that they should not replace touring, which helps artists connect with diverse audiences.
Meanwhile, singer CMAT highlights the importance of balancing residencies with breaks to support creativity and authenticity in music. She warns against losing the essence of live performances by focusing solely on convenience for major acts. The debate over tours versus residencies reflects broader concerns about accessibility, economic impact, and the future of live music venues. As artists like Self Esteem and Wolf Alice navigate this trend, fans and industry insiders are left pondering whether residencies mark a new era in live performance or a potential loss of musical diversity.
Ultimately, while residencies offer benefits for both artists and local economies, they must not come at the expense of smaller venues or fan access. The conversation underscores the need to strike a balance between innovation and inclusivity in the evolving landscape of live music.
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/2/2026