The Curation · No. 4 · 6 November 2026
Record crowds, and DEAG changes hands
The fourth Curation goes out on the last weekend of Europe's November indoor week. First the news worth knowing: Live Nation's record quarter, a new owner for Germany's DEAG, record live royalties, outside money for Skiddle and Sónar's first names for 2027. Then ten tracks by artists booked between now and 22 November, from London, Utrecht and Reykjavik to Mexico City.
The news
- Live Nation draws a record 61 million fans in a quarter
Live Nation's third-quarter revenue reached $10.1 billion, with a record $8.7 billion from concerts, as more stadium shows followed the FIFA World Cup in the US. The company says it sold 170 million tickets through October and expects nearly 180 million fans in 2026.
- Enhanced Group agrees to take control of DEAG
Enhanced Group, owner of the Enhanced Games, will acquire about 77% of the Berlin promoter and ticketer in an all-stock deal that values all of DEAG's equity at about $115 million. DEAG keeps its management, led by incoming CEO Markus Breitenecker, formerly of ProSiebenSat.1.
- Live performance royalties hit a record €1.4 billion
CISAC's global report says songwriter collections from live performance rose 14.9% in 2025, the third straight year above €1 billion. Live and background music, at €3.62 billion, overtook TV and radio as the second-largest source of music collections for the first time.
- Skiddle takes its first outside investment in 25 years
Soho Square Capital has taken a minority stake in the Preston ticketing company, whose founders Ben Sebborn and Richard Dyer keep control. Terms were not disclosed; Skiddle says the money backs a growth plan that includes European expansion.
- Sónar moves back to the seafront and names its first 30 acts
Sónar by Day returns to the seafront in central Barcelona from 17 to 19 June 2027, while Sónar by Night goes back to two nights and four stages at Fira Gran Via. Bonobo brings a new live show, Jessie Ware and Yung Lean are booked, and Carl Cox returns after more than two decades.
- Harry Styles's residency gives the Garden a record concert quarter
MSG Entertainment's calendar third-quarter revenue rose 37% to $217 million, and Madison Square Garden held more concerts than in any previous quarter, helped by the start of Styles's 30-night run on 26 August. The company says it hosted over 1.3 million guests across 160 live events.
- Shakira's Madrid residency grossed $81.1 million
The run at Estadio Shakira, a 50,000-capacity venue built for her, ended on 12 October after 13 shows and 656,000 tickets sold, according to Billboard Boxscore. Cárdenas Marketing Network CEO Henry Cárdenas says a Latin artist will soon announce a 25-show residency in Mexico for 2027.
Ten tracks
01
The Avalanches
Can't Get Over Losing You (feat. Portraits Of Tracy)
From No Bad Memories, the Australian duo's album released on 16 October, with a video animated by Jonathan Zawada. The Avalanches play the Roundhouse in London on 6 November.
02
Mandy, Indiana
Sicko! (feat. billy woods)
Released on 3 February 2026 under licence to Sacred Bones, with billy woods. Mandy, Indiana play the Dalston leg of Pitchfork London on 7 November.
03
Hania Rani
Sentimental Value
Title track of Hania Rani's Sentimental Value, released by Gondwana Records in 2026. Hania Rani plays the Royal Festival Hall in London on 8 November.
04
Loraine James
In a Rut (feat. Sydney Spann)
Released by Hyperdub on 3 March 2026, with vocals and lyrics by Sydney Spann. Loraine James plays Le Guess Who? on Friday 6 November.
05
Juana Molina
Siestas ahí
Lead single from DOGA, the Argentine musician's first album in eight years, out on her own label Sonamos. Juana Molina plays Le Guess Who? on Sunday 8 November.
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