Concert Market Rankings: No. 10 Houston

Houston is one of the most dynamic and wide-ranging live markets in the U.S. if not the entire world. With a population of over 7 million in its metropolitan area, it’s been called the country’s most diverse city with more than 145 languages spoken and a range of ethnic populations across its 637.4 square miles (largest U.S. city by area).  

What do blues icon Big Mama Thornton, Zydeco inventor Clifton Chenier, reggae/soul singer Johnny Nash, country star Kenny Rogers, ZZ Top’s foot stompers Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard, keyboard genius Billy Preston, influential hip-hoppers Geto Boys, DJ Screw and UGK (Bun B and Pimp C), Latin legend Selena, pop queen Beyonce´ and next-gens Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott have in common? All Houstonites.   

That same diversity is reflected in the city’s top 2021 shows by venue category: Jonas Brothers at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ($1.26 million gross, 15,861 tickets); UFC 262 at the Toyota Center ($3.9 million, 15,497); Los Bukis at NRG Stadium ($4.39 million, 31,543 tickets); Jack Harlow at the House of Blues ($53,935, 1725 tickets); and Marc Anthony at Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land ($832K, 6,114 tickets). 

Similarly, the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is a month-long anchor with a mind-blowing array of concerts. This year’s runs Feb. 28-March 20 with music offerings, including everyone from George Straight, Chris Stapleton and Tim McGraw to Ricky Martin, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Gwen Stefani to Khalid, Marshmello, Maren Morris and Bun B’s H-Town Takeover.

New Houston market entrant the 713 Music Hall, is a 5,000 capacity Live Nation room located in the city’s multi-use POST development housed in the former Barbara Jordan Post Office. It opened in November with shows that month by Whiskey Myers, Maná and Evanescence and Halestorm. Upcoming gigs include DaBaby, Willie Nelson and Olivia Rodrigo.