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Deep Data Cuts: Below Pollstar’s Top 100 Touring Artists Part Two (Top Performers by Venue Size)

2024 was an electrifying year for live performance fans, with artists lighting up stages of every size. Here, we examine venues ranging from 2,000-and-under seaters to massive 60,000-strong stadiums. In this year’s Ultimate Live Performance rankings (ULP), we’re diving into 2024’s top grossing artists ranked under 100 – positions 101 to 1500 – revealing top performers by venue capacity (from South African hip-hop duo Die Antwoord to Italian pop star Ultimo).

Close Encounters: Under 2,000 Seats

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This chart is a celebration of the alchemy often found in intimate venues. American a cappella group Straight No Chaser, No. 430 on the ULP, dominates the 2000 or lower capacity with over 100,000 attendees across 59 shows, showcasing their enduring appeal in intimate settings. Olli Schulz and the Dire Straits Experience highlight the draw of personalized and nostalgic performances. Diana Krall’s jazz elegance and Bassem Youssef’s comedic brilliance bring diversity to this smaller-capacity range. Artists like Stephen Sanchez and Greensky Bluegrass further illustrate how intimate venues create unique and memorable audience connections. 

Comedians Rule: 2,001–5,000 Capacity

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Comedian Jo Koy (No. 121 on the ULP) leads with over 361,000 attendees across 87 shows, reflecting his widespread popularity. Trevor Noah (No. 119 on the ULP) and Jeff Dunham follow closely, highlighting the strong pull of live stand-up in this range. Names like Matt Rife and Andrew Schulz prove the growing demand for fresh comedy talent, while Khruangbin and Bryson Tiller bring musical diversity to mid-sized venues. 

Genre Diversity: 5,001–10,000 Capacity  

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The 5,001 to 10,000 capacity rankings highlight acts that thrive in mid-size venues like amphitheaters and smaller arenas. Comedy giants like Tom Segura (No. 107 on the UPC and Bert Kreischer draw strong crowds, reflecting the growing demand for live stand-up. Musical artists like For King & Country and Billy Strings bring genre diversity, proving the adaptability of these venues. 

Big Stage Icons: 10,001–15,000 Capacity

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The rankings for venues with capacities of 10,001 to 15,000 showcase a dynamic mix of genres and fanbases. 21 Savage (149 on the ULP) leads with over 478,000 attendees across 36 shows, demonstrating his dominance in the hip-hop scene. Avril Lavigne follows closely with her 29 performances, proving the enduring appeal of her pop-punk anthems. Styx and Foreigner, along with Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, show the continued demand for iconic classic rock and soul collaborations, drawing crowds of nearly 400,000 each. Rising stars like Glass Animals and Apache 207, alongside niche favorites like Cigarettes After Sex and Fred again.., highlight the evolving tastes of mid-size venue audiences. These artists blend legacy, innovation, and genre diversity to captivate fans worldwide. 

Mega Crowds and Iconic Moments: 15,001–30,000 Capacity 

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German Schlager singer Roland Kaiser, No. 105 on the ULP, leads this category with over 402,000 attendees across 23 shows. While the red rocker Sammy Hagar’s impressive 28 performances demonstrate his enduring presence, while HARDY’s 24 shows underline his rising success in country and rock fusion. Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s joint “SWEAT” tour brought in nearly 300,000 fans across 22 shows, showcasing their combined star power. Meanwhile, iconic bands like Titãs and Maná, alongside legends like Herbert Grönemeyer, continue to draw massive crowds, proving their staying power in the live performance arena.

Epic Stages and Massive Crowd: 30,001–45,000 Capacity

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 These rankings provide valuable insight into audience pull and performance strategy in large venues. Max Pezzali’s ability to sustain high turnout across multiple shows demonstrates strong and consistent market demand. Sfera Ebbasta and Soweto show how fewer, well-placed performances can still drive significant results. Ivete Sangalo’s exceptional single-show attendance highlights the power of exclusivity in creating unforgettable experiences.

Stadium Plays: 45,001-60,000 Capacity

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The rankings for venues with capacities of 45,000 to 60,000 highlight a mix of consistency, global appeal, and genre diversity. Many acts that play this size venue are already reflected in the Pollstar’s Year-End Top 100, so this list sheds light on some of the other artists packing 45,001-60,000 capacity venues from Europe to South America and everywhere in between. Ultimo leads with over 435,000 attendees across 10 shows, showcasing his dominance in the Italian music scene. TWICE’s ability to pull over 200,000 fans in five performances reflects their massive global following and polished productions. Queen + Adam Lambert’s 191,000 attendees demonstrate the enduring power of rock legends, while Geolier’s strong numbers signal the growing presence of Italian hip-hop on grand stages. Robbie Williams, with over 153,000 attendees, continues to prove his legendary status as a charismatic live performer. 

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