2011 Better For LN?

Goldman Sachs’ Ingrid Chung appears to be optimistic for a better concert year for Live Nation in 2011.

The analyst predicts modest growth with artists including U2, Prince, Lady Gaga and Kenny Chesney returning to the road (Note: Chesney’s tour is being promoted by AEG / The Messina Group although LN will certainly benefit by the country star playing its outdoor venues. Prince, on the other hand, if he goes on tour, will not be promoted by AEG Live / Concerts West as he was the last time around.)

But the preponderance of aging “heritage” acts clouds the long-term future, with two-thirds of the industry’s revenue last year coming from acts aged 45 or older and attendance by younger concertgoers falling off significantly.

Chung rated the company at “neutral,” and anticipates earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization will rise 9 percent annually on average from 2011 to 2013.