The Top Music Concerts and Trends of the LAST Decade
From 2010 to 2020, the global music scene witnessed an exhilarating blend of genres and fresh artistic expressions. With the surge of electronic dance music (EDM) and indie pop, stages around the world reverberated with synthesized beats and heartfelt lyrics. Iconic musicians like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Adele released chart-topping albums, while bands like Coldplay and Imagine Dragons toured extensively, garnering massive fan followings.
As the decade progressed, there was a noticeable shift from the pure pop anthems of the early 2010s. Trap music began its ascent, fusing with mainstream pop and resulting in mega-hits. Conversely, the raw, guitar-driven rock that dominated the early 2000s started to wane. Genres such as K-pop, led by groups like BTS, exploded onto the international scene, marking the decade with a global musical exchange unlike any before.
1. Ed Sheeran: The British singer-songwriter became one of the most streamed artists of the decade. His melodic blend of folk and pop, coupled with deeply personal lyrics, resonated with millions. Songs like "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud" became anthems. Sheeran's ÷ (Divide) Tour from 2017-2019 became the highest-grossing tour of all time, with over $776.2 million in revenue and over 8.9 million tickets sold.
2. Taylor Swift: Swift's evolution from country darling to pop megastar solidified her as one of the decade's top acts. Albums like "1989" and "Reputation" showcased her versatility, while singles such as "Blank Space" and "Bad Blood" dominated charts. Her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018 grossed a staggering $345.7 million, making it the highest-grossing North American tour at the time.
3. BTS: Embodying the K-pop global takeover, BTS's meteoric rise to fame is nothing short of legendary. With a fiercely dedicated fanbase (known as the ARMY), BTS broke language barriers with their infectious music and dazzling performances. Songs like "Dynamite" and "Blood Sweat & Tears" are just a glimpse of their vast discography. Their Love Yourself World Tour in 2018-2019 saw them sell out stadiums worldwide, grossing over $196.4 million.
The 2010s were a dynamic and transformative decade for music, with artists breaking boundaries and genres intertwining like never before. As the decade concluded, however, the world faced the unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. Music tours came to a screeching halt, leaving artists and fans yearning for the experience of live performances. Yet, this also marked the rise of digital concerts and augmented streaming, signaling a potential new era for the music industry as we ventured into the 2020s.
