For Live Music Week , Consequence staffer and independent musician Jonah Krueger takes a personal look at the state of touring as a small band. For bigger tours, check out our roundups of the 100 Best Tours of All Time and the 10 Most Unique Tours to Catch in Fall 2025 .

Here’s a classic musician joke: You know how to make a million dollars as a musician? Start with two million dollars. Pretty funny, though I’m not sure if the experience of a touring musician makes it all the more hilarious or so truthful it elicits a thousand-yard-stare.

In 2025, it’s no secret that the state of live music is in something of a weird (yeah, let’s go with weird) spot. Ticket prices for arena shows are astronomical, Ticketmaster’s practices are the subject of such intense criticism th

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