Why are veteran acts turning their backs on touring – and what hope is there for new artists?

With more artists calling out the hardships of touring or taking a hiatus from the road entirely, live veterans and rising acts have spoken to NME about the reasons for this and what needs to be done. Back in September, and just a week apart, both Frank Turner and Enter Shikari took to social media to announce that upcoming shows would be their last. “After 28 years on the road, 10 albums and well over 3,000 shows, it’s time for a change,” wrote Turner, announcing that his four upcoming ‘Lost Evenings’ gigs at Wembley Arena would be his “last for the foreseeable future”. As one of the UK’s most prolific live performers (and once claiming to have broken the record for the most shows played in 24 hours), the former Million Dead-turned solo star said he was looking to “recharge, spend more time with my friends and family, and explore other ways of life”. Turner noted that “the economics of touring have gotten harder, the music industry has been swallowed by social media in a way that doesn’t really interest me, and as I get older my physical and mental health could do with some care”. Frank Turner on April 18, 2025 in Southampton CREDIT: Mark Holloway/Redferns) Enter Shikari then anno...