Oasis' Comeback Tour Crowned 'Major Tour of the Year' at Pollstar Awards
The 37th annual Pollstar Awards recently celebrated the pinnacle of live music achievements, with Oasis' 2025 reunion tour taking home the coveted 'Major Tour of the Year' prize. This prestigious event, held in Hollywood, served as the centerpiece of the annual Pollstar Live! conference, an industry gathering focused on the vibrant world of live music. The ceremony acknowledged excellence across diverse musical categories, honoring a wide array of artists and industry professionals who contributed to a successful touring year.
Beyond Oasis' significant win, other notable artists were recognized for their touring prowess. Metallica secured the 'Rock Tour of the Year' award, demonstrating their enduring appeal and powerful live performances. The dynamic duo of Kendrick Lamar and SZA were celebrated for the 'Hip-Hop Tour of the Year', highlighting their impact on the genre. The Weeknd's captivating 'After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour' earned him the 'R&B Tour of the Year', while Benson Boone's 'American Heart World Tour' was named 'Pop Tour of the Year'. In the country music scene, both Chris Stapleton's 'All-American Road Show' and Lainey Wilson's 'Whirlwind World Tour' shared the 'Country Tour of the Year' honor, showcasing the genre's broad appeal. Bad Bunny's global reach was acknowledged with the 'Latin Tour of the Year' for his 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour', and Adam Sandler brought laughter to the stage, winning 'Comedy Tour of the Year' for his 'You're My Best Friend Tour'.
The awards also recognized emerging talent and established residencies. Olivia Dean, fresh off her opening act stint for Sabrina Carpenter, received the 'Support/Special Guest of the Year' award, indicating a bright future for the artist. The legendary Eagles were honored for their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere, winning 'Residency of the Year', a testament to their timeless music and captivating performances. Teddy Swims was named 'New Headliner of the Year', marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
A substantial portion of the Pollstar Awards celebrated the venues and festivals that serve as the backbone of the live music industry. Austin City Limits and Ohana were recognized as 'Music Festival of the Year' in their respective attendance categories, highlighting their success in attracting large and intimate crowds alike. The Troubadour in West Hollywood earned the title of 'Nightclub of the Year', while the iconic Hollywood Bowl was celebrated as the 'Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year'. Las Vegas continued its reign as an entertainment hub, with the Sphere winning 'Arena of the Year (U.S. Only)' and Allegiant Stadium securing 'Stadium of the Year (U.S. Only)'. Nashville's Pinnacle was honored as the 'New Concert Venue of the Year', signaling the city's continuous growth in the music landscape.
Individual achievements within the industry were also applauded. Arthur Fogel of Live Nation was named 'Promoter of the Year', acknowledging his significant contributions to the touring world. Laurie Jacoby of Barclays Center received the 'Venue Executive of the Year' award, and Coran Capshaw of Red Light Management was honored as 'Personal Manager of the Year'. Rebecca Shapiro of Shore Fire Media was recognized as 'Touring Publicist of the Year', while Allison McGregor and Darryl Eaton, both from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), won 'Marketing Executive of the Year' and 'Agent of the Year' respectively. CAA itself was recognized as 'Booking Agency of the Year', underscoring its influence in the industry. For the first time, a fan-voted award was introduced, with country superstar Morgan Wallen receiving the iHeartRadio Pollstar Fan Favorite Award for 'Live Performer of the Year', showcasing the power of audience engagement.
The Pollstar Awards continue to be a vital platform for celebrating the diverse and dynamic world of live music, acknowledging the artists, venues, and professionals who bring unforgettable experiences to audiences worldwide. The 2026 ceremony, held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, provided a comprehensive overview of the previous year's successes, setting a high bar for future touring endeavors.
