Aside from the entertainment they provide, live music and sporting events give an opportunity to escape the worries of the outside world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a whole crowd uniting behind the underdog team or player; or swaying and singing along in unison during an artist’s encore.
But these moments of unity can feel fragile against today’s backdrop of political division, global unrest, and the ongoing threat of terrorism. And increasingly, live entertainment cannot provide a safe haven from these outside forces.
A world in turmoil
Music and sport have, quite rightly, long been stages for political expression – from Jimi Hendrix’s performance in protest at the Vietnam War to black athletes advocating civil rights at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Yet in today’s climate, political unrest and terrorism pose ever more complex risks for event organisers. From deepening political divides in Europe and the US to the war in Gaza sparking protests across continents, the potential for political discord to substantially disrupt events must be increasingly, and carefully, considered by organisers of live music and sporting events. And with the threat of a terrorist attack on the UK, labelled as ‘substantial’ (meaning an attack is likely), terrorism is an even more serious threat to contend with.
Indeed, the Global Terrorism Database shows an increasing trend in terrorist attacks against concerts and festivals from 2000 onwards; although the number of attacks in Western Europe (between 1970-2019) stands at 18 (12.3%) out of 146 attacks; compared to 53 for South Asia (36.3%).
The impact of political unrest and terrorism on live events
If Los Angeles had won the right to host the summer Olympics 2024, which almost happened, it may well have been contending with pro-Palestinian demonstrations and counter-demonstrations last summer. As it happened, the French organisers of the Paris Olympics had to contend with the ramifications of rioting, prompted by controversial voter reforms. The Olympic torch relay, scheduled to pass through the French Pacific territory, was cancelled, as French soldiers and police were sent onto the streets to quell protests.
But far more tragically, in November 2015, coordinated terrorist attacks across the city and the suburb of St-Denis killed 130 people. 90 lives were taken during the Eagles of Death Metal gig at the Bataclan. Touring was halted and global concert security tightened. As a result, UEFA Euro 2016 matches went ahead under heavy military presence and fans faced lockdown-style security checks.
Less than two years after the Bataclan attack, the UK experienced its own tragedy in May 2017, when a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in the Manchester Arena in Manchester, killing 22 and injuring over 100 people; many of them children and teenagers. Subsequently, Grande cancelled her tour dates throughout the following month.
Further afield, the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, during the Second Test in Lahore – that wounded six members of the team and killed six policemen and two civilians – ended international cricket in Pakistan for nearly a decade. And in Egypt, 2011, all scheduled Egyptian Premier League matches were postponed or cancelled due to widespread protests and demonstrations against the government during the Arab Spring.
Preparing for the unpredictable
Live music and sporting events still have the power to unite. But history shows how easily they can be thrown off course.
Each disruption has left lasting changes – from cancelled tours and relocated finals to permanent overhauls in how venues handle security; namely, more advanced measures that include the presence of armed security. The introduction of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, means that the majority of sporting and concert venues will be required to implement public protection measures that demonstrate they’re better prepared for potential terrorist attacks. While no one can stop terrorism or prevent political protests, organisers can take steps to protect themselves and their audiences.
This is where we can help mitigate their impact; through assessing the unique risks and challenges your event could face.
As specialists in Terrorism and Political Risk Insurance, we’re here to protect your live entertainment, film, TV, and sports events. From terrorist threats to political unrest, we’ll find the right cover to help you plan with confidence.
We address a range of scenarios; from terrorist attacks disrupting your event to political unrest that may cause cancellation or unforeseen expenses. With tailored support and guidance, we’re here to make sure that no matter the political or security challenges, your show goes on.