Live music tours and concerts are among the most logistically complex events in the entertainment industry. Artist schedules and venue bookings have to be organised, potential security concerns and unpredictable global events must be considered and planned for, and tight time and budget constraints have to be met. Put simply, the planning considerations are monumental.
But no considerations are more important than the safety and security of the acts, event staff, and audiences. The threat of event cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances and security concerns such as terrorism poses a major risk for artists, promoters, and organisers, and for safety, reputation, and finances.
Knowing How to Recognise the Risks Is the Best First Step
The global live music industry is vulnerable to disruption in a unique set of ways with concert cancellations caused by numerous factors. Below are some of the most common risks we see as live music insurance brokers:
- Illness or injury – when an artist or key crew member is unable to perform, it can lead to tour delays or full cancellations, requiring a range of audience compensation options
- Extreme weather – outdoor festivals and stadium concerts, by the nature of their venue locations, are exposed to the risks of storms and other severe weather conditions, some of which happen with little or no warning
- Venue issues – technical failures, structural concerns, or regulatory issues can force last-minute cancellations
- Civil unrest & terrorism – unfortunately, music events have been targeted in high-profile terror attacks, prompting heightened security concerns
With so many factors beyond control, a comprehensive insurance strategy tailored to the unique needs and risks of live music events is essential to keep crowds safe and content, maintain acts’ reputations, and mitigate financial losses.
What If Disaster Strikes When Your Show Is Already on the Road?
As anyone that has worked in the live music industry will know, gig-ruining events rarely, if ever, announce themselves in good time. They come crashing in to ruin everyone’s day and make jobs harder. That’s why we broker insurance that provides a specialised policy designed to cover the specific risks associated with live performances. And a well-structured policy should cover a few basics.
One of the first things to look for is Non-Appearance Coverage that protects against losses if a key performer cannot appear due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons
No tour is complete without some tech and equipment problems so having Equipment & Production Coverage ensures that damage or loss of essential production equipment, instruments, and staging infrastructure is covered. Finally, and it’s a big one, Public Liability Insurance provides protection in case of injury or property damage involving attendees or third parties.
Although these are just the basics (every live music event and tour is different and presents a unique set of needs that require tailored insurance solutions), understanding these key insurance necessities will help ensure events can go as smoothly as possible — even when things go wrong.
At LMP, we work with our artists, promoters, and venue operators to design bespoke Music Tour Insurance solutions that fit their needs.
The Rising (and Unfortunate) Need for Terrorism Event Insurance
Over the past decade, terrorist threats and attacks on public events have underscored the necessity of Terrorism Event Insurance. From the Bataclan attack in Paris (2015) to the Manchester Arena bombing (2017) that led to the creation of Martyn’s Law, music venues have been targeted in ways that have profoundly affected the live music industry.
In response, many promoters and organisers now consider terrorism coverage a non-negotiable part of their risk management strategy. Terrorism Event Insurance provides financial protection in cases where an attack, or the threat of one, leads to event cancellations, evacuations, or loss of revenue.
To make sure you are getting the right cover and have the best possible protection for events, acts, and audiences, LMP works with you to secure tailored Terrorism Event Insurance policies that cover:
- Direct terrorism-related event cancellations
- Threat-related postponements & non-appearance losses
- Security-driven venue closures
- Increased security costs following threat alerts
Having the right coverage in place, means that you, as an event organiser, can ensure that a single incident doesn’t lead to catastrophic losses.
With So Many Options, Why Choose LMP?
At London Market Partner Group, we pride ourselves on our experience and expertise in brokering live music, sport, and media insurance. We understand that all events are different and that live events can come with higher, more unique risks than other industries, which is why we work closely with you to take a tailored approach to every policy we broker.
What sets us apart is our bespoke insurance solutions, risk management expertise, access to the London market, and our expert claims and support advocacy. Our team takes a personalised approach to understand your unique risks and craft policies that offer comprehensive protection that match your needs.
As a specialist broker, we have access to insurers in Lloyd’s of London and the wider London insurance market, ensuring you receive the best coverage options, the ones your live events deserve. But our work goes beyond just an insurance solution, we advise on proactive risk mitigation strategies to help you navigate potential challenges – before they arise.
And when you do have to make a claim, we advocate on behalf of you, ensuring that settlements are handled efficiently, fairly, and swiftly.
Future-Proofing the Live Music Industry
With the increasing complexity of global touring, ensuring adequate Music Tour Insurance, and Terrorism Event Insurance is no longer optional – it’s essential. From covering unexpected artist illnesses to safeguarding against large-scale disruptions, having the right insurance coverage provides peace of mind for everyone involved.
At LMP, we are committed to helping artists, promoters, and venues stay protected in an unpredictable world. Our bespoke approach, industry knowledge and expertise, and access to the London Market make us your trusted partner for live event insurance.
If you’re planning a tour or organising a major concert, now is the time to assess your risk and secure the right coverage.
Contact us today to discuss how we can safeguard your events and ensure that your show goes on, no matter what challenges arise.