Aging Rock Stars Touring Without Insurance

Aging Rock Stars Touring Without Insurance as Costs Soar

As legendary rock stars continue to tour well into their later years, many are opting to forgo insurance due to skyrocketing costs. According to The Telegraph, the price of insuring against concert cancellations due to health issues rises significantly with age, making it an unaffordable expense for many veteran musicians.

This year, concert venues and festival stages are packed with “heritage acts,” as icons like Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, and Stevie Wonder plan international tours. Despite their age, these rock legends remain committed to performing live. The Rolling Stones, for example, are still an active band, although they reportedly scrapped plans to play in London this year. Meanwhile, Black Sabbath will reunite for a massive hometown concert in Birmingham this July. All in their mid-70s, the band’s frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, continues to battle Parkinson’s disease.

A 2023 analysis found that the average age of headlining artists in the UK has increased from 26 to 49 over the past two decades. However, with the high cost of “non-appearance” insurance, many aging rock stars are cutting it from their budgets—a move that industry experts warn is risky. Without coverage, last-minute cancellations due to health concerns could result in significant financial losses.

As these legendary performers push the boundaries of longevity in the music industry, they face tough financial and logistical challenges. Whether fans will continue to see their favorite rock icons on stage despite these risks remains an open question.