Music balance 2023: reunions, big concerts, cancellations and venue changes reigned this year

On a global level, the music In 2023 she had a first and last name: Taylor Swift. There was no artist who even came close to matching the phenomenon achieved by the 34-year-old American singer. Her world tour, The Eras Tour, set the global tone and, curiously, Peru was one of the countries that the artist skipped. An eloquent sign of how Lima has been a bittersweet place when it comes to concerts.

“It was a year of great triumphs and failures. The potential market that goes to concerts increased. We started well, with mega events. But, then, we witnessed the lack of coordination that existed on the issue of permits or, in quotes, the whim of some authority to not give authorization to events. “Several were suspended or cancelled,” details Jorge Fernández, producer and representative of the event production company Prodartes.

Although it was the year of live music and massive events, cancellations and venue changes for concerts and festivals set the tone.

The Cure, for example, performed at the San Marcos Stadium and not at the National Stadium, as planned. And the Peruvian group, Agua Marina, canceled its anniversary concert after, according to what they said, the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) had breached contract agreements. Other canceled events were: Rock in the park, Together in concert, 5 Seconds of Summer, Olga Tañon, Lali Espósito and Lima Music Fest.

“The worrying thing is that this gap between the lack of understanding, communication and coordination of authorities – especially local governments – with different promoters and artists continues to increase.”, Fernández highlights.

The positive

What can be highlighted about 2023 in music in our country? The tremendous megashows of Romeo Santos and Group 5 stood out greatly. The ‘King of Bachata’ achieved a historic milestone in ticket sales for his four sold out concerts at the National Stadium. The same thing happened with the Peruvian cumbia phenomenon and its three massive presentations for its 50 years of history at the San Marcos Stadium.

“I think there are many cumbia, salsa and pop groups that stood out at the level of strategic management, musical communication and creation. Many local groups are already carrying out responsible, thoughtful management, with a strategy, objectives and processes as is done in more developed countries. For example, what Group 5 did at the San Marcos Stadium”says Fernández.

On the other hand, Javier Vásquez, Head of Programming at Radio Panamericana, details: “As for the highlights in salsa, there is Jeinson Manuel with ‘Manos de scissors’. In cumbia, Azucena Calvay became very strong. In the urban area we do not have notable values, only some viral ones. In cumbia what was most popular was ‘Amor Volver’ by Group 5 with Eddie Herrera”.

Reunions

It was also a year of reunions, nostalgia and new beginnings. Upon celebrating a quarter of a century, the members of the iconic Peruvian band, Torbellino, came together to offer a show of pure passion, fire and gratitude from its members to their fans. The original lineup of La Liga del Sueño also reunited 25 years after the release of their most popular album, “Mundo Cachina.” And, Christian Meier, after releasing “I’ve come home” [el primer material totalmente nuevo que el cantante publicó en 20 años], began a concert tour. It was a reunion with her greatest love: music.

Peruvian pride

On the other hand, Ayacucho DJ Kayfex and art director Gustavo Ramírez filled us with pride by winning their first Latin Grammy in the “Best Packaging Design” category with their album “Atipanakuy Deluxe.”

It should be noted that Tony and his mother, Mimy Succar, They were nominated for the 2024 Grammy Awards, in the Best Musical Album category for their album “Mimy & Tony”. The awards gala will be held next February 4.

Big absences

In less pleasant news, cumbia singer Abelardo Gutiérrez Alanya, the beloved and popular Tongo, died at the age of 65; like Little Princess Mily, former member of Pintura Roja. Bolero also lost one of its most important representatives: Iván Cruz, popularly known as the ‘King of bolero’, died at the age of 77.

On a global scale we mourn the departure of the queen of rock and roll, Tina Turner, at 83 years old. The popular Colombian singer known as ‘El macho de América’, Lisandro Meza, the Irish Sinéad O’ Connor, and the iconic lounge artist Tony Bennett also left a deep void and mourning in the musical staff.

PROJECTIONS

Despite the bumps recorded this year, 2024 looks like a year with more concerts by top-level artists.

Ricky Martin will present his show “Ricky Martin Sinfónico” on January 19 at the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos Stadium. The Puerto Rican artist will review his four decades of career. While Don Omar and Ozuna will join forces at the Ritual festival, next February 3 at the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, with the participation of several artists. Morrissey, leader of the band The Smiths, as part of his 40 Years of Morrissey tour, will perform on February 8 at the Exhibition Park Amphitheater.

Likewise, the Mexican star, Luis Miguel, will light up the stage of the National Stadium with his shining sun on February 24. Laura Pausini will do the same on March 6 at the UNALM esplanade. On March 5, the Spanish Raphael, as part of the promotional tour for his new album “Victoria” will sing at the Círculo Militar de Jesús María.

The Jonas Brothers will return on March 8 to celebrate five studio albums at the National Stadium in Lima. And Blink-182, the American punk-rock band, promises an energetic show on March 12 at the San Marcos Stadium.

Sam Smith will also arrive in March. The British artist will perform on the 20th at the National Stadium. And Megadeth, the thrash metal band, will offer an epic show on April 6 at Arena 1 Costa Verde. While on April 5, 6 and 7, Group 5 will make the walls of the National Stadium resound with three mega events that threaten to make history in our country.

On the other hand, the Colombian singer Karol G returns to Peru to offer two presentations at the National Stadium, on April 12 and 13 as part of her Mañana will be beautiful Tour. Mon Laferte will also sing in Lima on April 16 of next year. On the 17th of the same month. Maná will offer a live show at the National Stadium.

Next year, Ultra Peru will also arrive in our country. The festival will take place on April 20 and 21 at the Stadium of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.

Finally, Louis Tomlinson, former member of One Direction, confirmed his return to our country, this May 26, as part of his international tour Faith in The Future World Tour.