Tour from the 2020s

Tour from the 2020s

The tour footage from the 2020s presents a fascinating snapshot of life on the road during one of the most transformative decades in music history. Captured amidst a global pandemic that forced musicians to adapt in unprecedented ways, these clips offer an intimate glimpse into the daily routines, creative struggles, and innovations that defined touring in this era.

The 2020s began with a seismic shift in the way artists approached live performances. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, musicians turned to livestreams from their living rooms, remote collaborations, and innovative uses of technology to stay connected with fans. This marked a significant departure from traditional touring, where artists would travel extensively, performing for thousands in arenas and stadiums. The pandemic's impact on the music industry was profound, forcing artists to reimagine their live shows and find new ways to engage with audiences.

Tour footage from this era captures the tension between these old and new approaches. Artists struggled to balance creative expression with the logistical challenges of touring during a pandemic. Many clips show musicians performing in empty venues or behind masks, highlighting the surreal nature of life on the road during this time. The archive's 29 clips offer a poignant reminder that even amidst uncertainty, music remains a powerful force for connection and community.

The decade also saw a new generation of artists emerge, alongside established acts finding fresh creative directions. Tour footage from the 2020s reflects this shift in musical landscape. Artists like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Kendrick Lamar pushed boundaries with their innovative live shows, incorporating cutting-edge technology, visual effects, and interactive experiences. Meanwhile, veteran musicians like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones continued to tour with renewed vigor, adapting their performances to appeal to younger audiences.

The impact of social media on music in the 2020s cannot be overstated. Platforms like TikTok became a key discovery tool for new artists, while short-form video changed how music was shared and consumed. Tour footage from this era often features musicians engaging with fans on social media, using these platforms to promote their live shows, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on the road, or simply connect with their audience.

One of the most striking aspects of tour footage from the 2020s is its focus on the human side of touring. Artists are often shown in moments of downtime – relaxing on tour buses, sharing meals, or engaging in quiet conversations. These intimate glimpses into life on the road offer a rare perspective on the camaraderie and relationships that form between musicians when they spend months together in close quarters.

The archive's collection also highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability required to navigate touring during a pandemic. Artists improvised with makeshift equipment, repurposed existing technology, or even performed from unusual locations – such as rooftops, alleys, or backyards. These creative solutions speak to the resilience of musicians, who continued to push boundaries and innovate despite the challenges they faced.

Tour footage from the 2020s presents a rich tapestry of experiences, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of life on the road during this transformative decade. As we explore these 29 clips, we gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which music adapts to changing circumstances, the power of human connection in the face of adversity, and the enduring spirit of creativity that defines artists at work.

Curated from public records and music databases.

About Tour Footage

Tour footage captures the rhythm of life on the road — the shows, the travel, the downtime, the rituals, and the relationships that form when musicians spend months together in close quarters. These clips document a way of life that has changed dramatically across the decades.