Peter Aiken Warns of Widespread Show Cancellations as Rising Oil Prices Hit Entertainment Industry

Concert promoter Peter Aiken has warned that rising oil prices and associated travel disruptions could lead to widespread cancellations of live music events across Ireland and beyond, citing flight cancellations by major airlines as a growing threat to the entertainment industry.

Aiken, founder of Aiken Promotions, spoke at a media event marking the start of the summer concert season in Cork, where he expressed concern that increased travel costs and flight disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions would have a knock-on effect on live events throughout the year.

“When you see Lufthansa cancelling 20,000 flights, Aer Lingus cancelling 500, it’s going to trickle down to the concert industry eventually,” Aiken said. “I’d say you’ll see shows being cancelled left right, and centre.”

He emphasized that while major shows for the current season, including the 21st edition of Live at the Marquee and two nights of performances by country music star Zach Bryan at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, are already locked in, prolonged disruption could force international tours to be scaled back or postponed altogether.

Aiken also pointed to the rising cost of fuel and logistics as a significant concern, particularly for events relying on off-grid power. For the All Together Now festival in Waterford — which operates entirely on generators due to the site having no electricity supply — his team is attempting to secure fuel in advance to ensure the August bank holiday weekend event proceeds smoothly.

“For All Together now, we’re going to try to get the fuel now because we’re doing a festival in the middle of Waterford and it’s got no electricity. Everything is powered on generators and fuel — everything,” he explained.

Beyond financial pressures, Aiken noted a growing sense of public anxiety linked to global instability and rising living costs, which may already be influencing travel decisions and spending habits on entertainment.

Despite these challenges, he affirmed the enduring importance of music and sport in people’s lives, especially during uncertain times, and stressed that both remain essential cultural outlets.

The warnings come amid broader industry concerns about the sustainability of live events, with recent trends showing declining ticket sales and cancellations at major music festivals internationally, although Aiken maintained that core summer shows in Ireland are currently expected to proceed as planned.