MCD Productions Poised for Second Busiest Year Amid Major Concerts

MCD Productions, a leading concert promoter in Ireland, is on track to achieve its second busiest year in history, according to managing director Denis Desmond. The company anticipates selling around 2.5 million tickets in 2025, driven by high-demand concerts featuring international stars like Oasis and Dua Lipa. This projection comes on the heels of MCD's record-breaking performance in 2024, where ticket sales reached €238.5 million, as reported by industry journal Pollstar.

Desmond stated that MCD's business remains robust, with gross ticket sales expected to range between €212 million and €225 million, reflecting average ticket prices between €85 and €90. The significant uptick in ticket sales is attributed to the popularity of major acts, including sell-out performances by Taylor Swift and Coldplay last year.

In an interview, Desmond highlighted the upcoming sold-out shows for Dua Lipa at the Aviva Stadium and Olivia Rodrigo at Marlay Park, as well as additional sold-out performances by Oasis and Robbie Williams at Croke Park. Despite the promising outlook for 2025, Desmond noted that the company would sell slightly fewer tickets than in 2024, primarily due to a reduced number of shows.

The concert landscape in Ireland has been evolving, with MCD Productions at the forefront of this change. The company, owned by LN Gaiety Holdings Ltd—a joint venture between Desmond's Gaiety Investments and Live Nation—has been instrumental in shaping the live entertainment scene in Ireland. Desmond criticized the lack of state support for live entertainment events, contrasting it with subsidies provided for sporting events like US College and NFL football games. He emphasized that live concerts significantly contribute to local economies, generating substantial revenue through restaurant spend, transportation, and hotel bookings.

Desmond also discussed the challenges faced by major artists in scheduling performances in Dublin due to venue availability. For instance, Beyoncé recently completed a sold-out run in London but could not perform in Dublin due to scheduling conflicts at Croke Park, which is undergoing preparations for upcoming sporting events. He expressed optimism that Beyoncé would return to Dublin for future performances.

In terms of financial health, MCD Productions reported a post-tax profit of €3.53 million in 2022, indicating solid financial management amidst a recovering live entertainment market post-pandemic. Stakeholders in the industry are keenly observing MCD’s strategies as they navigate the complexities of touring logistics and market demand in a post-COVID-19 landscape.

The implications of MCD’s performance extend beyond the immediate sales figures. As live entertainment rebounds, it reflects a broader trend of consumer spending and cultural engagement, with significant ramifications for the Irish economy. Industry experts continue to analyze the potential for future growth in the concert promotion sector, especially as more artists plan tours across Europe.

In summary, MCD Productions is leveraging its expertise and market position to capitalize on a busy concert schedule in 2025, setting the stage for continued success in the evolving landscape of live entertainment.