Gadget is one of Switzerland\u2019s longest-standing promoters, having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. In 2020, after already collaborating successfully for years, Gadget joined forces with WePromote, a promoter network responsible for some of Switzerland\u2019s most beloved festivals, including OpenAir St.Gallen. CTS Eventim bought a 60% stake in this newly formed business, and brought Andr\u00e9 B\u00e9chir\u2019s abc Productions into the mix<\/a>, forming the full-service agency Gadget abc Entertainment Group AG, as it is known today.<\/p>\n As part of the Eventim Live network, Gadget promotes small, medium-sized and major concerts as well as festivals, including OpenAir St.Gallen, Summerdays, Seaside, Stars In Town, ZKB Unique Moments, and Radar Festival for New Music. It is also Switzerland\u2019s largest artist management company and booking agency, working with 20-plus artists.<\/p>\n Stefan Wyss, Partner & Director Concerts & Touring at Gadget Entertainment Group, found some time amidst a busy events schedule, to break down the state of play in a country that\u2019s comparatively small in Europe, but whose population still has a lot of spending power.<\/p>\n He touched on the state of play at Gadget, the health of the Swiss live entertainment market in general, and the importance of taking care of the next generation of talent, including the ways in which Gadget puts its money where its mouth is.<\/p>\n And, seeing how Swiss rock and pop band Hecht just sold-out Zurich\u2019s Letzigrund stadium within 90 minutes \u2013 only Taylor Swift and Imagine Dragons did it faster \u2013 he also talked about the power of domestic talent.<\/p>\n \u2018Everything Music\u2019 Since 1994: Gadget Turns 30<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Pollstar: How would you sum up the state of business at Gadget Entertainment Group?<\/strong> How does this year compare to 2025?<\/strong> How are your festivals coming together?<\/strong> How would you describe the health of the Swiss live events market in general?<\/strong> How\u2019s the grassroots scene doing?<\/strong> At the same time, there are still ways to create opportunities. At Gadget, we actively try to support new talent through dedicated formats and platforms. For example, initiatives like the Intro Stage at Openair St. Gallen or the Radar Festival in Zurich are specifically designed to showcase up-and-coming artists and give them visibility in front of larger audiences. These kinds of formats are becoming more and more important as traditional grassroots structures decline.<\/p>\n
Stefan Wyss: Generally, the business is in a healthy and stable position. Headline business is solid and in line with last year. Overall activity levels are consistent, and we\u2019re seeing solid demand across most segments. Very positive are the festival sales this year \u2013 they are much stronger and faster than last year.<\/p>\n
Compared to 2025, the overall pace feels similar. Touring activity remains high, and audiences continue to prioritise live experiences. Very hot Artists like The Neighbourhood or Lorde are selling even quicker. But we see on the other hand an increasing number of shows that are selling below expectations.<\/p>\n
Our festivals are shaping up very positively, with strong sales and encouraging momentum across the board. One key dynamic is the importance of early and compelling line-up announcements, which significantly influence sales. At the same time, competition remains intense, so clear positioning and strong programming are more important than ever. We expect to have to record results for Stars in Town and Summerdays Festival.<\/p>\n
The Swiss live market is in good shape overall. Demand remains solid, and people are still willing to spend on live experiences, however people are becoming more selective about the shows they attend.<\/p>\n
The grassroots scene remains essential, but it is clearly under increasing pressure. In Zurich in particular, we have significantly fewer venues than we used to, especially in the club segment, which makes it harder for emerging artists to gain live experience.<\/p>\n
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