The Pollstar Awards, now in its 36th edition, is set to return to the newly renovated Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on April 16. This prestigious event not only honors the biggest names in live entertainment but also celebrates the induction of a new Hall of Fame class featuring Stevie Nicks, Barrie Marshall, Louis Messina, and Ryman Auditorium. Hosted by iHeartRadio's Valentine, this partnership brings an extensive audience reach and deep music fan connections to the ceremony.
Beyond the main awards, special recognitions include The Visionary Award for Steve Ballmer, the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously awarded to Gary Kurfirst, and a tribute to Maxie Solters with the newly named Maxie Solters – Touring Publicist of the Year Award. Nominees span various categories from artists across genres to industry professionals, highlighting the integral roles within live entertainment. Ray Waddell emphasizes the significance of these awards as the benchmark for global live entertainment achievements.
Legendary Inductees and Special Honors
This year’s Pollstar Awards ceremony showcases legendary figures being honored in the Hall of Fame, alongside special tributes that underscore the depth of contributions within the live entertainment sector. These recognitions celebrate both historical impact and ongoing influence in the industry.
Among the esteemed inductees are iconic artist Stevie Nicks, renowned international promoter Barrie Marshall, legendary promoter Louis Messina, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. Additional highlights include presenting The Visionary Award to LA Clippers Chairman Steve Ballmer, honoring the late Gary Kurfirst with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and paying tribute to beloved publicist Maxie Solters. The latter recognition manifests through the naming of the Touring Publicist of the Year Award in her honor. Nominees for this award include Alexandra Greenberg, Alyson Stokes, Ebie McFarland, Kristen Foster, Larry Solters, and Mikyl Cordova, each representing pivotal roles in touring publicity.
Celebrating Industry Leaders and Rising Stars
The Pollstar Awards extend beyond individual accolades to encompass the entire spectrum of live entertainment, celebrating both established leaders and emerging talents reshaping the industry landscape.
This ceremony recognizes acts contending for Major Tour of the Year, including Coldplay, Noah Kahan, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Zach Bryan, all making significant strides in their careers while propelling the business forward. Past attendees have included surprise appearances like Metallica's Lars Ulrich accepting the Rock Tour honor and comedian Dave Chappelle receiving the Comedy Tour of the Year award. Artists such as Dave Grohl, Elton John, and even the late Prince have graced the stage at previous ceremonies. The awards cover diverse genres and every facet of the live industry, from agents and promoters to production and transportation crews. Venue and festival awards highlight Music Festival of the Year, International Music Festival of the Year, Nightclub of the Year, Theatre of the Year, Arena of the Year, Red Rocks Award for Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year, Stadium of the Year, and more. Nominations result from a committee comprising professionals across the live entertainment field. Chief Content Director Ray Waddell underscores the relevance and prestige of these awards, affirming their role as the definitive recognition for achievements in global live entertainment.