LIVE-MUSIC events in Hong Kong are getting into shipshape with a new venue being fitted out in a mall and restaurant facility resembling an ocean liner.
Live Nation, the international organisers behind concerts, festivals and online ticketing, is set to open the Tides music venue in Kowloon’s Hung Hom neighbourhood in the next three months.
The move follows the announcement of another Live Nation project in Singapore’s Orchard Road where a 3,000-capacity concert is scheduled to open by the end of 2026.
Tides, which will operate in the first and upper floor of The Whampoa landmark near hotels such as the Kerry and Kowloon Harbourfront, plans a standing capacity of 1,500.
Both projects are set to anchor Live Nation deeper into its prime Asian markets and offer the larger international touring groups a wider choice of venues beyond stadiums and arenas.
The Hong Kong venue is located in a residential area that was once home to the city’s shipbuilding and is expected to further rejuvenate areas on the east of Kowloon peninsula where Kai Tak Sports Park has hosted concerts and international sports events.
Tides is also being seen as giving performers and promoters more options beyond venues operated by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Figures in the local events industry have also noted that private enterprise is helping fill the gap left by the closure of the KITEC venue in Kowloon Bay and builds on efforts by independent venues that may face costly legal or licensing regulations.
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When plans for Live Nation’s Singapore venue were announced last December, Singapore Tourism Board assistant chief executive Jean Ng backed the move, saying the project at the Grange Road event space will affirm the city state’s “reputation as the region’s live entertainment capital”.
Live Nation said its Hong Kong venue is being designed “entirely in house” by the company and will feature built-in sound, lighting, and flexible staging for “efficient, plug-and-play operations”. Plans for Tides also include artist support areas and a lounge for pre- and post-show gatherings as the demand for VIP-style business segments such as artist meet-and-greets gain popularity among concertgoers.
Tides gives Hong Kong promoters and artists a much-needed alternative”
– Stephanie Bax, president of venue development at Live Nation
“The design prioritises efficient setup, making it seamless for acts to include Hong Kong in their tour plans. With integrated production and a layout built for audience connection, the venue offers both international and local artists a professional platform to grow their fan base,” Live Nation’s Stephanie Bax added.
Plans for both the Hong Kong and Singapore venues also include making the spaces available for business-event hire to serve brand activations, corporate functions and “mid-scale productions”.
Live Nation plans to host up to “250 event days annually” at the Tides venue.
