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So-called “heritage acts” such as Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett and others “have been fueling the business for decades,” says Gary Bongiovanni, editor of the concert-industry trade magazine Pollstar.

“They may release new records, but they don’t need them to tour,” Bongiovanni says. “Year in and year out, those acts are good for 18,000 seats, but that part of the business is going to come to an end. . . . It’s already lasted much longer than any of us probably expected it would, including the musicians.

“We’re talking about musicians in their 50s and 60s. The Eagles are still doing great live shows, but how much longer can they do it?”

There are younger acts, including Coldplay and the Jonas Brothers, making the rounds in arenas and amphitheaters, notes John Vlautin, a spokesman for mega-promoter Live Nation.

The likes of the Dave Matthews Band and Radioplay have emerged as major players, too.

Yet it remains to be seen if any of those acts will enjoy the same longevity as their classic-rock forebears.

“We’re seeing more artists develop up to arena-level or amphitheater-headlining status for a couple of tours, then fade back down,” Bongiovanni says.