The Power of Music: Why Your First Concert Might Outshine Other 'Firsts'"
We all recall our first concert, and our first shared ‘intimate’ experience, but which was more enjoyable? According to an online survey conducted in July 2023 by YouGov in partnership with viagogo, 21% of UK fans consider their first concert to be more memorable than losing their virginity. Crazy stat, right? But why? It could depend on a number of factors. One thing is for certain, through - music is spiritual. Bringing hundreds and thousands of people together to share their love for a specific genre or artist is a beautiful example of humanity at its finest.
(SICKA VISION Welcome Party at Ticketmaster HQ 2019).
There’s a reason why we travel miles around the world to experience live music. Take Queen Bey’s Renaissance Tour, for instance. After spanning 56 dates in 17 countries, Beyoncé has now officially become the highest-grossing tour by any female artist, Black artist and solo American act in history.
Data from a new YouGov survey also reveals that 43% of Gen Z would gladly give up alcohol for a lengthy six months for a chance to be front row at their favourite concert. The millennial label typically applies to anybody born between 1981 and 1996 whilst Gen Z were born between 1997 and 2012. In this cost of living crisis, the pressure to gather our coins together for concert tickets is getting worser and worser! It’s no surprise that Gen Z are resulting to measures such as: giving up alcohol (a concept) to fund their music dreams of breathing the same air as Chlöe Bailey, for example.
But is it that deep? Well… yes. Live concerts aren’t just events; they’re soul-touching, life-defining experiences. The idea of being front row, feeling the music pulse through your veins, and sharing that incredible energy with fellow fans is worth top dollar. The real question is, are you serious enough? Are you dedicated to your fave?
I’m joking…. (I’m not).
(SICKA VISION Welcome Party at Ticketmaster HQ 2019).
What’s more your vibe… a festival or a concert? 19% of Gen-Z participants said they’d pull a sickie to skip work for an unmissable concert compared to just 8% of millennials. But how would you get away with it? Are you the social native type to share content/evidence on Instagram? 84% of fans insisted they put their phone down to enjoy their favourite song performed live. Personally, I do a bit of both. Capturing the experience to relive time and time again is an opportunity I just simply cannot pass on but once I’ve got it, I’m there and living in the moment. We did that at Stormzy’s This is What We Mean Day with All Points East Festival, capturing that iconic spiritual unforgettable moment when it started pouring down with rain whilst he performed Rainfall to 30,000 fans. Our TikTok video of this is now on 340K views and is still going viral almost 2 months later. So what can I say, sometimes recording concerts pays off!
Now tell us, which artist did you see for your first-ever concert? We wanna know! Hit us up on Twitter @sickavision.
