Forget Tinder — the real love story of our generation is between fans and live music. According to a massive new survey from Live Nation (a.k.a. the planet’s biggest gig dealer), 70 per cent of people would rather go to a concert than have sex.
Yes, you read that right: seven out of ten humans would pick sweat, noise, and overpriced beer over candles and Barry White. Somewhere, a bedroom playlist just started crying.
The Living for Live report gathered responses from over 40,000 people in 15 countries, confirming what every festival-goer already knows — nothing beats being crushed in a crowd of strangers while screaming lyrics slightly off-key.
When asked what single form of entertainment they’d choose for life, live music topped the list (39%), leaving movies (17%) and sports (14%) in the dust. Sorry, Netflix — real life still wins.
Apparently, 77% of respondents said concerts make them feel part of something bigger — which is fair, considering most stadiums pack in more people than small towns. And 60% travel at least once a year for a show, with three-quarters saying it makes the experience more “meaningful.” (Translation: the hangover hits deeper in another city.)
Meanwhile, 94% of fans film their concert experience for social media, which Live Nation proudly calls “the world’s fastest-growing media channel.” Half of Gen Z even admit they go just to post about it — proving the mosh pit isn’t dead, it just has a ring light now.
The report also celebrates the rise of female artists, with Beyoncé and Olivia Rodrigo leading the charge and 76% of fans saying they want more women headlining live events. The message is clear: girl power sells out arenas, too.
Russell Wallach, Live Nation’s global president of media and sponsorship, summed it up nicely:
“Live music isn’t just growing, it’s shaping economies, influencing brands, and defining culture in real time.”
Translation: live shows are the new religion, and your favorite band is the sermon.
So next time someone asks if you’re free Friday night — tell them you’re taken. By the front row.
