While some people are content with just listening to music on their iPhone, a new study finds that most people love seeing their favorite artist in concert, and for many, seeing music live is a transformative experience.
The poll, conducted by Live Nation, finds that while a lot of folks live their lives attached to their technology, it is making it harder for them to connect with actual people. In fact, 73% of people say they would rather experience real life rather than digital life, and for 71% experiencing live music is the answer.
According to the survey, two thirds of those ages 13 to 49 go to at least one concert or festival a year, with most people going to multiple events. What’s more, 78% of people say they feel highly emotional at live concerts, with 27% saying they feel less emotionally intense while streaming music, and 10% even saying they are more likely to value live music over sex.
Overall, when rating emotional intensity of a recent live music experience on a scale of zero to ten, 78% rated the experience between an eight and 10, which was 26% more intense than sporting events, and 31% more intense than playing video games.
Believe it or not, live music is so important to people that it drives their identity more than their hometown, politics, race or religion, with only friends and family, and pastimes a bigger influence.