A Greene King-commissioned survey has found that people are spending more time listening to music alone, with many missing the shared experiences of the past
The average music fan will do two thirds of their listening alone – a total of 379 hours. A poll of 2,000 adults who regularly listen to music found the experience has become something they increasingly do alone, with 11% admitting they never listen to music with other people.
Most people listen to songs through their headphones or while in the car rather than as part of a shared experience – in fact, only 8% of all music listening happens at live events.
The over-35s reckon music was a considerably more communal affair during the 1990s. Many yearn for the era before streaming services and algorithms, with 30% saying that discovering fresh music was more satisfying back then than it is nowadays.
The study found that, during that period, 33% listened to music with others far more frequently, and 24% recall crafting and exchanging mixtapes with mates.
Greene King commissioned the study as part of its Live at Your Local campaign. Supported by McFly star Danny Jones, the campaign will feature 900 artists performing at complimentary live music events in pubs throughout the UK this summer.
Neuroscientist Dr Julia Jones, also known as Dr Rock, commented: “There’s growing evidence that shared live music experiences can extend your healthy life.”
She explained that live performances strengthen memory, emotional connection and social bonding. “The sensory effect of your entire body being immersed in sound vibrations generated by a live musician performing in front of you has deep impact and can create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Solo listening simply cannot match this neural effect.”
The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 32% said their most memorable music experiences happened in person rather than through streaming or recorded music.
Meanwhile, 31% reported that live music helps them feel more present, 29% believe it boosts their mood more than listening at home, and a quarter (25%) said experiencing music with others makes them feel more connected to friends.
More than a quarter (26%) said seeing an artist perform at a small or grassroots venue could turn them into a lifelong fan – almost matching the influence of a major arena show (29%) and far outweighing the impact of an algorithmic recommendation (5%).
Following a live performance, 31% have returned to see the artist again, 29% became supporters, 27% passed on the recommendation to someone else, and over a quarter (27%) unearthed a track that became one of their favourites.
Two thirds (64%) reckon major concerts have grown prohibitively pricey, with over a quarter (27%) seeking more budget-friendly entertainment this summer.
Andrew Gallagher, representing Greene King pubs, commented: “It’s clear from the research that many people want to break out of their musical comfort zones and enjoy more shared experiences, but cost and accessibility can often stand in the way.”
He continued: “That’s exactly why we’ve created Live at Your Local. By bringing free live performances to Greene King pubs across the UK, we’re making it easier for people to discover new artists, support grassroots talent and experience the atmosphere and excitement that only live music can create.
“Whether it’s finding your next favourite band or simply enjoying a great night out with friends, we hope our events help bring people back together through music.”
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