Waiting to take pee while your fave band is playing has been named the biggest source of frustration for concert-goers, according to the Winarch Group’s 2024 Australian Live Music Census.
Ease of transport to and from the venue is another main gripe and music fans want more venues closer to where they live, the census reveals.
Other matters of importance to music lovers are visibility, respect from audience members, and easy access to good seats and entrance/exit queues.
Winarch Group says the census also highlights the need for more purpose-built live music venues.
Data-check by the group is commissioned every year to understand the pulse and perceptions of Australians when it comes to their live music consumption.
By releasing the census, Winarch Group aims to help inform venue owners, promoters, policymakers and key stakeholders, to ensure they’re prioritising what people want and need from the live music sector.
When asked whether they feel there is sufficient live music venues in their area, only 6% of respondents strongly agree, and 37% agree.
That’s a net minority of people (43%) who feel there is adequate infrastructure around them.
Respondents feel there may not be enough venues, but still want to go to more gigs, with 68% of respondents attending more than one gig per year.
Toilet queues are the primary frustration of respondents, followed by transport to and from venue, poor visibility, disrespectful audience members, access to good seats and entrance/exit queues.
‘An Australia that knows what it wants’
Winarch Group Founder Paul Lambess says: “Understanding the priorities, perceptions and preferences of Australians when it comes to live music is key to ensuring we have a thriving local industry.”
“The Winarch Group Australian Live Music Census paints a picture of an Australia that knows what it wants – more purpose-built live music venues, fewer issues with accessibility and transport, and the opportunity to create more lifetime memories.
“We need more people acting on this positive intent and sentiment, and getting out there and seeing more shows across the capital cities and our arts-loving regions.
“The data in this second annual Winarch Group Australian Live Music Census will help inform venue owners, promoters, policy makers and key stakeholders, to ensure they’re prioritising what people want and need from this culture defining industry.”
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