The Top Live Events People Are Willing to Break the Bank For

In a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of TFL, a ticket company, shows that live events are becoming more important to people. The study involved 2,001 full-time employees aged 18 and above. It revealed that 64% of employed Americans express a desire to attend more in the coming year. The average number of live events attended by Americans last year was 14.

While many concertgoers aren’t happy about rising ticket prices, Catherine Yi, a talent strategy executive at UTA, shared with Variety that such increases don't seem to deter fans from investing in tickets for shows they deeply care about. " When people really care about a show, they’ll do whatever it takes to attend," she noted.

There seems to be no limit to what Americans are willing to do to secure tickets for their preferred live events. The study found that 44% would use their tax refund, with 55% of Millennials inclined to do so. Additionally, 32% would consider obtaining a new credit card for presale access, 27% would contemplate taking on a part-time job, and 18% would resort to crowdfunding, including 27% of Millennials.

Financial adjustments are not the only sacrifices on the table. 45% of Americans would request early presents, 29% would endure a wait of 5 hours or more, 21% would camp overnight in front of ticket offices, and 13% would endure a line lasting 10 hours or more.

The research highlighted that sporting events are the most sought-after live experiences, with Americans averaging 6.53 sporting events, 3.93 live music events, and 3.5 live theater events attended in the last year.

Additionally, sports enthusiasts are opening their wallets wider, with Americans spending an average of $693 on sporting event tickets, $480 on live music event tickets, $334 on live theater event tickets, and $146 on other live event tickets in the past year.

Professional baseball, basketball, and football emerged as the top types of sporting events attended in the last year. When asked about events they'd be willing to splurge on, spending over $300 per ticket, the top five included a favorite artist in concert (76%), their favorite team in the Super Bowl (64%), the NBA Finals (47%), Taylor Swift (36%), and Coachella (35%). Approximately a third of respondents expressed a willingness to splurge on Beyoncé, Metallica, or Madonna.

Check out the full study here.

Concerts are all about good vibes and enjoying great music. But sometimes, there's an annoying side to the experience: dealing with bad concert etiquette. While most attendees understand the need for respect and consideration, a few don't get it. From talking during quiet moments to excessive smartphone use, it's safe to say that not everyone gets the memo on how to keep the concert vibe alive.

With Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour breaking records and drawing massive crowds, many concertgoers have found themselves dealing with less-than-ideal behavior from their fellow music enthusiasts. In fact, videos have surfaced showcasing artists dealing with unruly fans.

Remember that incident with Cardi B? She threw a microphone into the crowd after someone chucked a drink at her during a concert. And let's not forget when Harry Styles got smacked in the eye by a piece of candy in Vienna, and Bebe Rexha needed stitches because she got hit by a mobile phone in New York. And Pink had quite the surprise when someone decided to scatter their mother's ashes on stage during her show in London. But maybe the most jaw-dropping moment was when Ava Max got slapped by a concertgoer right in the middle of her performance in Los Angeles.

Some people speculate that the extended break from live music during the pandemic might have brought in a wave of post-COVID attendees who are still learning the ropes of concert etiquette. According to the LA Times, many people link this issue to COVID-19, suggesting that the pandemic may have affected our social skills. While the pandemic did have a significant impact, the LA Times argues that it's time to stop using it as an excuse for unruly behavior, especially since by the end of 2020, COVID-19 shutdowns have ended, and restrictions have eased.

So, what are some concert no-nos that count as bad etiquette? Check out our list below.

Never throw objects, such as drinks or debris, during a concert. This can cause harm to other concertgoers and disrupt the performance. Not to mention, it's just rude. In July, singer BeBe Rexha had to get stitches after getting hit by a cellphone during her New York show.

Certain performers are open to engaging with signs displayed by fans in the audience. But oversized banners and signs can be disruptive, potentially obstructing the view for other concert attendees. Imagine dropping a bunch of cash to see your favorite artist, and all you get is a close-up of someone's giant poster. So, maybe think twice about lugging those signs along and just leave them at home. Still, it's worth noting that a massive sign isn't necessarily a concert showstopper. Take, for instance, Chris Dare and his wife Shantelle, who attended Adele's Las Vegas show in August. They held up a sign that read, "Adele, will you do our gender reveal?" To everyone's surprise, Adele invited them on stage, saying, "No one's really allowed signs in here. I'm just obsessed that you got one in. I've never done this." She then revealed the baby's gender in a viral video moment.

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Bright screens and loud notifications can be distracting. Silence your phone, and if you need to use it, step out of the concert area. This also goes for taking photos and videos. A few pics or short videos are cool, but nobody wants to watch the whole concert through your shaky camera. Plus, it can block others' views. In July, Miranda Lambert stopped her Las Vegas concert mid-song to call out fans for taking selfies.

Don't be that person who's always up and down during a concert. If you absolutely have to leave your seat, do it quietly when there's a break between songs. Think about it, every time you get up, you make a whole row stand up to let you through. So, save your bathroom breaks and drink refills for intermissions, or opt for an aisle seat if you know you'll be up and down a lot during the show. It'll help keep things smooth for everyone.

Nobody likes the person who talks loudly during the entire concert. They're the one who chats with their friends at full volume, not realizing they're annoying everyone else trying to enjoy the music. Essentially, they unintentionally disrupt the concert experience for others who just want to listen to the music without constant chatter in the background. If you want to chat, do it outside the concert area.

Excessive drinking or drug use can lead to obnoxious behavior and can be a safety concern. In a way, the concertgoer who's sloppy drunk or high is like the wild card at the concert. They add an unpredictable element to the mix. While they might be having a blast, their actions can be a distraction and annoyance to others who are trying to enjoy the music in a more composed manner.

Remember to respect people's personal space and be aware of how you move around in the crowd. Most concerts are all about dancing and having a good time, so feel free to dance the night away. Just be sure to look around and make sure you're not accidentally bumping into others while you're at it. Additionally, being considerate means refraining from pushing or shoving them to get closer to the stage.