Live Nation has released a new report revealing surprising consumer preferences regarding entertainment. The findings are shared on Live Nation For Brands.
The “Living For Life” report surveyed global audiences about their entertainment priorities. The results show striking appeal for live music experiences.
“Fans globally have named concerts the world’s top form of entertainment, outranking sports, movies, and even sex,” the report states. “In 2025 alone, more than 130 million fans have already bought tickets. Stadium attendance has tripled year-over-year, and festivals sell out faster than ever. With 10+ new large-scale venues opening worldwide in 2026, the movement is only accelerating.”
When forced to choose a single form of entertainment for life, consumers show a clear preference hierarchy. Live music ranks first at 39%, followed by movies in theatres at 17%, and professional sports events at 14%.
The survey found that concert attendance significantly outpaces other leisure activities. “People are over 2x more likely to choose a concert for their favorite artist over sex (70% would pick a concert vs. 30% would pick sex),” the report notes.
This preference for live experiences reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior and spending priorities. The concert industry’s explosive growth is backed by strong financial performance and changing attitudes toward entertainment value.
Live Nation’s Q2 2025 earnings report revealed that global concert attendance rose 14% in the second quarter to 44 million fans. Revenue hit $7 billion—a 16% increase year-over-year. This growth is driven by strong ticket sales at all price points and expanding international markets, demonstrating that demand for live music transcends geographic and economic boundaries.
The underlying psychology behind this trend is rooted in consumer desire for authentic human connection. Live Nation’s research shows that 93% of fans crave real, in-person experiences over digital ones. Additionally, 80% prefer spending on experiences rather than material possessions. This shift reflects a fundamental change in how people define value and fulfillment in their lives.
The concert industry’s expansion is accelerating to meet this demand. With 10+ new large-scale venues opening worldwide in 2026 and festivals selling out faster than ever, the infrastructure supporting live music is growing rapidly. Music Business Worldwide reported that Live Nation’s concert revenue has grown 19% year-over-year. This demonstrates that the industry is capitalizing on unprecedented consumer appetite for live entertainment.
The findings suggest a growing global shift toward prioritizing live entertainment experiences in consumer spending and leisure time. As venues expand and ticket sales continue to surge, the concert industry appears poised for sustained growth. Consumers view live music not merely as entertainment, but as an essential life experience.
