Gen Z Splurges on Live Music: Concerts Become Major Expense

Concerts have emerged as a prominent pastime for many young adults in Ireland, particularly among the Gen Z demographic. With a growing appetite for live music, individuals like Kate Henshaw, a 24-year-old from Malahide, are investing significantly in concert tickets, viewing them as a vital part of their social lives. Henshaw estimates her annual expenditure on live music exceeds €1,000, a figure she considers justified given the enjoyment these events provide.

Recent research from the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) indicates that Irish adults spent an average of €757 on music events in 2024. This number encompasses not only ticket prices but also related costs such as transportation and accommodation. Henshaw’s spending is indicative of a larger trend; individuals aged 25 to 34 spent the most on live events, averaging €849 per person, while those aged 45 to 54 and 18 to 24 were not far behind, averaging €823 and €811 respectively. In contrast, the 35 to 44 age group reported a drop to €615, a trend attributed by IMRO’s chief executive, Victor Finn, to increased care responsibilities during that stage of life.

Henshaw, who attended 16 gigs in the previous year and 19 live music events in 2023, describes a particularly intensive stretch during the summer of 2023, where she attended nine concerts in just 30 days. “I was exhausted,” she reflected. The sheer volume of events contributes to her justification of the costs, as she often purchases tickets well in advance, making the expense feel less burdensome. She admits to spending nearly €1,500 on tickets in 2024 if she were to be completely honest.

Living in Dublin provides Henshaw with access to a range of large-scale concerts. Yet, she notes logistical challenges, particularly with public transport after events. “Public transport could link in better with some of the major events,” Finn remarked, suggesting that improved coordination could alleviate additional costs for concertgoers.

Ticket prices have surged since the return of regular event scheduling following the pandemic. Henshaw recalls that attending concerts was significantly cheaper before the COVID-19 crisis. The demand for live music, coupled with inflation, has propelled ticket costs to new heights. Finn acknowledges this trend, stating, “There’s a sort of social shift in experiencing live events…people wanting to get out and socialise more after the pandemic has benefited the live music sector.”

While Henshaw embraces the concert experience, she draws a firm line at purchasing VIP tickets, which she considers overpriced. “I have never paid VIP for a gig and I never will,” she stated, citing recent examples where VIP packages, such as those for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, significantly inflated ticket prices. While Henshaw paid approximately €200 for her ticket, a friend opting for VIP access spent nearly €700 for a similar view.

The concert scene in Ireland is not without its challenges. Johnny Wang, a 23-year-old student from Ballsbridge, remarked on the high costs associated with attending major events, stating, “It’s such a rip-off in Ireland at the moment.” Wang has spent at least €700 on concert tickets over the past year, noting that large venues often charge exorbitant amounts. His own experiences include attending around ten gigs in the last year, with his most significant expense being the Lido Festival in London, where general admission tickets started at £75 (€87).

For those like Aoibhinn Clancy, a 22-year-old from Dublin, attending concerts has become a significant part of her lifestyle. Clancy estimates she spent around €1,100 on 14 concert and festival tickets in the last year, emphasizing the value of experiences over material goods. “I have never regretted spending money on a concert,” she stated, highlighting her enjoyment of events featuring artists like Lana Del Rey and Elvis Costello.

Despite the high costs, many young adults continue to prioritize live music as a key part of their social experience. Clancy recognizes that her spending places her among a more dedicated group of concertgoers, stating, “Going to concerts is kind of my thing, my hobby.” As concert attendance remains a cherished activity, the trend reflects not only a passion for music but also a willingness to invest in memorable experiences.