An Evening to Cherish: Is Attending Gigs Really Preferred Over Sex?

Envision being gifted with a open night. You're feeling energized, ready for adventure, and looking to change your usual routine of evening scrolling. The world offers possibilities! Would you opt for a) going to a gig or b) engaging in intimacy? The outcome, as typically true with such kinds of questions, is clearly: “That depends.” Mature individuals might logically inquire: what's the concert? Who is the other person? Could it be expected to be satisfying?

Few would select a Limp Bizkit/Slipknot/Korn triple bill if the other option was one enchanted evening with a favorite star. However tweak one side of the scenario, and it turns less obvious. Regarding the participants asked this question by a major concert promoter, no such details was provided – and the response was revealed clearly and overwhelmingly supporting gigs.

Research Findings Show Surprising Choices

An international study, interviewing thousands of participants from 18 and 54 from different nations, revealed that gigs are now the world’s top form of entertainment, surpassing games, cinema and – absolutely – intimacy. When limited to only one option of activity permanently, 39% of respondents chose gigs, compared to watching movies (17%) and games (14%). Participants were significantly more as inclined to select seeing their favourite artist on stage (70%) instead of sex (30%).

You appear anticipating happily shocked – and quite often you could wind up with someone else’s hair in your mouth

Context and Considerations

Naturally it’s not surprising that a marketing research conducted for a gig organizer might conclude so strongly supporting gigs – and, in the freewheeling spirit of a hypothetical choice, if your preferred musician is, for example a legendary singer, one can appreciate why seeing him may be chosen over a routine encounter. However this either-or decision between concerts or intimacy, obviously silly even if it seems, is fascinating to consider amid the peculiar juncture we’re at with these two aspects.

The Transformation of Gig Attendance

In recent years, concert attendance has evolved into more than a shared activity but a competitive sport. Live organizations appropriately highlight that large venue turnout has “grown significantly annually”, and live events sell out more rapidly than previously. Just obtaining passes now requires detailed strategy, instant reactions and deep finances (or a high spending capacity). Though you manage, that alone won't do to just show up and enjoy the show. Currently there is an expectation, especially for concertgoers, that you could increase your experience quality by seeing several shows (even travelling internationally), swotting up on the song selection ahead of time and knowing your marks to perform and fan traditions created by past attendees.

Several concertgoers admit to scarred by their participation at major tours: what seemed like a orchestrated show of huge audiences, in which certain attendees turned up not knowing the steps. That 18-month tour, generating billions, was proof of the lengths to which fans will travel to feel part of a historic occasion and see their favourite artist sing, although the live sound appears more and more overshadowed by the spectacle.

The Condition of Current Relationships

Sexual activity, conversely – a relatively cheap and available enjoyment – is in dire straits. According to recent surveys, about a quarter of individuals engaged sexually in an typical week, while nearly 30% were sexually inactive. In another major country, modern figures showed that a significant portion of people reported not having sex at all in the last twelve months, increasing from fewer people in earlier years. In both territories, the change has been associated with less sexual activity in youth demographics. Compare this with the market booming for major events and the fierce battle for passes. Of course it isn't straightforward as a simple decision between both alternatives – “would you rather experience a popular event repeatedly, or remain abstinent?” – but it might be an signal of how people see the more consistent pleasure.

Interesting Comparisons

Intimacy and concerts are closer aligned than you might think. They both embody the initiation of a relationship, a practical trial of expectations or possibility that might have amassed solely in your imagination. You come with a basic expectation of the probable outcome, but expecting to be pleasantly surprised – and how it ends up enjoyable or disappointing depends very much on if your enthusiasm and hopes correspond with partners. Regularly you’ll end up with someone else’s hair in your mouth, and afterwards be waiting around for a cigarette and a moment alone alone. Likewise with either, substances and drinks can either enhance or detract from the experience (but certainly help the worst experiences simpler to handle).

Finding the Balance

The magic to live events and relationships depends on finding that elusive sweet spot between familiarity and novelty, consistency and change, challenge and comfort. Naturally it's uncommon – but it’s the memory of when they did, the understanding that it can happen, that motivates us to attempt once more: to {