Hell, back when I was in college, I would do 3-4 hardcore days at CMJ where I saw literally a dozen shows, including Sebadoh perform a set that went on for almost 2 hours, after which I conned my way into the after-party. Right now a single show seems daunting and two seems impossible. Youth is really something.
Even as someone who is still pretty young... I used to go to a lot of gigs... probably averaged 1.5 a week for a couple of years. Partially as most of my friends were in bands and if not playing at a smaller venue themselves would be supporting someone... and could get in free if that was the case haha!
Plus would probably pay to go to ~30 bands a year who I really wanted to see, including maybe 10 bands who I would see every time they came to either Manchester or Liverpool... or maybe even Leeds or Sheffield if not stopping in Manchester.
But now? I don't go to very many. In the last 18 months or so have been to: No Fun at All, Weezer, Gorillaz... and a couple of local punk gigs in Copenhagen. Maybe 5 in total. And only had 2 planned before the coronavirus thing until summer (Altin Gun and a friends band, Clayface).
I thought about why the other month and I realised it was a combo of reasons:
Cost: I understand why cost has gone up, and for the most part it is fair. But basically ticket prices have doubled in the last ~7-8 year... when inflated has been ~10% over that period. So 8 years ago could have gone to say... Gorrilaz AND Weezer for ~£60. Now combined they cost £100. I kind of resent that.
And yeh, if I went on a night out I would spend £50 anyway at a minimum and it would be less memorable. But tbh I am cheap and enjoy houseparties more anyway. So dont often go out like that anymore. AND if go to a gig with some friends will for sure go for drinks either side, maybe stay out, get a taxi home etc... so it is not ~£50... but a minimum of maybe £100 for a "premium" band.
Alternatives: Whereas it used to be a B level band was ~£15-20 pounds they are now £30-35 or so... I never used to think twice about going to someone I "liked a few songs of" for £15... but for £30?
Yeh... I'd rather go to the cinema with friends and have a meal after for the ~£50 that it will cost to see a mid-tier band... or go to watch say a hockey game, or go to a soccer game.
It is cheaper for me to go to watch a Premier League game than go to a gig. Comfortably once factor in costs around it.
Rate of gigs: Manchester is a music city... it used to be that EVERY night there would be a decent band playing somewhere, so after work or school etc would go to a bar with some friends, check who was on, and maybe go to a smaller venue to see a new band who sounded decent. Now? Maybe a 1/5 chance if check someone is actually on.
Atmosphere: Unless it is a bigger band or a cult band a lot of bands dont have the consistent following they used to live it seems. A lot of people under say ~25 cant afford to go to the bands they want to all the time (my brother is a sound engineer, loves music... but if not getting in free has to pick and choose as life is expensive!), and as a result crowds seem older, less intense, and just not quite as invigorated as a result.
