A recent study has revealed that 88 percent of Australians think over 50s are too old to attend live gigs, despite more over 50s attending concerts than ever before.
The research, commissioned by over 50s insurer Apia, surveyed more than 5,500 Australians of differing demographics in order to gain insight into the perception and reality of the over 50 population.
The research findings are particularly surprising given that many over 50s are still keen concert goers and a growing number of performers touring the country are now over 50 themselves and are still as popular as ever.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events, Australia survey, 28.8 percent of Australians aged 55-64 and 20.9 percent of 65-74 year-olds attend popular music concerts.
A love of music doesn’t just stop past the age of 50 and going to live concerts can have a positive effect on personal happiness. Walter, 86, who has attended eight concerts in the last year, says that music is an important part of his life with his wife Helena, 74.
“My wife and I found our passion for music going to concerts together. We love how live music stimulates your senses to the point that you feel you’re in another world, while at the same time being a source of relaxation – It’s a truly incredible experience!”
The number of concerts aimed at the over 50s market continues to grow, with reunion tours and mini festivals like A Day on the Green and Apia Good Times continuing to put together line-ups to appeal to an older market.
The upcoming Gympie Music Muster, with veteran performer John Williamson on the bill, is another prime example of festivals that promote as true ‘all ages’ philosophy.
Jimmy Barnes, 60, will soon embark on his Australian tour for his forthcoming album Soul Searchin’ – another example of a performer, who would be considered ‘past it’ by this study, who is still rocking and picking up new generation of fans along the way.
What do you think of this survey? Do you feel too old to attend live gigs? We’d love to hear about the live gigs you’ve been or hope to attend this year.
Most of the concerts I have been to lately would have been empty if not for the over 50’s. Promoters specifically target this age group with their tours (eg. Stones, Springsteen etc) because they are the only ones that make money!
As a 60 plus year old I regularly go to “Free Music gigs on a Sunday pm in summer and love the variety of artists, the ambience, the venue, the different crowds depending on the artist and the contentment l get from a live concert.
l’m choosy these days paying a lot of money on a live concert as most artists l have seen before any way and l would rather buy their record/CD or download.
My passion is music no matter what type ……l appreciate most.
Music is a mood changer and can bring so many generations together.
I enjoy concerts I am 81.
Growing older does not change one’s tastes or personality
People in this country under 50 generally seem to think that you are brain dead once you are past 40!! What a croc!! I have more energy and a far better work ethic than 6 22 year olds put together. I was bought up to have respect for the elderly (and the much more knowledgeable!!), the law and uniforms, to be loyal and not to cheat on the boss. Today modern communications and the lack of self esteem among the young mean that they are constantly on their phones (and during working hours which is thieving the boss’s time) watching and comparing with everybody else’s life to see how they are fairing. Who cares. Just do the best you can by yourself and your community. And they do seem to forget as has been pointed out that the best music is being played by stars who are the ages of their parents and grand parents. Brin it on!