Live Nation’s “Living for Live” report reveals why live music now outranks sports, film and streaming in the UK — and how fandom is reshaping culture, connection, and commerce in the country and beyond.
Live Nation, the global leader in live entertainment, today released Living for Live – its largest global report to date – revealing that live music has overtaken sports, film and streaming as the world’s top form of entertainment.
Based on a survey of 40,000 people across 15 countries, the report captures a powerful shift in how people spend their time, express their identities, and connect with others through live experiences.
In the UK, the findings mirror this global movement – showing that concerts are more than entertainment.
“Fans in the UK aren’t just buying tickets. They’re shaping culture,” comments Lisa Lugo, Senior-Vice President, Marketing & Creative Solutions at Live Nation UK.
“The Living for Live report captures the power of live music – it’s a life milestone, a marker of identity, and a force for community that connects generations and fuels local economies. It’s where attention, loyalty, and influence meet – and a powerful space for brands to build genuine connections with passionate fans.”
Key findings from Living for Live in the UK include:
Fans crave IRL experiences
81% of UK fans would rather spend on experiences than things.
Fans go to shows to show who they are
For fans in the UK, live music is more than an experience, it’s a reflection of who they are – 86% say music is a core part of their identity and 83% say live is where they feel most themselves.
Fans in the UK also say a love of music is the #1 passion/interest they want to pass along to their children.
Concerts are the new life milestones
British fans build their lives around live music – 81% call a concert one of their most memorable life moments, and 72% plan their calendars early to catch every show. More than four in five fans say concerts are their go-to way to celebrate life’s big moments.
People choose concerts as the world’s #1 entertainment
In the UK, nearly 4 in 10 people (36%) say they would choose live music as their preferred form of entertainment, higher than both sports and movies.
Global stages, global fans
Artists continue to connect audiences across borders. Fans in the UK increasingly attend international tours and engage with artists beyond their own language and culture. More than one in two fans say at least half the music they listen to is in another language.
When fans move, economies move
In the UK, concerts are helping power local economies – from festival weekends that fill hotels and Airbnbs to tours that bring measurable boosts to restaurants, travel, and retail. Nearly 7 in 10 British fans travel for shows yearly and 94% spend on travel around live music events.
Together, these findings show that fans in the UK are part of a worldwide movement shaping the future of live entertainment.
Live music has become a central driver of global culture. What was once entertainment is now infrastructure, and the next decade of culture will be built live.
To explore Living for Live and all nine global fan trends redefining where culture, community, and commerce are headed next, visit livingforlive.com.
Sources:
Live Nation Living for Live Global Study 2025. Findings based on a sample of 40,000 respondents 18–54 across 15 countries.
Live Nation Custom Global Study, 2025. Findings based on a sample of 1,000+ heavy social media users 18+ across 8 countries.
-ENDS-
ABOUT LIVE NATION UK
Live Nation UK is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
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