How much do we need live entertainment?

[menetworkjadaltd]

Considering the cost of living crisis, how important is live entertainment (music/comedy/other) right now?

How much would you be happy to spend on a ticket to enjoy a night of escapism?

 

[fisicx]

As much as it costs. Worth every penny.

 

[japancool]

How much would you be happy to spend on a ticket to enjoy a night of escapism?

As little as possible.

I like musicals, so I used to go to these regularly when I went to London, but I'd never get tickets in advance. I'd just get them on the day at one of the ticket kiosks in Leicester Square, where you can get last minute tickets dirt cheap. The trick is to know when to go.

 

[UKSBD]

Personally I just don't get it.

I'm a tight git and the thought of paying anything more than £20 for any event fills me with dread.

£11 to watch Top Gun in an Everyman cinema with sofa seats is about my limit

How people pay hundreds of £ to watch a sport is beyond me, especially when everything is so much clearer watching at home on TV or in a pub.

I might spend a tenner if there was a good comedian at a comedy show, but only if they were within 20 miles of me as I would begrudge paying to get there.

Possibly spend a tenner to watch a band in a pub type venue or even up to £20 if there was a theatre show I wanted to see, but that's my limit

Most I spent was about £200 watching England at Twickenham, but didn't enjoy it as I was constantly thinking £200 for this and would never do it again, even if someone offered me a ticket to a world cup final for £100

 

[japancool]

How people pay hundreds of £ to watch a sport is beyond me, especially when everything is so much clearer watching at home on TV or in a pub.

The England vs New Zealand Test match is currently happening near me. I wouldn't pay to go and watch it. The last time I went to a Test match, I couldn't really see what was going on - the ball is too small and far away to see what's happening. I much prefer to watch it on TV, where the cameras get up close to the players in the middle.

But I also balk at paying the outrageous fees Sky Sports want for it - £10 for a one-day pass, which compares unfavourably to a Netflix or Amazon subscription.

 

[UKSBD]

The England vs New Zealand Test match is currently happening near me. I wouldn't pay to go and watch it.

I went to watch England playing at Edgbaston once.

Missed virtually anything that happened and just wanted a TV screen so I could watch a replay.

Only went because I didn't have to pay for the ticket

 

[UKSBD]

strange thing is, you had chaps watching something from over hundred yards away saying . lovely ball and things like that when you didn't have a clue where the ball was half the time

 

[Mark T Jones]

The ultimate piece of string

Just paid £70 to see Tom JONES AND Stereophonics

When I bought the tickets it was a tiny sum - scheduled for the weekend before Christmas. First gig post lockdown. Cheap hotel in the bay.

Obviously didn't happen, cheapest hotel (3 miles away) was £250. The magic was gone. Gig good, but not what I paid for

Anyway, it depends

 

[UkAppCoder]

Personally I just don't get it.

I'm a tight git and the thought of paying anything more than £20 for any event fills me with dread.

£11 to watch Top Gun in an Everyman cinema with sofa seats is about my limit

How people pay hundreds of £ to watch a sport is beyond me, especially when everything is so much clearer watching at home on TV or in a pub.

I might spend a tenner if there was a good comedian at a comedy show, but only if they were within 20 miles of me as I would begrudge paying to get there.

Possibly spend a tenner to watch a band in a pub type venue or even up to £20 if there was a theatre show I wanted to see, but that's my limit

Most I spent was about £200 watching England at Twickenham, but didn't enjoy it as I was constantly thinking £200 for this and would never do it again, even if someone offered me a ticket to a world cup final for £100

Ha ha ha! This is one of the funniest and most honest posts I've ever read! Especially this bit:

UKSBD:
Most I spent was about £200 watching England at Twickenham, but didn't enjoy it as I was constantly thinking £200 for this and would never do it again ...

LOL! I couldn't agree more! Talk about the king having no clothes!

 

[UKSBD]

Best day I ever had out and I don't begrudge paying £25 for (plus a lot more on booze) was a mates stag do.

Quad biking in Cotswolds, break for a nice breakfast/brunch Honda Pilots then a midday pub crawl before getting to a pub in Bicester to watch England Scotland at Euro 96.

When Gazza scored we were all rolling on the floor,

Bought a Dogs Bollocks T shirts in the pub (treasured that for years) a few more pubs before getting back to our local for the evening and a bit of 3 card brag

One of the best days I can remember (well some of it) - Who needs to pay for entertainment

Only bad thing - They were separated within 6 months

 

[UKSBD]

That's ruined my night

Dogs Bollocks - Portman Group

Read more about Dogs Bollocks at Portman Group. Explore expert insights, guidance, and the latest news on responsible drinking and industry standards.

www.portmangroup.org.uk

Dogs Bollocks got banned not long after, should have kept hold of that T shirt might have been worth something

 

[simon field]

As much as it costs. Worth every penny.

What Graham said. Live music is and always has been a passion of mine. Spiritual. Cost means nothing. You come in with nothing, you go out with nothing.
Enjoy every minute of it!

 

[simon field]

That's ruined my night

Dogs Bollocks - Portman Group

Read more about Dogs Bollocks at Portman Group. Explore expert insights, guidance, and the latest news on responsible drinking and industry standards.

www.portmangroup.org.uk

Dogs Bollocks got banned not long after, should have kept hold of that T shirt might have been worth something

I love how they’ve both admitted that the phrase ‘dogs bollocks’ often means’the best’, but have then tried to analyse the words ‘dogs’ and ‘bollocks’ separately, as if it wasn’t provocative enough

 

[MBE2017]

Personally I only listen to live music, most of my collection is bootleg live events. I love going to gigs and even a bad note is special, because it only happened that evening. Seen most well known acts, Tom Jones, Elton John, Thin Lizzy, Cher plus many more, all in their prime. Nothing beats a live show IMHO.

This year I just saw Barry Humphries live, seeing Al Murray shortly. I have never spent more than £200 for any event, the most costly ticket allowing for inflation was seeing Barnum live in the West End, just six weeks before Michael Crawford retired from the role.

Got a concierge to get me the best seats in the house, sold out for months beforehand, he came through at face value. I ended up sitting next to a royal family member with his kids. Still the best live theatre show I have ever seen. It was a treat for my girlfriend/now wife, we still talk about it almost 40 years later.

TV gets nowhere close to actually being at an event, the atmosphere is completely different, hard to explain.

 

[fisicx]

Went to see Yes at the Royal Albert Hall this week. Bruce Springsteen tribute in two weeks. Deep Purple later this year. Steve Hackett next year. Plus many others. All money well spent.

 

[Ian J]

The England vs New Zealand Test match is currently happening near me. I wouldn't pay to go and watch it. The last time I went to a Test match, I couldn't really see what was going on - the ball is too small and far away to see what's happening. I much prefer to watch it on TV, where the cameras get up close to the players in the middle.

There is no perspective on the TV though. The wicket keeper and slips look as if they are standing a couple of yards away from the batsman whereas they are actually 20 yards or so back and when the batsman hits the ball the cameras follow the ball so the TV viewer has no idea whether it will be a six or caught as the cameras don't track the fielders.

The chairman of one of the factoring companies that I deal with has a block of half a dozen debenture seats at Lords and behind them is a private bar so no queuing up for half an hour for a drink.

A few factoring companies also take boxes at certain cricket matches and that is also a very civilized way to watch the game especially when dinner is also thrown in. I live half way between Edgbaston and Trent Bridge so either suits me

 

[japancool]

There is no perspective on the TV though. The wicket keeper and slips look as if they are standing a couple of yards away from the batsman whereas they are actually 20 yards or so back and when the batsman hits the ball the cameras follow the ball so the TV viewer has no idea whether it will be a six or caught as the cameras don't track the fielders.

The chairman of one of the factoring companies that I deal with has a block of half a dozen debenture seats at Lords and behind them is a private bar so no queuing up for half an hour for a drink.

A few factoring companies also take boxes at certain cricket matches and that is also a very civilized way to watch the game especially when dinner is also thrown in. I live half way between Edgbaston and Trent Bridge so either suits me

Sadly, I don't have access to a private box at Lords.

 

[NewTime]

Just going to share 3 random experiences of "live entertainment"

A nightclub with entertainment

I go to nightclubs a lot and sometimes it's hit and miss. Last Saturday I went and they had entertainment in the forum of attractive dancers. Me and a friend had paid £12 for a nightclub and literally had no interest in these dancers, yet being told by the management that it "all ads into the cost" of the dor entry. We bump into some other folk and they say the same. Was anyone really bothered? Probably, but not the majority.

Football

My team recently got their new fixture list and released their ticket prices. We are in League One and our first game is £28 (minimum), it is wrong. Would I go for £28? No. Would I go for £20.

My previous events

I used to work in XXX events prior to 2018. We worked with VIP's (actual VIP's) and our door fee was £125 (yes, one hundred and twenty five pounds).

We offered nothing past entry. No live entertainment. No fancy entry. Nothing. The only thing that we offered was a private space for VIP's..

Something is only worth the price you are going to pay for it.

 

[menetworkjadaltd]

Thanks for all the responses.

Went into a bit of a cricket tangent, which I wouldn't expect anything less from UKBF.

It seems that live entertainment, as a whole, are still needed during hard times, which is great to see.

I believe what I have learnt from the responses is that "the worth" is needed to be emphasised more than anything.

Would you agree?

 

[UKSBD]

It seems that live entertainment, as a whole, are still needed during hard times, which is great to see.

Personally, I much prefer something recorded rather than live entertainment.

And even more so, things that I can control.
ie.
pause, fast forward, etc.

Ideal thing for me would be a mini cinema, but with me having the remote control

 

[menetworkjadaltd]

Personally, I much prefer something recorded rather than live entertainment.

And even more so, things that I can control.
ie.
pause, fast forward, etc.

Ideal thing for me would be a mini cinema, but with me having the remote control

A well formatted show can allow for toilet breaks ;-)

 

[UKSBD]

I'm usually doing 2 or 3 things at the same time.

Currently watching something on SkyGo, talking to someone on WhatsApp and replying when I get a notification here.

Can't really do that if it's live entertainment

Even when there is live football on I tend to be 2 or 3 minutes behind, but following live tweets, not quite so frustrating when we lose on penalties as I already know whether they have scored or not when watching

I doubt I would ever go and watch a live match again or watch a band (maybe a couple of exceptions if they were playing less than 10 miles from me)

 

[Casually made]

Personally I just don't get it.

I'm a tight git and the thought of paying anything more than £20 for any event fills me with dread.

£11 to watch Top Gun in an Everyman cinema with sofa seats is about my limit

How people pay hundreds of £ to watch a sport is beyond me, especially when everything is so much clearer watching at home on TV or in a pub.

I might spend a tenner if there was a good comedian at a comedy show, but only if they were within 20 miles of me as I would begrudge paying to get there.

Possibly spend a tenner to watch a band in a pub type venue or even up to £20 if there was a theatre show I wanted to see, but that's my limit

Most I spent was about £200 watching England at Twickenham, but didn't enjoy it as I was constantly thinking £200 for this and would never do it again, even if someone offered me a ticket to a world cup final for £100

What is the point in money if it brings you virtually zero benefit or enjoyment

It's literally a tool of life not your entire life

I have little interest in purchasing consumer goods anymore because ive taken time to understand marketing & advertising and realise that most products you think that you need you really don't

However experiences !?! completely different kettle of fish

You have maybe 40 years at most of you would hope good health and regular income , you need to make damn sure you spend every last penny on doing activities and holidays you enjoy and can treasure the memories from

"Retirement" is the biggest lie ever told why would i want to save up for an era my health is likely to be at its worst hahaa

I would certainly pay whatever it cost for some live entertainment like a show or play or something

 

[MBE2017]

I would certainly pay whatever it cost for some live entertainment like a show or play or something

I would pay a fortune to see certain acts live again, Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Bowie, Dire Straits, ELO, Gladys Knight etc back in their prime, but that’s the beauty of a live event, you see it or miss it, you cannot re run it, you can experience it.

Time catches up with most of them eventually, but the great acts adapt and will still be remembered long after today’s minor celebs are gone.

 

[Ian J]

Ideal thing for me would be a mini cinema, but with me having the remote control

I have one at home but nowadays the screen is just something for me to fall asleep in front of

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

So Ian I'm not the only one that falls asleep in front of the telly at eleven minutes past seven every night ?

 

[WaveJumper]

Went to see Yes at the Royal Albert Hall this week. Bruce Springsteen tribute in two weeks. Deep Purple later this year. Steve Hackett next year. Plus many others. All money well spent.

Agree depending on venue can’t beat seeing your favourite musicians live and seeing Yes was worth the treat even if I had to wait two years and combat a rail strike.

 

[Mark T Jones]

---

Thanks for all the responses.

Went into a bit of a cricket tangent, which I wouldn't expect anything less from UKBF.

It seems that live entertainment, as a whole, are still needed during hard times, which is great to see.

I believe what I have learnt from the responses is that "the worth" is needed to be emphasised more than anything.

Would you agree?

I suspect budgets will be constrained, but there will always be scope for live entertainment.

I know nothing if the economics of putting on a festival, but a friend who is close to that business says its tough - many of the big ones are now owned by VCs.

I know a number of smaller pub music venues are propped up by crowd funding

I've "kind of' decided that I don't like stadium gigs. 'Kind of" because there are bands I'd like to see who are only likely to play stadiums

Anyway, I'm off to the circus tonight. Absolutely no idea what that will be like and deliberately haven't researched it.

 

[Ian J]

I would pay a fortune to see certain acts live again, Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Bowie, Dire Straits, ELO, Gladys Knight etc back in their prime, but that’s the beauty of a live event, you see it or miss it, you cannot re run it, you can experience it.

I saw Van Morrison several times back in his heyday and was always disappointed by his complete lack of charisma although I loved his music.

When I lived in the North East I travelled down to Wembley to see Chris Rea and he gave a very polished live show. A few months later I saw him again but this time in his native North East and what a difference as this time he was a real rocker leaving his polish behind for the wealthy Southerners in favour of high energy.

Talking about high energy I also saw Tina Turner at Gateshead Stadium 30 years ago and she burned more calories on that night than I did in a month. What a performer

 

[Jeff FV]

Off to Glastonbury in hour or so for the day.

As a local (live circa 6 miles from Worthy farm) I can get a day ticket for the Sunday £90. (Bought over two years ago for the 2020 festival - its been a long wait!)

I’m sure it will be worth it, last went in 1987

 

[Mark T Jones]

I saw Van Morrison several times back in his heyday and was always disappointed by his complete lack of charisma although I loved his music.

When I lived in the North East I travelled down to Wembley to see Chris Rea and he gave a very polished live show. A few months later I saw him again but this time in his native North East and what a difference as this time he was a real rocker leaving his polish behind for the wealthy Southerners in favour of high energy.

Talking about high energy I also saw Tina Turner at Gateshead Stadium 30 years ago and she burned more calories on that night than I did in a month. What a performer

Good points - how often do you hear someone enthusing over a gig they saw on TV 30 years ago?

 

[fisicx]

Who Puts the Boot In
Charlton Athletic Football Ground
1976

One of the loudest concerts ever and the first ever use of lasers. An awesome show.

 

[UKSBD]

I think the last concert I went to was a Gary Glitter Christmas show at the NEC

 

[Mark T Jones]

I think the last concert I went to was a Gary Glitter Christmas show at the NEC

He was a great showman!

Possibly flawed in other ways.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Interesting that the thread has drifted automatically to live music - admittedly my favourite variety of live entertainment

How about

Comedy
Theatre
Circus (in the broadest sense)
Shows
Etc?

 

[Ian J]

One of the loudest concerts ever and the first ever use of lasers. An awesome show.

When I lived in Newcastle my house was about 4 miles from St James Park and when Status Quo appeared there I just opened my front door, stood in the doorway and listened to the concert

 

[MikeJ]

He was a great showman!

Possibly flawed in other ways.

"Possibly"???

 

[Mark T Jones]

"Possibly"???

Highly possible

 

[MikeJ]

There is nothing like being there. Nothing at all. I can enjoy a football match on the TV, but the atmosphere at a ground makes it so much more. Macca last night - looked ok on the TV, but anyone that was there would have been raving about it, even if they were miles from the stage.

What is the point in money if it brings you virtually zero benefit or enjoyment

It's literally a tool of life not your entire life

I have little interest in purchasing consumer goods anymore because ive taken time to understand marketing & advertising and realise that most products you think that you need you really don't

However experiences !?! completely different kettle of fish

You have maybe 40 years at most of you would hope good health and regular income , you need to make damn sure you spend every last penny on doing activities and holidays you enjoy and can treasure the memories from

^^ This though. This in bucket loads. Highest thing I've ever paid for in terms of cost per minute was 30 minutes in a two-seater Spitfire. Worth every damn penny.

 

[UKSBD]

I think the biggest thing we learn from this thread as a business perspective is know and target your market.

Try to sell me a front row ticket to see McCartney for £10 your wasting your time

Target the right people and you might be able to sell that same ticket for £1,000