Young Australians are spending more on entertainment in 2024 compared to 2019, even as they report feeling less financially secure, with 62 percent stating that music is important to them.

Events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour exemplify the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) phenomenon, driving fans to spend heavily on global tours alongside other notable artists.

Lady Gaga's upcoming Mayhem Ball, her first performance in Australia in over a decade, is generating significant interest, with ticket prices ranging from $200 to over $1500.

Despite these trends, around two-thirds of Australians wish to listen to more local music, and nearly half have attended at least one live event in the past year.

Despite expressing enthusiasm for local artists, Australian music fans tend to prioritize tickets for international acts like Coldplay and Taylor Swift when it comes time to purchase.

Additionally, fans are spending less on alcohol at gigs, with over half choosing to drink beforehand to save money, which poses challenges for venues reliant on bar sales.

This research, titled 'Listening In: Insights on live music attendance,' is part of ongoing investigations into the struggling live music scene, which has seen many festivals cancelled and smaller venues shut down.

A recent report released on April 29, 2025, reveals a significant disconnect between Australians' supportive attitudes toward local music and their actual concert attendance behavior.

The report highlights that Australian gigs are not as prominently advertised or accessible as those of global stars, making it harder for fans to discover local artists.

The research was funded by Music Australia in collaboration with various organizations, utilizing nationally representative data samples, surveys, and focus groups to gather insights.

While overall attendance at live music events is rising, major venues are becoming more popular, leading to a decline in audiences at smaller pubs and clubs.

Interestingly, 72 percent of music fans saved money over the past year to attend major live music events, indicating a strong desire to see high-profile concerts despite financial pressures.