“COVID-19 Impacts Audience Confidence” by Dylanna Fisher

Would you go to a concert for your favourite musician? What about during a pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of Canadians’ lives. This is especially true for in-person events such as live music. In the case of live music, most audience members are hesitant to return to their music during the pandemic, even as the limitations are being lifted. One in five Canadians has postponed a live music event, while another 20% have cancelled events due to the pandemic. 

The survey says that, indeed, COVID-19 Impacts Audience Confidence within the music industry.

Teaming up with Audacity Data, Music Canada sent a survey to citizens across Canada to gauge their reactions to live music during a pandemic. The data showed that most people who love live performances are still unsure of meeting in large groups despite their love for music and live performances.

The percentages for “live music lovers” (those who regularly attend live music concerts or events pre-pandemic) are even higher—over a third of events that music lovers planned to participate in had been postponed (39%) or cancelled (43%).

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact. Without a doubt, Covid-19 Impacts Music Audience Confidence. Half of the Canadian population is uncertain whether they would ever feel comfortable attending a live performance in the United States, and about 32% believe that it will take at least six months for them to feel comfortable again. Even the most ardent music lovers are hesitant to return quickly, even after the lifting of physical distancing guidelines. Less than 40% would feel comfortable attending a live performance within a few months or less, while 43% would feel comfortable only after six months or more.

Even the most avid music lovers are reluctant to return quickly, even after lifting physical distancing guidelines. Less than 40% would feel comfortable in a few months or less. Many more, 43%, would feel comfortable in six months or more.

Statistics among music lovers and live venue attendants.

Among self-described live music lovers:

• 49% say it will take six months or more, or they may never feel comfortable at large venues.
• 48% feel the same way about going to a music festival.
• 68% say it will take six months or more, or they may never feel comfortable attending a concert in the United States again.
• 58% say cancelling live music events has made them feel worse about the pandemic, which is 34% higher than the average person.

In conjunction with Music Canada, Abacus Data will revisit the same survey to see if the anxiety surrounding the quarantine will lessen. Keep an eye out for the survey here.

Comment below to discuss your thoughts on live performances during the Covid-19 pandemic. How have you noticed that COVID-19 Impacts Audience Confidence?