**Quarter of UK Gig-Goers Leave Concerts Early, Prioritising Wellbeing Over Encores**
A striking new survey has revealed that a significant portion of British music fans are opting for an early departure from live music events, choosing rest and recovery over soaking up the final moments of a performance. According to research involving 2,000 concert attendees, one in four typically leaves before the encore, citing the desire for a post-gig wind down as their chief reason.
The trend appears to be most common among Generation Z, suggesting that even the youngest and seemingly most energetic concert-goers are not immune to the pull of a good night’s sleep. About a third of those surveyed said their decision to leave before the last note is played centres on ensuring they feel well the next day, underscoring an emerging focus on self-care amid the live music experience.
This shift in behaviour comes in the face of that familiar post-concert exhaustion. Over a third of those polled confessed to worrying about the aftermath of a late night, with 37 per cent admitting to engaging in structured self-care rituals after the music stops—from hydrating to quiet relaxing routines—in hopes of waking up revitalised. Yet, despite these efforts, more than half reported still feeling tired upon rising the morning after a gig, casting doubt on how effective these routines really are.
It isn’t just individuals adapting their habits. Businesses are beginning to take note of this growing trend. Holiday Inn Express, recognising the different ways people recover post-event, has introduced specialised ‘Fresh or Fried’ recovery packages for guests staying at participating hotels. Developed with TV personalities Will Best and AJ Odudu, the kits come with practical aides such as hydration sachets, earplugs, caffeine gum, soothing essential oils, and cooling under-eye masks—tools designed to help concert-goers recover, depending on whether they feel “fresh” or “fried” in the aftermath.
The debate between returning to everyday routines versus relaxing post-gig is alive and well, with 48 per cent preferring to rise at their usual time while 38 per cent embrace the luxury of a lie-in the next day. Will Best, cited as an avid gig attendee who must nevertheless rise early for breakfast radio, praises the virtues of properly winding down and a solid breakfast. Conversely, co-collaborator AJ Odudu identifies as a self-declared night owl, relishing the energy and buzz of late-night music, a habit she attributes to family influence.
Interestingly, the survey also shed light on preparation rituals before live shows. Sixteen per cent of respondents said they would nap prior to attending a concert, and eight per cent engaged in meditation. Among younger generations, these figures climb higher, highlighting a growing awareness among Gen Z and Millennials of the need to balance excitement with self-preservation.
When respondents were quizzed about their most anticipated live music experiences this summer, Ed Sheeran emerged as the clear favourite, followed by legendary Britpop veterans Oasis. Global superstars Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo rounded out the top five, showing the wide spectrum of musical tastes among British gig-goers.
Commenting on the findings, John Wright from Holiday Inn Express remarked on the diversity of the British concert audience: “As our research highlights, concert-goers approach their experiences in very different ways—some are night owls keen to soak up every moment, while others are more focused on health and wellbeing. Our care packages were designed to match these distinct preferences, helping everyone enjoy both the night itself and the morning after.”
This snapshot of modern gig culture suggests that, for an increasing number of UK music fans, looking after oneself is no longer just a priority, but an essential part of the live music experience. With new recovery packages popping up and old habits evolving, it appears that the days of staying until the very last encore may be reserved for only the most dedicated of fans.