Is it necessary to know the artist before going to his concert?

Concert (image generated using artificial intelligence for informational purposes only)

Hardcore fans feel cheated when they don’t get tickets to their favorite artist’s show, but casual visitors claim they’re there for the new music and may just turn into fans by the end of the concert. Which side are you on?
Another day has arrived and somewhere in India people are talking about Coldplay or Diljit Dosanjh’s sold out concerts. While sold-out concerts mean good news for the performers, those without tickets are left sulking and blaming “people who don’t even know two of the artists’ songs” for snatching tickets away from die-hard fans. a large portion of people who believe that live performances are fun for everyone, no matter how familiar they are with the performer.
In an online survey conducted by Pune Times, we found that:
38% I believe that anyone can come to a concert without knowing much about the artist or his music.
50% believe that concertgoers should at least know about the artist, 10% believe this is based on the experience of real fans
54% attend a concert to hear live music from your favorite artist/band
26% Come for the atmosphere and energy
66% find out about the artist or band before attending their concert
22% listen to their popular songs
12% just go with the flow
10% I feel like this is based on the experience of real fans
It’s all about the music and the artist
For dedicated fans, attending a concert is an emotional experience that relates to their personal connection with the artist. “When I saw that Diljit Dosanjh’s concert was sold out, I was delighted until I realized how many people who came didn’t know his music,” says Jasleen Kaur, a 25-year-old student. “His music represents our culture and our identity. It’s not just a random evening.” Coldplay fans who struggled to get tickets feel the same way. “I spent years following this band, knowing their journey and looking forward to seeing them live. It’s unfortunate to see people who can barely name two songs occupying these limited spaces,” says Adarsha Chatterjee, a freelance financial communications professional.

Fans at Diljit Dosanjh’s concert (Image generated using AI for informational purposes only)

When you’ve supported an artist for years, missing out on their concert is like missing out on a unique opportunity, I just wish there was a way to make it fair for fans like us.

Tripti Choudhary, ophthalmologist and Coldplay fan.

Felt cool. Maybe later I’ll become a fan
On the other hand, casual concertgoers view live performances as an opportunity to listen to new music and enjoy socializing. For them it’s not only a cool atmosphere, but also, hopefully, a discovery of a new artist. “Last year I went to AP Dhillon’s concert with friends. I didn’t know all his songs and I don’t understand Punjabi, but the atmosphere was amazing,” says Rhea Mehta, a 30-year-old marketing professional, adding, “This concert made me a fan. Isn’t that what live music is all about, bringing people together?” For some, concerts about being part of a broader cultural moment. “When a big artist comes to India, it’s like an event you can’t miss. I may not know every song by this man, but I love the energy of the crowd and the performance.” Some artists themselves often appreciate this diversity in their audiences.

As an artist, you want people to experience your music in a way that suits them. Whether they’re a lifelong fan or discovering you for the first time, a concert is an opportunity to live and share that moment.

Yashasvi Ahuja, aspiring musician

At the end of the day, whether you’re a fan or not, concerts are about the experience of something. Even if someone doesn’t know the lyrics, they’re here for the music and the energy, and that’s okay.

Riti Sabharwal, architect and music lover

Ticket dilemma
Disputes between fans and casual visitors are often fueled by the problem of obtaining tickets to popular shows. Fans often lose out to resellers or casual visitors, which leads to disappointment. “I spent several hours in an online queue trying to get tickets for the Diljit Dosanjh concert in Pune, but in vain,” says Saurabh Deothale, a 30-year-old data analyst, adding, “Meanwhile, I saw people on social media who didn’t did this. I don’t even know his latest album will get tickets. It doesn’t seem fair.”

A fan is upset that he didn’t receive a concert ticket (Image generated using AI for informational purposes only)

The challenge is to create a fair system that balances loyal fans with new audiences. The concerts are committed to inclusivity, but we understand the disappointment of fans who have waited years to see their favorite artist. Growing demand for live events makes it difficult to satisfy everyone

Antara Menon, Event Planner

Wider shift in concert culture
Experts say there has been a cultural shift in the way concerts are viewed. “Earlier, concerts were more niche and tickets mostly went to die-hard fans,” says NCR professor Manoj Kalra, who specializes in pop culture. He adds: “Today, concerts are seen as social events and part of a lifestyle. This shift brought more audience diversity, but also created tension between fandom and casual attendance.”

Many people now attend concerts for the “moment” rather than for the music. The emphasis is on preserving and sharing experiences, which can sometimes overshadow the connection with the artist.

Shikha Jha, sociologist from Ranchi