The average music fan will do two thirds of their listening alone – totalling 379 solitary hours a year.
A poll of 2,000 adults who regularly listen to music found the experience has become increasingly something they do alone, with 11 per cent claiming they never enjoy this art form with other people.
Most songs are heard through headphones or while in the car rather than as part of a shared experience – in fact, only eight per cent of all music listening happens at live events, highlighting how rarely people experience music together in person.
Yet those who attend live music events discover four times as many new artists as those who never go, demonstrating the unique role live music still plays in helping people find new favourites.
Which may be why, looking back, 59 per cent of over-35s believe music was a far more communal experience in the 1990s.
A third (33 per cent) said they listened to music with others much more regularly than they do today, while 24 per cent fondly remember creating and sharing mixtapes with friends.
Another 33 per cent miss the days before streaming platforms and algorithms, with 30 per cent saying discovering new music was more enjoyable than it is today.
For Gen Z, however, music discovery is increasingly driven by TikTok, with 34 per cent saying they only discover new music once it has gone viral.
Today’s listening habits also suggest many people are stuck in familiar routines, typically returning to the same seven songs, six artists, and four go-to playlists on repeat.
Greene King commissioned the research as part of its Live at Your Local [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/live-at-your-local] campaign, which will see 900 grassroots artists perform at free live music events in pubs across the UK this summer and is backed by McFly star Danny Jones.
To explore why live music leaves such a lasting impression, the pub group partnered with neuroscientist Dr Julia Jones, also known as Dr Rock, to examine how live performances strengthen memory, emotional connection and social bonding.
Dr Rock said: “There’s growing evidence that shared live music experiences can extend your healthy life.
“The sensory effect of your entire body being immersed in sound vibrations generated by a live musician performing in front of you has deep impact and can create memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
“Solo listening simply cannot match this neural effect.”
While only 34 per cent of Brits currently attend gigs or concerts, the research suggests those who do enjoy lasting benefits.
More than a quarter (26 per cent) said seeing an artist perform at a small or grassroots venue could turn them into a lifelong fan – almost matching the influence of a major arena show (29 per cent) and far outweighing the impact of an algorithmic recommendation (five per cent).
After seeing an artist perform live, 31 per cent have gone on to see them again, 29 per cent became a fan, 27 per cent recommended the artist to someone else, and more than a quarter (27 per cent) discovered a song that went on to become one of their all-time favourites.
For others, the experience broadened their musical horizons, with 13 per cent discovering a genre they never expected to enjoy and another 13 per cent making connections or friendships with fellow fans.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 32 per cent said their most memorable music experiences happened in person rather than through streaming or recorded music.
Meanwhile, 31 per cent reported that live music helps them feel more present, 29 per cent believe it boosts their mood more than listening at home, and a quarter (25 per cent) said experiencing music with others makes them feel more connected to friends.
While almost two thirds (64 per cent) believe major concerts have become too expensive, more than a quarter (27 per cent) are looking for more affordable entertainment this summer.
Andrew Gallagher, from Greene King pubs, said: “It’s clear from the research that many people want to break out of their musical comfort zones and enjoy more shared experiences, but cost and accessibility can often stand in the way.
“That’s exactly why we’ve created Live at Your Local. By bringing free live performances to Greene King pubs across the UK, we’re making it easier for people to discover new artists, support grassroots talent and experience the atmosphere and excitement that only live music can create.
“Whether it’s finding your next favourite band or simply enjoying a great night out with friends, we hope our events help bring people back together through music.”