Let’s be honest: the idea of squeezing into a packed venue, surrounded by strangers yelling song lyrics into each other’s faces, might not sound like a recipe for better health. Especially if you’re past the age of staying out past midnight on a Wednesday just to hear an encore. But what if science—and not just wishful thinking—suggests that catching a live show every couple of weeks might actually help you live longer?
That’s exactly what a curious study claims. Conducted by behavioral science expert Patrick Fagan in partnership with O2 (a UK-based entertainment and telecommunications company), the research proposes that regularly attending concerts can add as many as nine years to your life.
It’s a bold claim. But dig a little deeper, and the logic behind it starts to make a surprising amount of sense.
Live Music and the Longevity Equation
So how does being squished in a crowd while someone plays an electric guitar possibly translate into more birthdays? According to the study, the answer lies in the emotional, psychological, and even physiological reactions that people experience during live performances.
Music, especially when experienced in person, has a way of tapping into deep parts of the human brain. It stimulates pleasure centers, releases feel-good hormones like dopamine, and creates a sense of connectedness with others. All of these reactions contribute to a greater sense of well-being, which science already links to improved physical health and longevity.
The study used a combination of heart-rate monitoring and psychometric testing to measure participants’ reactions while attending concerts. Just 20 minutes at a live gig reportedly resulted in a 21% boost in well-being. For comparison, that’s higher than the reported benefit of doing yoga (10%) or walking a dog (7%).
In simpler terms: those glowing feelings you get after belting out your favorite chorus with a crowd of strangers might not just be good vibes—they could be giving your health a meaningful nudge.
Read more: Researchers Find Musicians Brain Is Still ‘Composing’ Music Years After Death
The Social Science of Shared Joy
If you’ve ever stood in a concert crowd and felt like you were part of something bigger than yourself, you’re not alone. Humans are hardwired for connection, and live music taps directly into that instinct. According to the researchers, attending concerts fosters a sense of belonging, even among complete strangers. Sharing a collective emotional experience—whether it’s screaming during a guitar solo or swaying under dim lights—strengthens our social bonds.
In a world where loneliness is increasingly being recognized as a public health issue (with some health experts comparing its effects to smoking 15 cigarettes a day), moments of authentic connection matter more than ever. Studies have shown that people with strong social networks live longer and report better overall health. If music brings us together in a way that encourages those bonds, it may well be acting as a kind of emotional immune booster.
Mental Stimulation in a Sonic Package
Let’s not forget the mental workout that concerts provide. Watching a performance live engages multiple parts of the brain at once—listening, watching, analyzing, reacting, remembering lyrics, and emotionally processing what you’re hearing. It’s sensory overload in the best way.
Engaging with music on this level has been linked to better cognitive function, improved memory, and even decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This is especially relevant as we age, since keeping the brain active and engaged is a key factor in staying mentally sharp later in life.
And it’s not just the music. The anticipation before a concert, planning your outfit, traveling to the venue, and the general excitement of the event all combine to stimulate the brain. According to the study, this kind of stimulation can lead to higher productivity, better self-esteem, and overall feelings of satisfaction and energy.
So How Often Should You Rock Out?
According to the study, hitting up a concert every two weeks is the magic number. That might sound like a lot, especially for people with full-time jobs, kids, or introverted tendencies. But the researchers claim that this frequency is enough to keep your levels of well-being, happiness, and mental alertness consistently high.
Of course, “concert” doesn’t have to mean a massive stadium show with fireworks and confetti. A small local band at a café, an open mic night, or a jazz session in the park might count too. The key lies in the live, communal experience—feeling the music in the moment, in real time, with other people.
Read more: Astronomers Tuned Into a Nearby Star’s “Music” and Made a Shocking Discovery
Wait… Isn’t This Study Sponsored by a Ticket Company?
You’ve got a point. The study was backed by O2, a major company that owns one of the largest concert venues in the UK. And yes, the study also just happens to promote their Priority Tickets program, which gives their customers early access to shows.
It’s fair to be skeptical. The idea that a company that profits from concert attendance is also publishing research about how concerts make you live longer is, at the very least, convenient. But even with that caveat, the findings aren’t completely out of left field.
Numerous independent studies have explored the benefits of music on health—both mental and physical. For instance, research published in journals like The Lancet, Frontiers in Psychology, and The British Journal of Psychiatry has found that music therapy can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and even lower blood pressure.
In one notable study from Finland, older adults who regularly listened to or performed music were found to have better memory and reasoning skills than their peers who didn’t.
So while the O2-backed study might have some marketing gloss, the broader concept of music as a health enhancer isn’t a fringe theory—it’s increasingly accepted in the scientific community.
But What About the Downsides of Concerts?
Not everyone feels energized by a crowded room with flashing lights and booming speakers. For some, concerts can be physically taxing, expensive, or even overwhelming. And of course, not all live music experiences are created equal—a bad sound system or a rowdy crowd can turn a fun night into a headache.
However, the takeaway from the research isn’t that any concert will make you healthier or happier. Rather, it’s the positive, emotionally rich experiences—those that leave you feeling uplifted, connected, and engaged—that seem to have lasting benefits. If a particular show makes you feel joyful and alive, chances are, it’s doing something good for your health too.
The Universal Language of Healing
At its core, music is a universal human experience. It has existed in every known culture throughout history. From ancient tribal chants to Beethoven’s symphonies to modern pop festivals, music has always served as a tool for connection, celebration, and emotional release.
That deep cultural resonance may explain why music affects us on such a profound level. Whether we realize it or not, our brains and bodies respond to rhythm, melody, and harmony in ways that go beyond entertainment. And when that music is experienced live—with all its imperfections, surprises, and real-time magic—it becomes even more powerful.
Read more: The Music That You Listen To Literally Causes Changes In Your Brain
Final Notes: Should You Add “Concerts” to Your Wellness Routine?
Is going to a concert every two weeks a guaranteed ticket to nine extra years on Earth? Probably not. But should you feel less guilty about splurging on a concert ticket every now and then? Absolutely.
This study, promotional angle aside, offers a compelling reminder that joy, connection, and emotional stimulation are not luxuries—they’re essential parts of a healthy life. Whether it’s dancing in a crowd, singing along with your favorite band, or just feeling the bass vibrate in your chest, those moments matter.
So next time you’re debating whether to stay home or buy a ticket, remember: it might not just be good for your soul—it could also be good for your heart, brain, and maybe even your longevity.
After all, who wouldn’t want to live a little longer and have a great time doing it?
