To not understand the appeal of arena music shows?

[wellingtonsandwaffles]

YABU - arena shows are great
YANBU - don’t get it either

Please help me understand the appeal! I understand if you’ve spent ££££ and are close enough to see the artist but in all the pictures I’ve seen recently of people going to big shows, they are so far back it seems as though they’d be watching the show through the screens anyway. I’d be very surprised if they can see anything properly on the stage.

I understand the draw of a big crowd and atmosphere but is that really enough to warrant £100+ tickets each?

I also understand that for many kids musicians are idols. But this isn’t limited to Taylor Swift, all big musicians put on these huge shows and huge numbers of people go from around the world. I just don’t get it!

AIBU?

clearly getting old

If IABU please help me understand and share what is great about massive concerts - particularly for the everyday goer who is miles back!

Harry this year, Lewis Capaldi last year, Mika on Summer Solstice this year, and Billy Joel in Hyde Park are a few stand outs of outdoor shows, I've been really lucky with the weather.
Bastille on the 28th so hopefully it'll stay dry, but Dundee at this time of year is unlikely, I have waterproofs and wellies!

Haha so many people at Pulp last night, it were awesome!

op I don’t think anyone loves arenas, everything costs a fortune, you’re crammed in, often they’re hard to leave and get home from etc etc. But the music and atmosphere are amazing, and that’s what you’re there for. There’s loads of things people do with their time and money I can’t fathom, but if we all liked the same things the world would be a poorer place.

Love live music but prefer smaller venues if possible. As a previous poster said above, arena shows can be 'curiously uninvolving' from the seats. Worst show ever was Bob Dylan, some of the standouts have been other old-timers. Dolly Parton at O2 the night before here Glasto set was amazing, Barry Manilow at Wembley Arena putting on a proper show. Prince at the O2!

But I prefer smaller venues now - anywhere from intimate places like Pizza Express Live or Ronnie Scott's; outdoor venues like Hampton Court and Kew; or the Albert Hall or a regular theatre venue with a comfy seat.

Obviously Pulp at Glasto in 1995 is hard to beat

It may be the only option to see certain bands.

I was also at Pulp last night and I think it's the collective aspect of being in a huge space of people who love the same thing as you, just singing along and really enjoying yourself. It was only £62.50 and you could stand anywhere for that, so it didn't seem too pricey.