Punters Reveal Biggest Frustration At Gigs

Punters have revealed that toilet queues are a major annoyance at concerts, as found in the newly published Annual Live Music Census.

Winarch Group published the survey findings last week (28 November). In addition to queues for going to the toilet at gigs, concertgoers detailed other frustrations, including expensive concert tickets and additional booking fees, a lack of nearby venues, and “inadequately” designed concert venues.

According to the Census results, when punters were at the gig, they responded that toilet queues were the biggest frustration (59%), with women listing it as a bigger concern than men (67% to 50%).

Winarch Live’s Ewen Craig said of the issue (per news.com.au), “It is still a major problem because most of the big venues, mostly for festivals, are temporary, and they have to bring in toilets.”

Long toilet queues were also cited as a problem in last year’s inaugural Annual Live Music Census. 47% of women described them as their biggest frustration at live music events, while just 27% of men agreed.

On Reddit, punters ask the question: can they survive a whole gig without going to the toilet? Especially if they’re at the barrier, have to weave through a large crowd, and find a toilet that’s not always near entrances at an arena or stadium or the stage at a festival ground.

Winarch Group Founder Paul Lambess said of this year’s Australian Live Music Census: “Understanding the priorities, perceptions and preferences of Australians when it comes to live music is key to ensuring we have a thriving local industry.

“The Winarch Group Australian Live Music Census paints a picture of an Australia that knows what it wants – more purpose-built live music venues, fewer issues with accessibility and transport, and the opportunity to create more lifetime memories.”

Lambess added, “The data in this second annual Winarch Group Australian Live Music Census will help inform venue owners, promoters, policymakers and key stakeholders to ensure they’re prioritising what people want and need from this culture-defining industry.”