Concerts in the UK are increasingly becoming multigenerational affairs, with families attending gigs together in growing numbers. From Stevie Wonder to Billie Eilish, parents and children are sharing musical experiences that span decades.
Mark Taubert brought his seven-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter to Stevie Wonder's Cardiff concert in July. 'He came on to the stage and lit the place up with his charisma and magnetism,' Taubert said. 'I was surprised to see quite a few different age groups in the crowd.' His son Idris even had a brief nap during 'Living for the City' but woke up for 'Sir Duke'.
James Cooper and his daughter Astrid bonded over The Jesus and Mary Chain at Tramshed in Cardiff in June. 'As a fan since I was 15, I was delighted that my daughter declared they were her favourite band too,' Cooper said. 'She didn’t get emotional like I did, though. It was maybe more significant for me, as she is almost the same age as I was when I first saw them.'
Alice Witter travelled 200 miles with her 18-year-old son to see Billie Eilish in Manchester. 'The crowd was amazing. It was all mixed generations, and everybody was dancing and singing,' she said. 'It’s the best concert I had seen since Sting in the 1990s.'
Jo Ortlieb, 58, an English teacher in France, has attended gigs with her sons since they were 11 and 13. 'Our parents didn’t go to concerts, whereas we did, so I guess it’s the age we live in,' she said. 'It’s really nice to see more families at concerts nowadays.'
