Fans take extreme measures to avoid concert spoilers
Social media posts featuring artists like Charli XCX have surged, prompting some concert-goers to seek ways to preserve surprise elements.
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Includes named fans, Guardian editor, TikTok data, and cites independent outlets.
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A growing number of music fans are taking significant steps to avoid learning details about upcoming concerts, including setlists, stage designs, and surprise moments, before attending. The proliferation of fan-recorded videos and discussions online means spoilers can emerge months before some fans have the chance to experience the show themselves.
Fan strategies to avoid spoilers
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Aurélia Collins, a 20-year-old criminology student, described her efforts to curate her social media feed to avoid spoilers for artists like Niall Horan. She actively marks videos as "not interested" and attempts to trick her algorithm, stating that while it makes her feed "bland," the surprise is "worth it." Collins was particularly disappointed to encounter a spoiler for Horan's London show, her first time seeing him live after 16 years of fandom. She expressed a desire for the "full experience," which includes the element of surprise.
Conversely, some fans, such as Georgia McAdam, embrace spoilers, viewing them as "teasers." McAdam, a 22-year-old Olivia Rodrigo fan, prefers to be prepared and believes online videos cannot diminish the excitement of a live performance, noting that artists may still perform surprise songs or unexpected elements.
Artist and platform responses
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In response to the desire for surprise, some artists have begun to alter their shows nightly. Taylor Swift featured bespoke outfits and surprise songs during her Eras tour, Sabrina Carpenter adjusted her performances, and Jay-Z has modified his setlist. Laura Snapes, deputy music editor at The Guardian, suggested these changes also serve to maintain media attention, with unique moments likely to be shared widely on platforms like TikTok.
TikTok data indicates a substantial increase in posts related to specific artists. For instance, posts using the hashtag #CharliXCX rose by more than 40% following the launch of her Music, Fashion, Film tour last month. Snapes advised that for those seeking surprise, the only effective method is to actively avoid platforms like TikTok and "protect yourself from absorbing any of that culture."
Phoebe Bridgers has implemented a stricter policy at her concerts, requiring all attendees to lock their phones and recording devices in a special pouch upon entry. Individuals found violating this rule face being escorted from the venue. While McAdam does not support phone bans, viewing recording as part of the concert experience, Collins stated she is "not totally against it" and would prefer more spoiler warnings on videos.
Despite efforts to control information, Snapes noted that unexpected "moments of humanity" and unplanned events, such as Taylor Swift being visibly unwell during a performance, can still occur, ensuring an element of surprise.
Questions this report answers
+How much has social media activity increased for artists like Charli XCX?
TikTok data shows that posts using the hashtag #CharliXCX have increased by more than 40% since the singer began her Music, Fashion, Film tour last month. This surge reflects the widespread sharing of concert content online.
+What measures are some artists taking to prevent spoilers?
Phoebe Bridgers requires concert-goers to lock their phones in a special pouch upon arrival. Other artists, like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, have adapted by changing their setlists or performances nightly to offer unique experiences for later attendees.
+What advice is given to fans who want to avoid spoilers?
Laura Snapes, deputy music editor at The Guardian, advises fans seeking surprise to actively avoid social media platforms like TikTok. She suggests people must "protect yourself from absorbing any of that culture" to maintain the element of surprise for live shows.
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