In this episode we explore the transformational joy of the live music experience with fellow concert fan, international speaker, PGA professional and guitarist Ty Thompson. This was a fun one, my fellow concert fans. We connected with Ty to talk about why live music forever changed his life as a fan and artist. We dive into Ty’s inspiring insights and interconnected experiences as a PGA pro, live performer, Army veteran, and father. Enjoy the show! Artist explore in the show:  Michael Jackson Motley Crue  Van Halen Toby Keith Alice Cooper  Zach  Bryant Dylan Scott  Firehouse Johnny Cash Dianna Crawl 

Live music is more than an escape. The concert experience can be an intentional quest for self-discovery, revelation and purpose. In this episode, we connect with fellow concert fan Leslie as she shares why, in 2022, she decided to embark on a 99 shows quest to find a deeper sense of healing, meaning and emotional clarity in the live music experience.  Explored during the show:  Live music's impact on Leslie's childhood and upbringing Leslie's first concert experience, highlighting the importance of the venue, the audience, and the sense of community Leslie and Chris had a detailed discussion about Yoshi's, a sushi restaurant and concert venue in Oakland, California.  The role of sensory elements like smell, touch, and sound in creating a memorable experience. Her story of a therapist's question, "What makes you happy?" left her struggling for an answer until she realized that music, especially live performances, brought her joy. She decided to commit to attending 99 performances to fully immerse herself in this happiness.  Leslie's personal experiences with music and how it affected her mood and self-understanding.  Why attending music shows, particularly jazz, folk, rock, and alternative genres, helped her reconnect with herself and rediscover parts of herself she had forgotten.  The experience of attending shows was therapeutic for her, providing an opportunity to focus on her own emotions and thoughts.  Why Leslie's experiences with music went beyond mere entertainment, playing a significant role in her personal growth and self-discovery. Her approach to the 99 shows journey: rules and personal guidelines  Self-regeneration and socialization through music festivals Why her thirties were particularly challenging, causing her to lose touch with herself.  Finding solace in reflecting on her experiences through writing articles. Wishing she would have seen Tupac live and reflecting on his legacy Artist mentioned:  De La Soul Talib Kweli George Clinton Tupac Shakur The Roots Dru Hill Slum Village Chico DeBarge Erykah Badu      

In this episode we explore the live music experiences of singer/songwriter Brian Bertrand. This was a fun one, my fellow concert fans. We connected with Brian to talk about how he developed into a guitarist, the art of learning to play live, the different depths of community and intimacy when playing big stages versus small venues, and why growing up in a musical family forever changed artistic journey. We had a blast revisiting his most inspiring concert experiences which include a life-altering Pink Floyd show in Colorado, sneaking in to see early Styx in a high school fieldhouse in Chicago, and an unforgettable gig opening for REO Speedwagon! Explored during the show:  The influence family and siblings on his musical journey and guitar lessons from Sister Rose  How covering other artists’ music live can help fans serendipitously experience healing, catharsis and comfort The significance of guitar design, player hand size, and the process of customizing instruments all matter and make an impact when playing live The art and importance of reading fan nonverbal communication and interaction during band performances Why his band takes stage setup inspiration from Emerson, Lake and Palmer. The satisfaction of seeing people sing their lyrics back and the need for artists to cultivate a sense of community with their fans, both during shows and through social media.  A life-changing moment when they attended a Pink Floyd concert at the Mile High Stadium.  How music can bring comfort, especially when it resonates with a person's life experiences or emotions.  His love for deconstructing songs and his live music experiences.  The use of AI and hologram technology to recreate famous artists and their performances.  Artist Mentioned Reo Speedwagon Pink Floyd Styx Emerson Lake and Palmer Subdudes Garth Brooks  Glenn Phillips Jason Isbell Sweet Remains Rush Amy Winehouse Rod Stewart Corey Wong  

In this episode we connect with New Jersey-native concert fans Stacy and DJ. Listen in as they share their love for live music, the role of concertgoing during their upbringings, and the history of the rocking concert scene in New Jersey. Join us as we explore their transformational, artist-hugging and butt-grabbing live music memories as they reflect on the impact of seeing Springsteen, Stone Temple Pilots, Pink Floyd and more! Explored during the show:  The unique connections formed between artists and fans. Why physical connections, such as a hug from an artist or a crowd holding up a punk rocker, can be powerful and how they can also be therapeutic.  The potential loneliness and isolation felt by artists, even when they are surrounded by fans, and how these emotions can manifest in vulnerable performances.  Live music regrets and our admiration for musicians who’ve died to early Sneaking into a bar to see a Reggae band and accepting a challenge to grab Springsteen’s behind.  Being invited to sing on stage with the Stone Temple Pilots and why these encounters made them feel more connected to the artists they admire. Growing up with live music and family concert experiences in New Jersey The impact of seeing a Pink Floyd concert on Stacy in 1994 and how this concert deepened their bond with a friend and how it opened their eyes to the potential of live music.  The dedicated fan bases of various bands, such as Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, and the Grateful Dead, and how these fan communities contribute to the overall concert experience. Community and the sense of belonging experienced at live music events. Forming connections with strangers at concerts and how these experiences have strengthened their bonds with others.  The importance of sharing live music experiences with family and friends, including their children, and how these experiences create lasting memories. The connection between live music discovery and live performance   Artists mentioned:    Bruce Springsteen Taylor Swift Edie Brickell Stone Temple Pilots Prince Dave Matthews White Stripes Grateful Dead Tom Petty David Bowie

In this episode we explore…The origins of concert merch and why we love (and need) to buy it. We dive into the history, behavior economics, community impact and social identity of buying merch at live shows.   Explored in the episode:  The origins, history and significance of rock and roll and its impact on art, design, and merchandise production including Elvis’ and Bill Graham's influence.  The concept of assigning a monetary value to unique experiences such as concerts and the merchandise associated with them.  The concept of social identity theory and how it applies to concert fans and communities. Behavioral economics and its application in marketing and business.  Why do some bands or individuals make more money from their merchandise after they pass away than they did when they were alive, as seen in the case of Elvis, the Beatles, Janice Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. The impact of COVID-19 on the concert industry, focusing on the economic and emotional experiences of fans.  Maslow's hierarchy of needs and is attending concerts a luxury or a need?  Did the Covid-19 pandemic raise the economic and emotional demand for concert merch? The significance of wearing band merchandise and the connections it can foster among fans.  The importance of understanding the connection fans have with their favorite artists and how this can create a strong sense of belonging within a community. The concept of social identity theory and its role in shaping an individual's self-concept through their membership in social groups.  Does buying merch increase a sense of belonging?   The different levels of fan commitment and investment in merchandise. Are super fans important community builders who help spread the word and embody the brand?  The role of economics in the fan's identity cycle and the potential for bands to build communities and activate super fans through various strategies. Can you have concert merchandise addiction?  Info mentioned during the show:  Behavioral Economics Social Identity Theory  Social Identity Cycle  Concert Fan merch trends via www.atvenu.com Artist Mentioned:  Elvis Johnny Cash Slipknot Grateful Dead  Saul Williams   

In this episode we connect with fellow concert fan, columnist and editor Holly Thomas. Join us as we explore:  The UK live music experience and our shared passion for Freddie Mercury and Queen and dive into Mercury’s transcendent Live Aid performance.  Holly’s first concert experience with her father seeing The Dixie Chicks when she was 10 Holly’s memories seeing Fleetwood Mac at 24, with the show experience backdropped by an emotional breakup backstory.  Witnessed live performances by Rihanna and Amy Winehouse at the Brit Awards and Lollapalooza. The anxiety they felt about Rihanna's well-being due to her party-filled lifestyle before the event.  The tension and potential for magic when band members challenge each other, as well as the stress this creates for those in supporting roles.  The influence of personal relationships and experiences on the music created.  Artists discussed during the show: Fleetwood Mac  Amy Winehouse Beatles Rihanna  The Chicks Freddie Mercury and Queen Mclusky Lady Sovereign 

It’s finally happened. Our first Taylor Swift episode! Join as we explore Swift’s extraordinary Eras tour live shows, the fan concert experience and the Swiftie community with guests Dani and Olivia, co-hosts of the Taylearning podcast.  Olivia and Dani share their journey into becoming Swifties, their experiences with Taylor Swift's music, and the relationship between Swift and her fans. We explore the impact of Swift's music on different generations and her ability to connect women, particularly mothers and daughters. We speculated about potential surprise live collaborations, discussed the crazy ticket prices, and unpacked the emotional impact of Taylor Swift's music on her fans. They shared personal experiences at Taylor Swift's concerts and we explored transformative experiences for Olivia and Dani and other fellow fans.  Other topics explored:  Would they get married at a Taylor Swift concert? What they learned from the memories from their first Swift shows The unique aspects of Taylor Swift's live music experience and the ever-evolving Swiftie fan community. The parasocial relationship between Swift and her fans and why that makes fans feel valued and cared for.  Why and how Taylor uses her live performances as a form of therapy, and why hearing the song "All Too Well" live helped them process their emotions.  What leads a fan to becoming a 'Swiftie' and if it’s triggered by attending a live show or buying merchandise. Could a collaboration with Harry Styles or a live duet with Selena Gomez happen? What would a live collaboration with Bob Dylan look like?  Why Taylor's performances can't be replicated and their strong emotional response to hearing 'Would've, Could've, Should've', live.  The unique nature of Taylor Swift fandom's communal activities such as trading friendship bracelets at concerts and how it’s similar to other fan groups like Dead Heads (Grateful Dead) and Little Monsters (Lady Gaga).  Notes and artists discussed in the episode  Live Fix Podcast Episode 55: Can Live Music Be A Catalyst For Emotional Healing Taylor Swift Demi Lovato  Harry Styles  Selena Gomez Carly Rae Jepsen Grateful Dead Elvis Presley

In this episode we explore our deep appreciation for live music and its unique and profound ability to bring people together. We expressed gratitude for the therapeutic effects of live music and its ability to help individuals process difficult emotions and its impact on the younger generation. We share why we’re thankful to see parents exposing their children to concerts on social media, and how live music experiences bring people together, fostering conversations between parents and children. We explore a personal moment where we saw our son perform live, and why that was a transformative experience, redefining our understanding of joy and live music. Chris shares his gratitude for the ability to reflect this year, particularly in relation to his work on The Community-First Company on a forthcoming book about community building. In the book, he revisits his earliest experiences of feeling belonging and community at a concert featuring Saul Williams in Chicago, during which he felt a unique connection with the audience and the performer. He shares why this moment influenced his leadership approach, inspiring him to help organizations build meaningful communities for their employees and customers. We explore our thankfulness for the therapeutic effects of live music and its ability to reach places that traditional talk therapy might not, and that the unique experience of live music allows for a deeper exploration of oneself that cannot be replicated by simply listening to music.  We celebrate the imperfect nature of live performance and why it’s memorable and impactful, highlighting the raw vulnerability of the artist giving us an opportunity to appreciate an artist's growth and development, particularly in live performances.  Artist discussed in the episode  Amy Winehouse Saul Williams Grateful Dead

In this episode we share the stories and concert experiences of our fellow concert fan Ted (aka DJ Talk). Ted shares his childhood experiences and journey into live DJing and his hip hop and rap concert experiences in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Virginia and California. We explore the emotional experience created by live DJs and the role of the DJ in controlling and guiding the hearts and minds of the audience. We dive into Ted’s love for exploring different venues, bars, and stages on South Street in Philadelphia, and his passion for obscure places to see shows. We explored Ted’s love for underground clubs and their unique features and intimate moments.  Ted shares why he returned to Philadelphia after his mother's passing, and why his discovery of the city's unique music scene was so meaningful to him, and why the British DJs, and the rave scene had such an impact on him. We explore how he spontaneously found himself at a Grand Puba concert one night in Virginia, the creative concert merch and marketing of Nicki Minaj's merchandise and Ted’s honest viewpoint from the side of the stage during Minaj’s concert. Artists and live shows mentioned in the episode: Fatboy Slim Evanescence KRS-One Grand Puba The Roots Sade Nicki Minaj Earth, Wind & Fire

In this episode we explore the therapeutic aspect of the live music experience, the potential for both positive healing and negative triggering effects on bands and fans, the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in live music performances, the concept of live music as a emerging form of therapy, the future of live music and the potential for artists and fans to form a more symbiotic relationship, and the importance of support for artists, particularly in terms of mental health and emotional wellbeing.  Artists mentioned during the show:  Kelly Clarkson Demi Lovato Dave Grohl  Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert Kayne West Links:  The Catharsis of live music The psychological analysis of concertgoing Loneliness and touring  

In this episode, we explore the connection between shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and the live concert experience. Can classic live music venues be great places to do “concert bathing.” Can concert bathing be energizing and emotional therapy when practiced within the live music experience? Could concert bathing be therapeutic and build a stronger sense of community between concert fans? We explore classic and new venues that could be the best for concert bathing, and we explore the balance between natural venues and the virtual, artificial experience offered at venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas. Show Notes:  Forest bathing  Live music mindfulness   

Have you ever wondered…How safe you are at a show? Are concert tragedies like the 2003 Station Nightclub fire avoidable? How do concert fans emotionally recover in the aftermath of these traumatic live music events? How can live music fans be more protected and vigilant before and during a show? On this episode of Live Fix Podcast we dive into the tragic Station Nightclub fire that occurred in Rhode Island in 2003 and claimed the lives of 100 concert fans and left permanent scars on the local community. Join us as we explore the impact and lessons learned from this terrible event with special guest John Barylick, attorney and author of Killer Show, The Station Nightclub Fire, America’s Deadliest Rock Concert.    Before we dive in please join us in a moment of silence as we remember the lives of our fellow concert fans that were killed in the Station Nightclub fire.    Highlights, links and info from the show:  What caused the Station Nightclub Fire?  What was the impact of the tragedy on the Rhode Island community What did the concert industry learned from the tragedy What should concert fans do to be safer at a concert? How safe are concert fans at live shows?  What does the safety run look like for Bonnaro and other festivals?  Bands mentioned during the show include Bon Jovi, Beyonce, Four Seasons, Young Rascals, Huey Lewis and the News, Aerosmith and more.  John’s book: Killer Show. 

Have you ever been ambushed by the feeling of forgiveness at a show? It’s crazy, and honestly, a total revelation to realize the close connection between live music and experiencing forgiveness in our lives and during our most memorable live music experiences. We never thought that the act of forgiveness played such a major role in our concert experiences or that live music could actually be a catalyst creating moments to give and receive forgiveness. But it does. On this episode of Live Fix Podcast we dive into the close relationship between live music and forgiveness. Join us as we explore the powerful and transformative connection of using live music to give and receive forgiveness with special guest and forgiveness expert Natalie Baird-King.  Highlights, notes and links from the show:  How to navigate serendipitous forgiveness moments How to create intentional moments to help you experience forgiveness at your next show.  Natalie takes us through the role live music plays in her personal journey of forgiveness and overcoming abuse She shares concert experiences including U2, Journey, Taylor Swift, King & Country, Luke Combs, Michael Jackson and more. Natalie’s book Forgiving Unforgivable

Did you know that your favorite concert experiences don’t happen by accident? That’s right. Your most memorable shows are intentionally designed. On this episode of Live Fix Podcast we dive into the important topic of live concert design and explore the concert experience through the lens of “before, during and after” with event design expert Kristin Malek. Info and links mentioned in the show:  Why event design is important for fans, bands and venue owners  How the concert design can be improved and concert events designers can up their game. Kristin’s concert experiences: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Dave Matthews Band, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Backstreet Boys www.kristinmalek.com  www.experienceuniversity.org Kristin’s Extraordinary Events podcast  Kristin’s Tedx Talk

What happens when concert fans go missing, never make it to the show or disappear without a trace? How do you protect yourself and fellow fans from becoming a missing person? In this episode, we explore the topic of live music and true crime as we dive into stories about what happens when concert fans go missing before, during and after the show.  Info and links mentioned in the show:  Josiah “Jo” Hilderbrand and John Cleary: Gone missing on the way to The Dead Liz Hilderbrand’s Remember The Birds blog memoir Morgan Harrington: missing at Metalica show, found dead  Cory Barron:Fan Gone Missing, Found Dead at Jason Aldean concert Noah Enos Gone Missing at Salt Shed in Chicago, Found Dead Texas students went to a concert but went missing  National Database for Missing Persons: 19 concert fan-related missing persons between 1973-2023. (search keyword: concert)

The live music experience is filled with anxiety. Anxiety can be terrifying at a show, but it’s almost a necessary and essential part of the live concert experience. How do artists and fans navigate, cope and respond within such an emotional environment? What is the relationship between artist anxiety and fan anxiety? How is anxiety impacting the touring industry and the future of live music? We dive into these topics and explore much more. Enjoy the show!  Articles and topics discussed during the episode:  Stage Fright and performance anxiety Lewis Capaldi and LiveLive and anxiety escape rooms Why artists are canceling tours

Live music has a tremendous and profound impact on our hearts and human physiology. The connection between what we feel physically and what we feel emotionally in our heart is one of the most powerful experiences we have at a concert. So what actually happens to our physical hearts during a show? Can live music actually heal our heart? Can we visualize the actual physical impact of live music on our hearts?  In this episode we explore all these questions as we dive into the fascinating and inspiring work of Elaine Chew. Elaine is Professor of Engineering at King's College London in the Department of Engineering and the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences. She is also a concert pianist and currently leads two European Research Council projects COSMOS, CosmoNote, and HeartFM. In her work she is investigating the effects of performed music on both musicians' and listeners' physiology. As much as possible, she aims to use live music in her studies as this has been shown to have a more powerful effect.  Together we explore:   How she began playing as an concert pianist How our physical hearts are impacted by live music  The life changing emotional advice her piano teacher gave her right before her first performance  Her work in researching the healing power and influence of live music on cardiovascular issues Her favorite shows and performers  Among other topics, we have some fun exploring, what would happen if you transplanted and swapped the hearts of two different concert fans

Reflecting on and sharing our concert experiences changes our lives and the lives of our fellow concert fans. Concert storytelling helps us discover why live music means so much to us. But why and how does storytelling, past memories and emotions lead us to the present threshold of our most memorable concert experiences? Does our previous emotional history determine our present and future concert experiences? What role does premeditation and predestination play in the context of how much we enjoy and remember our live music experiences? In this episode we explore the excellent live music storytelling of Lance Ingram, host of Yesterday's Concert podcast. Together with Lance, we explore and dive into: The origin story of what inspired him to create Yesterday’s Concert podcast and the new Jam Journals The impact of hearing Paul McCartney singing "Something" on the ukulele Why telling the truth in concert storytelling is so important Why he loves to share his Jam Journals with the world What he learned from seeing 162 shows in a year Why his first concert seeing the Allman Brothers was so memorable  The role of Lance’s dad and friends in his live music experiences His love for the Ryman auditorium The adventures of being a husband, a dad and a live music fan.

Our love for live music connects us all. But what happens when you start to connect the concerts and piece together your own live music family tree? Do your concerts have more meaning when you understand where you fit in the broader historical context of your family's live music history? Does live music change us in a new way when we discover how we’re linked together in community as concert fans? In this episode we explore the wonders of Concert Genealogy, what it is and why it’s changing us. We also share what we found in our family live music history and what this all means for us and the concert fan community. 

Why are concerts so immersive? Is it possible to measure how emotionally immersed you are at a concert and why? Can artists, venue owners and event promoters use immersion neuroscience to make the concert experience more memorable, predict concert sales, plan tours and create a more loyal fan base? Can we, as concert fans, use the data and insights from Immersion Neuroscience to decide which artist you should see next?  On this episode we talk with neuroscientist, author and Ted Talk speaker, Dr. Paul J. Zak to dive into why Immersion plays such a powerful role in our concert experiences.  Together we explore:   What Paul has learned from his favorite and most immersive concert experiences Immersion tips and suggestions for fans, bands and venue owners and promoters Immersion’s impact on superfans How concert fans can help Dr. Zak with his ongoing Immersion research Insights from his latest book Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and The Source of Happiness