Concerts Spoiled by Social Media Before Fans Attend

Major concerts and performances are often spoiled before fans even get to experience them in person.

Months of planning and preparation can be seen online by fans who have been following their favourite artists on social media. This includes knowing not just what songs will be performed but also the stage design and layout.

The same phenomenon is observed with film and TV series, where spoilers are typically guarded against with warnings to prevent plot reveals. However, major concerts seem to be exempt from this consideration.

When a highly anticipated tour kicks off, as was the case last week with Olivia Rodrigo's Unraveled tour in the US, it's not uncommon for fans to share their experiences and photos online.

Fans of other high-profile artists such as Harry Styles, Charli XCX, and Ariana Grande have also been sharing behind-the-scenes footage from their tours over the past few months.

The rise of social media has led to a proliferation of behind-the-scenes footage from concerts and tours, often spoiling the surprise for fans waiting for live performances.

For some enthusiasts, this can be a source of disappointment, as evidenced by a 20-year-old criminology student who managed to avoid spoilers for Harry Styles' tour until one slipped through the net before her show in London. The fan was particularly looking forward to the experience and wanted to take it all in without any preconceptions.

The element of surprise is an essential part of live music events, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere and discover new aspects of a performance. This is especially true for those who have waited years to see their favorite artist live.

Not everyone shares this sentiment, however. Some fans, like 22-year-old Georgia McAdam, actually enjoy spoilers as they provide valuable insights into what to expect from an event. According to her, online videos are more like teasers that add to the excitement rather than detract from it.

McAdam's approach highlights the diversity of fan experiences and opinions when it comes to social media spoilers in the context of live music events. While some fans prioritize surprise, others view online content as a way to enhance their overall experience.

To combat spoilers, some artists have adapted their live performances by introducing small changes each night. This way, fans attending later dates can still experience something new and unexpected. Taylor Swift's Eras tour is a notable example, where she incorporates bespoke outfits and surprise songs into her setlist. Similarly, Sabrina Carpenter has been experimenting with unique positions during her song "Juno and altering the outro of Nonsense".

In addition to these tweaks, some artists are deliberately changing their setlists for each show. Jay-Z's current tour is a case in point, where he regularly updates his performance lineup. This approach not only keeps fans engaged but also maintains a sense of novelty around live events.

Music industry insiders argue that such creative adjustments can have an added benefit: keeping the artist relevant and in the public eye. By consistently offering something new, artists like Taylor Swift stay top-of-mind among fans and critics alike. And with social media platforms like TikTok sharing these performances far and wide, it's no wonder audiences are eager to see what changes each night will bring.

TikTok itself has provided some insight into the impact of surprise elements on fan engagement. Figures shared by the platform show a significant spike in posts using #CharliXCX since the singer launched her Music, Fashion, Film tour last month, an increase of over 40%. This suggests that fans are indeed drawn to live performances with unexpected twists.

In some cases, artists are taking more drastic measures to ensure their shows remain spoiler-free. Phoebe Bridgers is one such example, banning phones altogether from her concerts. Attendees are required to lock their devices in a special pouch upon entry, and anyone caught breaking the rules will be escorted out of the venue.

Attendees are required to lock their devices in a special pouch upon entry, and anyone caught breaking the rules will be escorted out of the venue.

McAdam believes that recording at gigs is an essential part of the experience for many fans, and therefore he wouldn't support a ban on phones.

However, Collins suggests that more spoiler warnings could be provided on videos, allowing fans to choose whether or not they want to know what's coming next.

Collins' proposal would give fans the option to remain surprised, but still have access to information about the set list and other aspects of the performance.