The rise of social media and the need to have an “aesthetic feed” has transformed the concert experience for both influencers and fans. Pictures and vlogs featuring extravagant outfits, makeup, and hairstyles have become a staple. This has led the concert experience to evolve dramatically in recent years, becoming an incredible, unforgettable experience.
Concertgoers make an effort to achieve the perfect concert “look” with themed makeup, hair, and outfits. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, stadium tours from pop powerhouses have achieved unprecedented success and ushered in a new way to experience your favorite music live.
Choosing a concert outfit has become a tremendous undertaking, which is likely related to the recent rise in social media platforms. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube content creators post tutorial videos, ideas, and clothing “hacks” to encourage their followers to create their own outfits that match the theme of the concert. For example, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has been coming to stadiums around the world since March of this year, and she plans to continue performing well into 2024. Fans have attempted to base their outfits on album aesthetics, pop culture moments, and even obscure lyrical references that only Swift’s biggest fans would recognize.
In fact, “stan culture” also plays a role in the shift in concert dynamics. This term is used across social media to describe the behavior of extreme celebrity fanbases. Swifties, Arianators, Directioners, and BTS Army are a few of the most widely recognized and largest internet fandoms. Some followers of these singers try to prove they are the biggest or most loyal fans through their knowledge of music discography and even the artists’ personal lives. This drive to be the best fan translates into the need for extravagant attire as concertgoers push the boundaries of an acceptable outfit.
While many fans create elaborate outfits, performers must curate a perfect setlist and tour schedule. Harry Styles’ Love on Tour, Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour, SZA’s SOS Tour, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour have expertly capitalized on the post-pandemic social event bug that has become prevalent in 2023. People are eager to have experiences and make new memories with their favorite artists following years of isolation, meaning they are much more likely to buy concert tickets and merchandise.
Swift and Beyonce are taking their concerts one step further by creating concert films that play in theaters across the world. Swift’s film was a smash hit and became the highest-grossing concert film of all time within a matter of weeks. Beyonce’s film premiered on December 1st and will surely receive all the same, if not more, mainstream recognition.
Some aspects of concert life have remained the same despite the social media pandemic. There is still the familiar rush of joy that comes from seeing your favorite singer perform live along with cathartic sing-alongs from a crowd of thousands. Many fans consider seeing a concert one of the best nights of their lives and carry memories they will cherish forever.
Madison Shepard (‘27) was lucky enough to experience one of these unforgettable concerts, saying, “Going to the Eras Tour really healed something in me. I have loved Taylor Swift since I was a child and seeing her in person was unbelievable. Not only is she an amazing singer, she is a great performer and has some really eye-catching sets and costumes. I wish I could go again!”
Due to social media, going to a concert has become an experience that can seem almost magical with crazy costumes, meticulous hair, themed makeup, and accessories. With new eye-catching outfits being displayed almost daily on social media, it appears concertgoers’ creativity can only grow from here.