Galway's Generation X danced at Sex Kitchen and created free parties. Now, new research commissioned by Specsavers reveals the over 50s, the generation that built rave culture, are still the backbone of the nation's live music scene – with more than two thirds (71 per cent ) attending live music events, and over a quarter (29 per cent ) going out as often as they did 20 years ago.
The popular optician has launched The Testlist, exclusive live events for the over 50s unlocked by its online hearing screener – starting with an intimate Groove Armada DJ set.
For many of Generation X, music remains central to their identity. Nearly half of over-50s (47 per cent ) say some of their happiest memories involve music, while over a quarter claim they championed live music as a social activity (33 per cent ) and dance music culture (30 per cent ).
Their ears have been to places some people will never understand. Yet while today's over-50s helped shape modern club and dance music culture, they are also the generation most likely to experience hearing loss, often waiting up to a decade before seeking help.
That’s why Specsavers has created The Testlist – the first club guestlist unlocked by its free three-minute online hearing screener. Built for the generation that created rave culture and never stopped going out, The Testlist gives the over-50s the chance to secure tickets to exclusive music events across the UK and Ireland, while encouraging them to take a simple step towards understanding their hearing health.
Legendary Groove Armada – who have experienced hearing challenges firsthand – will headline the inaugural Testlist launch event with an intimate DJ set at London's Phonox on Thursday, October 15. Their anthem Superstylin' marks its 25th anniversary this year – a perfect soundtrack to a generation that refuses to retire from the dancefloor.
"Our generation was the first to rave and they're still on the dancefloor now," said Tom Findlay from Groove Armada. "We put our ears to very good use and were way too busy having fun to think about the cost of it.
“I've experienced hearing loss and occasionally wear a hearing device so I can really relate to this campaign. The Testlist gives people a reason to engage with their hearing so you can stay connected to the music you love.”
His bandmate Andy Cato added: “People put off getting their hearing checked but they do want to get on the guestlist. That’s where The Testlist comes into its own. And we are very proud to be part of that.”
The over 50s don’t just show up – they immerse themselves. Four in 10 (44 per cent ) of those surveyed refuse to record key moments on their phones, choosing instead to actually watch and listen, with 38 per cent saying their generation is fully in the moment, rather than filming it for social media.
However, over a third (36 per cent ) of respondents say their hearing struggles have reduced how often they go to live music events, with many experiencing ringing in their ears (36 per cent ), muffled hearing and temporary hearing loss after attending nights out (37 per cent ).
Despite decades of enjoying their favourite artists, almost one fifth (19 per cent ) of over-50s surveyed do not take preventative steps to protect their hearing when attending live music events. The research shows appetite for change: one fifth (20 per cent ) surveyed say the availability of hearing protection would be important or essential when choosing where to go and nearly a fifth (17 per cent ) would attend more live music events if there were experiences designed specifically with their generation in mind.
"Changes in our hearing often develops gradually, making it easy to miss," said Orla Walsh, audiology chairperson at Specsavers Ireland. "In fact, nearly half of people aged 50 and over experience some degree of hearing changes, yet on average people wait around 10 years before seeking help. Our free online hearing screener takes just a few minutes and is a simple first step. Through The Testlist, we're hoping to encourage more music fans to check their hearing, so they can continue enjoying the artists they love exactly as they were meant to sound."
To be in with a chance of getting free tickets to Groove Armada’s intimate DJ set at Phonox on Thursday, October 15, take the online hearing screener if you are over 50 and get your name on The Testlist at www.specsavers.ie/hearing-test/online-hearing-test/testlist by September 13. More acts will also be announced in the coming weeks.
