The RGS Gazette The Arts 16 when combined with the featured artists. That, topped with a killer performance and speech by Kae Tempest, really made this a night to remember, and reminded everyone present what live music is all about. Ticket prices for that night were roughly £20-30 per person, which, for the experience provided, was great value. Meanwhile, prices for many live concerts have been skyrocketing, with tickets for the recent Arctic Monkeys tour being resold for over £600, and 2023’s Coachella festival reaching over £1,000 for VIPs, which may have left many unsatisfied after Frank Ocean’s disappointing headliner performance. The elusive artist released his last album 'Blonde', a heart-wrenching dive into alternative hip-hop and R&B, seven whole years ago and has since only appeared on a few singles and collaborations. Many fans held hope that his appearance at Coachella would mean a full return to music, but when Ocean appeared an hour late after cancelling an accompanying ice rink performance, gave a strange, throwntogether list of songs and covers, then ended the performance mid-song after violating the festival’s curfew, hope seems to have been lost. Overall though, I still believe live music needs to be preserved. While the internet provides unparalleled access for growing artists and listeners, and large concerts are still being held by big names, small-scale gigs and showcases need to be utilised like they once were. Physical experiences after all, are the best way to make memories, and to discover new things, something that many may need after being stuck in the repetitive cycle of school, streaming and the 'for-you' pages. Sampha live performance for BBC Radio 1's Future Festival at Maida Vale Arctic Monkeys live performance at the band’s Nuits De Fourvière concert in Lyon Kate Tempest live performance
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