Ushering in a new wave of Rock music fans, young music artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Willow are leading a Rock resurgence in the UK’s charts. The tracks “Good 4 U” by Rodrigo and “Transparent Soul” by Willow and Travis Barker are heavily influenced by Rock elements such as the electric guitar and live drums and have both recently hit the UK’s Top 40, bringing Rock music back into the mainstream.

In a unique study, global live streaming and ticketing platform DICE has asked the nation to divulge their latest top genres, which genres they’ve discovered that they wouldn’t have ordinarily, and what live gigs they will be attending post-pandemic that they’d never have seen themselves joining prior.

The results have absolutely reflected Rock music’s recent resurgence with Rock music reigning the number one music genre that Brits are listening to with almost 7 million reporting it has become one of their recent favourites. Similarly, over 2 million Rock-lovers have said they’ll be attending a Rock concert when social restrictions allow, something they wouldn’t have seen themselves doing a year ago.

Few would’ve expected an ex-Disney star to lead the resurgence but Rodrigo’s recent hits are just one example of classic music genres finding their way into mainstream chart music. In fact, BBC Radio 1’s head of music Chris Price has even said that ‘Good 4 U’ could make others pay attention to rock. DICE has already seen this shift towards Rock music in particular and recently streamed Iggy Pop’s documentary to a vast audience of new and old rock lovers. The platform caters to all genres and prides itself on its Discovery feature which allows users to branch out and find new music and artists that they might not have done, based on algorithms within the app.

Key Stats:
What are the nation’s new favourite genres?

6,920,000 Brits report Rock music has become one of their favourite genres
4,684,000 state Classical music has become one of their favourite genres
4,408,000 say Dance/House music has become one their recent favourite genres
What genres have the nation discovered over the past year that they wouldn’t have ordinarily?
2,004,000 Brits discovered Classical music during lockdown that they wouldn’t have ordinarily
1,723,000 report discovering Dance/House music over lockdown
1,514,000 state they found Indie/Alternative music during lockdown
What artists in this genre are the nation going to see live when they can, that they never would have pre-pandemic?
2,066,000 Brits are going to a live Rock concert/gig when they can, that they wouldn’t have done pre-pandemic
1,760,000 are going to a live Rap concert/gig when they can, that they wouldn’t have done pre-pandemic
1,664,000 are going to a live RnB concert/gig when they can, that they wouldn’t have done pre-pandemic

Andrew Foggin, Global Head of Music at DICE, comments:
“Throughout lockdown, music has played a vital role in alleviating feelings of isolation and boosting moods. Fans miss live music and their desire to get closer to their favourite artists hasn’t diminished. Although nothing will replace in-person live shows, streaming offers fans the chance to get closer to their favourite artists and experience all the joys that a live event has to offer from the comfort of their own home.”