Heavy metal fans are the most patient of all music lovers – putting classical music buffs who turn stroppy with stewards after just 32 minutes of queuing to shame
- Virgin Media O2 asked 2,000 UK adults when they become cross about queues
- It found that dance music fans are the second most relaxed with 42 minutes
They may not be famous for their restraint, but a poll has found that heavy metal fans are the most patient of all music lovers, putting classical music buffs to shame.
Followers of bands such as Iron Maiden show commendable understanding when faced with delays in getting into concerts, accepting a 46-minute wait calmly. Those who prefer the likes of Beethoven turn stroppy with stewards after just 32.
Mobile network Virgin Media O2 asked 2,000 UK adults what concerts they go to and how soon they become cross about queues.
It found that dance music fans are the second most relaxed – 42 minutes before getting upset –followed by rock fans on 40 minutes; rhythm and blues and pop fans on 35; and soul fans on 33.
Classical aficionados were beaten for grumpiness only by rap and country enthusiasts on 31 – and, tetchiest of all, house fans on 30.
Followers of bands such as Iron Maiden show commendable understanding when faced with delays in getting into concerts, accepting a 46-minute wait calmly (stock image)
It found that dance music fans are the second most relaxed – 42 minutes before getting upset –followed by rock fans on 40 minutes (stock image)
A Virgin spokesman said: ‘While we’re thought of as a nation who love to queue, it seems that standing in line for a live event can put a dampener on the experience.’
The study found that 36 minutes was ‘breaking point’ for the majority of Brits.
It was pin-pointed as the ‘snapping point’ when the benefits of leaving the queue outweighed the reason for queuing up in the first place.
Researchers found that leaving a queue, despite not getting what you wanted – like tickets to a gig, a fairground ride or entry to a zoo or museum – gave a ‘sense of relief’ to many.
They found that rather than seething with anger at not getting what they were standing in line for, six-in-ten Brits said ‘walking away’ was ‘calming’.
Asked to reveal if they ‘loved a good queue’, the study found that 54% of those quizzed actually said they ‘enjoyed queuing’, with just 46% saying they ‘dreaded it’.
Asked what the ‘worst thing’ about queuing up was, 48% said they were worried they’d need the loo, with 43% saying they hated not knowing how long the queue would last.
Paul Taylor, 49, of Charlton, south London, said he once queued up for Wimbledon tickets for 24 hours.
He said: ‘I really wanted to see Pete Sampras in 2000 and queued up overnight for tickets.
‘It was probably the worst night of my life – it rained and I hadn’t brought a tent or even a jacket and I got soaked through.
‘I ended up seeing him win, so I suppose it was worth it – but only just.’
He said that if he saw a queue now, he just about-turned, adding: ‘That day in 2000 really put me off queuing for life – never again!’
A spokesman for Virgin Media O2 said this week: ‘Our study showed that people are willing to queue for an average of 36 minutes.
‘Despite the global stereotype of Brits loving to queue, our survey reveals that 46% say they hate it.’
Gareth Turpin, of Virgin Media O2, said: ‘While we’re typically thought of as a nation who love to queue, it seems standing in line can put a dampener on the whole experience.’
O2 is tackling the impatience of the nation by offering fast track entry for Priority members and up to three friends at The O2 and O2 Academy venues around the country, via the Priority app.
