I'm weird in a lot of ways, but FWIW: For me the question is why I *ever* go to public performances, when I can listen to recordings and/or download the words & sing the songs to myself.

1. Sentimentality. There are people whose recordings have introduced me to songs I cherish, so I go to their concerts, when within reach, as a gesture of gratitude. Every year, tho, a couple more of them die.

2. Conviviality. Sometimes people invite me to go along with them. Then I get to chat with them at dinner, and to talk about the songs with them, and maybe a hug too. Happens maybe once a year.

The actual experience of being part of an audience is one that, on the whole, I do not enjoy. There is no reason to expect the performance to be better than a recorded one, and then there is the dreary ritual of applause (makes a good time to fart is the best I can say for it).