Live Music Experiment #1: What is the Most Important Sense?

It’s begun!

I’m pleased to announce the first phase questionnaire that will begin a series of experiments examining the role and importance of the five senses at a live show.

After having several conversations with friends about what they think is the most important sense when it comes to enjoying a live show, I didn’t get any sort of general consensus on the senses. Whether it was a rock, hip hop or country show that my friends were recalling, I received a wide array of answers, making strong cases for ears, eyes, noses, taste buds and touch sensors.

And I now pose my question to you: What is the most important sense needed to enjoy a live show?

Yes, I have decided to put you faithful Live Exhaust readers to the test. And see how well you know your body and how it works when you’re being entertained.

Here’s how you can participate. You can drop a comment or send an email including either the number or the corresponding sense from the list below, along with a brief explanation.

With the summer festival season in full swing, I will also be handing out question cards and talking with fans at upcoming festivals like Rothbury, Pitchfork and Lollapalooza, so if you’re heading out to either one of those festivals be sure to keep an eye out and stop me and tell me what you think.

Here’s the list:

1. Hearing
2. Sight
3. Touch
4. Smell
5. Taste

Be sure to check in as the votes come in over the next few weeks and we’ll see what you think is the most crucial sense needed in order to enjoy a live show.

Thinking ahead… if it came down to it, is there a sense you would give up if you had to?