New research reveals the powerful role music plays in triggering treasured memories, as three quarters (75%) of Brits say a song has instantly transported them back to a specific moment in their lives. And it’s a common occurrence for many, with six in ten (59%) of those claiming that it happens ‘often’ or ‘all the time’.
The research conducted by Compare the Market, proud Principal Partner of The Hundred, revealed that music was the second most likely trigger when it came to reliving a memory (47%), just shy of a photograph (55%). But it was pop music that was named as the genre most likely to jog those core memories according to almost half of Brits (48%), followed by rock (31%) and summer dance anthems (20%).
Music, mood and shared memories
It wasn’t just about reminiscing: a resounding 88% believe that music positively impacts their mood, as well as enhancing shared experiences with friends or family (77%), and increasing confidence and preparing them for something important (69%).
Beaten only by the birth of their child, their wedding or a special holiday, live sporting events were amongst some of the fondest memories for Brits (18%), more so than the likes of a graduation or a milestone birthday.
With in-stadium entertainment now as much a part of a live sporting experience as the action itself, more than half (52%) of Brits say hearing music is an important aspect in maximising enjoyment when it comes to watching live sport.
Whilst that was the case for those in the stands and viewing areas, when it came to choosing a song for a big moment, it was Eye of the Tiger by Survivor that topped the charts as the track most people would choose as their ultimate walk-out song, closely followed by fan favourites Queen, with both We Are the Champions and Don’t Stop Me Now.
Top 10 walk-out tracks:Eye of the Tiger – SurvivorWe are the Champions – QueenDon’t Stop Me Now – QueenWe Will Rock You – QueenSimply the Best – Tina TurnerThunderstruck – AC/DCSeven Nation Army – The White StripesThe Final Countdown – EuropeDon’t Stop Believin’ – JourneyRight Here, Right Now – Fatboy SlimAleksandr leads the charge to Lord’s
As The Hundred returns this summer, Compare the Market’s famous meerkat, Aleksandr, is leading the charge to encourage fans and players alike to ‘Catch Every Moment’, kicking things off at Abbey Road as he leads players Phil Salt, Liv Barnes and Sophie Munro to Lord’s, the home of England cricket.
Compare the Market is bringing entertainment into grounds across the country all summer, from t-shirt cannons and fan competitions to appearances from Aleksandr and Sergei, turning every match day into a moment worth catching.
Phil Salt, England Men’s player and this year’s captain of the Welsh Fire, said: “Music is such an integral part of any live sporting event, but particularly The Hundred. Whether that’s walking out to bat, especially when you’re first up, or the atmosphere that the crowd generates, there’s nothing quite like it. But it’s not just when you’re out on the field. It’s a huge part of the dressing room, bringing everyone together as a team and inspiring them. I’m a big fan of the indie-rock band Blossoms, so I’ll definitely be adding a few of their tunes to the Welsh Fire pre-match playlist this summer.”
Phil Salt is the highest run scorer in the Hundred History (Credit:PA)
Tom Wallis, Chief Customer Officer at Compare the Market, added: “As proud Principal Partner of The Hundred, we know first-hand how much music and entertainment adds to the buzz of a big match day. Our research shows just how deeply music and memories are intertwined for the British public, and there’s no better place to see that in action than a packed ground over the summer. We loved kicking off the celebrations as Aleksandr led the charge with some of England’s brightest and up and coming talent on their way to Lord’s.”