During a recent broadcast of Final Score, former professional footballer and current pundit Chris Sutton made an unexpected revelation: he has never attended a concert. The 53-year-old, known for his career at clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Celtic, and Chelsea, shared this admission in a candid moment following early match commentary, sparking surprise from his co-presenters.
The exchange began after commentator Jason Mohammad compared the noise emanating from Bristol Rovers’ stadium during their match against Barnet to a rave. Mohammad then asked Sutton whether he used to attend raves or similar events, to which Sutton responded simply, “No, I’ve never been to a concert.” The admission drew an immediate and astonished reaction from fellow pundits, with Nedum Onuoha expressing repeated “wow”s and Sam Parkin comparing Sutton’s cultural absence to that of former England striker Michael Owen, who once stated he had seen no films, a remark that had attracted widespread attention.
Sutton appeared somewhat defensive after the comment but clarified that his never having been to a gig was not meant as a boast or a rebellious stance—it was simply a fact of his experience as a professional footballer and a personal choice over time. The article noted a general perception in professional football that playing at a high level and attending live music events rarely overlap, though exceptions exist, such as Pat Nevin, Stuart Pearce, and Graeme Le Saux, all known for their enthusiasm for music outside their football careers.
Recent images of younger players like Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino attending shows, including big acts like Coldplay, suggest a potential shift in this trend, but the distinction between casual attendance and dedicated concert-going was again highlighted.
The discussion touched on the challenges of modern concert experiences, with expensive tickets and a nostalgic focus on legacy acts sometimes diminishing the appeal for newcomers. However, it was suggested that opportunities still exist to enjoy live performances in meaningful settings with passionate artists and engaged audiences.
In closing, Sutton was encouraged to consider attending contemporary live music experiences such as ABBA Voyage, a multimedia show combining live musicianship and film elements, offering familiarity and a potentially accessible entry point to the concert world.
The incident underscores how public figures can reveal surprising personal details, prompting reflection on cultural habits within professional sports and beyond.