Generation X filled the dancefloor of the legendary Haçienda and helped to define rave culture.

New research, carried out by Specsavers, has revealed that the over 50s are still the backbone of the West Midland's live music scene - with almost nine in ten (86%) attending live music events, and almost one in six (14%) going out as often as they did 20 years ago.

Two in five (40%) in the West Midlands say some of their happiest memories involve music, while a third claim they contributed to the creation of club culture (33%) and dance music culture (28%).

However, the over 50s are also the generation most likely to experience hearing loss with many waiting up to 10 years before seeking help.

This is why Specsavers launched The Testlist giving over 50s the chance to attend exclusive music events across the UK and Ireland.

To unlock the guestlist and be in with a chance of winning tickets, Gen Xers must complete Specsavers' free three-minute online hearing screener.

The inaugural Testlist launch event will take place at London's Phonox on 15 October.

Musical legends Groove Armada, who have experienced hearing challenges first-hand, will be taking to the stage to perform an intimate DJ set.

Tom Findlay from Groove Armada said: 'We've been blessed to spend 30 years in the music scene, and nothing compares to that feeling of being in a crowd with sound so powerful you can feel it in your bones.

"Our generation was the first to rave and they're still on the dancefloor now.

"We put our ears to very good use and were way too busy having fun to think about the cost of it.

'I've experienced hearing loss and occasionally wear a hearing device so I can really relate to this campaign.

"The Testlist gives people a reason to engage with their hearing so you can stay connected to the music you love."

Andy Cato from Groove Armada added: 'People put off getting their hearing checked but they do want to get on the guestlist.

"That's where The Testlist comes into its own.

"And we are very proud to be part of that."

Specsavers' research also found that more than a third (38%) of over 50s surveyed in the West Midlands do not take preventative steps to protect their hearing when attending live music events.

However, attitudes are starting to change, with over two thirds (70%) surveyed saying the availability of hearing protection would be important or essential when choosing where to go and almost one in five (18%) would attend more live music events if there were experiences designed specifically with their generation in mind.

The Testlist event is a supporter of the 'Listen for Life' campaign, a first of its kind healthy hearing initiative for the music industry, championed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Specsavers.

Attendees of the Testlist launch event will be provided with a fantastic listening experience and will be provided with hearing protection.

Specsavers Stafford hearing expert, Manaaf Hussain, concludes: "Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss.

"In fact, nearly half of people aged 50 and over experience some degree of hearing loss, yet on average people wait around ten years before seeking help.

"The free online hearing screener takes just a few minutes and is a simple first step.

"Through The Testlist, we're hoping to encourage more music fans to check their hearing, so they can continue enjoying the artists they love exactly as they were meant to sound."

To be in with a chance of getting free tickets to Groove Armada's gig at Phonox on Thursday 15 October, take the online hearing screener if you are over 50 and get your name on The Testlist at Specsavers.co.uk/testlist by 13th September 2026 (Terms and conditions apply).

To make a hearing check appointment, you can visit Specsavers Stafford at Unit 17,The Guildhall Shopping Centre, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2BB, call 01785 255210 or head to www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/stafford

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