It's one of the reasons I for many years have a policy of just playing covers for the fun of the party , if I wanted to play for the sake of music , I'd have no audience.
This really came home the other night as I went to a free and well publicised blues night, the artists all travelled far, a small radio station was recording the gig, and a well known Dj did the introducing. Serious players really into the genre etc. Some with ex well known band credentionals. Mix of original and covers dating back to the 20s, could go on .....
All that said, total punters (and it was free entry) about 50 I'd guess. The local pub gets a bigger crowd for a covers night.