Man, what a bleak view of music. Though I understand where you're coming from. Particularly the point of view from the scene. It's quite hedonistic. A performance where the artist/band comes together to experience the music collectively has virtually no sustain by its very nature. Honestly, when a good crowd is in sync with the performer, a great concert is analogous to a divine religious experience.
Maybe that's the crux. The euphoria of live music (especially for the performer) is completely addictive and utterly fleeting. It only makes sense to incorporate other pleasures by association and extend that high. Sex, drugs, and Rock n Roll as it were. And for the weak willed, it's difficult to break out of that cycle.
Still, I'd argue that music in general is wholly inspirational. For the regulars in the scene, it's something they need and can't do without. But for the general audience that isn't at the venue every weekend looking for the fix, music is the soundtrack to their lives.
Maybe I'm just rambling too much. I'm pretty much out of the scene myself, but I still love it. Thank God for recorded music. Not quite the same though.