Concerts are the lifeblood of the music industry. Everyone is dying to see their favorite artist perform live right in front of their eyes and I’m no different. Every time one of the artists I like announces a tour, I make it my mission to be at one of their shows. Since I was 2, concerts have been my favorite kind of event to attend. After attending 55 shows in my lifetime, and 13 so far this year alone, I have learned so much about the world of concerts.
Here are my biggest takeaways:
Learn Concert Etiquette
The number one rule of going to any concert is to know how to act while you are there. After attending so many concerts where the people around me didn’t know proper etiquette, I quickly realized that there were unwritten rules to being at a show. Many of these rules are common sense, yet it’s good to remind yourself how to behave. The biggest ones I’ve learned are to be nice to the people around you, don’t throw things on stage, don’t hold up a sign the whole night and don’t talk through the whole show. Other than that, I’ve just learned to trust my gut and have fun.
Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
I always make sure to have plenty of water both before and during the shows. One too many times, I have started to feel a bit too lightheaded at a show. Now, I always make sure the first thing I do when I get into the venue is to buy myself some water. These concerts are something I look forward to the moment I get the tickets, and they are too important to miss just because I didn’t take care of myself when it came time for the actual show.
It’s Ok To Go Alone
Recently, there have been concerts that I was dying to go to, but I didn’t have any friends who want to come with me. After debating my options, I decided that I’d rather go alone than not go at all. I’ve had some of the best times at shows by myself, where I didn’t have to worry about anyone else. Instead, I just got to bop around all night and do my own thing. Going to a show alone has been one of the most freeing experiences of my life.
Make Friends
I am not the most social person. I struggle with meeting new people and making friends. However, when it comes to concerts, all of that goes out the window. I feel so safe once I step into the venue, and I’m surrounded by a community of people all there to hear one of their favorite musicians live. Suddenly, making friends comes second nature. I always have the best times at shows when I chat with the people around me, and we already have the built-in conversation starter about the person we are there to see.
Live Music is Fun
At its core, seeing a person or band live is about having the time of my life for the next couple of hours and forgetting about whatever is happening in the real world. I take the concert as my opportunity to dance my heart out, scream some lyrics and bond with my friends. Concerts make it so easy to have a great time, so I just ignore the people around me (if they aren’t the nicest) and dance the night away.
Live music truly is the best kind of music. Listening to my favorite artists live and in person just can’t be replicated by streaming them from my phone. Without concerts, I wouldn’t have the friendships I’ve had or the ridiculous stories to tell. I’m 55 concerts into my live music journey and I still can’t wait for my next one.
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