From my first concert catching confetti with Kevin from Tame Impala at Mohegan Sun to my most recent concert dancing with Josh from Thee Sacred Souls on the floor at the Royale Boston, I’ve learned a lot about concert-going from these different experiences. Whether it’s ticket prices, venues, or the consideration of other fans, there’s a lot to think about.
So get your Ticketmaster out and credit card ready, here are all the things I learned from the concerts I’ve been to so far.
Good company
While the music and the atmosphere are things you have to consider when it comes to the night’s vibe, the people you venture out into the city with will foreshadow how the night ends. My friends and I have had a handful of experiences going to shows with people who either didn’t fit the vibe of the artist or just weren’t concert people. You want to make sure that you are going with high-energy friends who will dance and sing the show away until you go home and crash. Don’t have anyone to go with? That’s more than okay too! Turn this into an opportunity to become your own best friend while listening to music you love.
Dates
You find yourself with your favorite artist’s tour announcement open, where do you go from here? Pick a date that works for everyone involved. Don’t just look at what you’re doing that night, especially if it’s an hour or so drive away. Do you guys have to wake up early for classes the next day? Have an exam tomorrow? Make sure to incorporate this into your choice.
The fans
One of my worst concert experiences wasn’t because of the venue or the artist, but because of the other fans. I have a very bad habit of only going to a concert if I can be on the floor. But from that experience, I’ve learned that some concerts aren’t worth being on the floor. You may be going to a concert knowing the proper etiquette, but others might not. Do research on the type of fans that artists may have! If not, you might catch yourself in a moshpit.
Concert etiquette
This depends on the artist. While it may be okay to sing and scream at one artist’s show, it may not be at another. This is another time for you to research the artist’s shows and see what they’re like. Are they upbeat and engaging or are they just a show for you to watch silently? Besides this, just remember to be respectful of others around you!
Ticket prices and other expenses
I watch ticket prices as if my life depended on them. I have five different accounts and look through all of them. I’ve had the best luck with Ticketmaster and Vivid Seats in terms of pricing but I also use Live Nation, SeatGeek, and AXS occasionally. It all depends on the venue and the artist. I’ve found that the best time to get tickets is the day of the presale or the day of the show. I’ve gotten tickets to see the Arctic Monkeys on the floor for $130 with fees an hour before the show. Remember that you also have to spend money on gas, food depending on how long you’re in the city, and merch if that’s your thing!
What you’re wearing
There have been numerous times when I’ve made the unfortunate decision of wearing heels to shows. While it can be great because I’m 5’4” and everyone else around me happens to be over six feet, when it’s your third hour on your feet, you tend to rethink your decisions. If matching the vibe of the show is your thing, I always look on TikTok to see what other people are wearing to gauge where I should head with my outfit choice.
The floor (If you aren’t in GA, skip ahead!)
If you’re like me and want to be as close to the stage as possible, timing is key! The time that you get there is determined by numerous factors; the venue, the stage, the fans, and the artist’s popularity. If the venue is big, there’s a good chance that the stage will be big as well. This means that there’s a better chance of being close. If they are popular and have die-hard fans, you might want to get there early. I have no experience with camping out but if you decide to, be safe!
The ride back home
If you need caffeine, stop for caffeine. Whether it’s an energy drink, caffeinated gum, or coffee, you’ll need it. It’s going to be late and the adrenaline is only going to last you a couple of minutes before you start to get tired. If you’re listening to music on the drive back, don’t listen to anything that’ll soothe you to sleep. You might think that it’s obvious, but I can guarantee you that it is so easy to fall victim to a playlist moving in the direction of calming music.
Overall, those are all the tips that I felt were the most important ones to guarantee a successful concert experience. After going to 10+ shows, it’s quite easy to see a pattern.