Experiencing live music is one of life’s pleasures that affects a person on many levels. It is one of my favorite things to do. It’s my special time and I try to get the most I can out of it. After over 40 years of attending concerts, I have developed some personal practices to help maximize my experience. I now share these with you. You’re welcome.
PreSale
- Be proactive. Use social media and news to keep track of your favorite bands, their album release dates and their touring schedules. Join the fan clubs to get the pre sale codes. Be ready when tickets go on sale.
- Know your preferences: In smaller venues, I stand for a chance to get close to the action. I am willing to get bumped around a little to get up close. Because of this, I try to get to the venue early. In stadium shows, I try to get middle or upper deck tickets because I enjoy seeing the whole picture
- Festivals: Don’t expect the music to sound great. Be ready for the vibe to BE great. Get used to watching the action on a big screen. Festivals are a ‘young persons’ event. It’s a lot of work and expense but can also be the best bang for your buck. For most people though, they are waiting and waiting for their favorites to hit the stage. Don’t like crowds? Don’t go to a festival.
How Much?
- Merch: If you want a t-shirt or something to memorialize the event, get it before the show. The line will be long, but at least, you won’t miss any of the band you came to see. Expect to pay a ridiculous amount for a T shirt. It is what it is. Which is why I appreciate a band personalizing the shirt to the venue. It’s a rare occurrence but it used to happen more often. The shirt would have the name of the venue or city and date on it. Not talking about a list of ALL the tour stops, this is personalized to the specific city. KISS always used to do it.
- Plan Accordingly: As with any entertainment event, things are expensive. If you are on a budget, eat before you enter the venue. If you drink alcohol, consider doing a lot of your drinking before you enter the venue.
- Because ticket prices are higher than ever, pick and choose your concerts. When someone in my Top 10 comes around, I get THOSE tickets. If a friend has an interest in someone I don’t know or particularly like, I hesitate before I spend the money. Truthfully, I consider the friend and whether I want to show them some grace or not. If they are ‘worthy’, I will join them. It has been a hit and miss for me. It’s always fun to hang out with the friend but some of his musical favorites don’t excite me that much. But, other times, my friend has opened me up to something fantastic! My friend Scot asked me to join him to listen to some live jazz. I knew the name of the artist but not his work. I love guitarists and Al Di Meola is a master. Man! I was happy I decided to join Scot on that one.
Safety First
- Frequent concert goers should wear earplugs. Especially in small venues. My ears have taken a beating over the last 40 + years.. I specifically remember a Def Leppard concert in the 80’s. It was at an indoor venue, where I sat side stage with my left ear near a huge speaker. The Cow Palace was rocking that night, for sure! Having that overload of sound hitting my left ear all night, I believe, did some permanent damage.
- Some years ago, I began wearing earplugs made for listening to loud music. I noticed, immediately, that they eliminated the high pitched sound that would interfere with the music. My enjoyment of the music remained even with the plugs in. Get started early with good ear plugs and you’ll save your ears from future harm.
- Don’t sleep on opening bands. First off, you might be getting an early look at a future superstar. Or, you may find a new passion. This happened to me in 1982 at the Greek Theater in Berkeley CA. We went to see the headliner, Jefferson Starship, but fell in love with the opener, Huey Lewis and The News. In 1981, we went to a J. Geils Band concert. Many people were there to see the opener, who I did not know. In this case it was a new little band from Ireland that called themselves U2. Most times, the opener is forgettable, but I go into a concert hoping that the opener is a winner. It does happens, rarely.
No Drunk Singing
- OK now for behavior DURING a show. Drunks suck. Some people just can’t help themselves. If you are a nasty drunk, try not to ruin your friend’s good time by getting hammered. Nothing is more annoying than having to baby sit your friend. Find that perfect medium where you are buzzed but not belligerent. Don’t be THAT guy or gal.
- If you are standing in a crowd and things get ‘pushy’, do like the headbangers do. Watch out for your neighbor. If someone falls down, PICK THEM UP! Don’t push your way past people who have been there ahead of you. It’s rude and not fair to those of us who planned ahead and got there early. If you are a tall person, just be aware that you are blocking the view of the short guy behind you. Not your fault but I just wanted you to know.
- Do not to sing along unless officially prompted, especially if you don’t know the words. I came to hear Stevie Nicks sing, not YOU! Nothing more distracting than someone screaming in your ear. Just be aware of your surroundings and always be polite. Sing along if you want but keep it away from other’s ears. There’s a reason why you are in the crowd and THAT guy is on the stage.
It’s Great To Be ALIVE
- Number 1 rule at a concert. ENJOY the moment!!! Put your phone down every once in a while and breathe in the experience. Appreciate that you live in a place where events like this happen. You have supported this artist by buying their music and attending the concert. They are now rewarding you by giving you an evening of…..whatever it is they offer. It’s a time to personally appreciate their work and they can appreciate your support. Enjoy the shared experience!
- For 90 to 120 minutes (or more….Mr. Springsteen) allow yourself to be transported. Allow yourself the grace of forgetting life’s problems for a short time. Allow the music to engulf your mind and body. It’s happening RIGHT NOW!
“Is anyone ALIVE out there!? How does it feel to be ALIVE?!”
– James Hetfield
Metallica
Great advice! After-show tip – Visit setlist.fm and checkin/update the show info that you might remember. I used to write the setlist on the back of my concert stubs or programs. Don’t have to do that anymore thankfully.