Six Reasons Why Going To Gigs Alone Is The Best
So you want to go see that metalcore band you love but none of your friends like that “shouty” music? Or you REALLY want to go check out that new artist on TikTok you discovered but all your mates won’t go to a gig where they only know one song? Or worse, your group of friends cannot get themselves organized and work out which show and when to go on a tour, so you’re worried you’ll miss out on tickets. Let them be miserable and start living your best life by going to concerts by yourself. Trust us, it’ll be the best thing you’ll ever do!
Going to gigs alone can be daunting. What am I going to do with myself in between sets? Are people going to think I’m weird? Why would I not want to share the experience?
Listen, we are all for sharing the experience, but sometimes it’s either missing out or going alone, and in those cases we definitely recommend going alone. Here’s a few reasons why you’ll never regret it once you build up the courage to go through with it.
1. See artists you really REALLY want to see
Imagine the FOMO of missing your favourite band on their new tour, hearing all those new songs live, seeing everyone post about it. Don’t let that happen, and get that ticket. Plus you then get to tell the pals who didn’t want to come how you saw that band or artist before they blew up or how they played that one B-side track that everyone loves – now who has FOMO?
2. Meet new friends
It’s no secret that music brings people together. That moment when everyone’s favourite ballad hits and there’s not a dry eye in the building, you turn to your left or right and suddenly you bond with a stranger over your favourite song. For the metalheads, we also recommend mosh pits, follow the rules of the pit but what a way to make new friends!
3. The freedom
Now hear us out – but going to a gig alone means you can get to the venue when you want, you can go to the loos when you want, you can stand in line at the merch for hours and no one will ask if you’re sure you want to wait. And no one will drag you home when you want to wait after the show has finished and find every piece of confetti or ask for the setlist.
4. It’s a cult
You are not alone in going to gigs by yourself, you’d probably be surprised by how many people do the same thing. Some fan groups even have entire sub cultures of going to gigs alone (shoutout to Frank Turner’s solo armada, we see you!) – bringing us back to reason #2, new friends.
5. Confidence boost
Going to a gig by yourself will do wonders for your confidence. Sure the first time might feel a bit awkward and weird, but isn’t it always? Remember your first day of school? And then it was kind of okay after a while (let’s ignore our teenage years…) Once you’ve done it and experience all of the divinity of a solo gig you’ll feel free as a bird.
6. Experience the music your way
Whether you love hanging out by the bar, need to be front row, prefer seats or want to leave a bit earlier to catch the last train – the world is your oyster! The experience is yours, you don’t need to coordinate with someone else, rely on them to enjoy the show as much as you are and have as much of a good time as you are. And frankly, if you took a chance on a new genre or new artist and it isn’t your vibe, you can just go home. Glorious.
So there you have it – doesn’t sound too bad now does it?! At the end of the day it all comes down to you and your artist, a concert will always be a shared experience whether with strangers or friends. The most important thing to do is have fun.
