The article below was written by Julia Bonin and edited by Bárbara Vetos. Liked this type of content? Check out Her Campus Cásper Líbero for more!
To fans, going to concerts was a way of distracting themselves from the everyday sameness. So, when the pandemic came, those people, who probably had lots of plans for the year, got through a frustrating void, where there was no perspective of coming back to the stadiums. More than having to deal with everyday problems, the fans had to do it without those magic escape-from-reality nights when they got to see their favorite artist perform right in front of them.
There are many explanations why fans love concerts so much. According to the psychologists Van Boven and Gilovich, buying experiences, such as concerts, make people happier and more fulfilled than purchasing a material item, like merch from the artist. Also, listening to live music lowers cortisol levels and releases endorphins, which blocks pain in the body, leaving it more relaxed and satisfied.
To the bank clerk João Gabriel Thomaz, 19, it’s an amazing experience to follow an artist’s work and be able to connect with the person that made those songs you listen to every day in the car, going to work, and at home. “Music is more than just entertainment”, says João. The gig allows many exchanges between a fan and an artist, as well as among fans, who end up finding many other common interests, and, sometimes, that’s the start of a friendship.
In March 2020, when cities all around the world started closing their establishments, fans didn’t believe that their concerts would be affected by those initial two weeks of lockdown — little did they know. Two weeks, however, became almost two years. It was a tough period for both fans and artists, because live performances could only happen online, where physical contact was inconceivable.
Juliana Piazza Cardoso, 21, adds: “It was a chaotic period for everyone, and losing those leisure moments was complicated. Even though some artists have done virtual shows, it’s not the same as the live experience. Despite that, I think those transmissions were helpful in such a delicate moment like this one. It was worth the experience”.
The last months, in the point of view of Malu Bolanho, 18, were the hardest when it comes to concerts. Before the pandemic, she didn’t go to gigs as much as she’d like to, because she was still underage. But, now, the girl feels that it’s painful to know that there could be happening concerts if it weren’t for the pandemic, especially with new music released this year, to which the journalism student was excited to listen live.
With more than 60% of the population fully vaccinated in Brazil, small gigs started happening again in November. Her Campus Casper Libero talked to a few fans who — finally — returned to the venues and here’s how it went:
João Gabriel, on November 21st, went to his fourth gig after the return of events, Festival Polifonia, in Rio de Janeiro, where he got to see Terno Rei, Tuyo, and Clarissa, artists he’s passionate about. For him, it was a great experience and he thinks it’s good to be back. The bank clerk has plans to go to other concerts this year and is excited to sing the songs together with other fans.
Juliana went to see Elana Dara perform in Curitiba, on November 19th. There was a reduction in the maximum capacity of people to follow coronavirus safety protocols. The fan spoke about her experience: “It was amazing! I enjoyed every second with great intensity. Elana is very tender with fans and she delivered her best performance on stage, which made the night even better. I’m definitely coming back for more of her gigs”.
Malu had an emotional experience at Céu’s concert on November 21st, in São Paulo. Her grandmother introduced her to the MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) artist’s work, so seeing her perform was really important and sentimental. Besides that, part of the specialty of that night comes from the fact that the venue was a traditional space on São Paulo’s independent scene, called Estúdio SP, which re-opened its doors after eight years of shut down.
“It’s unique, for the artist, to look at the fans and see them singing along with you, observing you carefully, laughing, and having fun, especially when it’s an intimate gig, where you can be closer to the artist”, said Malu, who perceived that Céu was having a great time, as well as herself. She thinks the concert was beautiful: it was a moment that made her cry and get very emotional.
It wasn’t easy spending twenty months without face-to-face performances. But, now, fans can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel and make the endless days of dreaming about seeing their favorite artist live become a reality.