I have had the amazing privilege of getting to see so many of my favourite artists live in concert. For me, concerts have been extremely special because of how important music is in my life. Seeing my favourite band LANY for the first time and standing right at the barricade at Taylor Swift’s Reputation show have been some standout moments in my concert experiences.
Thanks to my parents, who love music too, I have been exposed to music of all ages and genres ever since I was little. As you may know from reading my fall playlist article, music is something that I am very passionate about and the concerts I have gone to have only intensified that passion.
A lot of people tend to think of concerts and immediately think about how expensive they are, and while this is true to a certain extent, I love concerts for so many reasons and I truly believe the experience is worth the expense. Here’s why!
1. The Anticipation
One thing I love about concerts is the suspense leading up to them. Seeing that artists I listen to are coming to a city near me is thrilling, especially when it comes to artists that I love or that I have yet to see. Waiting for my favourite artists to post their tour dates and then for the tickets to go on sale is such an exciting part of the concert experience. Once the tickets go on sale, the adrenaline rush of finding good seats (at a reasonable price) for me and my friends, family, etc. is so exciting, and it’s even better when I get the ticket confirmation!
2. The Day of the Show
When the day of the concert finally comes around, after much anticipation, a rush of excitement tends to run through me all day. Whether I have other things going on that day, like work or school, or if I spend the whole day getting ready, the lingering feeling that I will soon be at a concert is always in the back of my mind. I usually listen to the artist’s music while I get ready and since I usually go to shows in Toronto, taking the train in with my friends means we get to listen (and sing) to the music together. Sometimes we make a day out of the concert and go for food together before going to the show. This makes the day all the more special and exciting.
3. The Artist
Obviously, I choose to go to a concert because I like the artist. Whether it’s my first or fifth time seeing a particular artist, I am always super excited to see them in person and hear their music. It also feels great to know I am supporting artists who I appreciate, and just artists in general. The music business is super saturated and seeing artists I love get the appreciation and support they deserve is not only gratifying but moving. There have been a few times when I have seen artists looking emotional about the crowd, and while I don’t know them personally, it makes me feel good to know I am supporting them.
4. The Concert Atmosphere
For me, the feeling I get from being at a concert is probably the best part. Every moment, from waiting in line, to buying merchandise, to going to my seat – and even when I’m leaving – I feel surrounded by excitement and happy energy. Standing in a room where everyone is there for the same reason – for their love of the music – is powerful. There have been so many times when the whole crowd is singing to the pre-show music and it feels like just a huge group of best friends. When the whole crowd is singing and dancing to the show, I feel like I just can’t help but smile. There’s just something powerful about the atmosphere. It’s so moving that sometimes even it alone is enough to make me tear up.
5. The General Admission Section
Over the last few years, I have started to go to smaller, more intimate gigs. Usually, these smaller venues mean that there is a general admission section – or the whole venue is general admission. If you don’t know, general admission means that everyone pays the same price and there are no seats – so it’s first come first serve in terms of getting a good spot. The obvious benefit of general admission is that the prices tend to be cheaper (depending on the artist and venue). Getting as close as possible is always my goal, which means arriving early and waiting in line. While this may seem like a big commitment, it really enhances the experience and pays off when you end up getting to see the show from the first few rows! Don’t be worried though, many general admission venues are small enough that you have a good view from any spot!
6.The Merchandise
Another fun aspect of going to a concert is getting to buy (often exclusive) tour merchandise. While it is not necessary to buy something, especially since merch can be expensive, it is fun to be able to show your love for your favourite artists and show off the fact that you got to see them live. Merchandise is also a great keepsake to have to remember the memories you made at the show! Whether you buy clothing, a poster, or a CD, there’s often something available for everyone!
7. The New Music
Sometimes artists will have opening acts that you already know, allowing you to see two people you like in one night – which makes the concert that much better. Sometimes the opening act is an artist or band that you’ve never even heard of – but that’s even better! Being directly introduced to new music forces you to have an open mind and appreciate the artist. There have been so many times when I become a fan of an artist when I see them opening for another act and go on to listen to their music and love it! So try to have an open mind, and even try to listen to the opening act before you go to the show (bands often announce the opening act when they release tour dates).
8. The People
If no one went to concerts, we would never get the chance to see our favourite artists live. The people you go to the concert with, and those you meet there, are one of the most important parts of the experience. Not only is going to a concert a great opportunity to hang out and bond with your existing friends, it’s also a great place to meet new people. The other fans at the show already have one thing in common with you – the music – so it’s easy to start conversations while waiting in lines or while watching the show. I have talked to so many people and even met some of my closest friends at concerts!
9. The Memories
I always feel sad when a concert is over. Somehow, it always comes to an end too early and the next thing I know, I’m on the train home. Even though I always wish I could relive the day, I am grateful for the memories. Taking pictures with friends serve as great mementos for remembering the show. I definitely recommend watching the show through your own eyes and not through the screen of your phone, but I think taking a few pictures or videos is okay. If you get a physical ticket, you could also start a collection of tickets like I have! It may seem kind of silly, but I like to look back at the shows I have been to!
Overall, there are a lot of reasons why I love concerts. As someone who is passionate about music, concerts allow me to be even more connected to the music and show my support for artists. While concerts can be expensive, I definitely think the experience is worth the price.