The idea of having live music and concerts making its return during the COVID era has been a very anticipated wish of mine. Before the pandemic occurred, I never really went to many concerts which led me to make a vow to myself that I would go to as many shows as I could once things got better. Luckily now that I am fully vaccinated, I’ve had the opportunity to see some of my favorite artists live now that shows have returned and boy did I need that absolute serotonin and adrenaline boost.
Unexpectedly, my boyfriend was able to quickly get us tickets to a limited ticket surprise show that the Osees were throwing in LA and it was possibly the most energetic show that I have ever been to. The show was held at a small, low-key area and I was at the very front of the crowd. Since there was no elevated stage, the rowdy crowd was very forceful (keep in mind I am a very small person). I kept almost hitting the band and at one point the pit was so intense that I got pushed into the drummer’s drumset. I thought it was so funny in the moment because I tipped over one of his cymbals, yelled out “I’m sorry!” fixed it super quick, and proceeded to headbang like nothing happened. Since it was a much smaller show at a secret location, we were able to take a picture with the lead band member John Dwyer and have a small conversation with him. This show’s music was so loud that it was deafening and I could barely hear after, but in the end, that and my neck pain was so worth it.
Feeling excited from the last show, the two of us decided to see them play again, but this time in the bay area the following week. I spontaneously left to San Francisco on a whim and was able to catch a ticket to the 2nd night for Osees at The Chapel. Of course since this concert was at an actual venue, it was much bigger but we were still able to be near the front, grab some cool merch, and have a good time.
Aside from those two concerts, my best friend and I were able to get tickets to one of our favorite bands, The Regrettes. It was their very first show coming back after a rough year and they did not disappoint. Unlike both Osees shows, The Regrettes show was much calmer, but still amazing. I look up to their front-woman, Lydia Night, very much and it was inspiring to finally see her and the band perform live. They played all of our favorite songs and were so uplifting that I felt so pumped up and full of energy. I felt comfortable and empowered being surrounded by women and hearing all of Lydia’s heartening words, especially when they performed “Poor Boy.” I can definitely say that it was worth the long drive to Santa Barbara and we had a fun time that was one for the books. We even got to hear them play a sneak peak of their new song “Monday” a few days before it was released!
Shows are simply great because you’re surrounded by a bunch of other random people who love music just as much as you do and you get to enjoy it together. These concerts have shown me that I want to continue to go to as many as I possibly can and have made me excited for those to come, especially for the Tame Impala concert that I plan to go to in November! Nothing beats the feeling of simply dancing or singing along to the music, making great memories, letting all of your worries go away at the moment, and feeling so alive.