If you're a We the Kings supporter, this article will make sense to you without reading it. If you're not, then you need to pay attention very closely. Alas, any of us can use some reminders as to why attending a We the Kings concert is necessary. That's what I'm here for: to remind you of the best of times. On April 1, 2016, I went to my first We the Kings concert at the Blue Moose Tap House in Iowa City, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
1. The show's openers
Since I have only attended one show, I can't say that every venue has amazing opening acts. I can say, though, that I have only experienced the best: She is We and AJR Brothers. Immediately after the concert, I looked up both bands, and since then, not a day goes by that I don't listen to at least a couple songs from each--particularly Blue by She is We and Turning Out by AJR.
2. The suspense between the openers and We the Kings
Suddenly, the amazing sounds and vibes of the openers disappeared. And then there was nothing. The almost-too-large-for-the-bar crowd was still moving, everyone was yelling over the monotonous noise, and drinks were being thrown around. People were moving the set off-stage and bringing on the new kits. But nothing was happening. All the pieces were moving, but nothing was coming to shape. The impatience set in, then the annoyance, and then just plain frustration.
And then they were there, singing at the top of their lungs with all of us, and every second spent waiting was worthwhile.
3. Tetris
Unfortunately, my memory fails me sometimes. This is one of those times. I can't remember the name of the song. Alas, Travis Clark told us that it tells the story of the first time he played Tetris with a girl. Let your imagination run wild; yes, that's what he means. I now have a 3' x 4' canvas hanging in my bedroom with the words "Let's play Tetris" surrounded by colorful splatters, and it never fails to be a great conversation starter.
4. Sorority squat crowd dance
Again with the memory, I have no idea what song was playing for this. Regardless, it was the best crowd collaboration effort ever. When the band sang certain words, everybody did a sorority squat (you know, the typical picture pose). And then when the magic word was said, we all jumped into the air, screaming out loud and punching the air and gasping for breath. That's what led to number 5...
5. New friends(?)
As part of any crowd dance, people move closer together. I happened to bump into--okay, sorority squat into--a guy I'd noticed a few songs earlier. Then, I told my friends he was the type of guy to avoid. But suddenly we were sorority squatting, and when I jumped into the air, he caught me and pulled me close. We had a short story for a few weeks after the concert, and even though it didn't have a pretty ending, it's a story I like to retell.
6. The music, DUH!
Anybody going to a concert is going for one main thing: the music. Let me tell you, We the Kings did not disappoint. From a throwback to my teenage years with Check Yes, Juliet, to a cover of my favorite Coldplay song (Fix You) to a new release (The Story of Tonight), there wasn't a single second I wanted to hear anything else. Oh and yes, my friends and I are featured in The Story of Tonight tour video.
Sometimes I don't believe that I attended the concert. Then I watch the videos, look at the pictures, and remind my friends of something related. Then I believe it, and I can't believe that not everybody has had such an experience. I recommend it, more than almost anything.
