My first ever concert was Sam Smith my freshman year of college. I know. Sam Smith. How could anyone else compare to that? That was the day I fell in love with live music. Well, my next concert was LOLO, The Griswolds, and New Politics -- and with that, I fell in love with live rock music. Since that day I've looked at venues to see when my favorite alternative artists play. Sam Smith was amazing, but there's just something special about a whole band taking up the stage, and here are seven reasons why.

1. The Music

I'm extremely biased towards this kind of music already. It helps that bands just tend to play more upbeat songs.

2. The Show

I saw Panic! At the Disco a year ago, and I still can't get over the beautiful sight of Brendon Urie playing piano on a rising platform. I vaguely remember fire after that.

3. The Camaraderie

You can tell when bands have been touring a while and have formed a bond. Case in point, The Griswolds, Magic Man, and Panama Wedding all coming onstage for an encore of "Ignition."

4. The Variety

Covers at concerts are always fun, but solo artists tend to stick to their own genre. I've seen bands play a little bit of everything.

5. The Following

It's very easy to be a casual fan of today's biggest artists and go a concert. Fans of some of these smaller bands probably get more excited to hear about an upcoming tour. Plus there's always that bond you make with other concert-goers.

6. The Band-Fan Bond

When I saw Fall Out Boy, they put the whole concert on hold while security helped someone who was being too crowded get some space. Then they stopped it again later so a guy who had gotten beat up at the concert could get help. I believe all artists care about their fans, but that's the only time I'd seen something like that at a show.

7. The Vibe

Overall, I've tended to enjoy bands and rock concerts more than solo events. It feels more like I'm just a part of the group for the night as opposed to just watching one person up on stage. Plus the music I really like just happens to come from alternative bands. But to be completely honest, I'm up for any live music.