If anyone has ever been to a concert they know the nervous feeling deep inside, the ear piercing screams, and the joy at seeing a musician that you have loved for years being up on stage in front of you. Concerts are a great way to spend time with people who enjoy the same music as you and create memories that will last forever. You're surrounded by amazing people from all walks of life coming together for one event, you make new friends and share stories of your past experiences with concerts. Concerts give you a huge rush of adrenaline and are loads of fun. There are some things about concerts, however, that can make it a bit hectic. Here is my advice on how to make it fun, with as few issues as possible.
1. Bring lots of water.
If you are going to be standing outside the venue for a long time, my number one recommendation is to bring lots of water, especially during the summer. You'll be sitting in the sun for hours on end, and trust me, you'll be dying for just a drop soon enough. It's a great way to save money because it keeps you from buying from more expensive locations and it keeps you from having to have someone hold your spot in line while you run and buy some.
2. Wear comfortable shoes.
This is a must. You will most likely be standing and walking all day long, and no matter what shoes you wear your feet will be sore at the end of the day. Make it easier on your feet and go with practical shoes, no matter how cute your new heels are you might want to pass on them this time.
3. Be prepared to get pushed.
This is mainly for those who buy general admission tickets. Pushing is guaranteed part of the deal, there is no such thing as personal space with a general admission ticket. No matter how long you sit outside the venue when those doors open and it is a total free for all. All those people that were sitting outside all want front row too and they will push, shove and all but knock you to the floor to try and get that awesome view.
4. Buy merchandise the first second that you can.
Merchandise can sell out really fast, so I always try to buy my posters or shirt as soon as I can. The lines get long really, fast, so it's better to get in line as soon as you can. Also be prepared to empty your bank account for a poster and a shirt, you might also have to sell your kidneys if you want a sweatshirt with the band name on it.
5. Don't go alone.
I know this seems like a pretty obvious one, but it really is better to not go alone. I learned this the hard way. You get the experience of being with your friends seeing a live concert, but you should also travel in groups. It's easy to get lost if you travel long ways to get to the concert, and you don't want to get lost alone. There are also tons of creeps out there, and traveling in groups is just always a better idea in an area you don't know.
6. Talk to new people.
My experience at concerts is that the people in line around you can become your new best friend. They may have brought extra food or water that you have forgotten. A lot of people around you may also know details on where you can find your favorite musician later that night after the concert. The people around you may become your new friends, so don't be afraid to talk to new people. I guarantee a lot of them will be friendly and willing to chat because they are just as excited as you are.
6. Have fun!
This rule is key! You paid to have a really good time and you should! Enjoy the music, dance, sing along and just have a good time. This will be a night you will never forget.
