Sweat drenched clothes, hoarse throats, and legs now in the form of jelly, are all sheer signs you’ve mastered the art of concerting (If not that’s okay too, it takes practice, money, and time).
An unappreciated art, but an art nonetheless.
What most people fail to realize is that there is a lot more that goes on at concerts than just passing weed in the lawn and singing obnoxiously loud to your favorite songs.
There’s something beautiful to them, something you get lost in.
The interesting part is that they are all different.
At my young age of 18, I have been to more concerts than someone my age could afford, but thanks to generous parents and fangirl friends, I have been fortunate to attend enough concerts for the next thirty or so years of my ongoing life. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have found my overpriced passion that makes my ears ring and my ankles hurt (the feeling after a successful concert).
Here are some of the small beauties concerts have to offer:
1. The Super Stellar Sounds (SSS)
Concerts can be a mix of two things: great music you already know that sounds even better live, or great music you’ve never known that still sounds better live. Either way there is something in the raw sound of an environment covered in someone’s all natural voice. There’s a power and energy that electrifies the room. I think that’s passion, when you witness someone put their whole selves into something they love there is no greater joy. If you’re looking for a good example of what I’m talking about you better google Alabama Shakes and find yourself some tickets.
2. The Beautiful Beauties
We thank the concert lights, for giving us just enough shine to see the sea of beauty we’re swimming in. Not to say everyone you see at a concert is beautiful, but there’s a lot more than usual. Between the people on stage and the people by your side, if you’re not having a good time your eyes sure will be. The glory of concerts is they draw all types of human beings. Leaving a little someone, for everyone.
3 And We Danced
In the darkness of the night people feel free to be whoever they want to be. Whether it’s the bashful wallflower waiting to be seen or the adrenaline junkie who doesn’t care if their seen. Concerts allow one to express their self in the most pivotal of ways; through dance! Even if you saw it coming or not something new is coming out of you. I have learned a good portion of my dance floor moves from the vibrancy of the concerts I’ve been to. It’s a simple discovery based on how the music makes you move. You can also look around, past the beautiful people to see what their bodies can do. It’s amazing the things you can see and do.
4. Surprise Friends Are The Best Friends
They draw a big crowd so you are bound to meet someone cool or see someone you know! Whichever it may be, it may be a blessing. When it comes to strangers, the possibilities are endless. I had a friend once find a future fling at a concert, he has since been known as "Concert Dave." You might find some of those long lost Twitter friends who have been obsessing over the Biebs just as long as you have (even though you know your love is stronger). A lost relative, random celebrity, a regular human being, an irregular one as well. The crowd’s concerts are like the Dr. Suess book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. You get a little bit of everything. If you’re lonely, you might find a loner. If you’re a drunkard, you could just as well discover your sober driver. Concerts: where the possibilities are endless.
There’s also a chance of encountering those old friends that you are so shocked to know they like the same band! Old friends become’s a term of the past because you just found a reason to talk again. Thank you concerts for the miracle working.
5. I LOVE The Idea of You
In the heat of the moment anyone could be Mr. or Mrs. right. All they need is a good smile, some funky moves, a little eye contact and you’re hooked. Hooked to the point where all your eyes want to do is lock on theirs’ until they make a move or walk away. Most times they aren’t walking your way. But they were so into you! Even if they don’t come back it was special. No one else in the room sees it because they aren’t you. What’s better than falling in love for the night, other than the heartbreak?
6. Cover Me In Memories
You’ll find some of your fondest memories pancaked between two strangers jumping up and down forcing your body along with theirs. Or when you’re at your first Beyoncé concert and the girls in front of you decided to fight with beer in their hands that magically finds its way on you. Don’t forget the one where you snuck into the Aragon Ball Room twelve hours before the show and got to see the stage be put together, then after getting kicked out, snuck in three more times. Your favorite might be falling asleep next to your best friend after going so hard during the "Monumentour." You’ll never forget when Adele took an hour and a half longer at her concert to talk and tell you jokes, only to discover how much you’re in love with that cheeky broad. Concerts are filled with memories just waiting to be claimed, put down your Pokémon Go and catch something real for a change.
7. Appreciate
This one is the easiest to find. After seeing it live, feeling it rattle through you for a few hours, and coming to life you’ll understand the value of a concert and the people who put them on for you. It changes your perspective on what people are truly capable to do.
8. The Pits of Life
The pits they were always referring to were the ones at the barrier by the stage. No other pit compares. That’s the way to take a concert truly into yourself. You feel, see, hear and live every moment you exist in. Try it once in your life and you’ll try it every time. It changes everything, including your bank account.
9. Self-Made Merch
This is the way to go. It’s cheaper. Reward. Looks better. And might actually be more flattering. I personally do not desire the image of Brendon Urie's face on my chest. It makes me feel funny. Plus, self-made merch is much cooler. It is a one of a kind that no one has but you. It’s flattering when people ask you where you got it from, the best answer is with a smile.
10. The After Show
What a lot of people don’t know and don’t need to is that there is an after show (sometimes). When I say this I lie entirely. By after show, I mean the chance of meeting the fantastic person who sweat for hours on a stage while belting out notes for you. Something my friends and I have learned to do is wait. Who knows what could happen. I was lucky enough to meet the drummer, give him my earring and hug him a good 500 times. So eliminate room for doubt and just go wait. Worst comes to worst, you’re at Allstate Arena until two in the morning when the police tell you it is really time to go.
11. The Act of Going At All
A concert is a blessing in general. How cool is it that people are willing to travel the world, work their bodies, minds, and lung capacity time after time for our enjoyment while also trying to maintain their lives?!?! IT’S SO COOL. I know I will be forever thankful for having the art of concerts. You can be too. Do yourself a favor and buy a ticket. It could be more than worth it.
