I am a firm believer that everything in life can be solved with a cup of coffee or a concert. No matter what is going on in this world or in your head, stepping back and enjoying some sick nasty jams with your best buds can clear your head and put you in a new headspace. So this week, when I was having a bit of a social crisis, I knew the only way to solve it would be to go to a concert with my favorite person on this planet. And as I am writing this, coming down from the rush of the show that ended a mere hour ago, I offer up my knowledge and advice to anyone who knows the importance of a good show and urge all of you to buy tickets to the next available one.
Artists have this gift. I don't understand it, but I know from vast experience that it is there. They look deep into your soul and belt out the exact quote that you needed to hear without even knowing it. Whether it is a super deep quote about forgiveness, or a simple line telling you to forget about your ex, it is exactly what you needed. And when you leave, you might commit it to memory, or make it your new Instagram bio (guilty), but it give you a new outlook on whatever is going on. These are the quotes that people get tattooed on their bodies, the ones that you have heard a million times on their CD but take on a new meaning in that moment. Like I said, I don't know how it works, but concerts provide the most surreal and useful experiences.
Not only are there endless pieces of advice in your favorite bands' lyrics, but the reality of live music is that it is loud. Some people go running or take a drive to clear their head, whereas I stand next to six-foot-tall speakers and let my ears ring until I am not upset anymore. People say music is a release, but it is also a distraction. You can't be mad if you can't hear your own thoughts, right?
Along with the pure distraction that comes with a great performance, there are some really awesome people to meet. Whether it is waiting in line for the doors to open (which always happens 10-45 minutes later than promised) or talking to the bands after the show, if the music is good, chances are, so are the people. Nothing boosts your mood like a new friend or a good conversation with your favorite guitarist and it builds bonds that come in handy down the road at other concerts.
Every concert is different. Even if you have seen the same band 50 times (and I can vouch for this) the vibe is always shifting. I am not saying that every concert you go to will be life changing, or that all of your problems can be solved by Kanye West or Luke Bryan, but I can honestly say that I don't regret any concert I have attended. And there is always this moment, where you become super aware of how amazing it is. For me, it is always a split second where I realize that no show will ever feel the exact same and that I will never see the world the way I am in that moment. Music does some crazy things.
So the next time your parents tell you that you shouldn't waste your money on those Five Finger Death Punch tickets, or that you aren't spending your time wisely inside a venue, present them with this list. There are endless joys, wonders, and benefits to live music. All I'm trying to say is buy the tickets, drive the distance, make those new friends and have some fun dudes ( and dudettes?).
