So those of you that know me pretty much know that I go to a lot of concerts, and if you don't know me that much, I mean A LOT OF FREAKIN' CONCERTS, MY DUDE. Just name me an artist, and there's a 99.9% I've seen them live and perhaps have met them too.
I don't mean to brag, but I kinda know my way around the whole live music experience, and I decided to type up my tips, tricks, and bountiful knowledge for readers like you!
I know, I know. You're so welcome.
Keep scrolling if you want to know how to survive your next live music adventure!
1. DRINK. WATER. OH. MY GOD.
You gotta stay hydrated if you wanna survive the crowd, my dudes. Not just if you're going to a show, all the time. That stuff's good for you. Ugly God knows best. Oh, and this brings me to my next point:
2. PEE
I don't care if you don't have to go right now, JUST GO. This is crucial if you're gonna be standing in line all day (drinking your water) and especially if you're gonna be squished in between people for the entire duration of the concert.
3. Portable Chargers Will Save Your Life
Pretty much everyone has an iPhone and pretty much everyone knows that the battery life SUCKS. Even if you don't have the iPhone struggle, I totally recommend a portable charger for concerts. I start charging mine the day before a concert, and leave it filling up until right before I leave on the day of the show. And don't forget your cable!
4. Put Your Phone on Low Power Mode for the Whole Night
Settings > Battery > switch Low Power Mode to "on." You're welcome.
5. Delete Stuff Off Your Phone Ahead of Time
Dude, I just now noticed Bey's playing with a DS in this gif. I thought it was an actual phone.
Wow.
Anyway, just to make sure your phone doesn't freak out on you about storage while you're taking pictures and videos, its better to go ahead and delete random photos, text messages, apps, and useless stuff you don't need off of your phone.
6. Pack Light.
Literally, all you'll need the whole night is your phone, charger, credit card, ID, tickets, and perhaps some cash for drinks, march, and snacks (like your tots). This should all fit in a small cross-body bag, or even your pockets! Keep in mind that some venues have purse size restrictions too.
7. Buy your Merch First
You may or may not miss part of the openers depending on what time you get to the venue, but it's much better to get your artist merch as soon as you walk through the gates. They're more likely to have your size since you get first dibs, and you'll miss the crowd of literally EVERYONE rushing to the merch table when the show's over.
8. Be Aggressive
I wish someone told me this for my first concert. People will push and shove to try and get to the barricade and push you behind them. You don't have to stab them, but be prepared to stand your ground, protect your spot in the crowd, and don't be afraid to elbow people in the face when stuff gets crazy. Hey, you'll never see them again!
9. Know Where the "after show crowd" Meets
We all want a chance to meet our favorite artists, and if they aren't offering official VIP Meet & Greet packages on their tour, they're bound to come out after for a little bit to meet and greet with fans. Openers especially! I've met The Maine, Bad Suns (multiple times, we're pals), (seen) Matty Healy from The 1975, Halsey (twice in once day, actually) just by chilling after the show for an hour or so. DON'T LISTEN TO THE SECURITY GUARDS TELLING YOU TO SHOO OFF OR THAT THEY'RE "NOT COMING OUT." Be checking the artists' social media while you're waiting, trust your gut instinct, and check to see if any tour buses have left immediately so you don't waste your time.
-Sub-point: If an artist in fact is offering Meet & Greet packages, DO IT.
Especially if you love 'em!
It's guaranteed you'll meet them (obviously), you get some memorabilia, you get a cute picture with them in some cases, and you get to sit there and chat with them for a little bit. Sure, sometimes its pricey depending on the artist, but it's an experience you won't forget for the rest of your life!
That's how I met Halsey (the first time), Kid Cudi, Chance The Rapper, and others!
And last but not least.....
10. HAVE THE FREAKIN' TIME OF YOUR LIFE
You didn't just buy a ticket, you bought an EXPERIENCE! And those are irreplaceable! Enjoy tf out of it!
And once again, you're welcome.