To some of the best nights of my life-

I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of the energy in live music. Whether a lavish stadium arena or a rundown underground terminal, you’ve always felt like a second home and I’ll be lucky to find so much comfort in anything else. Despite being shy or reserved, you’ll always have me belting lyrics at the top of my lungs and dancing with the crowd as if I’ve known them for years. You astonish me with your ability to drown any worries of the past or future, leaving me feeling so incredibly alive, lost in the moment, and letting me fully embrace the present. The crowd filled to the brim with adrenaline and euphoria; the electricity in the room could light the sky. Thank you for constantly bringing magic into my life.

What is it that is so thrilling about general admission crowds? First, we stand in line for hours and hours on end just to be released into another room of standing for even more hours. Then, we're pushed and shoved around by people trying to force their way to the barricade (not to mention pressed way too close against sweaty strangers to be comfortable with). And finally, at the end of the night, I’m left with horribly bruised knees and ribs, knotted hair, smudged makeup, but always the biggest smile on my face. Somehow, I thank you for these unforgettable nights.

You introduced me to so many amazing people, some from different states, some from different countries, all so unique yet so alike in passion. It’s crazy, the bonds I’ve formed with people from just simply waiting in line; because no matter background, interest, or age, we’re all waiting for the same thing. These are people that I’ve suffered almost heat strokes with (camping out 25 hours in mid-June), had dance parties at the doors of the venue to our favorite music with, crowd surfed with, laid on blankets on the lawn blowing bubbles with, sprinted hand in hand to the barricade for front row with, and cried of happiness with. Thank you for introducing me to people who have illuminated my life.

Thank you for teaching me the value of turning off my phone and opening up my eyes. You give every song a memory to take home with me and hold onto forever and that is more than an iPhone video could ever give me. Thank you for being so much to look at, so much to listen to, and so much to feel.

Lastly, screw you for swallowing my bank account, but the experiences you’ve given me: priceless.

In the words of Fall Out Boy, Thnks fr th Mmrs.

Shivika