We Need To Talk About How Concerts Are Terrific
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We Need To Talk About How Concerts Are Terrific

Because F*ck that Buzzfeed article.

12
We Need To Talk About How Concerts Are Terrific
Hannah Stivenaon

Hi. "Concert Lover" here. I have been from shows at stadiums to small DIY basement shows. I can't even count how many I've been to.

I recently read the Buzzfeed article "We Need To Talk About How Concerts Are Actually Terrible" by Kat Angus. She is entitled to her (wrong) opinion, but this article made me and so many others angry. I get she may have had some legitimate points; however, a lot of it was about what makes concerts fun.

I was on her Facebook, and I noticed that she was happy this was one of her most hated articles since one on olives? I think this is a petty way to go about getting publicity. I know that she is also glad people are telling her to stay at home or that we don't want her there anyway. Hey, good for you, but unlike you, concerts are actually one of the things that make me happy. So, Kat, congrats you made your point, and now here's why people enjoy those "terrible concerts" you referred to.

"1. It’s time we all admitted that going to concerts is actually kind of the worst."

The worst? No, going to concerts is the best. They are the time when we finally get to see our inspirations and hear the music that has inspired us and changed us in some way live. It is when you get to just be yourself and not care what others think about you. I don't get how that's the worst.

"2. There are the obvious reasons, like the insane convenience fees on ticket prices."

This is probably one of the only valid points. The additional fees can become crazy, but it isn't even the artists' fault. It is the venue charging the fees, and they are typically used for upkeep of the venue. When you think about how much it costs to run a place, it isn't that bad. I do agree that it could definitely be lowered, though.

"3. That is, if you can even GET a ticket before they’re mostly snapped up by ticket resellers."

I think you mean scalpers. This is where presales or that sort of thing might come in handy. Artists are trying their hardest to implement new techniques to make sure only fans get tickets, and it has gotten a lot better than it used to be.

"4. So then you have to pay higher prices, and higher fees."

If you know how to work the system, this isn't the case. You can wait. I know that may be hard, but the closer to showtime, the cheaper Stubhub prices tend to be. And the day of, most places even release more tickets. I know that it may seem terrible not having tickets, but I've used this technique, and depending on the artist, it can be helpful.

"5. The day the concert finally arrives, you have to wait outside in line for hours if you want a good spot."

This one is simple. If you don't want to wait — DON'T. No one is forcing you to stand out in the rain and cold or heat. If you want a spot you'll do this. If not you'll find a way to get a good one anyways. This is normally for general admission shows that are going to have a large audience. You don't have to do this; however, I think that this is one of the more fun parts that makes the experience more memorable.

"6. But then you’re still stuck dealing with huge crowds of people who keep bumping into you."

I hate this point. It is a concert. If it is GA, then yes people are going to bump into you. You are at a concert. If you don't like it, then don't get into the pit.

"7. If you manage to get a spot in the front, you risk getting smushed by the crowd behind you."

This is actually not a problem. So what if your back is getting hit? You aren't getting thrown around and being barrier is very rewarding. You are the closest to the artist.

"8. That is, if you don’t get accidentally get caught in the mosh pit."

If you are in the front the mosh pit isn't a problem. It'll happen behind you. I have been to hardcore shows, and it's not even a problem there. You can clearly see where the pit is, so just avoid it if you don't like it. It's not hard.

"9. Or else you stand safely farther back, but can’t see the stage."

Find a way. You can find a way. It's called moving around. Go be free and concert.

"10. Either way, you’re stuck standing on hard concrete for hours."

Wear better shoes?

"11. Even if you bought a ticket with an assigned seat, you don’t really get to sit, because everyone around you just stands up as soon as the show starts."

This comes with the territory. Certain people don't stand. It just depends on where you sit and what kind of show it is.

"12. And even with an assigned spot, you still might not be able to see the stage."

Hi. Use your friend THE SEATING MAP. It literally tells you where you are sitting, and if the view is not one you want, don't sit there. If the issue is a larger person, move or ask them to. Most people are considerate because everyone just wants to have fun.

"13. You never know what the public bathroom situation is going to be."

They're all the same. Public bathrooms are gross. That's what you can count on. If they are nice, wow. Congrats. This isn't an issue unless you are a girl. Just squat like a normal person or do the toilet paper trick. No one cares that you think your butt is better than everyone else's.

"14. And don’t even get me started on the so-called 'fun' of outdoor music festivals. No, thank you."

You might not think that they are fun, but outdoor festivals and concerts make summer. They literally have so much going for them. I don't get how you can't find something interesting at them.

"15. You’re at the complete mercy of the weather, which can make or break the entire event."

Weather is weather. If you don't like it, fine. If you are going for the experience, then it doesn't matter.

"16. Even if the weather cooperates, you still have to deal with, you know, other people."

I literally hate this. Don't go outside then because, you know, there are PEOPLE. People go outside. People do things. You literally must not have any fun.

"17. And the portable toilet issue is even worse than the public bathroom situation."

If you can't handle a bathroom situation, then why are you going? Wear a diaper. I don't know what else to tell you.

"18. It feels like you have to wait forever for the show to even start."

Patience, my friend. Patience. If you wanted to be there the wait isn't a problem.

"19. Then you’re forced to sit through seemingly endless opening acts you don’t care about, just to get to the good stuff."

Fun fact about those "boring" opening acts: Some people go to the concert for those acts. They are meant to bring your attention to new bands and expand your horizons to new artists. You may find your new favorite band that way.

"20. And once the band you came to see finally performs, you realize they’re not going to play their good songs until the end of the night."

Unless you're paying lots of money to only hear the three singles that play on the radio, then this isn't a problem. If you are this person, then stop. Learn some new songs before the show or something. Good songs are subjective. What you like may not be what others like. Have fun.

"21. Plus, the bright, constantly flashing lights make it hard to even look directly at the stage anyway."

Wear sunglasses...?

"22. And inexplicably, everyone around you is filming the show on their phones, as if their cameras can catch anything but strobe lights."

I agree on this one. It's good to catch some of your favorite moments, but you don't need to hold your phone up the whole time — and most people don't.

"23. And once the band does start playing the good stuff, you can’t even fully enjoy it, because you can’t stop thinking about how much your feet hurt from standing around for so long."

Good is subjective. Wear better shoes.

"24. And you realize that you spent hours of your day preparing for just a few minutes of enjoyment that you didn’t even fully enjoy anyway."

Why don't you enjoy it? Why does going to concerts make you hate your life? Why are you such a sad person? Most people don't spend all this time doing this, and then not enjoying it. Most don't complain. Maybe if you stopped, then you would feel the same.

"25. So then you have to fight through the hundreds or thousands of people who are all trying to escape at the same time."

Don't stay the whole time then...? Leave a song early...? STOP COMPLAINING IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T DO IT.

"26. And when you finally get home and listen to the album in the private comfort of your home, you realize that THIS is how you should have spent your night in the first place."

This is for most when post concert depression kicks in, and you can't stop thinking about the show. But good for you. Don't go and take a ticket away from someone who would love to be there.

I said my opinion on it. It made me upset because concerts are where I feel at home, and if you don't feel at home there, then don't go. Do us all the favor of and don't be one of the ones who just complains the whole time and yells when they are in the pit and get bumped into. You are the ones that anger me. That's all.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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