Some people have no issue going out on their own; they’re living the solo life to its full extent and absolutely love it! Personally, that’s where I want to get to.
The reality is though, I’m still new to going out on my own and I get nervous about it!
Soon I’ve got a concert coming up and none of my friends are going. Previously I might have let the chance go by because I can listen to this artist on Spotify all the time, but my new Solo Introvert attitude is: go and do the thing!
Now this isn’t the first time I’m going on my own to a concert, but it is only the second time. Only a few months ago my friend cancelled on me last minute, and there was no way I would miss out on seeing this artist live.
Below are my tips for going to a concert on your own, and read about what happened last time I went on my own!
Bring ear protection
This has nothing to do with going to concerts on your own specifically, but I cannot stress this enough: Bring. Your. Earplugs!
The noise levels at concerts (and clubs and other social venues) are often way too high to be healthy for your ears, and with prolonged exposure hearing damage is unavoidable.
I’m assuming you want to keep enjoying the music, so invest in some good concert earplugs and you’re ready to rock and roll!
Map out your journey and venue beforehand
If you’re like me and a bit nervous about going on your own, it really helps to make sure you know how to get to the venue, and the rules of the venue.
Knowing where you’re going (and how you’re leaving!) will give you a sense of control, even if you don’t know what happens in the middle.
Another reason to check is so you don’t get caught out by bag and drink policies at the door. Some venues only allow small sized bags, or have no cloakroom available. Know what you can bring, and what you should leave at home.
I don’t like having a bulky coat on me, but also don’t like waiting for a cloakroom (if there is one), so I tend to wear a light zipped hoodie I can wear around my waist while I’m inside.
Check out the support bands
Most gigs have support bands to warm up the crowd before the main event. Check out these artists beforehand if you don’t already know them – you might find a new favourite!
This may be controversial, but if I really don’t like the support or there are multiple, I consider skipping the first support and/or come in during their set.
This is partly because I still want to have a good spot, and it’s first come first serve in the pit, but also because I don’t want to stand around if I don’t enjoy what’s going on. It doesn’t help me, the people around me, or the band on stage (not that they’d notice!).
The other reason is because I know I have limited energy, and my main goal is the artist I want to see! Standing around and feeling uncomfortable will take up more of my energy that I’d like.
That being said:
Go in with an open mind
I cannot stress this enough. Don’t go in thinking you’ll have a bad time, or you will.
The first concert I went to on my own I was worried, but I tried to keep positive. I skipped the first support act (partially because I couldn’t make it in time because of work!) and timed it so that I would see the second support act, even though I didn’t really know their music.
It wasn’t too busy yet, so I could get a decent spot, but I noticed the crowd around me were mainly couples.
Nothing against couples, but it really didn’t help my solo venture to be surrounded by loved up sets!
After the support act ended there was another interval, and to my surprise, a lot of people started moving about, and I saw this as an opportunity to get to another spot.
(It being a metal concert I did avoid the middle as I didn’t want to be part of the mosh pit.)
Being on my own meant it was a lot easier to get about – not only was there enough space, but I didn’t have to worry about sticking close to anyone else.
I ended up accidentally following someones wake, which turned out to be the most magical thing.
Remember that you have something in common
My “have an open mind” attitude pushed me to crack a joke about me following them, and I thanked them for making it easy for me to get more towards the front, and how I wanted to avoid the mosh pit.
Worst case scenario: I’ve just thanked someone and that’s that.
Best case scenario: we have a bit of chit chat before the gig starts.
To my introverted surprise this person was more than happy to have a bit of chat, and it was easy because we had something in common: we both enjoyed the artist that would be performing!
It’s good to remember that even though you may feel like the odd one out in a room or at an event, you will always have something in common even in the strangest situations.
If you’re at the same concert or event, that is the first thing you’ve got in common already, and it’s easy to have some small talk around that.
In my case, I even made a new friend! After the concert we exchanged socials and kept in touch – turns out we’ve got tickets to the same artist in a few months!
Going to a gig on your own
I’m nervous for my next gig. All the what ifs from the previous time are back, even though I had a great experience.
Doing these things more often will help. The human brain needs proof (again and again) before it will reduce anxiety and worries. Or simply said: to get rid of the nerves, you have to go right through them.
Even though I did have a good experience and chatted with an absolute stranger and left as friends, it wouldn’t have mattered if I hadn’t.
Why?
You’re not alone
Once the music started everyone was on the same page: to have a good time seeing this band live. We had a shared goal that connected all of us, and I didn’t feel alone for a single second.
I had always been too scared to go to concerts on my own, but I got swept up in the energy just the same as if I had been with my friends.
Enjoying things together is great, but it turns out, you don’t have to be there with others to be part of a group. Even if it’s just for the duration of the gig, you are part of something.
Enjoy yourself. Sing your heart out. Dance like no one is watching. Everyone around you is doing the same, zero judgement.
Going solo to a concert is a great experience
Going to a concert on your own can be a daunting task, but it can also be a liberating experience. Prepare yourself by checking out the journey, venue and support acts, and make sure you bring your earplugs!
Going to a concert is one of many ways to go on a solo date and as you only have to show up, your biggest challenge is yourself. Go in with an open mind and don’t be scared to strike up a conversation; you’re all here to see the same show, so what have you got to lose?