Concerts are a major part of my life. And, to be a bit more dramatic, but no less accurate, they're also very influential to my emotional meter. To put it simply, concerts are my happy place and I know many others who agree. What’s great for us avid live show enthusiasts is that concert season is in full swing. Winter Jam, the largest Christian music tour featuring a plethora of artists, is currently winding down after months of finally being able to get back into arenas nationwide. Not to mention that many major artists are embarking on spring tours in the coming weeks.
That being said, I thought it would be a good time to address some concerns that have been weighing on my mind about the live show experience. Many people come together at concerts and sometimes that blending just doesn’t work.
Some want to enjoy the music, while others are loud to show their appreciation. Already, you can imagine that the live show experience might lead to conflict, not enjoyment. So, here are some tips on how you can not only get the most from your concert experience but for your attending neighbor as well.
The Shutter Snappers: Pictures and Videos
With the most recent iPhone models now available, I must admit that camera quality is getting better (But concert videos will still most likely be trash). Between the crazy flashing lights and deafening sound, your videos and pictures will never truly capture that live experience (no matter how much you want it to). Another thing is that you're probably never going to watch them again. I was once guilty of taking over 300 pictures and videos at a concert. And besides reference for this editorial, I have never looked at them again. Be mindful of the flash that could be intrusive to other concertgoers' eyes. It will hinder their experience.
Mobile devices have become a big problem in society. We start to think that our lives depend on them and when they go away, we can barely live without them. And of course, like everything else, this problem is amplified at concerts.
Now, I understand if it's intermission or a similar break and you have nothing better to do--even though there are people all around that you could talk to (just a thought). But during the show? Really? You paid money for a ticket to see your favorite artist or band. So, not only are you not seeing them, everyone else around you is watching you and your Instagram feed. Do you want that?
I know, I know you love the artist. And you desperately want to let them know of this undying--no, not creepy at all--obsession you have for their music and their personal lives. The problem is that they can't hear you over the sound of the music.
Or you could strategically decide to scream during one of the quiet, inspirational moments, and guess what? You ruin the moment. Furthermore, everyone around you is guaranteed to cringe. Is professing your unsettling large amount of love worth that?
Especially when you don't know many songs by a band, I understand how enticing it is to scream out a request for the one deep cut you do know. But unfortunately, I speak from experience that setlists are 99 percent of the time created before the show.
The performers won't change the setlist on a whim. And if they do, well, email me and let me know. I want to hear about your magical moment. But until then, please keep in mind the fragile eardrums of those around you. And contain your happy music thoughts as best you can.
I get it. I want a big, fancy hat, too. They're fun to wear at picnics, photoshoots, church, and so. They're great to wear almost anywhere--except concerts. I seriously can't see around those hats. Stop trying to set a new trend, you're blocking my view. Let the artist be the style here and just wear something comfortable. And let's face it--you're going to sweat anyway.
Listen. I'm 5'4". Not short, but not exceptionally tall either. It's a happy medium and one that goes to great use at concerts. However, I do have something to say for those people who tower over me by more than the traditional few inches. You are too tall. While I understand that you can't change that, I wish you could because it's driving me crazy. (Yes, this beef is meant to be funny.)
We've all seen the passive concertgoers; they come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe it's the teenager still hanging onto that "too cool for school" attitude. Or maybe it's the parent who got dragged to the concert because of their children. Regardless, these are the concertgoers who won't enjoy themselves. Thus, probably hindering the enjoyment of those around them. My advice? If you're positive that you're not going to like the concert and you have a choice not to go, then don't go.
If for some reason, you wind up there anyway, find somewhere to sit that's away from all the people who actually want to be there and just chill. And when you inevitably feel the comforting light of sleep calling you, the doorway to a blissful rest that you've been missing for days. Then, snap out of it and buy some caffeine.
So you couldn't afford VIP (don't worry, neither can I), and you didn't win that radio contest for the best seats (again, neither did I). Believe me, I know how firsthand how frustrating it is but think about it from the perspective of the people who have earned those spots in the front rows. Don't ruin their night by pushing them around. Chances are, you're going to eventually shove someone who will shove you back and that hurts.
Keep saving and keep trying for those special tickets. I promise one day it'll get better than where you're at right now. You'll learn when you're finally there that you don't want someone jabbing you in the back with an elbow. This also goes out to the moshers who get so caught up in the music that they hurt themselves and others.
If you come to a concert, come for the right reasons. And if you have something to say, it's probably best to save it until the intermission or until the concert is over. Here's what happens when you don't. You turn to your friend to tell them something extremely unnecessary about the song the band is currently playing. They can't hear you over the noise, so they scream "What?!" You repeat yourself. Yet again, they can't hear you. This goes on for, oh, I don't know, five minutes or so. The song is now over.
Okay, here's the thing: I do this, too. Go ahead and sing. I take back my criticism. Let it out. Belt out every single one of those lyrics and try those harmonies. Heck, try singing the melody and harmony at the same time. I want to see how that goes.
Just don't blame me when you watch those videos (that I told you not to take) later and instead of hearing the artist, you hear your beautiful voice. Don't take it personally, we all sound worse on camera. And some of us sound much much worse. Just saying.
