I’m 43 and have been going to concerts alone for idk how long now haha. In fact, I think I’ve gone to more shows alone than accompanied. I’m a huge advocate for it!
Being short and good at navigating crowds means I’m lucky enough to (almost) always secure the perfect spot in standing shows. I’ve seen loads of favorite artists—some multiple times—who I didn’t necessarily share my love of with others...let alone someone I wanted to see a show with.
I’ve made friends with strangers as we waited before or between sets...that “collective effervescence” thing is so real (love that phrase, thank you!). Don’t get me started on the emotional power of thousands of people singing together the words of a song they all know practically by heart.
I’ve laughed raucously, cried a little and outright sobbed a few times (at a Brandi Carlile show I was crying so hard through most of the songs the woman sitting next to me leaned over to squeeze my arm and whisper-ask if I was okay).
Sometimes I DO feel awkward or too self-aware of my “dancing” or singing. Sometimes that older guy gets a little too close for comfort. Sometimes I can’t see the stage well. But I can’t imagine missing all the great experiences.
I have a friend of a friend who last summer asked if I’d go to a show with her. I’d just moved 3.5 hrs away and it wasn’t really feasible that specific date. She’d never been to a concert before (30yo immigrant from Lebanon) but I encouraged her to go alone. She had such an amazing time that she started following the artist around on tour and has made a bazillion new friends.
I now have a partner who loves live music as much as I do. We even go to shows together when only one of us is the fan (though there are some we both like). It’s delightful to share that with each other. But also? I still go see music alone and no doubt always will.
I think your point about missing out on the experiences is spot-on. I can navigate a little awkwardness when the pay off is an incredible overall experience!
Oh this is crazy! I could only afford one ticket to see Beyoncé this summer. The Reddit group devoted to her assure me that I won't be the only one (esp considering the price of the tix). But: eek! Thanks for making the idea of it easier for me.
Lovely piece on venturing out solo, Heather. I used to avoid going places alone, and now I definitely see the benefit of only having to please myself and worry about my own feelings. That can be truly revolutionary for people pleasers ;) Plus I set that rule about leaving after xx minutes if I'm not digging it. So happy it was an awesome experience for you!!
Yes to this! I think it was 2009 (give or take a year), I was broke and Nine Inch Nails released additional tickets for their show at the Palladium in LA. I only had enough room on my credit card for 1 ticket...and by the time friends were trying to get theirs, it was sold out. So, despite feeling awkward about it, I went on my own, found a great place to the side that gave me a clear, full view of the stage (right over the techies in their tech pit). It was a fantastic show (they played The Downward Spiral in its entirety; Gary Numan closed). And, once they hit the stage, no one is alone. So glad you enjoyed your night, Heather. xo
Ditto. Done that myself a few times and look back on those solo concerts as some of the best times of my life - why? because as you stated so well, no need to worry about anyone else. Just me. How often do we get that opportunity? Plus, as a single, you can get really great seats as you fill in the blank spaces up front :-)
This piece could not have come at a better time. I have tickets to see a super-favorite band this weekend and realized that I'm probably going to end up going by myself. This was great encouragement to do it!
Yes!!! Perfectly said.
So glad it resonated! Thank you for reading! Now I can't wait for my next solo concert!
I’m 43 and have been going to concerts alone for idk how long now haha. In fact, I think I’ve gone to more shows alone than accompanied. I’m a huge advocate for it!
Being short and good at navigating crowds means I’m lucky enough to (almost) always secure the perfect spot in standing shows. I’ve seen loads of favorite artists—some multiple times—who I didn’t necessarily share my love of with others...let alone someone I wanted to see a show with.
I’ve made friends with strangers as we waited before or between sets...that “collective effervescence” thing is so real (love that phrase, thank you!). Don’t get me started on the emotional power of thousands of people singing together the words of a song they all know practically by heart.
I’ve laughed raucously, cried a little and outright sobbed a few times (at a Brandi Carlile show I was crying so hard through most of the songs the woman sitting next to me leaned over to squeeze my arm and whisper-ask if I was okay).
Sometimes I DO feel awkward or too self-aware of my “dancing” or singing. Sometimes that older guy gets a little too close for comfort. Sometimes I can’t see the stage well. But I can’t imagine missing all the great experiences.
I have a friend of a friend who last summer asked if I’d go to a show with her. I’d just moved 3.5 hrs away and it wasn’t really feasible that specific date. She’d never been to a concert before (30yo immigrant from Lebanon) but I encouraged her to go alone. She had such an amazing time that she started following the artist around on tour and has made a bazillion new friends.
I now have a partner who loves live music as much as I do. We even go to shows together when only one of us is the fan (though there are some we both like). It’s delightful to share that with each other. But also? I still go see music alone and no doubt always will.
Welcome to the club. Xo in 🎶
(wow that was longer than I intended 🤣)
I think your point about missing out on the experiences is spot-on. I can navigate a little awkwardness when the pay off is an incredible overall experience!
Oh this is crazy! I could only afford one ticket to see Beyoncé this summer. The Reddit group devoted to her assure me that I won't be the only one (esp considering the price of the tix). But: eek! Thanks for making the idea of it easier for me.
Lovely piece on venturing out solo, Heather. I used to avoid going places alone, and now I definitely see the benefit of only having to please myself and worry about my own feelings. That can be truly revolutionary for people pleasers ;) Plus I set that rule about leaving after xx minutes if I'm not digging it. So happy it was an awesome experience for you!!
Thank you for the advice and inspiration!! So glad you helped give me the confidence to try this out!! Can't wait for my next solo show!
Yes to this! I think it was 2009 (give or take a year), I was broke and Nine Inch Nails released additional tickets for their show at the Palladium in LA. I only had enough room on my credit card for 1 ticket...and by the time friends were trying to get theirs, it was sold out. So, despite feeling awkward about it, I went on my own, found a great place to the side that gave me a clear, full view of the stage (right over the techies in their tech pit). It was a fantastic show (they played The Downward Spiral in its entirety; Gary Numan closed). And, once they hit the stage, no one is alone. So glad you enjoyed your night, Heather. xo
"Once they hit the stage, no one is alone." Yes yes yes! It transforms into such a communal experience!
YES. Love this phrasing!
Rock on! An inspiration for every "fan" of a certain age - take that opportunity to see the band you love.
Ditto. Done that myself a few times and look back on those solo concerts as some of the best times of my life - why? because as you stated so well, no need to worry about anyone else. Just me. How often do we get that opportunity? Plus, as a single, you can get really great seats as you fill in the blank spaces up front :-)
EXACTLY!!
This piece could not have come at a better time. I have tickets to see a super-favorite band this weekend and realized that I'm probably going to end up going by myself. This was great encouragement to do it!
I hope you enjoy the entire experience and if you do go yourself, take in the unexpected joys of solo adventures! 💜
Love this! Starting to do more things on my own and going to add a concert to that list 🙌🏻 Thanks for sharing your experience, Heather!