Are you going to a concert by yourself? Whatever your reason, there’s a common question that unites many solo concert-goers: is it weird to go to a concert alone?
Thankfully, the answer is a firm NO!
While it might be a bit awkward at first, there are plenty of positive reasons for going to a concert alone. In fact, a lot of these reasons only happen if you go alone.
Below are several great reasons to go solo, and some strategies to make your night a memorable one.
Table of Contents
Great Reasons to Go Alone!
It’s easy to get intimidated when going to a concert by yourself. When you honestly think about it though, there are two great reasons why you should give it a try.
First, it helps you develop personally. New and intentional experiences help you grow as a person. A concert might seem like an overly simple way to do this, but it’s not. We all gotta start somewhere!
Second, there are plenty of plain ol’ logistical headaches you can forget when you go by yourself. Of course, you have some new ones to worry about. But in my opinion, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Here are some more positives!
Positive Personal Reasons
Better without Friends
Understandably, this might come across as selfish. Plus, it’s not always the case.
But here’s the truth: you go to a concert for the music. Everything else is secondary.
Sometimes friends can get in the way of a great musical experience (or any great experience, for that matter!) Of course, you should do things with your friends, and of course you should go out of your way to hang out with them.
But sometimes, it’s perfectly acceptable to do things by yourself for personal enjoyment. I mean, you spend the money for the music, right?
It’s so much easier to immerse yourself in the experience if you’re not waiting on anyone, planning group bathroom breaks, or enduring someone else’s not-so-subtle boredom.
You Can Make Your Own Schedule
When you go alone, you can do everything at your own pace. Again, in the right context, this isn’t selfish. Instead, it allows you to take full advantage of the experience you paid for.
When you can choose how and when you want to do stuff, you can ensure that you can truly get the experience you paid for.
Positive Logistical Reasons
Scheduling is a Breeze
I already mentioned this under personal reasons, but it fits here just as well! When you go by yourself, you only have to worry about what you’re interested in.
Wanna get there right after work? Do it! Wanna check out the local scene beforehand? Why not? Figure out what you want to get most out of the experience, and make it happen on your terms.
More Flexible Seating
When you have a large group, you have less choices for seating. It’s a simple, unfortunate truth.
But when you’re by yourself, you can pretty much find a spot anywhere.
And if you get bored where you’re at? Just move! It may seem like a lot of people are watching you, but really, no one cares! (Trust me! No. One. Cares.)
It’s Cheaper, Sometimes
This may not always be true, but it can be a lot of the time. Just make sure you find your tickets from good sources! If you can get cheaper prices because you’re alone, why not capitalize on it?
No Distractions
When you’re by yourself, it’s just you and the music … and probably your phone.
Which yes, is a huge distraction for many.
Still, without a group of friends and their phones (oh my!), there’s much less to steal your attention.
And with some work, you can ignore that phone too – it’s worth it folks!
Show Up and Leave When You Want!
There are definitely pros and cons whenever you leave, no matter what. But the fact remains: if you’re alone, you’re free to make that decision completely on your own.
The post-concert experience can still be a fun experience in its own right. By yourself, you can own that one too!
Meet New People!
For introverts, this can seem scary. With the advice I give below, it may even seem hypocritical.
But I’m not trying to be. You are perfectly within your rights to stay quiet.
However, there is a huge potential for making new friends and learning new things. When you’re alone, it’s easier to engage in conversation with others. If you’re willing to try it out, you could find a kindred spirit!
Tips for Enjoying a Concert Alone: Mindset and Practicality
From personal experience, going to a concert alone boils down to this: a positive mindset, planning ahead, and ensuring safety.
Let’s look at each in detail.
Mindset
Don’t Overthink It
This might seem like the most cliché thing to say, but it’s actually the most important thing of all. Keep your expectations simple and your blood pressure low. You’re there to chill and have fun.
That’s it. That’s all!
As long as you take the proper steps to ensure safety, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. Get comfortable and focus on the music.
Then. Have. Fun.
Don’t overthink it 🙂
Don’t Think You’re Standing Out
This is especially difficult for introverts like me. When you’re alone, it’s easy to feel like everything you do is being watched and scrutinized.
The truth is, nobody cares. It sounds harsh, but it’s really not. Rather, it’s freeing!
Be Comfortable with Your Social Level
Unfortunately, American culture tends to favor the extroverts in society. Somehow, they forgot that national treasures like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Andy Warhol were all extremely introverted.
With that said, you shouldn’t feel compelled to talk to people if you don’t want. Be polite, of course, and be a nice person. But just be you. The more you’re yourself, the more you’ll get out of the music.
Planning Ahead
Now for some practical advice. This list should help out!
1. Know the Band and Crowd
You may love a band, but hate the environment of their concerts. There’s nothing wrong with that. You just need to know what’s up before you actually go.
For example, if you’re an introvert who doesn’t like raucous events, you probably won’t enjoy Slipknot concerts, even if you like metal. But I’m sure you’ll be able to find a relatively chill corner at a Black Sabbath concert (after all, Ozzy’s an introvert, right?!)
2. Get Passes, and Avoid Lines if it’s Worth the Effort
It’s always better to get there early when alone. When you’re early, you can find better seats and get comfortable with your surroundings. To ensure this, it’s worth the money to get early passes and special seating.
Passes are also nice because they can get you out of waiting in long lines. Nothing is more boring than waiting in lines all alone.
Of course, if you’re early you’ll spend time waiting regardless. But if you’re in a seat, you can at least get other stuff done.
3. Find a Seat that is Safe and Chill
Even if you like rowdy crowds, it’s always safest to find a seat that is with a chill, unassuming crowd. As a solo concert-goer, you want to ensure that you’re sitting with a crowd that “has your back.”
4. Bring Something to Occupy Yourself While You Wait
So, you’ve skipped the line and found a comfortable seat. Now what?
The waiting game has begun, that’s what! You could play with your phone, but as you’ll see in the next tip, that’s not the best idea. Instead, get creative! Bring a notebook and get some work done. Or bring a book … old-school is the best!
5. Charge Your Phone and Bring an External Battery!
Your phone shouldn’t be a distraction. We all know that. BUT, it’s still an essential resource for directions and contacting people. As a result, always keep an eye on your phone battery.
For a relatively cheap price of around $20, you can get an external battery for backup. Here are some tips to help preserve battery power:
- Lower the screen brightness
- Put your phone in battery mode, even if it’s at 100%
- Exit out of unused apps
- Turn data off completely
- Once your phone hits 10%, turn it off. Completely. You might need it when you leave!
6. Plan Ahead for Transportation and Parking
Parking freaks me out, so I’m always checking parking situations. Plus, nothing makes a situation more stressful than having no way to get out of it – literally.
Please, please, PLEASE, always figure this stuff out beforehand so you don’t put yourself in danger.
Or have to pay some nasty parking ticket.
7. Hydrate!
Water is underrated! Always drink more than you think you need. If you’re worried about going to the bathroom, find it ahead of time or sit near it. Alone, you need to be extra vigilant about being healthy.
Some venues may not let you take water bottles in. I always try to hide a small, cheap plastic bottle in my pocket.
Even if you can’t manage that, it’s worth buying the cheapest water at the venue and refilling it.
8. Exit Strategy
If you want to avoid crowds, you only really have two options: leave early or leave late.
Whatever you choose, make sure you know where you parked, how to get there safely, and how to drive away. It sounds stupid silly, I know – but safety first!
Ensuring Safety
1. Don’t Advertise That You’re Going Alone!
Whenever I travel overseas, I can’t stand American tourists who obviously act like tourists! They make themselves way too easy to be taken advantage of.
The same goes for concert-going. Blend into the crowd. Don’t stand out. And for goodness’ sake, DON’T post all over social media that you’re going alone.
By keeping a low profile, you’ll ensure that you can focus more on music and less on avoiding danger.
2. Know the Area
I have a friend who is the pro of not knowing where she is. When she went to a soccer game in Cincinnati, she parked her car in the most dangerous part of town. At 10pm. Two years later, she walked through the French Quarter in New Orleans at 2am. She couldn’t figure out why everyone was drunk.
Don’t be my friend. Do your research. I don’t care if it takes a few minutes.
Figure out how to be safe where you’re parking and walking.
3. Keep Your Phone Charged
‘Nuff said!
4. Let Close Friends Know Where You Are
This is NOT the same as advertising. Instead, it’s being responsible. Let your closest friends know where you’ll be, and when you plan on leaving.
That way, if something goes wrong, they know where to look. It’s not being paranoid or “extra.” It’s being smart, and it’s easy to do.
5. Always be ALERT
I cannot stress this enough. Always be aware of your surroundings, and be smart about your choices. When walking around, don’t text and don’t have headphones in. The petty distractions just aren’t worth the potential dangers.
Conclusion
As musicians, we at Music Strive understand the joy and power of music! Nothing can beat the experience of a live concert. Even if you’re apprehensive about going to a concert alone, it’s well-worth fighting the discomfort!
The next time you find yourself sitting alone, watching a great show, enjoy it for what it is: experiencing music on your own terms, in your own way, for personal enjoyment and improvement.
Until next time, enjoy your musical journey, and always, ALWAYS have fun!
