How To Get the Most Out of a Concert

Kurt Cobain once observed, “Live music is the most primal form of energy release you can share.” Don’t settle for anything less than that when you see your favorite bands. You’ve made the time and invested the money, so make sure you know how to get the most out of a concert. It may be something you talk about for the rest of your life.

Look, No Hands!

Leave the purses at home and lose the bulky back-pocket wallet. You don’t want to attract pickpockets, and you’ll need your hands free for rhythmic flailing. Stash the tickets, your phone, a credit card, some cash, body glitter, and light sticks in a fanny pack. There’s no shame in sacrificing style for a legendary band. Travelers’ wallets are good bets, too. Just make sure you can easily reach your funds so you can buy the concert T-shirt that will prove you were there.

Carpool With Friends

Attending a concert can be a once-in-a-lifetime high. However, the long walk back to the car is anticlimactic at best, not to mention the stagnant line to get out of the parking lot. You can turn the trudge into a party by carpooling with music-loving pals. Four in a car is perfect for a singalong, and you can always rent something larger for a more memorable group outing. If you’re on your own, avoid parking altogether and take public transportation instead.

Don’t Miss the Opener

It’s tempting to skip the opener to save time, but the band before the big show is probably up your alley, too. There’s a reason they were hired for the tour, so give them a listen. The next time around, they might be the main attraction. The Doors, Queen, Elton John, and Taylor Swift were all opening acts before they earned the chance to headline.

Mosh Cautiously

Don’t approach the moshpit unless you’ve prepared properly. Glasses, watches, and jewelry can all be casualties, never to be seen again. Tie your shoelaces, hydrate, and expect some bruising. If you feel like you’ve gotten in over your head, hide behind a larger concertgoer who’s less likely to fall, and wait for the song to end. Things will die down, and you can make your escape. After all, you can’t master how to get the most out of a concert if you can’t survive the moshpit. You want to share in the communal joy of musical thrashing; you do not want to risk your safety.

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