Fall tours are about to start and I can’t wait to see all of the bands that are about to hit the road. From The 1975 to Saint Motel to Pierce the Veil to Dance Gavin Dance, there’s someone for everyone this fall and I know many people will be attending concerts. That’s why this blog post is little tips to help you survive them. 

Money:  The amount of money you bring really depends on your preferences as a concert goer. If you’re someone who likes to buy merchandise, I would recommend bringing at least $40, because merch can be expensive.

T-Shirts normally run from $15-$20, long sleeved shirts can be as much as $40, CD’s can be $10-$15 and misc. items such as stickers, sunglasses are normally around $5.

If you’re paying for parking, I would recommend bringing at least an extra $15-$20 because it can be a bit pricey depending on what venue you go to.

*Remember to tip the merch girl/guy. 

Cell Phones: I can not express how important it is to make sure your cell phone is charged before a show. Not only does it suck when your cell phone dies on your during the middle of a performance, but you also want to make sure you always have a way of contacting someone in case something goes wrong after a show.

If you plan to take videos and pictures, you might want to bring a portable charger so it can sustain enough power for when the show is over.

That being said, however, don’t live the concert through your phone. I understand that you want make sure to capture every moment possible at some concerts, especially if it’s your favorite artist that you’ve been waiting to see, but don’t forget to live in the moment!

I mean this is just my personal opinion, but standing there and just holding a phone is nowhere near as fun as being able to dance around to the fun act you’ve gone to go see.

Attire: Attire is something that can easily make a concert experience great or make it unbearable.

.If you plan to party in the pit, maybe wearing layers isn’t the best idea. For most shows, people in the pit are extremely excited and want to be as close as possible to the stage so you’ll probably be pressed in between a couple of people. You’ll be sure to overheat if you wear too much.

Also, dress for comfort not style! I mean, if you want to look cute, please do, but if you’re going to be standing for 2+ hours and heels aren’t your average attire, I don’t recommend wearing them. If you’re going to be sitting, then by all means yes, go for it! If you’re going to be standing, you want to be able to focus on the amazing live show, not the pain you’re in!

Also, if you have long hair, it’s probably best to put it up, maybe in a bun or a braid. This benefits not only you, but those behind you. This prevents your hair from being pulled, which is likely to happen depending on what concerts you go to, and stops your hair from getting in other concert goers faces, and mouth.

One last thing when it comes to attire, if you plan to stand in pit, or simply don’t have anywhere to put a bag, it would probably be best just to not bring one. I understand that not everyone can do this, but if you need to bring one, try your best to make it a small one, carrying only the essentials.

Concert Etiquette: This is so important, it’s not even funny. Lack of concert etiquette can make any great live show a horrible experience, whether it be for you or people around you. I have a few quick rules that will help everyone have a good time;

1. Don’t cut in line: Some people have probably been waiting in line for hours and are hoping to get that great spot next to the barricade. Don’t stop them from getting it.
2. Respect the venue: Don’t leave the venue a mess after a show. More often than not, venues have trash cans in multiple places, no need to leave your trash all over the ground.
3. Wear deodorant: Enough said.
4. Don’t let the crowd surfer fall: That’s just being a nice person.
5. So You’re like 6’8″: Okay, no one can help that they’re tall, but I have a nifty little rule that can benefit our short and tall concert goers. My rule for tall people is that if you’re over 6 feet, and get there like an hour before the opening act, stand to the side.You can stand as close as you want, but let the smaller people have the middle. If it’s about 15 minutes until show time, and there’s still space; free for all. You don’t have to follow this rule, by any means, but it’s nice for all the short people who can never see.

Health:

DRINK WATER

If you’re going to be waiting in line for multiple hours, bring water and a light snacks, like granola bars or something. That way when you’re finished you can easily throw it away and you’re energy is up before the show. Bring a first aid kit as well because you never know what mishap might happen.

If you have anxiety or get claustrophobic, the barricade might not be for you. Depending on what show you go to, the crowds can get a bit rambunctious and lose all of idea of what personal space is. If this gets to you, please try you best to stay away from it. There’s nothing wrong with having a seat, or being in the back of GA. You’ll probably be able to have a good time regardless.

Also,have a buddy, whether you bring one or make on there. Just someone to watch your spot for you if you leave to go somewhere during the show, and just to watch out for you in general.

One last thing, mosh pits. If you’re not ready to get pushed, shoves, tackled, basically beat up while listening to the band, don’t join one. Mosh pits are known for being filled with energized, rambunctious behavior and that energy doesn’t die down at all. If you can’t handle it, stay far away from it.

Well that’s what I got for you guys this week, it’s a little long, but I think quite helpful! Please be sure to share this as much as you can, especially with concert season starting up, and I’ll see you all next week.

Song of the week: Carter and Cash by Tor Miller