Worried about going to a gig on your own? Here’s some top tips.

As a live music specialist, there’s a certain magic when attending concerts on your own. Being rule decision maker, there is no societal pressure to stand in a certain spot, take turns going to the bar or any of that rough small talk before the bands clamber on the stage. It’s just you, the background noise and a band you’ve waited all year to see. For someone to regularly attends gigs on their own (because how can anyone keep up with a gig calendar so rammed?), I am always steering those more perplexed folk into the magic of solo gigging – especially when they give me such a quizzical look.

So if you are wanting to go see a band, but are deciding against it because you will go on your own. Go regardless. I can guarantee you’ll regret it more than not going. If you’re worried about attending, fear not. Here’s a few tips in de-cluttering your brain and getting the best out of your experience.

1. Live in the moment

I see it all the time. Hell, I’m guilty of it at times. Resist the urge to scroll on your phone before the set starts – I can guarantee you it will set your anxiety off more. Instead, sit with the environment. Whether that’s passively listening to the background noise, sparking up convos with your neighbours or just watching the engineers’ pre set up on stage, it’s a far better lived-in experience instead of being away from it all. When the band finally do emerge, that wait will feel all the more better.

2. Try out a few spots

With the luxury of being on your own, you have no pressure to stand in with a group of friends or a colleague. Instead, find the best spots to stand when you arrive to the gig. Consider positioning yourself near the sound desk is a good spot for an all around better sound. This is where the engineers mix the set up for the best all-round experience, so that’s your best bet where the sound is going to be quality. Along the sides of the venue is also a good spot in terms of safety if you ever feel uncomfortable. For great sightlines, comfortable space and an easy exit path to get out of the sticky venue fast; your edges are your best friends.

Remember, your first spot you choose where you stand doesn’t have to be your last.

3. It’s more common than you think!

Remember, you are not alone. Roughly one in five concert attendees go by themselves, and there’s more gig-goers reporting making friends more than ever when they arrive. Once you start to spot them, you won’t stop spotting them.

4. Manage your safety

There is a certain stigma when attending concerts on your own. If anything, it’s tremendously freeing. But sometimes that feeling comes with precautions. Share your location with a fellow friend, keep a portable power bank fully charged in case your phone dies and above all else, trust those instincts if something feels… off.

5. When all is done…

Who speaks to their friends when the band step out anyway? Let’s remove the stigma of it being an awkward scenario and embrace your own comforts – all the while enjoying a favourite band of yours. Some of my best moments this year has come from going to gigs on my own and not expecting anything at all. With it, comes a whole host of friends gained and memories made. Start yours!