Another thread reminded me of this. I guess I'm at a point in my life where the majority of my friends don't want to go to shows any more- which sucks. My wife doesn't even like the small club in door ones because the smoke really bothers here, which I completely understand.
Live concerts are my drugs. They are a way to relive stress from work- just a great way to rock out. So, when I really want to see a band, I'll venture off to the show by myself. I've only done this three times in my life and they are all in the past year and a half.
The three are...
1. Pearl Jam in West Palm Beach- my boy backed out at the last minute, but it was okay beacuse I met Release30 there tailgating and he rocks so I had a blast!
2. Nonpoint w/ Drowning Pool and Egypt Central- Nonpoint is one of my favorite bands. I've seen them a ton of times, but it had been awhile. After the show I got my pic taken with the drummer and he got the entire band to sign my show poster.
3. Blind Melon- Not a huge fan, but I used to really be into them- had a great time. They blew me away.
So anyone else go to shows by themselves? Any good experiences? Any bad ones? Any funny ones?
I went and saw the Heartless Bastards by myself. It was a Wednesday and no one wanted to go out on a "school night." It was a great time, small crowd, and I got to stand 5 feet away from the band. That little chick lead singer can bring it. The bummer was not being able to share the music with friends. You can't explain that feeling afterwards, atleast I can't. But, I would go again by myself, no doubt.
I've been to many places (including concerts) alone. It's actually not bad. You can come and go as you please, and if you don't feel like talking to anybody, you don't have to. You don't have to worry about whether the other person is having a good time. I've eaten at restaurants by myself many times. It doesn't bother me, but I have to say a solo female diner gets lousy service.
I've been to may places (including concerts) alone. It's actually not bad. You can come and go as you please, and if you don't feel like talking to anybody, you don't have to.
I never looked at it like this- very good point. Whenever I bring a friend to a show with me, it seems like most of the time I know a ton more about the band than they do because I like to research the band before I go.
www.RLMcDaniel.com
1996: Ft Lauderdale
1998: Birmingham
2000: Charlotte, Tampa
2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
2004: Kissimmee
2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
2010: MSG2
2012: Music Midtown
2014: Memphis
2016: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, JazzFest 2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1 2022: Nashville 2023: Ft. Worth II 2024: Baltimore
Saw Elvis at MSG back in 72, by myself. Went to ER-2 in 06 and MSG 2 this year solo. You get to meet more people this way. I don't mind going alone. Ya never know what the night will bring.
Wow! Elvis? Sweet! I bet that's def one that you're glad that you didn't pass up because you were going solo
www.RLMcDaniel.com
1996: Ft Lauderdale
1998: Birmingham
2000: Charlotte, Tampa
2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
2004: Kissimmee
2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
2010: MSG2
2012: Music Midtown
2014: Memphis
2016: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, JazzFest 2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1 2022: Nashville 2023: Ft. Worth II 2024: Baltimore
I see shows by myself all the time. Flew to MN to see Prince 3 times in one day, did the first day of Lolla alone. I plan my business trips around shows I want to see and have the best time. That includes eating alone. I am the best company.
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.... (Voltaire)
I've been to may places (including concerts) alone. It's actually not bad. You can come and go as you please, and if you don't feel like talking to anybody, you don't have to. You don't have to worry about whether the other person is having a good time. I've eaten at restaurants by myself many times. It doesn't bother me, but I have to say a solo female diner gets lousy service.
I also go lots of places alone...concerts are altogether an OK place to be alone, because there's a lot of - for lack of a better word - fellowship going on. And I always meet supercool people.
And: I have *also* noticed that I get better service when I'm not eating alone! Grrr!
I also go lots of places alone...concerts are altogether an OK place to be alone, because there's a lot of - for lack of a better word - fellowship going on. And I always meet supercool people.
And: I have *also* noticed that I get better service when I'm not eating alone! Grrr!
That's so funny, I've been eating alone in restaurants for years and have *never* noticed a difference in service!!! Are you guys eating at the same place with friends sometimes, then alone sometimes, and that's how you compare? I just find places with lousy service are consistently lousy, whether I'm with friends or not.
Count me in as yet another person who goes to shows and movies etc alone and not only don't I mind it, I usually prefer it. I saw a movie with a friend last year and she talked CONSTANTLY through the movie, she's a good friend but my first movie with her and I wanted to smack her!
Sometimes it's definitely fun to go out in groups or with that special someone, but usually I'd rather go to shows and movies alone so I can really focus on the show and go where I want when I want. I did once have a totally cool significant other who didn't care if I left them alone to be up close, or further back, or went over to chat with a band member. In that relationship I enjoyed going to shows au deux because I could still do what I wanted!
Travelling is the only thing I like both ways. Some trips I definitely prefer to go on my own, especially if I only have a short time to see things, I can make up my own agenda and don't have to worry about anyone else's priorities. But a lot of trips I enjoy being with other people too. Another bonus of travelling alone - I meet WAY more new people alone than with friends or dates. But I've had good travel times with friends too that I would do with those friends again if I could rewind time.
But mostly... I save bar hopping and social events for friends/dates, and do shows and movies alone. Best of both worlds.
I am going to see Ed alone ...I went to see pj this tour alone and I saw Dave Mathhews band alone as well
To be honest...once pj or any band for that matter comes on...im not talking or anyhting but watching the stage so to go alone is actually better.!
as for movies- for some reason- i like to go with people...i have seen a few movies alone but really rather go with soemone
The Waiting Drove Me Mad Your Finally Here And Im A Mess....
Good thread...just wanted to say congrats to everyone who ventures out to shows alone and has a great time.
I have seen PJ by myself several times in different cities...my wife is very supportive and knows how much PJ means to me even though none of my friends get it. It did take some getting used to, but once you do it once, it gets easier. I used to be worried about what other people thought of me when they notice I am alone at a show. Now I am like screw it, I love Pearl Jam...it is great to get away for a day or two and I don't care what people think.
I hope everyone continues to give props and respect (and do not be afraid to say hi) to those of us fairly normal, non-loners, who travel by themselves to go see their absolute favorite band.
Luke
41 PJ shows from 1995 to 2023...plus 6 EV solo shows. St. Paul and Austin shows for 2023.
It's all about what you make of it. If it's a show you want to see, go and have a great time. I go to shows by myself quite a bit. I still think it's more fun to have someone with you if they're into it as much as you are. I have a lot of friends who would go to Pearl Jam in a heartbeat if they ever come back to Houston, but they don't necessarily have the ability to travel and see them (as I've done the last few shows). I don't let that stop me from going to see them. The advantages of going alone have already been mentioned in the other responses...just remember that YOU are responsible for how much fun you have.
i went to see wilco alone last year. Last month I went to see a double bill with soul asylum and gin blossoms alon, that was cool, too. I go to movies alone and it's really no different. If you want to see a show, see it. I have a friend that can't do anything alone, he's gotta have like 5 people with him all the time. It's a little sad. He calls people up to go to wall greens.
I went to MSG2 by myself this year. It felt a little odd to be going to a giant concert venue alone, but it would've felt worse had I not gone. That night is one of the highlights of the year for me.
Oh yeah,also,I'm off to see the Foo Fighters tonite by myself.
Just got back on from the Foo Fighters show,1st time seeing them live & they put on a good set,Dave Grohl has a lot of energy & they still must be feeling it from the Who honors cause they did 2 Who songs,Young Man Blues & Bargain & they rocked both of them.
Going to the show alone is bad enough, but when you are driving to/from several shows on a tour with no one in the car to talk to, that is when it really sucks. Driving 6+ hours alone is a very, very lonely way to see the band.
TEACHER SEEKS PUPIL
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I go to shows by myself. I've only been to one PJ show solo and I think it was the warm up for Yield at the Showbox. I haven't done a large arena show alone but I would if I had to...
Most of the concerts I've been to I've gone alone. Occasionally I might meet somebody I know, but for the most part I enjoy the concert by myself. It can be lonely but I think its the best way to really take it all in. It might depend on the type of people you go with, but it can get annoying during the show when your friends are distracting you, wanting to leave early or talking amongst themselves or wanting to go to get more drink or whatever.
Over the last 2 years I've started going to most shows by myself. I got sick of paying the money for 2 tickets and dragging along one of my friends who wasn't really a fan of the music. Most of the time I ended up having a worse time because I knew my friend wasn't really into it. I've found that I almost end up meeting cool people at the shows I go solo to. Often I can get better seats/tickets since it's just me. I went so far as to go to Bonnaroo alone this year because everyone bailed and there was no way I was going to miss PJ.
Over the last 2 years I've started going to most shows by myself. I got sick of paying the money for 2 tickets and dragging along one of my friends who wasn't really a fan of the music. Most of the time I ended up having a worse time because I knew my friend wasn't really into it. I've found that I almost end up meeting cool people at the shows I go solo to. Often I can get better seats/tickets since it's just me. I went so far as to go to Bonnaroo alone this year because everyone bailed and there was no way I was going to miss PJ.
I agree 100% with this post.
I'm 43 and have gone to about 400 concerts in my lifetime. Like another poster wrote, "Live concerts are my drug" (as are live bootlegs)..
I missed too many good shows years ago because no one wanted to go..
You meet tons of people before the show..
and once the band is on stage, there's no difference anyway..
and the single seat option almost guarentees you a great seat close to the stage ususally an aisle seat too.. (I guess they are holdovers for handicap requests..
I got great single seats (1st ten rows) to DMB, The Who, The Tragically Hip, Crowded House, Rush, and Chris Cornell all in the past two years..
All epic performances! would've missed them or got lousy seats if I held out for two tickets..
"This here's a REQUEST!"
EV intro to Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns
10/25/13 Hartford
I've always ventured to do things by myself including concerts, but usually when they are within a short driving distance. However, this year I bought WPB and Tampa tickets and then my husband found out he couldn't get off work. So I flew to Florida, rented a car, attended the fund raisers, and the concerts. I had a blast. Like others have said, I did exactly what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I was not totally isolated because I of the Wishlist pre-parties. Met a lot of great people there so didn't get lonely. That being said, I would rather travel with my husband. I felt guilty having fun while he was working.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals. Ghandi
I am going solo to DC1. I have never been solo before but I am not that concerned about it. I usually meet some great fans once we are in our seats anyway. Going with my husband is almost like going alone anyway. Those of you who sat near me at WPB & Tampa know what I am talking about. He is just really quiet, not a huge fan but goes to support me.
Aug 93 - Toronto Mar 94 - Ann Arbor
Sep 96 - Toledo Aug 98 - East Lansing
Oct 00 - Detroit Apr 03 - Cleveland
Jun 03 - Detroit May 06 - Grand Rapids & Detroit
Jul 07 - Lolla Jun 08 - WPB & Tampa
Vedder: DC 1&2, Chicago 2
you should go alone - i do alot of things alone and i'm married with kids, Just need my "alone" time and there's nothing wrong with that! gives me a break from all the day to day crap and really rejuvenates my soul.
if you can't do things on your own - then there's no reason to live!
remember "i am mine"
As you live your life in sometimes quiet desperation, facing adversity and tragedy: if you have hope and love, that mixture helps you overcome that tragedy and go on with the rest of your life.”
--Jack Lengyel
I go to shows without anyone all the time. If you're "freindly", out going and secure then you should have no problem meeting people and getting comfortable with those around you either before or during the show. Some of the best shows Ive been to (PJ and others) I have gone with out anyone. I dont call going to PJ shows alone because basically 90% of the people there are similar to me/you, I consider it going with a bunch of friends I havent yet met. Ill probably go to the Sat PJ show and Sun Sox game without anyone and enjoy every minute of it.
Going solo has its benefits especially if you looking for just one ticket or if its a standing floor venue where you can inch up to the front... by yourself.
See my post in Given about anyone wanting to take the flight to Bos from Phl this weekend.
Hans
1996: Ft Lauderdale
1998: Birmingham
2000: Charlotte, Tampa
2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
2004: Kissimmee
2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
2010: MSG2
2012: Music Midtown
2014: Memphis
2016: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, JazzFest 2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1 2022: Nashville 2023: Ft. Worth II 2024: Baltimore
the last 8 pj shows i went alone, and probably 1 out of 5 other bands i go alone. at first it sucked that i couldnt find anyone that wanted to go. but now i just ask to be polite, but i dont expect anyone to be like get me a ticket. this upcoming nin show was the first i was like screw them all im not wasting my time asking. i think it would be cool to go to shows with people i know again, but ive met some cool people, especially at pj shows. pretty much all my friends that were into concerts suck now, thats how it goes i guess.
I go to every show by myself,with the exception of some pj shows that i attend with a fellow pj fanatic.
All my friends,family & coworkers are lame asses and either can't afford it or just plain don't go to concerts.
I have had the live concert bug since 1979 when i started attending shows.
Comments
I went and saw the Heartless Bastards by myself. It was a Wednesday and no one wanted to go out on a "school night." It was a great time, small crowd, and I got to stand 5 feet away from the band. That little chick lead singer can bring it. The bummer was not being able to share the music with friends. You can't explain that feeling afterwards, atleast I can't. But, I would go again by myself, no doubt.
1996: Ft Lauderdale
1998: Birmingham
2000: Charlotte, Tampa
2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
2004: Kissimmee
2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
2010: MSG2
2012: Music Midtown
2014: Memphis
2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1
2022: Nashville
2023: Ft. Worth II
2024: Baltimore
Upcoming: 2025 Hollywood, FL Night 2
1996: Ft Lauderdale
1998: Birmingham
2000: Charlotte, Tampa
2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
2004: Kissimmee
2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
2010: MSG2
2012: Music Midtown
2014: Memphis
2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1
2022: Nashville
2023: Ft. Worth II
2024: Baltimore
Upcoming: 2025 Hollywood, FL Night 2
That being said, I know so many fans of different bands now-a-days, that I'm always meeting up with others.
Ed's Boston shows will be now different
Stop by:
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I also go lots of places alone...concerts are altogether an OK place to be alone, because there's a lot of - for lack of a better word - fellowship going on. And I always meet supercool people.
And: I have *also* noticed that I get better service when I'm not eating alone! Grrr!
LOL!! i like that
That's so funny, I've been eating alone in restaurants for years and have *never* noticed a difference in service!!! Are you guys eating at the same place with friends sometimes, then alone sometimes, and that's how you compare? I just find places with lousy service are consistently lousy, whether I'm with friends or not.
Count me in as yet another person who goes to shows and movies etc alone and not only don't I mind it, I usually prefer it. I saw a movie with a friend last year and she talked CONSTANTLY through the movie, she's a good friend but my first movie with her and I wanted to smack her!
Sometimes it's definitely fun to go out in groups or with that special someone, but usually I'd rather go to shows and movies alone so I can really focus on the show and go where I want when I want. I did once have a totally cool significant other who didn't care if I left them alone to be up close, or further back, or went over to chat with a band member. In that relationship I enjoyed going to shows au deux because I could still do what I wanted!
Travelling is the only thing I like both ways. Some trips I definitely prefer to go on my own, especially if I only have a short time to see things, I can make up my own agenda and don't have to worry about anyone else's priorities. But a lot of trips I enjoy being with other people too. Another bonus of travelling alone - I meet WAY more new people alone than with friends or dates. But I've had good travel times with friends too that I would do with those friends again if I could rewind time.
But mostly... I save bar hopping and social events for friends/dates, and do shows and movies alone. Best of both worlds.
To be honest...once pj or any band for that matter comes on...im not talking or anyhting but watching the stage so to go alone is actually better.!
as for movies- for some reason- i like to go with people...i have seen a few movies alone but really rather go with soemone
I have seen PJ by myself several times in different cities...my wife is very supportive and knows how much PJ means to me even though none of my friends get it. It did take some getting used to, but once you do it once, it gets easier. I used to be worried about what other people thought of me when they notice I am alone at a show. Now I am like screw it, I love Pearl Jam...it is great to get away for a day or two and I don't care what people think.
I hope everyone continues to give props and respect (and do not be afraid to say hi) to those of us fairly normal, non-loners, who travel by themselves to go see their absolute favorite band.
Luke
Just got back on from the Foo Fighters show,1st time seeing them live & they put on a good set,Dave Grohl has a lot of energy & they still must be feeling it from the Who honors cause they did 2 Who songs,Young Man Blues & Bargain & they rocked both of them.
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I agree 100% with this post.
I'm 43 and have gone to about 400 concerts in my lifetime. Like another poster wrote, "Live concerts are my drug" (as are live bootlegs)..
I missed too many good shows years ago because no one wanted to go..
You meet tons of people before the show..
and once the band is on stage, there's no difference anyway..
and the single seat option almost guarentees you a great seat close to the stage ususally an aisle seat too.. (I guess they are holdovers for handicap requests..
I got great single seats (1st ten rows) to DMB, The Who, The Tragically Hip, Crowded House, Rush, and Chris Cornell all in the past two years..
All epic performances! would've missed them or got lousy seats if I held out for two tickets..
EV intro to Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns
10/25/13 Hartford
Sep 96 - Toledo Aug 98 - East Lansing
Oct 00 - Detroit Apr 03 - Cleveland
Jun 03 - Detroit May 06 - Grand Rapids & Detroit
Jul 07 - Lolla Jun 08 - WPB & Tampa
Vedder: DC 1&2, Chicago 2
if you can't do things on your own - then there's no reason to live!
remember "i am mine"
--Jack Lengyel
Going solo has its benefits especially if you looking for just one ticket or if its a standing floor venue where you can inch up to the front... by yourself.
See my post in Given about anyone wanting to take the flight to Bos from Phl this weekend.
Hans
1996: Ft Lauderdale
1998: Birmingham
2000: Charlotte, Tampa
2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
2004: Kissimmee
2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
2010: MSG2
2012: Music Midtown
2014: Memphis
2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1
2022: Nashville
2023: Ft. Worth II
2024: Baltimore
Upcoming: 2025 Hollywood, FL Night 2
i am really excited, i think going alone will be OK. i would feel weird in a huge arena venue, but for this setting, i can't see a difference.
MSG 1+2. 2010
Wrigley. Brooklyn 2. Hartford. 2013
St. Louis. Denver. 2014
Global Citizens Festival. 2015
MSG 2. Fenway 2. Wrigley 1. 2016
Safeco 2. Missoula. 2018
All my friends,family & coworkers are lame asses and either can't afford it or just plain don't go to concerts.
I have had the live concert bug since 1979 when i started attending shows.
Member since day 1 here in August 2003