I like going to see bands but I’m often put off by the crowds. I like a bit of space and I fixate on people being too close and it messes with my enjoyment of the music.
But the other night I went to see the hip hip, bluegrass band, Gangstagrass and it has to be one of my favourite gigs. Before I go to a gig I worry about getting there, parking, looking like a noob if I haven’t been to the venue before, worrying it’ll be too warm, crowded, noisy, … But the venue was welcoming and everything was easy to find. It was just the right sized crowd for me - people around, but not too close. It wasn’t too warm and the sound levels were just right (no distortion where you can’t actually hear the music). Lighting was right. I felt comfortable all round and it was such a pleasure to be there. I was pleased to enjoy it so much because I’d been looking forward to seeing the band and they were amazing live.
Some of my past gig experiences have been ruined by things not being perfect and then I can’t get over things not being perfection and haven’t been able to fully enjoy the music, so it’s a relief when everything slots into place.
Annnnnd, I didn’t need hours to wind down afterwards - how is that possible?! Usually when I get home from things I can’t switch off. Maybe being comfortable and relaxed meant I didn’t have to wait for the anxiety to subside.
