Going to gigs on your own

[sir humphrey appleby]

Anyone else do this?
I have very different musical tastes to my friends and wife, and I didn’t want to miss out on seeing bands just so I thought I would go on my own and see what happens.
First time was Black Star Riders in Bournemouth, Ghost at the O2, The Almighty late last year and next week Kings of Thrash in Camden.
It’s great , I can do what I want and not have to worry about anyone else. I thought I would stick out a bit but no one noticed and there are probably a lot that do it.
Anyone else feel the same?

Edited by sir humphrey appleby on Friday 18th October 15:15

[98elise]

sir humphrey appleby said:

Anyone else do this?
I have very different musical tastes to my friends and wife, and I didn’t want to miss out on seeing bands just so I thought I would go on my own and see what happens.
First time was Black Star Riders in Bournemouth, Ghost at the O2, The Almighty late last year and next week Kings of Thrash in Camden.
It’s great , I can do what I want and not have to worry about anyone else. I thought I would stick out a bit but no one noticed and there are probably a lot that do it.
Anyone else feel the same?

Edited by sir humphrey appleby on Friday 18th October 15:15

My son does the same. If you're going to watch anything (film, band football etc) it's fine to go on your own if your friends or family are not interested.

[the-norseman]

Contemplating it at Slipknot in December.

[MCBrowncoat]

Festivals quite often, obviously, but actually the first time I was going to do this was going to be Shellac in Camden in May.... Obviously that didn't happen.

So not yet.

[blue_haddock]

Yep i go to the majority of my gigs on my own due to differing tastes!

[Richard-390a0]

I do! In fact tonight is probably the first gig in a decade or so where I'm going with others. (When are we leaving?... How are we getting there?... What time bus?... Where are we going to stand?... etc etc... I hope I don't regret agreeing to this!!!)

[Burny16v]

I'd love to be able to go on my own, and have previously bought a ticket for something and chickened out at the last minute. Like you, I've got different tastes to my friends etc. and I definitely regret missing out, so hopefully next year will be the year I finally manage it. Good to hear from someone that's actually done it that it's not a big deal!

[Jimfeath]

Yes; it's a good thing. I did the Black Crowes on my own earlier this year; it's fine, either everyone leaves you be, or, you're in a room with a load of people with a common interest in the band that's on.

[crofty1984]

yep.

[BritishBlitz87]

I do, regularly.

It's not quite as fun not having anyone to chat to in the interval stood there awkwardly sipping a pint but the music's just as good either way!

[boyse7en]

Yep,
I live in Devon, so have to travel several hours to see any band at all, so i tend to go on the motorbike.

Over the last few years I've seen Gary Numan at Bournemouth and Sheffield, Nine Inch Nails at Eden, Placebo in Cardiff and off to see Lacuna Coil in Bristol next week, all on my own. The only downside is not having someone to share the drive home with when you are a bit tired!

[NelsonM3]

I do regularly. My first gig was a train journey to Shephards Bush to see John Squire in 2002 at 16 years old.

Flew to North America to see Tom Petty for a couple of gigs in 2008. The first few bars of Listen to Her Heart at Madison Square Garden was one of the biggest adrenaline rushes of my life. I think it was the 10+ year wait plus the monumental journey to get there.

Personally, I see no point in dragging someone along who doesn't "get it" just for company, it just makes things awkward.

Last one on my own was Golden Circle at Wembley to see Blur.

Edited by NelsonM3 on Friday 18th October 17:16

[balham123]

Never gone to one by myself, but have stayed when a mate hated the band and left after 30mins. I enjoyed the band but felt a bit odd, but it was a big busy gig, can't imagine anyone else noticed.

Really tiny ones you will stand out more. I notice a lot of people taking a big camera and being a photographer, I think as a way to not look like they are there by themselves.

I believe there are Facebook groups for people going to specific gigs, meet up in pub beforehand, think I would do that if I was actually going by myself.

Keep asking your friends, surely one must be up for a night away from the wife and kids. Not really my scene, but I go to all kinds of random euro metal bands with a mate as otherwise he won't know anyone. He comes to some of my indie stuff

[Chauffard]

Being a johnny-no-mates life is mostly a solo endeavour, gigs, theatre, hiking, holidays.

[wombleh]

Yes quite often. I do have some mates with the same taste but they only make the occasional gig, so tend to go on my own rather than miss out.

[TCEvo]

Depends who's playing, but I mostly go solo now. Easy for me as it's a short train journey into London & I can quickly sort a ticket when shows pop up.

Mostly watch relatively small hardcore & punk shows, so often end up talking to randoms, or band members or just stand there listening to a podcast between bands.

Larger shows & festivals I'll normally be with mate(s) and/or my brother.

[NelsonM3]

Another point to add. It's usually much cheaper and easier to get a single ticket last minute.

[80sVeteran]

I've done a couple on my own and have rather enjoyed them, and certainly as much as those I've gone to with a group. No-one will notice and even if they do they won't care. Easy to chat to fellow fans in the interval if you want to, after all you've got a shared interest and experience.

[Darren390]

After separating from my wife last year, I've been to 5 gigs this year. Some on my own, and some with company. I was a little apprehensive about going on my own to start with, but actually quite enjoyed the freedom of not trying to pamper to someone who doesn't necessarily want to be there.

[Giantt]

Went with friends to Nik Kershaw on Wednesday,had a great night, went to jack j Hutchinson at the black heart on my own week before had a great night,given up with taking gf,takes too long to get ready,wants to leave early but then enjoys the night!