There is a special kind of excitement that builds when a concert is approaching. The anticipation grows throughout the week, from the drive to the venue to arriving and seeing the seats start to fill up. Then, the lights dim, the screens and speakers come to life and music starts playing. The stadium roars, and in that moment, all the anticipation and waiting is gone — the moment everyone has been waiting for is here.
People love concerts because they offer something powerful, a chance to feel alive, to forget about anything else and enjoy music together.
“It’s really fun because everyone is having a good time and likes the same music, so the atmosphere is good,” FHS senior Chloe Maxwell said.
Live music has its way of bringing people together; at a concert, thousands of people sing, mosh and dance together to the same song. Artists often make traditions or unique things about their show that you cannot experience anywhere else. But it is not just the artists that create — fans also start traditions and create fan projects to show their love for the artist or represent their city’s show. Projects are usually organized by fans or artist teams that help all fans be seen.
Coldplay is a great example of this, as they revolutionized the music and concert industry. During their “Music of the Spheres” world tour, Coldplay had a widely documented positive environmental, cultural and economic impact. Another artist to have a unique show would be Taylor Swift. During her record-breaking “Eras” tour, Swift and her team managed to create a show with many different unique aspects such as costumes, set designs, traditions and even visuals to make fans have the best experience.
“I really like the community and the adrenaline rush I get from being there,” FHS junior and concertgoer Daniella Drenan said. “With ones where there [are] dress codes like the Tate McRae one, everyone wore cheetah print, and we were all coordinated, and it really felt like you [were] a part of something.”
Many fans have found creative ways to experience concerts after missing out during the Ticketmaster chaos. For example, by volunteering or working at events they are given a chance to see their favorite artists live while also helping make the show possible.
“That’s exactly how I got into the Coldplay show,” Drenan said. “I was working [at] concession there and I got floor seats due to it.”
Concerts are more than just music; they leave a lasting impact. Experiencing a song or album live creates an experience that a phone or headphones cannot. When people are at a concert, the energy, vibes, sounds and connection are much stronger, creating a feeling that cannot be replicated.
