Going to shows solo? | TheaterFire

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Uncle_Laika@reddit

Its healthy to get out of your comfort zone once in a while

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But stay frosty, getting drugged used to happen to my female friends when we were in college but now men are getting roofied and robbed in our downtown area. If I was going out alone I wouldn’t drink. Even the bartenders/bouncers are being accused of drugging people.

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HilariousBosch@reddit

I go to an average of two to three shows a month, and since my wife doesn't like my music all that much, most of them are solo. The important thing is that you do you. Ignore the conventional wisdom that say says you go with a pack. If you like a band, go see them solo.

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SweetsMurphy@reddit

Go solo if you have to. I went to see my bloody valentine a few years back when they were touring because they seem to tour as frequently as Haley‘s Comet. I wasn’t gonna miss that opportunity so I just went by myself. It was a great time. The bouncers gave everybody earplugs as they walked into the venue.

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Comedywriter1@reddit

Sorry for your loss. I go to the movies/concerts by myself all the time. (Occasionally I’ll go with my wife or friends.) It’s totally fine and in many ways I prefer it.

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Ordinary_Nothing_348@reddit

I've never been to one solo. Me & my son went to see Interpol a couple years ago for the Antics anniversary tour. Go, they were amazing!

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vinegar@reddit

If I didn’t do shit solo I’d never do shit.

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leaky_eddie@reddit

I go to shows solo all the time. I love it. I go up front for a while, I move to the edge of the crowd to see if sound different on the bass side. I grin and nod to other happy people. I ride my ride. You should too.

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grocerystoreperson@reddit

Do it. Treat yourself to a nice dinner beforehand if you have the time.

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sonic_couth@reddit

Sometimes I get a little frustrated when I don’t put out after I’ve taken myself to dinner and a show.

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bendingoutward@reddit

You go to the show. You see the band playing that you paid to see. Maybe you have a drink and salute your person's memory. Maybe you meet other people at the show who join you for that drink.

At the end of the day, you have a new experience, and you're going to have a whole lot more of them.

Some day, you'll stop having experiences. That's not happened yet, so don't help it along.

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Ok_Transition7785@reddit

I dont, I feel like a dork like in high school again.

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Formal_Plum_2285@reddit

It’s very much like going with someone else. Except you only buy one ticket

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Outside_Bobcat_6658@reddit

I enjoy concerts most when its solo. I dont have to expand energy catering to another person who may or may not be as into the artist as myself.

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shouldernauts@reddit

I've gone to lots of concerts alone and I love it. Even saw Interpol in '22 and it was awesome! You can go where you want, leave when you want, etc. Sometimes it's easier to get a really good seat if there's single seats available. No one cares if you're there by yourself so try not to get too in your head about it. Ultimately you're there for you. You should give it a go!

As far as safety goes just be aware of your surroundings. I've sometimes kind of trailed a few feet behind groups of people going to may car if I feel weirded out. I bet if you found a group of ladies & asked to walk with them they'd be more than happy to.

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FzzyCatz@reddit

Sometimes I go to performances on my own since I want to see something specific and can’t be bothered to find someone who wants to go. It’s fine.

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concerts85701@reddit

Solo concerts are the best. Do like 30+ a year solo. Sometimes see people I know but will often just say hi and move along. Chat with my neighbors a little but try not to intrude on their evening.

I really enjoy the anonymity but also being in a large gathering with loud music.

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beansoupscratch@reddit

I’ve gone alone to shows. Last time my daughters didn't want to see Collective Soul with me so I splurged and bought VIP and did a meet and greet. That was awesome

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Weekley13@reddit

LOVE going to shows solo. Started this about 4 years ago when one of my favorite bands came close by & nobody else knew their music. Then started going to more. Movies & concerts are so great by yourself. It's now my favorite thing. I actually get a little bummed when one of my kids or a friend asks to go with. 🤣

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Corgilicious@reddit

Don’t overthink it. Just go. Prepare yourself well with a bottle of water and all that jazz, and then just go. Walk in with a smile and talk with the other fans. Enjoy the hell out of the show, and then go grab yourself a little snack or bevi afterwards.

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aeklund68@reddit

I'm not in the same life situation as you, but I go to more shows alone than with people. That includes a lot of travel to see shows as well. I love going to shows by myself. Is it my preferred way to see music? I can't say it's not.

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vankirk@reddit

I'm not single, but I've done 3 solo shows in as many years: Iron Maiden, ODESZA, and Shallou

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hair_10@reddit

Went to see the Iron Maidens tribute band by myself a couple of years ago when my wife wasn't feeling up to it. I tend to be a people person/extrovert, so I usually don't have a problem finding someone to talk to. While it would have been more fun with her along, I still had a good time and met some good people.

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vankirk@reddit

I went and saw Iron Maiden when the wife wasn't up to it;)

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hair_10@reddit

Seeing Iron Maiden again in September! 🤘

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AZPeakBagger@reddit

Only issue I've had if I'm up front at a general admission show is working my way back and getting my spot if I'm solo. When I bring my wife I can just point to her as I squeeze past people with our beers.

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81632371@reddit

I'm divorced (currently have a SO) and have been to many shows solo. No one cares. And so what if they do? You'll never see them again.

I go to shows or movies alone. I hike alone. I travel alone. I enjoy doing these things with my SO or my adult children, but when I go alone I do exactly what I want, when I want and I don't have to negotiate anything.

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TerpBE@reddit

I went to see Billy Idol and Joan Jett solo. My wife doesn't like concerts and my friend bailed on me. I had a good time just hanging out and people watching.

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BarbellLawyer@reddit

Went to a show last week and there was a solo GenX lady in front of us. Seemed to enjoy herself and nobody bothered her.

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let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit

Call a friend or go solo. It’ll be great

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delldarlin@reddit

I d rather go by myself. Hang out, listen, talk to people if I want, don't if not. Come when I want, leave when I want, no hassle.

(Yes I do know I'm going to die alone, how very kind of you to ask.)

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joshua_addison_music@reddit

Always go!

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bowlgar@reddit

I go to concerts pretty much monthly by myself, though I am married. We’re all middle aged and/or senior citizens. We’re pretty much invisible to society so no one will pay you much mind.

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jayseventwo@reddit

I go to concerts solo if no one else wants to, and I'm always surprised by how many others I see there who are also on their own!

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Nicholiason@reddit

Going to shows solo is especially enjoyable for me, especially for general admission/standing room only shows. I can be as mom or as I want when I want.

I loved Interpol's first 3 albums. But when I've seen them live, I wasn't impressed. The sound was kind of thin. But that may have been the venue and my own snobbish tastes in live music

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butterscotch-magic@reddit

I’ve been to multiple shows and concerts solo, and honestly it’s so fun. No one is dialed in to you — you get to people watch and take in the experience and create core memories with yourself. Highly recommend!

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tharesabeveragehere@reddit

I went to see Hope Sandoval alone...because I was hopeful.

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Reverend_Bad_Mood@reddit

I’m married but I am a fan of power/progressive metal and that means I go solo most of the time. Plenty of shows spouse and I see together, but she’s not interested in my typical music.

Nothing to it. You’ll presumably be among fans of the band you’re seeing and you’ll have no problem finding someone with whom youn have at least one thing in common. If you’re not with chit-chat and whatnot, that’s fine too.

You won’t have any issues at all.

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robmsor@reddit

Same. My wife has no interest.

I saw Rush on their R40 tour “solo”. Except I was actually among 20,000 friends. I’m so glad I did that.

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chompy_jr@reddit

Single and I do it all the time. I travel alone too. It’s great. Highly recommend

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TheNolaCatLady@reddit

Single and I've gone to a countless number of shows alone.

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TheBison44@reddit

Do it all the time & have no problem doing so.

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GimmeMyMoneyNow@reddit

I’ve gone solo only once in my life to a concert. More than once to a musical or movie.

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AshDenver@reddit

I went to Bob Seger solo like 20 years ago. Main floor seat. I fell asleep before halftime. Bought a shirt and went home.

That’s how it worked for me.

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Arkhamina@reddit

I am getting on a plane in a month, flying 8hrs to Norway, and seeing a show solo!

I have a partner, but he doesn't like the same music.

Locally I tend to drive solo...

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Tired_o_Mods_BS@reddit

Wife and I work different schedules so only rule is "think of me". So if she isn't interested, I'm going. If she wants to go, we'll work it out.

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lushlanes@reddit

Not single or divorced, but I go to shows solo all the time. Wife and I have different tastes.

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GracieThunders@reddit

Yeah I definitely need a wingman, I've missed so many shows.

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Noodnix@reddit

I missed out on way too many epic shows in the past not having any one to go with. Now I let family and friends know I’m going to such-n-such show and would like for them to join me. If no one accepts my invitation, I’m going by myself.

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MeowMeowCollyer@reddit

R/KEXP staff are HUGE interpol fans and expert grief survivors. Perhaps you could ask them if there’s a group event you could join in on?

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MeowMeowCollyer@reddit

Gah! Sorry. I spaced out. Thought I was on the Seattle sub.

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bluealien78@reddit

Sorry for your loss, OP. I’ve been to dozens of shows solo since my divorce. Absolutely love it. Sometimes I just chill by myself, other times I meet people and make friends. Get a ticket and go - I’d bet money you have a great time!

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LuceLeakey@reddit

I've been divorced for 5 years. In that time I've gone to at least 15 concerts and 8 or so musicals/plays alone. For many shows, I have to travel out of town at least overnight. Once I went to Vegas for a few days to see U2 at the Sphere.

Often, I'll strike up conversations with other fans in line or next to me before the show and we end up having lovely chats and dancing together. It's great! And it beats the times I dragged my very unwilling ex to shows and beats begging friends to come with me.

A bonus is that when you only need one ticket you can often afford a better seat and I've had several front or second row seats. I say go for it!

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JTJonze@reddit

I go to shows solo all the time; i prefer it in most cases, especially GA shows at smaller venues. I can get there when I want, stand where I want, don’t have to worry about if the other person is enjoying the show or not, can leave if I’m not enjoying it.

I really enjoyed Interpol live, you should absolutely go. I’m going to see The Church by myself in two weeks.

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OreoSpeedwaggon@reddit

My condolences on your loss, and maybe getting out to a concert will be good for your self-healing. Here's what you do: You go, you have fun, you don't worry about what anyone thinks about you being there solo. And just maybe you'll meet someone or a group of people that you can chat up and maybe make friends with. If not, whatever. You'll hopefully still have a good time.

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CzarGuy111@reddit

U go by yourself and no one even notices it can be liberating

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SGReject@reddit

I saw Radiohead twice. Both alone. It was awesome!

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EelsEverywhere@reddit

You buy the ticket. You watch the show.

You wouldn’t be talking to the during the set anyway, and you don’t have to worry about whether or not they can see or if they’re tired or want to skip the encore; or conversely, if you do. Going to events solo can be really liberating; you decide your schedule.

I go to shows all the time solo, although I usually try to corral a friend into coming along because it is more fun with two, but if it’s something I want to see I’m gonna see it either way b

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NoNamesLeft998@reddit

The only advice I have is to go and enjoy yourself.

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Grtpumk369@reddit

Not widowed or divorced and I go to shows solo with no thought except for pre-existing plans! Go, have fun! Better than going with someone who doesn’t want to be there!

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Left_Guess@reddit

I’ve seen Stevie Nicks and Duran Duran solo. It was pretty awesome. :)

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anonymess7@reddit

Hi friend! I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve been going to shows since 199something and can confirm: some of the best shows I’ve seen have been on my own. A handful of years ago, I was working in London (I live in nyc) for 2-3 week stretches every month or so. I was recently divorced and even more recently out of a short but intense relationship. I had weekends to kill and no friends. I went to see a band from NJ play a venue in the burbs and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. The band was good but seeing a band I’ve known for a long time and the adoration from th crowd…it felt like home in a really good way. It reassured me that no matter how alone I felt, well, maybe I wasn’t.

Here’s the thing - you’re gonna be surrounded by friends in some way. There’s a common appreciation or love for the band that just kind of creates this sense of community (I sound like the dippiest of hippies, I know). The nice part about going solo? You can arrive when you want. Sing as loud as you want. Cry if you want, etc. And you can go home whenever you want. It’s a good feeling. Also, not that it matters, but I worked at a live music venue for years in college. Always saw people coming in solo and never thought twice about it. Still don’t.

It sounds like you might benefit from having something to look forward - I wholeheartedly encourage you to go!!

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altairstarlite@reddit

My wife HATES concerts because she has sensitive ears, but I go by myself a lot.

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Affectionate_Past121@reddit

Divorced and have been going to shows solo for many years. I absolutely love it. I get to chat with whoever I want, or no one at all. I don't worry about anybody else's schedule or what they want to do. If I want to drink a drink. If I want to dance a dance. I can stand as close as I want to the stage or as far back as I want without worrying about what someone else wants to do. I'm on nobody else's time and it's amazing!

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Tomatillo-5276@reddit

Umm buy your ticket, buy your beer, rock out, buy the T-shirt, go home grandpa.