The Student Room Group

I don't really like going to gigs

Does this make me weird?

It's just I never find that gigs are about the music - it's only really about seeing the band you like on stage and jumping around and shouting the songs. I much prefer classical concerts or jazz gigs or something where people actually quieten down and listen to the music - that's what you're there for, isn't it? I told my friend I didn't really like gigs and she was like 'oh my goodness how can you not like gigs they're amazing blah blah blah'

Also I've noticed quite a few members here have lists of their upcoming gigs in their signatures - please, get over yourself! So what if you've got a zillion and one gigs you're going to this year - you don't really need to tell everyone do you?

Reply 1

spoon1
Does this make me weird?

It's just I never find that gigs are about the music - it's only really about seeing the band you like on stage and jumping around and shouting the songs. I much prefer classical concerts or jazz gigs or something where people actually quieten down and listen to the music - that's what you're there for, isn't it? I told my friend I didn't really like gigs and she was like 'oh my goodness how can you not like gigs they're amazing blah blah blah'

Also I've noticed quite a few members here have lists of their upcoming gigs in their signatures - please, get over yourself! So what if you've got a zillion and one gigs you're going to this year - you don't really need to tell everyone do you?


Haha, well I must be one of those people that needs to get over themselves!! It's not because I want to show off...it's just to show my music tastes to other people and that I like going to gigs! Also, maybe someone will say 'hey, I'm going to that gig too' or something like that.

Anyway, I think you've been to the wrong kind of gigs...I have only been to very few gigs where I haven't got something 'back' from the band/musician...I go to some massive gigs and festivals but then I go and see some quite obscure bands and unknown singer/songwriters and there is a tremendous difference in the atmosphere. For me it's a lot about showing your appreciation for/to the artist...I can't remember going to many gigs where I've jumped around or shouted the songs (maybe sang quietly though!) but maybe that's just me.

Reply 2

what gigs have you been to?
I agree about people putting the gigs they're going to in their sigs, its pointless.

It totally depends on the band for me, the coral was one of the worst gigs i've been to, as we got stuck in the middle of the mosh pit and i fell over about 4 times, that put me off going to the front of gigs for years, but now its ok (probably because i've grown).

If you don't like jumping around, you should try standing at the sides though, or goto softer bands, athlete was amazing, no jumping there. :smile:

Reply 3

Agreed i went to marilyn manson and hated it but then went to some other gigs which i've loved. You could try really small pub venues (since you're a londoner there are a few places in Camden like the Dublin Castle, Barfly, Purple Turtle do a new bands night 3 friday of each month etc... which cater for most stuff) it's much more intimate and much nicer though you probably won't know the songs.

Reply 4

I know exactly how you feel. I've always been sort of self concious and gigs make me feel like a bit of a bore because I rarely get involved and sing along. Applauding with my hands in the air is my limit. Its quite strange because I'm not bothered singing loudly around the house, sometimes I'll even find myself humming a tune walking down the street like an escaped mental patient. However I wouldn't say I don't like going to gigs, I enjoy the experience and the atmosphere but just don't jump around elbowing everyone in the face. Actually, moshing was strictly banned in most gigs I've been to. It is after all very dangerous and can ruin the experience for others.

Reply 5

everybody is different and likes different things

i like gigs and i cant stand clubs. some people would say im weird cos i dont like clubs but who cares !!! be yourself.

Reply 6

I like good gigs, I hate cr*p gigs.

Oh, and about people with gigs in their sig - yes, it does seem to be quite pointless, tinkering on the self-indulgant.

But then again, the same goes for all sigs.

Reply 7

i dont have a sig !! hurrah !
Gigs are great, some of the best things to blow your student loan on. :biggrin:

Moshing is fun when the music is good and you wanna have a laugh, although i mainly just jump around in time with everyone else, not one of those idiots who get really aggressive and push people over and elbow peoples faces, they're *****.

The one thing i do really not like is people who are back and forth, back and forth to the bartoilet every 5 minutes, and they push their way past, tred on your toes then expect to be able to push back exactly the same way they came, even when the band is on and people wanna enjoy it, not get trodden on. :frown:

Reply 9

spoon1
Does this make me weird?

It's just I never find that gigs are about the music - it's only really about seeing the band you like on stage and jumping around and shouting the songs. I much prefer classical concerts or jazz gigs or something where people actually quieten down and listen to the music - that's what you're there for, isn't it? I told my friend I didn't really like gigs and she was like 'oh my goodness how can you not like gigs they're amazing blah blah blah'

Also I've noticed quite a few members here have lists of their upcoming gigs in their signatures - please, get over yourself! So what if you've got a zillion and one gigs you're going to this year - you don't really need to tell everyone do you?


I'm quite a music enthusiast. I've been buying albums since I was 8 (and that was a while ago) and although I'm not a naturally born musician, I've been playing guitar for several years.

I know what you mean. Even though I like to hear a rock band on cd, in concert when the sound system is low quality and the speakers are in your ear because it's a small venue and your ears are ringing (I've got fragile eardrums, lucky me) and you can barely hear the singer and it all becomes noise, it's no longer pleasant.

The best concerts I've ever been to are either ones where you sit down: I mean it's music, you should be listening to it. If I want to jump around, I go to a club I find that more fun, or I go to a lot of folk rock and acoustic concerts. I only go to a concert about once every month or every 2 months and it's mostly to see tiny little bands I've liked for a long time: when you live in London, if you want to see any band that's overhyped, you have to get tickets 3 months in advance or pay 10 times the face value.

Reply 10

KidA
what gigs have you been to?
I agree about people putting the gigs they're going to in their sigs, its pointless.

It totally depends on the band for me, the coral was one of the worst gigs i've been to, as we got stuck in the middle of the mosh pit and i fell over about 4 times, that put me off going to the front of gigs for years, but now its ok (probably because i've grown).

If you don't like jumping around, you should try standing at the sides though, or goto softer bands, athlete was amazing, no jumping there. :smile:


Moshing at a concert by The Coral? Hmmm I guess if that's your thing. I went to see The Smashing Pumpkins on their farewell tour, and the place was just full of little idiots who'd probably only heard Bullet with Butterfly Wings. Most of the Smashing Pumpkins stuff is laidback chilled stuff and on songs like Tonight Tonight, I had ******s trying to push into me. Ummm...sorry I'm ranting like an old man. I don't know what got over me there.

I'd much rather be in a club to see a DJ playing a great mix and dance to that than hear some second-rate rock band. At most concerts, I'd be happy just sitting down. Then again, I go to see mostly acoustic concerts.

Reply 11

SamTheMan
Moshing at a concert by The Coral? Hmmm I guess if that's your thing.

about 5 ********s is all you need to change jumping around into full blown death metal style chaos. :frown:

Reply 12

I only like them if I'm on the barrier. I'm so short that it's the only place I'll be safe AND able to see at the same time :redface:

Reply 13

I really hate sitting-down gigs...I like to tap my foot, and it doesn't feel right sitting down! Admittedly though, if you go to a quiet gig it is usually better if everyone is sitting down. Favourite sitting-down venue - Union Chapel in Islington...awesome.

Reply 14

How can one mosh when there are seats there????

Play DYer's EVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply 15

SamTheMan
or I go to a lot of folk rock and acoustic concerts
In my (fairly limited) experience, folk and acoustic performers are also normally more entertaining overall. They talk a lot more between songs. Someone in Kate Rusby's band gives out weird recipes and assures the audience that they're really very nice. And people don't jump around. I used to go to concerts where people jump around but now I don't like them. Old men always take their shirts off and push their clammy bodies against me.

I don't like clubs either.

Reply 16

Supermerp
In my (fairly limited) experience, folk and acoustic performers are also normally more entertaining overall. They talk a lot more between songs. Someone in Kate Rusby's band gives out weird recipes and assures the audience that they're really very nice. And people don't jump around. I used to go to concerts where people jump around but now I don't like them. Old men always take their shirts off and push their clammy bodies against me.

I don't like clubs either.


Yeah I know what you mean. When they crack jokes between two songs. I don't know why, but they tend to be so much better at that. It's all a bit more personal too. It's like a folk concert is often a bit like a conversation.
At big rock concerts I sometimes feel like there's the band that thinks "We're your gods. Now start moshing you little meaningless and mindless twerps".

Reply 17

ringing ears is not nice :frown: