Would you go to a concert on your own?

Nigel Fairservice · 17-03-2026 03:25AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058435988/would-you-go-to-a-concert-on-your-own

I went to Deathcab for Cutie on my own when they last played in Dublin in 2023 and I'll likely be going by myself again when they play in September. My missus isn't really into being dragged to gigs anymore to bands she doesn't really know on a work night. In fairness to her she humoured me for years. Don't deny yourself an experience just because you think you need someone to do it with you. I've been to loads of gigs by myself, have traveled a lot by myself and one of my favourite things to do is go to the cinema on my own after work some days.

Hermy · 17-03-2026 08:22AM

When I was younger I used to go to a lot of pub gigs in Dublin City on my own.

And because I was on my own I got into conversation with all sorts of weird and wonderful people that I probably wouldn't have spoken to at all had I been in company.

Hannibal_Smith · 17-03-2026 08:40AM

Yes!! I've done it. Im so so glad I did too. You'll regret not going more than you'll ever regret going.

Electric Nitwit · 17-03-2026 11:41AM

Like anything, the first time you do it feels odd but once you do it you'll realise it's not at all. I do it all the time now, much rather that than miss out when I've no-one to go with. Just do it, you'll be glad you did

One More Toy · 17-03-2026 01:08PM

Is it true if you buy your tickets in a ticketmaster outlet, it's cheaper?

El_Duderino 09 · 17-03-2026 01:15PM

Go and enjoy yourself.

I'd ask if you've ever noticed someone on their own at a concert and thought less of them? I don't think I've ever noticed someone on their own because I'd be minding my own business. But if I did notice someone, I'd just presume they really wanted to go to the gig and their friends weren't into it.

Now that i think about it, it would suggest the person is self-assured and knows what they like, even if their own friends aren't also into it. That's low-key cool.

L1011 · 17-03-2026 01:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124319313#Comment_124319313

The time machine to go back to before they were all permanently closed will be dear

WoopWooWoo · 17-03-2026 03:25PM

Yep often, No one batters an eye lid at you and on top of that no one would even notice. I generally go for seated tickets though. There's thousands at concerts on thier own as friends have different taste of music. Went to Oasis in Croke park on my own as managed to secure a ticket, going to system of a down on my own in July in London. Went to electric picnic one year on my own before and had a blast.

No one gives a **** and everyone is their to enjoy themselves, not notice you. Obviously rather go with friends but if friends aren't interested i just go myself, no point missing out. Going to Korn on my own now as well in November, no friends were interested.

endabob1 · 17-03-2026 04:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124317864#Comment_124317864

Went to him in Hammersmith, phenomenal show, not sure if it was better than American Utopia a few years ago but he is an unbelievable artist.

As for going to gigs alone, I have done it a few times, it's not the best way to enjoy a gig but I agree with the general rule of thumb is that standing is less of an issue. Not sure I would do a stadium gig but smaller standing gigs are good

One More Toy · 17-03-2026 04:21PM

Should I go standing or seated?

SteM · 17-03-2026 04:56PM

I prefer solo gigs standing. I prefer getting lost in the crowd tbh.

Electric Nitwit · 17-03-2026 05:28PM

Personal preference, but I'd agree with standing. Especially in the Olympia. Get in early and you'll get a wristband for access to the front pit too (more time to kill on your own then, but the bars there are decent enough)

L1011 · 17-03-2026 05:39PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124318661#Comment_124318661

The Cherry Poppin Daddies surely beats everyone on the terrible band name front?

bodhrandude · 17-03-2026 06:51PM

Go for it, have went to and worked at many festivals and gigs alone, its great fun.

Tell me how · 18-03-2026 05:01PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124317851#Comment_124317851

Agree that it is perfectly normal to go to a concert on your own. But I would say it is the same for going to a play.

I attended one of the drama festivals going on around the country in recent weeks, I had a season ticket. Of the 7 people in the row of seats I was in, all were season ticket holders so were there every night. 3 of them were on their own. Anyone looking at us wouldn't have known who had arrived on their own, and who had come with someone, we were all chatting amongst ourselves.

I've gone to sporting events, plays, concerts, talks, comedy shows etc on my own and it is an infinitely better experience than going with someone who isn't interested in the content in the same way that I am at least to some degree.

jacool · 18-03-2026 05:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124319737#Comment_124319737

Are we still talking about the gig, or have we "progressed"?

cj maxx · 18-03-2026 06:22PM

Just on the seating / standing . As a disabled man on a zimmer frame or walking stick I would be going for seated . Does that make a huge difference ? Or are there better places close to entrance / toilets

Tell me how · 18-03-2026 06:26PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124319737#Comment_124319737

Only you can answer that.

I'd imagine for a rock band, standing would allow you to "experience" it more but it all depends on what experiencing a gig means for you. Are you a Dewey

Finn or a Garth Algar type of late 90's rock officianado?

blackvalley · 18-03-2026 07:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124319911#Comment_124319911

On the subject of band names the Donegal group “ Goats don’t shave “ has a funny ring to it.

mfceiling · 18-03-2026 08:48PM

Just go. I'll normally go to 7 or 8 gigs a year on my own. Most of my friends and family don't really like what I like so I just tip in on my own. Never, ever felt self conscious or not enjoyed myself.

Badly Drunk Boy · 19-03-2026 11:18AM

I probably have issues, but I prefer going to gigs by myself. In fact, I've gone to a gig that my best friend was at but didn't mention it until texting him 3/4s way through the gig. "Are you at the gig? Let's meet up afterwards."

At the gig, it will often be too loud for a conversation, or probably more to the point, I've gone to the gig to listen to the band, not to have a chat.

Festivals are a bit different because you could be dipping in and out of different stages and tents. But I've gone to some numerous times on my own, like the Electric Picnic. Even when I went with friends, I'd regularly head off by myself to do my own thing.

HildaOgdenx · 19-03-2026 11:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124322095#Comment_124322095

Totally agree.

And at the end of the day, nobody is so interested in anyone else, imo, that they are going to sit there pondering about them. Most of us are preoccupied with our own business.

I never think twice about whether someone else travelled/ attended an event alone, paired up or as part of a group. Because it doesn't matter to me. As I said upthread I refuse to miss out on something I want to do just because there's nobody else interested/ available to go.

murpho999 · 19-03-2026 11:41AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124317964#Comment_124317964

Nobody will notice or care as they're busy enjoying themselves and secondly you shouldn't care what other people think as they don't know your circumstances. I've been to gigs on my own before due to my own music taste not suiting others and once the gig starts it's great.

Regularly go to cinema on my own too and see lots of other people alone too. Great way to see a film Friends can be for other occasions.

Would you go to a concert on your own?

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