Why The Fear of Going Alone Shouldn’t Stop You From Enjoying Live Music 

The fear of going to concerts alone shouldn’t stop you from enjoying live music. In fact, it might just be the most empowering thing you ever do.

I’ve been going to gigs for well over a decade now, and as a lifelong music lover, there’s truly nothing better than hearing my favourite tracks come to life. The feeling of hearing the bass reverberate through the floor and the vocals cut through the noise and sink straight into your heart is pure magic. It’s an experience that I doubt will ever get old for me, no matter my age. 

But for the longest time, I never went to shows alone. Whether it was with a friend, family member, partner, or a whole group, attending gigs was always a shared experience. It became our way of staying connected no matter the distance between us and gave us a reason to carve out a few precious hours to not only enjoy the music but also each other’s company.

A few years ago, however, that all changed. Life changes, relationships evolve, and schedules don’t always align. Suddenly, I found myself without the usual gig companions, and I had a choice: either stay home and miss out on what promised to be another unforgettable experience or embrace the solo life and fill up my own cup. It was a change I didn’t expect, but one that ultimately redefined how I connect with live music – and myself.

Back in 2017, a study by DICE found that 65% of young people had been to a concert alone. Moreover, an overwhelming 98% of those people said that they wouldn’t mind doing it again. 

It was that very study that got me wondering, why wasn’t I doing it?

Little did I know that it wasn’t going to be long before I was put to the test. So, there I was – staring at the ticketing page for one of my favourite bands with my cursor over the plus button, ready to change one ticket to two. I found myself asking, who would come with me? It was a Tuesday night show – a factor which always makes it more difficult to pin people down, and it wasn’t at our usual haunt. It would require a bit of travelling, and potentially a frantic run to the train station at the end of the night. 

It was then that the penny finally dropped. I’d already fought my way through the fiery gates of Ticketmaster and who knew how long I had left before the system decided that it wasn’t on my side anymore. 

It was time to put my money where my mouth was and fly solo. One ticket it is then.

And just like that, I was in. The confirmation email landed in my inbox with the bold reminder of a single ticket staring back at me from the screen. The countdown had officially begun for my very first solo gig experience.

Now I must say, that going to shows with friends definitely has its perks. You can grab some food and a couple of drinks beforehand, rock up to the venue together, and know that you’re about to spend an evening with your friends doing something you all love. But what if your friend isn’t available? What if they don’t know the artist? Or, what if the ticket is simply too expensive for them? Are you going to sacrifice your own entertainment in fear of going alone? Whilst the easy answer might be yes, I promise you that going alone has its perks and more than you may first imagine. 

Over the years, I’ve gotten used to at times only yourself for company, and to be honest, I quite enjoy it. 

Feel like heading to the bar to grab a drink mid-set? Go for it! Want to move from the front-row barrier to the back of the room, exploring the show from every possible angle? You can do that, too. You’re no longer tied to anyone else’s preferences or plans. There’s no need to check in with friends or coordinate with the group – you have the freedom to experience the gig entirely on your terms.

Don’t get me wrong – turning up to a venue on your own can be daunting. You do, for a while, feel like the odd one out, standing in silence in the queue whilst surrounded by groups of friends all sharing personal anecdotes and stories. But guess what? They’re probably not even looking at you, let alone questioning why you’re standing by yourself. 

Something that always brought me comfort in my early days of solo showing, was that just because I was arriving alone, didn’t mean I wouldn’t make friends once inside. Over the years, I’ve made countless new friends at shows who are often willing to talk to you and adopt you into their group if you’re standing alone. And if you’re worried about striking up a conversation, don’t be. After all, you’re all there for the same reason. 

A while ago, a friend told me that they admired the fact that I go to gigs on my own. They said that they couldn’t imagine doing it themselves but applauded me for doing so. Something about that felt strange – that I was being applauded for enjoying my own company. Perhaps our generation has grown too dependent on others when it comes to finding happiness. We often look to friends, partners, and social circles to fill our days with entertainment, validation, and joy, but in doing so, we may have lost sight of our own ability to cultivate happiness from within.

Unfortunately, I think this is true. Many young people today view solitude as something to be avoided, often fearing it might make them seem lonely or disconnected. The reality is, that spending time alone doesn’t mean you’re isolated. It means you’re giving yourself the space to reflect, recharge, grow on your own, and pursue your interests without the need for external input or validation.

But my confidence in these spaces didn’t happen overnight – it’s something I built by consistently pushing myself outside my comfort zone, time and time again. Learning to enjoy your own company, without worrying about feeling like the odd one out, takes patience and practice. And it isn’t always easy. It’s a process of gradually letting go, and instead just focusing on the joy of the moment in front of you. As soon as you master the art of letting go, so many more opportunities are yours for the taking. 

So next time your favourite artist is in town and you can’t think of anyone to join you, don’t hesitate, just buy that single ticket. Don’t wait around for friends to free up their schedules or miss out because no one’s available. Go solo. You might just be surprised at just how rewarding it can be.