Like so many around the world, I am missing live music so much during this extremely difficult time. For awhile, I haven’t really allowed myself to think about it because it is just such a sad thought. Concerts are the definition of crowds and closeness and singing at the top of your lungs, and they are the exact opposite of what can be right now. But I’ve decided that it’s time to stop ignoring the longing I have, and take time to reflect back on what makes a concert experience so powerful and significant. Whether you’re there in the crowd or even watching on a stream from home, a concert is just so special.
When you watch concert footage, or just take everything in when you’re there, you’ll always see some of the same actions, no matter the artist or the genre. There will be smiles, closed eyes, arms in the air, singing, jumping, dancing, maybe even some tears. (And all of that can apply to both the fans in the crowd and the performers on stage). There are hugs between friends and looks of understanding between strangers. There’s bopping your head to the beat or maybe full-on headbanging. There’s joy. You become enveloped in the music and the atmosphere around you. For those few hours, it’s all about the music and the artist you love. Life outside the venue doors gets put on hold and you can just let go. Take this time to dance like nobody’s watching, sing your heart out, and allow yourself to be in the moment. Because that time is for you and nobody else.
Regardless of whether you’re in a tiny concert hall or a stadium of 60,000 people, seeing one artist you love or a festival full of various performers, live music events are powerful spaces. There’s no drama or tabloids or rumors — just the music that matters so much that you paid for the ticket and made the effort to get to the venue. Maybe you buy a piece of merch to commemorate the event, or fill your phone with videos and pictures, or maybe you just stand at your spot and take it all in. The post-concert sadness and the joy blackout can be so real, but it’s all so worth it when you’re there.
We know the musicians themselves are missing this experience just as much as the fans are. I’ve seen messages of longing for that performance and connection from so many artists I admire across genres. Performing is in their blood, it’s why they do what they do. And in a way, it’s comforting to know that we’re all on the same page here. We’re all missing something we can’t have, and realizing how much it needs to be cherished now that it’s not present. The community and elation we had at concerts can still be found online, you just have to find it and curate it to be the experience you want.
But as I’ve been reflecting on the power of live music, I’ve found myself shifting my focus to the general power of music. Seeing a song performed live can be just as impactful as listening to it through your headphones, it’s just different. Because that’s what music is about. It’s about finding those artists and those songs that are so special to you, that listening in any environment can be an emotional release. You can dance around your apartment just as you can dance at your seat at a venue. The song may hit differently based on the setting, but it still hits you. It still matters to you.
It’s okay to miss what we can’t have. It’s good to reflect on why you miss something. It makes you realize how fortunate you have been to have had it, and how you want to ensure it’s amazing when you can experience it again. And if you’re a fan of artists who have released concert content, go and watch it as much as you want. Because that reminder of what once was is important. And you can put on your old merch, turn off the lights, and dance and sing or head bang to your heart’s desire from the safety and comfort of your own home. I actually highly recommend it. While it may not be the experience it once was, it can still be super fun.
Live music is so incredible and it’s something that makes the music world so special. Besides theatre, where else can you see something you love actually performed in front of your eyes without the different takes and editing of something pre-recorded? It’s something that makes being a music fan so amazing. And until we can have it again, I’ll keep finding ways to just embrace my love of music. And whether that’s through more concert dvds or youtube videos, or just by simply having a solo dance party at home, it’ll be great reminders as to why I love the music in the first place, and why the wait to experience it again live someday will be so damn worth it. Whether I’m there in person or watching the performance through a screen when it can happen again, I know it’ll be everything I’ve been missing and more.
To the fans who are missing the events like I am — I’m with you. I’m with you when you’re sitting at home watching your favorite clips or listening to your favorite songs and maybe feeling a bit of emptiness. I get it. I feel it too.
To the artists who are missing performing — your fans are with you. We’re with you as you reminisce about the craziness of touring and the rush of the stage. We want that for you too. We know how important it is.
We’ll be together again. And until that day, the music and the love we share for it will keep us going. See you there.
