Why I go to Gigs?

So I get asked this a lot and I thought it would be good to get my answer out there in detail as I know some people reading this will be able to relate.

First of all everyone knows I love going to Live events. For me it all started when I saw Green Day for the first time in 2009 at Manchester Arena. After that I looked for my favourite bands touring as I knew I wanted to go to more concerts.
Last year (2013) I reached my highest number of gigs in one year having been to 21 gigs. As I got a bit older and more independent I found it easier to go to concerts.

For me going to gigs is like therapy. It's a chance to just forget everything going on in life, all the rubbish you leave behind at home. You get to be in the same room/venue as the people who help you on a daily basis. You look up to these people and finally you are there witnessing the songs being played live. It's a feeling you can't even describe. It makes you feel good.

Secondly, people always say ''how can you afford to go to all these gigs?''. Simple answer is I see a lot of smaller, upcoming bands and I save for my favourite bands (which cost a little more for a ticket due to them being a big band playing an arena). Generally the tickets I buy cost under £20 some under £10 then say £20 tops for travel. So In actual fact I spend less that what a ''normal teenager'' going on a night out would. I've never been one for going on nights out anyway and gigs give me the chance to socialise and meet new people.

I have met many good people from going to gigs, most of which I speak to more than I do the people who live around my town.

For me, there's nothing like getting lost in the moment at a concert, singing, jumping, clapping, just being there, the atmosphere is incredible. Sometimes I just love seeing the crowd, I remember seeing Green Day at Emirates Stadium, the last song of the evening ''Brutal Love'' quite a slow paced song for Green Day really. Half way through the song lights at the back of me caught my eye. I turned my head so I could get a decent view, I saw what seemed like everyone with their phones/cameras in the air. Thousands of lights, the song that was being played, I just remember shaking my head like it was all a dream. Hands down one of the best things I've ever witnessed.

As I said before I love going to see smaller/ upcoming bands. I'm big believer in helping to support independent music venues and local bands. Everyone has to start somewhere and it's great to see the fresh talent.

Concerts are a big part of my life now. I really don't know what I'd do without them.  They are the things I look forward to, they are what I work towards. If I'm having a bad day, I often use one of my many gig memories to help me through. When I go to a concert I feel safe, I feel like a belong, a feeling I don't get very often.

I will continue to go to concerts, every bruise, every sore throat, every ache and pain the next day is so worth it.

-Grumpy Gig Kat... out! :)