Help - concerts and crowds

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I decided to attend two events in London this Autumn - I've never been to a concert before because I can't handle crowds - I either panic or just shut down. (I've been to classical concerts and the Opera before, but I would imagine that's pretty different )

For those more adventurous than me, can you share your experiences? I'm not worried about the noise, just the idea of a large crowd, the commotion, shoving, pushing and so on... But I know I'll regret if I don't go and it might be easier if I know what to expect.

* I've put this in General Discussion because I'm specifically interested in how do people with sensory issues deal in such situations.

Think of the people like scenery and it will be a lot comfier of a situation

I hate large concerts, but when I go see my favorite band (which is a bit of an obsession of mine) I love them and their music so much that nothing else seems to matter. I also don't tolerate very loud music well, but if I'm listening to a song I know really well and love, it seems to find a place in brain and I thoroughly enjoy it.

Maybe if you really love these bands you'll feel comfortable? Can you get a seat instead of general admission?

I've performed many times in front of a large audience. I suppose that isn't what you're asking, but the lights are far too bright, everyone is talking at once, and it is scary. But when it's time to play, all of that goes away. It's only me and my music.

Being in concerts, I am afraid to sit next to someone. Iiick.

Most terrifying public event experience I can think of, was a trip out to the desert (intending) to be "normal" and attend the Coachella Festival in '01. I got off Highway 10 to go toward the event, and I saw how many people, and I turned around, got gas, and drove back to Los Angeles.

I have attended several formal music concerts (suit-and-tie type), and those are perfectly OK and enjoyable. Not necessarily classical music; could be a Christmas event, etc... Everyone is respectfully seated and quiet. I like non-electric orchestral or band music live, (NO singing or opera!! !! !! !). I can appreciate and be glad to be part of the audience in a refined situation like that. Ballgames, rock concerts, NO WAY, JOSE!

Charles

I've only been to two concerts before, and both of them, we got there early, found our seats, and sat down.

Well, the second one didn't have assigned seating, I guess I could've been a bit closer, but I really preferred to sit. Plus I knew I probably wouldn't've survived the pit

The people didn't bother me as much as the loud music did...I suppose I could've used earplugs, but it was the kind of loud that you can feel deep in your bones, and I don't think it would've helped any.

But after a while I got used to it and settled down.

I've been to a lot of local shows though, and after a while, I just have to get some air or find a place to sit down, or what not.

Think about the performers, instead of the crowds. That's what I do.

I've only been to 2 concerts. First was Justin Timberlake, standing very near the stage. Very impressive, but also too crowded for comfort. I was with a group (NT's) which made the crowd less intimidating but I didn't last the whole concert (missed the last 15 minutes).

The second time was Mark Knopfler, with my parents, and we got seats. Very enjoyable concert even though I wish we had seats closer to the stage.

Next time I would go to a concert I'd definitely get a seat. No physical stress on top of the near sensory-overload.

My wife drags me to a couple a year. I generally try to find a spot where the crowd isn't so pressing and as long as I have some personal space I can focus on the music.

If it's reserved seating then it's usually no different than going to the movies and I just have to relax during the trying to get and get out part.

For me too, I'll wear ear plugs. 1) because I have partial hearing loss and 2) just deadening the sound a little seems to reduce the stress ab bit. They are just the disposable ear plugs and muffle just enough that it seems to take out the crowd noise which helps

Although this may not be very comforting, but I went to a concert once and never again. My friends desperately wanted to stand up front, and I tried to focuss on the stage in order to forget the giant mass of people behind me. It did help though when I went and stand in the middle of my friends since I felt a little less anxiety when they were the one's bumping into me. Concludingly, though the feeling when we were walking away from the stadium was the best ever, the knowledge it was over, wow, that was amazing.

My bf says that's the way he feels when he's playing on stage.



Other than watching my bf's band perform, I have been to one concert--a performance by Jonathan Coulton two years ago. I really wanted to see him in person so my bf got tickets. It was packed and there were only folding chairs to sit on but it took place in a club with a bar/eating area, so my bf and I could go up there for food and escape the noise a bit when necessary.

Only go if it's a performer/band you REALLY want to see. That will make any discomfort you feel matter a little less.

im going to a tegan and sara concert in a few days. im hoping to get there early and get to stand in the front row- maybe ill be able to block out the crowd and focus on the band.

I've been to 3 concerts.
The first one I had a seat, so the crowd wasn't a problem, and I really loved the band (it was one of my childhood favorites) so the loud noise wasn't bad.
The second, it was a small gym sort of set up so the crowd was annoying, but it was my all time favorite band so I absolutely loved it. I found a method of dealing with the crowd in standing areas that works well, and used it for the 3rd concert as well, which was also in a small-ish room.
What I do is I get there as early as possible and stand way at the front, up against the gate thing before the stage. Seems counter intuitive, but it really helps. You're not in the middle of a tightly packed group of strangers, you've only got people on one side of you, so it's much less intense. And you are able to focus on the band more, making the crowd less distracting.

Good luck!

It depends what concert you're going to really. I usually go to see rock bands and they can be pretty intense for body contact...but if you're going to see someone like Kelly Clarkson (deadest event I've ever been to in my life) you should be fine.

I generally stand near the sides (or at the back if it's a really small venue)...most of the wild people are in the middle of the room, so I'm usually safe against the wall. I'm really not into moshing, crowdsurfing, circle pits and stuff...it terrifies me, so I just stay well away.

Personally, I'm fine with the noise, but I'm not into the lights a lot of bands seem to like. I also feel really awkward a lot of the time, because I go to them alone, whereas most people there are in large groups.

It doesn't put me off though...going to concerts is a big "escape" for me, and I go to a lot of them.

Have a good time!

Yes, I really love this band - it's actually the only reason I would even consider going. Unfortunately it seems I hesitated for too long and all the seats are gone now



Yep, that's what worries me - I'm tiny and slightly claustrophobic and not very sure I can pull this through.



My feelings exactly. This is not a mainstream band and I don't think the public will be very young (it's a "30 years of music" event), but I doubt this guarantees civilised behaviour .

Well, thanks for your input everybody, it's hard to make a decision right now..

Well, I've just bought the blasted tickets and will take whatever comes my way!

Better to regret I've tried it - after all, I can leave any time I want to... But I'm determined to have a good time