Is a live concert bearable for us?

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I plan to go to a live concert next April. It's rather calm music (well, not Death Metal at least) and I think most of the fans will be intelligent enough not to scream around the whole time. Still I wonder if that's really something for me. I mean, I hate being in crowds.

Have you been on a live concert and can tell a little about your experiences?

I have not been to a live concert, but I think that I could go to one if I scream and jump up and down for the whole time there.

Moar Moar Moar sensory can be OK'd by Moar Moar Moar movement for me.

Bearable ... but boring.

Being in a crowded auditorium that is filled with loud, smelly drunks while more loud, smelly drunks scream and prance around on stage is no fun for me.

I wanted to go to the "All Sides Closing In" tour to see Imperative Reaction (and get a VIP pass), but as I thought more about it, I realized that though I like the band and the music, I would not fare so well with the crowd of screaming fans. I would much rather spare myself the embarrassment of getting forcibly expelled for assaulting someone and simply purchase their albums (I'm aware I'm screwing myself out of an autographed poster and other limited items, but those trinkets are not worth my sanity).

I've never been to a live concert before, but I can just imagine what it would be like. Frankly loud noises doesn't bother me if I know what I am expecting and have gone to the event for the loud noise, basically. It's more loud sudden noises that bother me, like dogs barking loudly. Also I hate unpredictable or annoying noises, like babies screaming. But, although live concerts aren't my thing anyway, if I wanted to go to one I won't be too bothered by the noise.

On the other hand, I think I would keep coming over all confused and dazed. I heard it could be from some sort of sensory overload, but I've learnt it can also be from stress or anxiety, because NTs who I have spoken to who are anxious and/or lead stressful lives themselves have said that they often get dazed or confused in noisy, crowded places, just like I do. So if I went to a live concert, I'd probably keep blanking out, getting sudden thoughts like ''oh am I really here, or am I just dreaming or daydreaming all of this?'' I often get like that at noisy, crowded places. I think it's due to social anxiety, too.

Personally I have found concerts to be just about bearable if I can stand at the back, near the exits and the music isn't too bass heavy. But, mostly concerts just make me panicky, upset and flustered.

Concerts are the one place I can tolerate crowds, possibly because I am fully absorbed in what's happening on the stage.

I've seen Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains in a small venue, and Kings X and AC/DC in a large venue. It was a whole different level from loud noises that cause me problems and was enjoyable, if somewhat deafening.

On my worst days I couldn't tolerate it. On my best days, I might be able to enjoy it, based on that.

Not at all, I find my self standing around like a brick. I want to move and act like everyone else but I'm being over stimulated.

My first live rock concert was a Grassroots concert. The seats were back in the corner and not crowded at all.

In general, I prefer smaller venues. Some place like Anderson Fair in Houston, http://www.andersonfair.com, is just about perfect for me, but much too far away now. There are plenty of venues like that in many cities.

There's one series of annual concerts held outdoors that I'd like to attend but am never around is at St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Music on the Hill series, http://www.stjohnscollege.edu/events/SF/music.shtml.

There are also a number of country and folk music festivals around during the year. One old friend of mine plays at a number of them. I've heard very good things about the Kerrville Folk Festival, http://www.kerrville-music.com/, but have never gone.

The Canadian River Music Festival, http://www.canadianrivermusicfestival.com/, is quite popular. For something more laid back, there is the Old Mobeetie Music Festival. Take a tent or a lawnchair and relax for three days.

There used to be a four times yearly event in Lipscomb, Texas called the Naturally Yours Dance Platform (or something like that). The town of Lipscomb would go from around a population of about 50 to something like six or seven hundred for the day. I found these pictures with Google: http://www.flickr.com/photos/massenar/with/2603556298/#photo_2603556298. There has been talk about building dance platforms in other local towns, but I don't know if they've actually done it. It really takes a place like Lipscomb to give it the right character.

I've been to far more than my fair share, I actually think I may have surpassed the hundreds mark and made it into the thousand. My uncles have been playing since before my birth so a large chunk of my childhood memories are made up of smoke filled clubs, loud music and men in bright coloured spandex wearing stupidly large wigs, the days everyone thought glam-rock was cool I joined a band my self in my teens and put on concerts plus going to support other bands and festivals. In my opinion the hardest thing to do is let your self drop 100 IQ points and go mad like everyone else, but once you do you get why its good, you can just pretend like you have no responsibilities or worries for the duration of the concert

Makes me wonder, since I know a lot of people with ASD's don't like concerts or loud music, maybe the reason I don't have sensory issues is due to repeat exposure, concerts have been in my life as far back as I can remember and according to my childhood photos further back than that again.

I've been to 3 concerts in my life. They are fun only if you come prepared with earplugs, hat, sunglasses and a big friend like a bodyguard to push people out of the way so you could pass the crowds of people (that last part i was joking about but seems fun). You just need to know what triggers you and come prepared for everything. That's what i had to do also. Me personally I HATE NOISE and tons of people. I thought i was going to have a heart attack in all those crowds of people but that's the key thing make sure you have a good plan and back up plans just in case. For example, do bring a friend and make sure you 2 could find each other by holding handchiefs to each other etc (sorry for my bad spelling).

I've been to three concerts. Two were black metal concerts, and one was a rap concert. The "Ice Cube" rap concert was the most recent one last year. It seemed more laid-back than the other concerts I've been too, and the bass wasn't quite as loud either. That was a surprise since rap usually has way more bass than metal.

Rock music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember so I have been to many gigs and also festivals. They do have their fair share of chalenges such as people pushing you and loud volume, lots of lights etc but if I'm passionate about the band I will cope with all that and just get lost in the experience of the performance and the music. Crowds do stress me out normally but, if everyone around you is also crazy about the band it lends a sense of connection I think as you know you are all sort of on the same page and there for the same reason.

I used to be in a band years back and we had a few small-venue gigs. It is one of the few times where I have had attention on me and not felt too anxious. I think it is like you're playing a role almost like acting so, whatever you do, you are not being judged by the normal rules of society. It is quite liberating actually and I miss that sense of freedom.