Going to your first live music gig is exciting, but it can also feel a bit daunting if you have never done it before. What should you wear? When should you arrive? What happens at the door? This guide covers everything you need to know so you can relax and enjoy the music.
Before the gig: getting your tickets sorted
The first step is buying your ticket. Most gigs now use e-tickets or QR codes delivered to your email or phone. Once you have bought your ticket, save it somewhere easy to find. Adding it to your phone's wallet app (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) means you will not be scrambling through your inbox at the door.
A few things to check before you buy:
- Age restrictions -- Some venues are 18+ or 14+ with an adult. Check the event listing before purchasing.
- Standing or seated -- Standing gigs mean you will be on your feet for the whole show. Seated gigs are more relaxed. Some events offer both options.
- Support acts and door times -- The "door time" is when the venue opens, not when the main act starts. The headline act usually goes on 60-90 minutes after doors open.
What to wear and bring
There is no dress code for most gigs. Wear something comfortable, especially shoes you can stand in for a few hours. If it is a standing gig in a smaller venue, it will get warm, so layers you can tie around your waist are a good idea.
Keep what you bring to a minimum. A small bag or crossbody is ideal. Most venues will not allow large backpacks or bags past a certain size. Essential items:
- Your phone (with your ticket ready)
- Photo ID if the venue requires it
- A bank card or some cash for drinks
- Earplugs -- seriously, even cheap foam ones make a huge difference. Live music is loud, and protecting your hearing means you can enjoy gigs for decades to come
Arriving at the venue
Aim to arrive close to door time if you want a good spot near the stage. If the doors open at 7pm and you arrive at 7:15, you will have plenty of time to find a good position before the first act starts.
At the door, a member of staff will scan your QR code ticket. This takes a second or two. They may also check your ID and do a quick bag search. Once you are inside, find the bar, find the toilets, and find a spot where you are comfortable.
For standing gigs, closer to the stage is louder and more energetic. Further back is more relaxed with more space. Neither is better -- it depends on what you enjoy.
During the show
Put your phone away for most of it. One or two short clips are fine as a memory, but watching the whole gig through a screen means you are not really watching the gig. The artists notice too, and it affects the atmosphere for everyone around you.
If the crowd is moving or pushing and you feel uncomfortable, it is perfectly fine to move to the side or further back. Nobody will judge you. Gigs are meant to be fun, not stressful.
Stay hydrated. If you are drinking alcohol, have water between drinks. Venues sell water at the bar, and many will give you tap water for free if you ask.
After the show
Do not rush for the exit. The crush to leave is often worse than anything during the show. Wait a few minutes, let the initial wave clear, and leave at your own pace.
Check you have everything -- phone, wallet, jacket. If you lose something, most venues have a lost property process. Check their website or social media the next day.
Finding your next gig
Once you have been to one gig, you will want to go to more. Check local venue websites and follow them on social media for upcoming listings. Sites like Tickts list events across the UK with no booking fees, so the price you see is the price you pay.
Live music is one of the best experiences you can have. Your first gig might feel like a lot to take in, but by the second or third, you will wonder why you did not start going sooner.
