ALMOST 7 IN 10 WOMEN HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A CONCERT ALONE
According to a recent study, nearly 7 in 10 women have never experienced the thrill of attending a concert alone. However, there are a few brave souls who have embraced the solo gig experience and are reaping the benefits.
Nat Arney, a 41-year-old music enthusiast from Worthing, has been attending gigs by herself for almost a decade. Frustrated with missing out on seeing her favorite bands and artists because no one she knew wanted to join her, Nat took matters into her own hands. In 2015, she attended her first solo event to see rock band Ash. From that moment on, she never looked back.
Initially, Nat admits to feeling nervous about going to gigs alone, especially as a woman. However, she soon realized that she wasn’t the only one flying solo. This revelation made her feel less self-conscious and more at ease with her decision.
For Nat, attending gigs alone has become a liberating experience. She no longer has to rely on others to share in her passion for music. If people want to join her, they can get their own tickets and meet her at the venue. Nat’s newfound independence has given her the freedom to enjoy live music on her own terms.
While Nat has conquered the world of solo gigs, she hasn’t yet mustered the courage to attend festivals alone. However, she has developed her own personal protocol to ensure her safety and peace of mind. This includes always having a plan and letting someone know her whereabouts. Nat also recommends researching the venue’s safety procedures and seeking advice from organizations like Safe Gigs for Women.
Sam Espensen, a 50-year-old from Bristol, is another advocate for attending gigs alone. She started going solo in her thirties when her friends began settling down and having children. Feeling like she was missing out, Sam made a conscious decision to embrace the solo gig experience.
Initially, Sam admits to feeling nervous about attending gigs alone. However, she quickly discovered that it was a game changer for her. As a neurodivergent individual, Sam prefers the freedom of going solo. She doesn’t enjoy crowded spaces and easily becomes overwhelmed. Attending gigs alone allows her to fully immerse herself in the music without any distractions.
While there may be some apprehension about attending gigs alone, these women are proving that it can be a rewarding and empowering experience. So, if you find yourself without a concert buddy, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and enjoy the music on your own terms.
Nat occasionally attends gigs with friends, but she prefers going alone to have the freedom to do whatever she wants without impacting others. She enjoys arriving early to check out the venue and usually leaves before the end to avoid large crowds. Nat believes that attending gigs alone is a great experience because nobody judges you, and there are always people willing to strike up a conversation.
For Lake Faith, a 29-year-old genderfluid individual, attending gigs solo has helped them find a community and connect with other queer and alt-metal fans. Their favorite band is The Wonder Years, and they wanted to overcome their nerves about going somewhere alone by seeing them perform live.
To stay safe while attending a gig, there are several precautions you can take. It is important to stay hydrated, especially if it’s warm, and make sure you have eaten beforehand. Consider wearing earplugs to protect your hearing, especially at loud gigs. If you have a medical condition, ensure you have all your medication with you and carry emergency information that indicates your condition. Make sure your phone is fully charged or bring a battery pack. If you’re attending alone, inform others about your whereabouts and your planned route home. Keep an eye on your valuables as gigs are popular targets for pickpockets. Familiarize yourself with the venue’s security in case you need to report anything.
Lake has been attending gigs alone for years and considers it a treat to indulge in something they love. It helps them reconnect with themselves and enjoy the music and atmosphere without worrying about what others think. They have even cried at gigs by themselves, finding it cathartic. Lake has developed a routine where they arrive, visit the bathroom, get their bearings, and then treat themselves to a pint of cider before finding a good spot in the crowd. They sometimes occupy themselves between sets by using Duolingo or eating a protein bar. Lake’s taste in music aligns with their emo phase, and their friends often don’t share the same preferences. Going alone allows them to fully enjoy the bands they love. They have even joined a WhatsApp group for queer alt and metal fans, where they have made new friends and felt welcomed by the alt women community.
SAM ESPENSEN LOVES ATTENDING GIGS ALONE
Sam Espensen, a music enthusiast, enjoys attending gigs alone. However, a recent study conducted by Viagogo reveals that the majority of women are not as confident when it comes to going solo. The study, which surveyed 2,000 Brits, found that almost 7 in 10 women (73%) have never been to a concert alone. Women are twice as likely as men to avoid attending gigs solo due to feelings of insecurity and lack of confidence.
The research also uncovered that nearly a quarter of fans lack confidence in their own company (24%), feel unsafe (24%), or experience anxiety (22%) when considering attending a concert alone. Additionally, 17% of respondents admitted feeling uneasy about traveling alone to a show, while 13% expressed concerns about being judged by others for enjoying a gig by themselves.
The study highlighted a clear gender divide, with only just over a quarter of women (27%) reporting attending a music event alone, compared to half of men. These findings align with a 2018 YouGov poll that revealed high levels of harassment at music festivals, particularly experienced by female festivalgoers. Almost half of female festivalgoers under 40 (43%) reported facing unwanted sexual behavior, while 22% of all festivalgoers experienced assault or harassment, rising to 30% for women overall.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for a future where attending gigs solo becomes more accessible and safe for everyone. As Taylor Swift’s Eras tour kicks off its European leg, Swifties worldwide are sharing safety tips and even making friendship bracelets to exchange, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Moreover, numerous Facebook groups dedicated to solo festivalgoers have emerged, providing a platform for individuals to connect with like-minded individuals before attending events.
Ultimately, the message remains the same: regardless of gender, sexuality, race, or any other factor, everyone should feel confident, safe, and happy attending gigs alone. So, grab your cowboy boots, your glitter, and maybe even your friendship bracelets – because solo gigging is here to stay.
Useful resources:
– Safe Spaces Now – UN Women UK
– Safe Gigs For Women
– Mayor of London – Women’s Night Safety Charter
