I Miss Going To Shows

Summertime and live music are as synonymous as Mudhoney and grunge.

Unfortunately, the events of the world thus far this year have dictated that we will not be able to enjoy such pleasantries for some time. In the mean time, while we are all doing our personal part to ensure that this enjoyment returns sooner rather than later, I want to talk about live shows.

A great live show is the sum of its parts. There is so much that goes into a show. Aside from the music itself, the element of community that exists at a show is like a shot of dopamine. The way that we all know we are present for a common reason, the way that we can all talk passionately about a certain song or a musician, the way that we can regale old tales of concerts past, the way the crowd rumbles into a roar when the band finally takes the stage… I love it all.

It seems that each show I go to, I end up meeting a new ‘concert buddy’. These are friendly people who are near me while I watch the show. Our paths cross for but a few hours. We often don’t know or don’t remember their names. We share stories, laughs, hugs, and the occasional tear. We say goodbye at the end of the show, and most likely never see them again. But I remember them. To me, they are as integral a part of the show as the anticipation, overpriced beers, and the euphoria of hearing the music itself.

That is part of what I miss the most about not being able to go to shows this summer. Shows, and the people we meet at them, are a great reminder that we are a lot more similar than we sometimes believe. And that is a good thing of which to be reminded.

What is the best summer show you have seen?

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