As someone who frequently travels to see my fav bands, I often get questioned on why I would do that. Why go see a band way down in Nashville when they're from your own province? Why trek to Chicago and back in one weekend just to catch a particular show? In the most intense scenarios, why fly across the ocean?
Well, I'm not crazy guys (I promise!) and I'm definitely not alone. In fact, in my travels I've met loads of people who do the same thing for the exact same reasons. So for all of you wondering why you should travel to go see your favourite bands, or who are contemplating doing it but are hesitant, here's that extra push. Read on for five reasons why you should definitely go see your fav bands far from where you are.
1. The Obvious: See New Places
Alright, let's start with the obvious answer. Travelling to see your favourite bands is a great chance to, well, TRAVEL. It provides you with a chance to see new places, enjoy new sites and learn about new cultures and ways of living. Seeing a great live concert is an added bonus! That's why when we plan trips, we often look to see what bands are playing where we want to go and when or vice versa- what cool places we've never been to that our fav bands are playing.
2. Watch a Band Perform in a New Environment
Photo by David James Swanson This shot was from one of Jack White's hometown shows and this is his mom who was pulled on stage! Other hometown shows have included special guests like Alison Mosshart and Dean Fertita among others.
It's all well and good to see your favourite bands play in their home town or the nearest big city but how about somewhere totally different? For example, we've seen The Glorious Sons play stadium shows to thousands of people in Ontario. Don't get me wrong, there's an energy at shows like that, that can't be beat BUT travelling to see them in southern states or across the pond means we get to see them play smaller gigs that we just don't get back home. Watching a band try to win over a small audience in an intimate setting is the best.
On the flip side of that, if your favourite band is located far away from where you are, why not check out a hometown gig and see what the hype is all about? You might even be pleasantly surprised by an extra-long setlist, special guests, custom merch or a few surprises along the way.
3. Support the Small Markets
Photo by Ryan Mueller
To build on number two, travelling to see your favourite bands often means seeing those smaller shows I was talking about but your reason shouldn't be purely selfish. Supporting bands in smaller markets helps them book gigs there again, expand their reach and with tried-and-true fans in the audience like you, you can help pump up the crowd too!
4. Catch the Chills in an Iconic or Historic Venue
This one is important. If you're a music or history lover you'll appreciate this. Travelling to see bands gives you the opportunity to check out historic and iconic music venues. Let's face it: some venues are just way better than others. Sure this is obvious when you're speaking about acoustics but I'm talking about the spirit and soul of a place. Is your fav band coming to Massey Hall? Make it happen! A summer show at Kee to Bala? Yes please! Rock and roll at the m.f.ing Colosseum? Hell yeah! For me,you can bet your ass if Neil Young plays Red Rocks, I'll be dropping everything to drive there.
Here are a few to add to your bucket list just to get you started: Bluebird Cafe (Nashville), Ryan Auditorium (Nashville), Red Rocks (Colorado), The Shelter (Detroit), Massey Hall (Toronto),Kee to Bala (Bala), The Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood),Sydney Opera House
5. Meet new People & Feel Music as the Great Unifier
Finally, the coolest thing about travelling for concerts is meeting new people and connecting through your shared passion for music. You can lead two completely different lives, think different, act differently and do different things but for a couple hours just share one common love. That my friends, is a beautiful thing.
Peace, love & history.
P.S. Where do you want to most see your favourite bands? Have you travelled far distances for concerts before? Let me know in the comments!
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