I work them, so I never just go and attend them - the experience is so much better when you’re “in”. I love the interaction, quite love the babysitting part of it even.

Also when I enjoy it, I will tell them & and it always work because artists know that if the local tech found them good, that same dude who see so much stuff day-in, day-out, it (probably) means something.

You meet jerks, of course. You learn to provide them with minimal service, but clean and decent for the public. You meet fantastic people who fail to make it through to the audience, and that’s heartbreaking. You learn to put 200% of yourself into a musical style you don’t enjoy because the dudes on stage are killing it and the audience is loving it - who cares if Jazz Manouche is the most boring, written down and set in stone style ever.

My most stupid interaction was, at the end of a programme that included both Chopin and Steve Reich, to tell the Reich’ piece clarinetist “sometimes, Chopin is boring. Especially in regard to Reich”. The Guy was in agreement lol.

I’m going to sound boring, but never because I’m worried that I’ll wreck my hearing

When I was young it used to be like 15-20 a year, most of those local, some of those with my band. Nowadays, it’s more like years apart between my visits anywhere. Not only there are way, way less happening in general (at least where I live), but family, other hobbies and keeping things quiet after busy work week has higher priority for me.

Local shows. I used to go to 3 or 4 a week.

I stopped doing that around 2017 because I was getting too tired. More like two or three a month.

None anymore though. I have kids now and I moved away, there’s no venues out here.

By “concerts” do you mean a big production in a stadium or theatre/hall with seating and tickets are $80/person, that kind of thing? I’ve never been to one.

almost never because of how terrible ticket master is closed source barely works and requires google play services just a nightmare of a app

Been 20 years exactly almost for an actual “concert”, like just seeing one or two bands. Travelling to a venue is expensive for me as I live in the middle of nowhere. Plus I don’t really have anyone to go with. I go to local gigs with my brother and his girlfriend once every month or two. They travel all over for concerts but I think I’d feel like a third wheel if I went with them, though I might tag along if it turns out they’re seeing a band I really want to at some point.

I went to some festivals in 2023, it feels easier to justify the cost of travel to see a bunch of bands over a whole weekend. Was actually going to go on my own but my brother came with before he got with his gf. Might actually do one on my own next year. Rebellion in Blackpool is great and indoors which is a big plus in the UK.

Pretty often, I’d say about once a month on average but sometimes I’ll have 3 or so right in a row. Never at a big stadium, those shows aren’t worth it. I buy merch on occasion if it’s a band I really like and want to support.

Never. I gave up a long time ago when the bots won the ticket purchase wars and ticket prices became absurd. I don’t need that level of stress.

A friend always dragged me around to live music events. Never really sought them out myself.

A few times a year, probably around 5-6 I’d guess. Some months I end up going to more than one and other months it’s quiet.

Almost always buy merch… I have a lot of t-shirts haha.

We go pretty frequently (about every other month), but less since covid and now mostly nationally touring bands. My husband often buys a T-shirt. We also like to go see live music when we’re on vacation. My son toured with a band for a couple of years. I know it’s hard when they’re not making much money- sleeping in the van (or worse) and eating what the venue will give them. How about you?

I hate live concerts.

almost never. tickets are often quite expensive and i get to hear my favorite artists at home, with quality speakers and headphones, at the volume i find pleasant.

Not while Ticketmaster exists.

About 5 times a year, only classical music. Never bought merch.