Your guide to gigging alone

We’ve all been there, your favourite band is playing but no matter how hard you try to convince your friends no one will come with you. So what do you do next? Most of us would accept the cold hard fact that we wouldn’t be going and maybe stream the gig online at home. However, what if you still went - alone? Awkwardness is often the biggest factor hindering people from going to gigs alone, but how different would the experience be, with friends or without.

According to English Literature student, Georgia Melbourn, the experience as a whole can actually be more enriching. She said: “In 2016, I did the Friday of Download Festival alone. That was the day I actually got to see all the bands I wanted to see and it was much easier getting to the front of the crowd without a big group of people.”

Although musically it was much more rewarding, the dangers of facing it alone did play on her mind: “On the way to the festival I was worried about being there on my own, gigs and especially festivals can be dangerous places at times – especially if you’re alone,

“Luckily at Download everyone was really respectful, but I’ve been to a couple of gigs where people have tried touching me up in the mosh pit.”

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is something fans could potentially face when going to gigs – even if they’re protected by friends. Whilst this is certainly an issue that needs to addressed, it shouldn’t hold people back from gigging alone and enjoying the experience, as there is plenty of support and awareness out there.

Lately, we have seen musicians tackle the issue and blatantly call out offenders. In the summer, Architects frontman, Sam Carter, stopped mid show to address the problem when he saw a female fan fall victim to a boob-grope in the crowd. Loyle Carner also kicked out a man for shouting sexist slurs to his support act during his gig at the University of East Anglia in October.

As well as artists speaking up when they witness sexual abuse, there are organisations who also provide support. ‘Safe Gigs for Women’ is one of them. A campaign kick-started in 2015 with the aim of achieving a safe space in which to enjoy music. Volunteers regularly attend gigs and help bands promote a safer environment for everyone. They also work with promoters, staff and security at venues so they know how to deal with the problem if it arises.

Some musicians can be naïve to the situations that take place at their own gigs, which is why folk-punk musician, Frank Turner, joined the fight against sexual predators and works closely with SGFW.

Sarah Claudine from SGFW shared her top tips for staying safe with us: “Don’t be put off at the idea of going to gigs alone, it’s a very liberating experience and a new way of enjoying music.

“Firstly, make friends. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s the simplest thing you can do." Chat to people around you before the show starts – you’ll have plenty to talk about music-wise.

“Being aware of the people and space around you,” is also important. Look out for others and they’ll be looking out for you, “community is a massive thing we depend on for Safe Gigs [for Women], it’s about harnessing the power of community for good."

It depends on the kind of show as well, for a first timer perhaps try an acoustic show for a calmer vibe. However, if you do want to throw yourself into a mosh pit straight away, “it can be quite intimidating but the majority of people in a crowd want to look after you.

“If the worst happens and someone is making you feel uncomfortable then you can try removing yourself from the situation and seek help from the people around you, or get security involved.”

Venue staff are now being trained to act quickly if the situation is brought to light so don’t feel embarrassed if you think you’re stopping them from doing their job. A sexual predator could be anyone in the crowd and can take advantage at any time, so don’t be afraid to speak out if you see something that doesn’t look consensual.

In recent news, singer Harry Styles performed in Los Angeles for a cancer benefit and a fan in the front row took advantage of him. This brought to light the issues at the gig with one fan tweeting: “It isn’t ever ok to crotch grab someone, regardless of their sex or fame.”

Going to a gig alone is such an empowering experience, if music is your thing don’t let the 1% ruin it for you. The main thing is to not feel intimidated; face your fears and the next time your favourite band is playing, why not try it alone?

Originally published for Overtime's November edition