Addiction is a scary word. You can be addicted to all sorts of things. Most addictions can kill you, but there's only one that leaves you feeling more alive than ever. It takes a special person to be considered a concert addict. You don't just go to concerts for fun. You live, love, and breathe that artist or band's music. There's something about the moment the artist or band comes out on stage and the rush you get from the shrieking screams. The feeling of being in an arena, stadium or small concert venue with people just like you singing their hearts out is indescribable. Your left with a raspy voice or none at all by the end of the night. When the night finally ends, you walk out those doors with an aching heart begging for more. Your addicted to that atmosphere and feeling of pure bliss. There's truly nothing that compares.
1. You stress out about buying tickets more than real life problems.
The moment tickets go on sale, your palms get sweaty. Your biggest fear sets in that you may not be able to get tickets. It's as if your life depends on those tickets finally popping up on screen. You can kiss your freshly manicured nails goodbye.
2. You feel no regrets when you hit purchase because the anticipation kills you.
They say money doesn't buy happiness, but it buys concert tickets and that's a pretty good deal. If your parents ask about the ticket cost, you find a way to make it seem relatively affordable even if you just blew an entire paycheck. You explain that its memories for a lifetime.
3. When you are making any future plans, you make sure that concert dates become first priority.
Summer job interview time sets in. Before getting hired, a big question is always which days you will need to take off for in advance. When they ask why you'll need to take off, you always say it's a family vacation or family reunion. In reality, Luke Bryan shaking his butt, Demi Lovato/Nick Jonas bringing a crowd to their knees, and dancing the night away with Taylor Swift makes that fib a little easier to tell.
4. You ask for concert tickets for every special holiday or occasion.
What do you want for your birthday? What do you want for Christmas? Concert tickets, duh.
5. When one of your favorite artists releases tour dates, your friends text you right away.
As if you don't follow your favorite artists every move through social media, it makes you happy that your friends do this!
6. You contemplate traveling all over the world in order to see your favorite artist.
Sometimes your favorite artists don't come to a venue near you. Sometimes seeing them once is not enough. That's the beauty of an artist being on a World Tour. The opportunities to see them are endless.
7. You have a collection of ticket stubs from each show at many different venues.
Concerts leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Sometimes you'll come across a random ticket stub when you're cleaning your room that leaves you with all sorts of emotions. That night holds a special place in your heart. It's something you'll tell your children about one day.
8. When people ask you how many concerts you've been to, you just laugh because you can't possibly remember them all.
Well... I think I've been to at least 20 concerts. My first concert was the Jonas Brothers in seventh grade. That's when the obsession began. Jonas Brothers(x2), Taylor Swift (x4), Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan(x2), Lady Antebellem, Rascal Flatts, Fifth Harmony (x2), Timeflies, Demi Lovato (x2), Rachel Platten, and Firefly Festival... the list goes on.
9. You show up to the venue hours in advance before the gates open.
This is when all the cute pics with friends occur! Standing in line for an ordinary concert-goer proves to be boring and exhausting, but you love every second of it. This is where you belong. The anticipation is what makes you tick.
10. You know all too well how to deal with fake fans.
If you're a true music fan and concert addict, it annoys you more than anything else when your "acquaintances" try to act like they are the biggest fans on the planet. Just yesterday, they were making fun of that person's very existence or mocking their music. Money can buy you anything, and fake fans stick out like a sore thumb. Using Taylor Swift lyrics on your photo when you hate on her 24/7.... you're not fooling anyone.
11. You have made some new and amazing friends that share the same addiction or that love you for yours.
It's not everyday that you find someone who shares the same love for an artist that you do. Fangirls are a rare breed, and it isn't for everyone. However, some of your best friends love you for your passionate personality.
12. You experience "post-concert depression" for at least a week after a show.
Concerts are a love/hate relationship. You love the excitement and concert high you get every single time. You hate the post concert blues. You enter an arena smiling from cheek to cheek and jumping for joy and leave that very same place crying from nostalgia. I swear it hits you like a brick wall. Your ears are still ringing, but your heart is breaking. The memories play back in your head torturing your soul. Sometimes that "post-concert depression" never really goes away, it just simply becomes tolerable. Every time you put on your tour shirt, you shed a little tear.
Some people will never understand the high you get from every single show, but that's OK. Music and being passionate about something or someone is good for the soul. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I know it's a cliche, but you only live once. Sing your heart out, make unbreakable bonds, and create beautiful memories.
