It was 2013 and my obsession with the band, The Killers, was at an all time high. They were in the middle of touring their last studio album, "Battle Born." My sister, or the person I drag to all my concerts, had decided that seeing The Killers four times was enough. I clearly thought differently. So, when they were playing in my state, I knew I had to go. I did, however, hesitate because I had never gone to a show by myself. Who would I talk to? Won't I look weird? Would I even have fun if I didn't have someone to share the experience with? Now, three years later, I'm part of a global community of die hard fans with best friends that I would've never even met if it wasn't for The Killers.
I'm very much an introvert. This is why music has become such a big part of my life. It's something I can enjoy in the comfort of my own home. It's an escape from the chaos of the outside world. It's something that's "mine" that I don't have to explain to anyone. When I was in high school, I started to appreciate music more. I think everyone experiences this as a teen. The music you listen to defines who you are. I think a little bit of that has stayed with me into my late 20's. And when I discovered The Killers, it was like this part of me that I didn't even know was there. As someone who is an avid concert-goer, seeing The Killers for the first time was unlike any other. And 14 shows later, I can't seem to find a reason to stop.
Back in August of 2013, I still kept my Killers obsession to myself, but I knew I was going to end up going to see them in Atlantic City by myself. After working a half day, I made my way down to the show. I was nervous but I knew the payoff in the end was going to be worth it. As I began to line up, I met some really kind and devoted fans. I quickly learned that almost everyone around me was just as obsessed as I was. We swapped stories about our favorite albums, meeting the band, etc. I also learned that pretty much everyone was there by themselves or with a group of friends they met through going to see the band so many times. Hooray, I'm not alone! As the night progressed, I met more and more Victims (Yes, Killers fans are called Victims) inside the venue. It was, and still is, the best Killers concert I have ever been to. I attribute that to the people I met and our shared experience of seeing our favorite band together.
To this day, these people remain some of my closest friends and we continue to see The Killers any time they are in town, and even travel across the country if we just can't wait that long. Each show brings on a new cast of characters; a new member to join our tribe. These people aren't going to judge you if you need to buy yet another piece of merch or for how early you need to line up to get close to the stage. Because they are right there with you.
It's a whole new experience to share a concert with a group of people who are just as passionate as you are about the band. You don't have to worry about the other person having a good time, or if your screaming is bothering them, because they are probably screaming louder than you. You are collectively waiting for that singalong moment or when the confetti begins to fall. You continue to come back time and time again because of Brandon Flowers' charisma, Dave Keuning's guitar solos, Mark Stoermer's epic bass moments, Ronnie Vannucci's manic drumming, and all the wonderful moments in between.
I sometimes think about that night in 2013 and what would've happened if I had never gone to the show. I probably would've eventually stopped going to see The Killers. I definitely wouldn't have met so many amazing people. The community has had such an impact on my life and I truly can't imagine my life without it.
So, if you are really into a certain band and can't find a friend to go with, try going on your own. There's no doubt that you will find people just like you. And then you won't have that problem anymore. You can experience something you love with the added enjoyment of companionship. It'll be the best decision you ever make.
