For most music fans, nothing compares to the excitement of live performances with booming speakers, flashing lights, and the shared energy of friends in the crowd. But for some students at WS, that same environment can feel overwhelming, leading to the debate over whether concerts are worth the hype, or if music is better enjoyed comfortably at home.
Senior Brandon Lopez went to see Wiz Khalifa in concert on July 25th, joining hundreds of fans packed into Jiffy Lube Live. While Lopez appreciated the energy of the crowd, he also noticed the challenges that come with large venues.
“Concerts are definitely overhyped, [at Wiz Khalifa] it was so overcrowded. I didn’t have a good time at the end because I couldn’t even find some of my friends, and everyone was doing their own thing, so it was very overwhelming,” said Lopez.
Lopez also expressed the challenges faced when it comes to the location a venue is placed, as well as the overpriced offerings.
“The area that Jiffy is located in isn’t near any food places, so you have nothing to get before or after the concert, unless you want to spend 50 bucks on a hot dog or drive really far out,” said Lopez.
For senior Caroline Cantillo, the location isn’t the issue, but the size can cause irritations, specifically when it comes to the manners of others.
“I think some people just let concert etiquette go right out the window. Depending on the concert, people can be so pushy and spatially unaware,” said Cantillo.
Cantillo has been to all kinds of venues, such as amphitheaters, arenas, and stadiums. Having so many different experiences, Cantillo expresses what she believes is the best type setting for concerts.
“Personally I love smaller venues like The Anthem because there’s never really a bad seat, unless you have a tall man blocking your view,” said Cantillo.
While some students may enjoy the comfort of a smaller venue, others appreciate the thrill of huge crowds with intense energy.
Junior Samuel FIgueroa flew all the way to Puerto Rico to see Bad Bunny perform.
“It was so loud, and the music was just crazy. Everybody was super hype about the songs, singing along to every single one,” Figueroa said. “But at Jiffy Lube Live, there wasn’t as much hype and some people were just on their phone.”
Even with those mixed events, Figueroa shared his ‘hot take’ when it comes to concert expenses.
“As long as it’s my favorite artist, I have no problem with spending $300 on a ticket, I don’t care,” said Figueroa.
Sophomore Sarai Scott had a different view when she attended a d4vd concert at the Fillmore venue in Maryland on August 23rd. Scott wasn’t the biggest fan, but decided to tag along.
“It was my sister who actually wanted to go, so I just thought ‘why not?’ and went too. I like some of his songs, but not as much as her,” said Scott.
Scott recognizes the emotional side of concerts, but finds it hard to enjoy music without being comfortable.
“Listening to music at home almost feels autotuned, a concert is just so realistic, no hiding behind a screen,” said Scott. “Although, it was way too cold, and felt like 50 degrees despite it being August, I was basically freezing from 8-10pm.”
Senior Jillian Reichard views the social side of concerts as what makes them special. Reichard attended a Tyler Childers concert on September 27th at Jiffy Lube Live, and felt the experience was uplifting.
“Listening to music live is so much better than at home, because I love being surrounded by my friends, and hanging out with people is the best part of any concert,” said Reichard.
Even so, Reichard admits she doesn’t go out of her way to listen to artists much, yet has had many adventures when it comes to witnessing live music, and preferences for the environment.
“I don’t listen to much music at home. I only really do when I’m driving, so I appreciate seeing it live,” said Reichard. “I’ve been to a lot of different venues, even in other countries, but the outdoor ones are always my favorite because there’s more room to walk around.”
As students reflect on each concert and memory made, whether the crowd was intimidatingly big or comfortably small, everyone values something different. Live music continues finding its way to move listeners and offer experiences of a lifetime.
