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AIBU?

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Original poster

To go to the concert alone

55 replies

daugtherwantsashop · 03/01/2026 14:52

I like a particular kind of music that isn’t to everyone’s taste. When I was younger, I went to lots of local gigs in my home country, but I couldn’t afford to travel far or buy tickets for big bands. Then life got in the way.
I’ve been living in the UK for nearly 18 years, and during that time I didn’t think much about concerts, or even about music, compared to before. Then, about three years ago, a friend asked me to go to a huge concert — think of a very popular band. I had the time of my life.
Since then, I’ve been to four more big concerts. My husband has patiently come along with me, even though it’s not really his thing. Most concerts are in London, and the journey is long: it takes us about 3.5 hours to get to Cockfosters station, then about another hour to reach whichever venue we are goingto. We also have older electric cars that need charging twice on the way, which makes the trip even longer.
Now I want to see two bands performing together in London in a coupleofmonths. My husband has said he’s had enough, he doesn’t like the music and doesn’t really want to keep taking two days off work for this. That’s fair enough.
So my question is… would you go alone? I’m terrified of driving back on my own and also worried about getting from the venue to a hotel. I’m in my late 40s, if that makes any difference. Thank you for giving me some perspective 😊

OP posts:
musicforthesoul · 03/01/2026 14:57

I've gone to concerts alone before in central London, its fine. I prefer having company if possible but better to go by myself than miss out entirely. I normally just get the last train home but if staying over I try to get a hotel either very close to the venue or on the main road so I'm not walking down the backstreets by myself.

sweetpickle2 · 03/01/2026 14:57

I'm 40 and I've been to loads of concerts on my own when people haven't wanted to come with me, or I've snagged a last minute ticket. Once you're there you're in a crowd of thousands and nobody knows whether you're on your own or not.

Being scared to drive is a separate thing really. What makes you so terrified?

Catza · 03/01/2026 14:57

Of course it is OK to go alone. I am seeing some big bands this year and haven't got anyone for company.
What are you worried about specifically in terms of getting from the venue to the hotel? I've lived in London for nearly 20 years (I'm in the west country now, much more mellow) and have never found myself in trouble getting around solo. Ubers exist as well as overnight tube (although, much less pleasant).
If you are "terrified" driving in, why? And is a train and option then?

RumbleMum · 03/01/2026 14:57

I love going to gigs on my own! I say go for it and don’t let the lack of a gig buddy stand in your way.

I get the fear of driving alone - I wasn’t a confident driver until I was forced into doing all the driving after getting divorced. What would help you here? I used to use Google street view to plan out tricky junctions and so on. Can you park further out of London and get the train in?

What’s your concern about getting from the venue to the hotel? Where are they both?

duende · 03/01/2026 14:57

I love music and I love gigs. I sometimes prefer going by myself than with someone who enjoys it a bit less than I do. This way I can fully immerse myself and enjoy the experience, without worrying about whether the other person is having a good time or not.

I’d definitely go!