To ask if metal concerts are safe for DD14

[wherearemypaintbrushes]

Hi all. DD14 interested in 'gothic' fashion (which mainly just consists of black lipsticks and band tees ) and she is into a band called Nightwish. For what I have seen they are a metal type band.

Apparently they are going on tour next year and she would like me to book tickets for when they do a concert in London in December! I would honestly really love her to experience concerts and I think it would be a good christmas present.

Though I'd like to ask about your experiences with metal band concerts, I really don't want to stereotype but i'd be afraid of violent people etc The band seems harmless enough and the lead singer does seem quite nice but I just want to ask if I should be worried. She is a shy girl but copes well with noises - would she be intimidated by other people? None of her friends at school really enjoy her taste in music so may not be able to bring a friend.

Silly concerns, I know. Please don't flame me as I was never into bands like these at her age

Totally safe ! Just don't stand at the front and try to get seated tickets so not to get crushed.

I went in a mosh pit for Iron Maiden when I was 14. it was great.

And all the older people looked out for us, including forming a barrier (which was remarked on and thanked from the band in between songs) to keep us safe when some trouble kicked off. Several other guys grabbed the two who were causing the trouble and delivered them to the security guards)

Nightwish are really enjoyable. and there's loads of their music on youtube if you want to hear it in advance so you know what you're expecting.

She will be fine. Just pack ear plugs (one too many loud gigs in my teens has taught me this valuable lesson.)

On the subject of 'pits', being in an Alestorm or Amon Amarth 'rowing pit' is one of the stranger experiences in life.

Glad you liked it @wherearemypaintbrushes I've sadly never been able to see them live but from what I know the crowd are usually very relaxed. As PP have said, keep away from the front if standing as there can be a rush to the front sometimes but the fans aren't known for moshing, circle pits, wall of death etc so standing or seated you should be fine.

I went to my first metal concert when I was about 14 and went to gigs regularly all through my teens and early 20s. She will be absolutely fine! Metallers might look kind of intimidating but can be some of the nicest people around.

Nightwish will be fairly chilled out anyway. Not sure if there will be a mosh pit but she's unlikely to be near it unless she's right in the crowd so don't worry. Plus I used to go into them and there's an unspoken rule that if someone falls you pick them up and look after each other!

I go to a lot of metal gigs and if there’s any teen girls around me, I keep a close eye - because I was once that teen girl, and the adults back then also kept an eye on me We’re a much friendlier group than we look

I love Nightwish the important question is, does she prefer the older stuff when Tarja was in it?

Ime, you'll have to go with her. I spent hours and hours at metal gigs with DS2 when he was that age as they are not allowed in unaccompanied under the age of 18 in most venues, and none of his friends liked that music. It was an experience. Some of the bands were really good fun live, and the atmosphere is exhilarating.

I agree that most metal fans are so nice and kind and friendly.

love Nightwish grinthe important question is, does she prefer the older stuff when Tarja was in it?

Tarja all the way

Yeah!

Well,I was going to metal gigs from the age of 14,but this was back in the early 80s. Things are probably different now!