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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you take a 14 yo to a nine inch nails gig?

51 replies

Rittersport · 17/02/2022 19:42

That's it really. They would enjoy the music and listen to this type of music on Spotify, but what do you think for a first live gig? Going with adult family members not friends. What do you think, pros? Cons?

OP posts:
ikeepseeingit · 17/02/2022 20:29

Sounds amazing! I would for sure. You’re there and can take them out if they get stressed.

minimadgirl · 17/02/2022 20:40

Oh defintely! Would have loved you as a parent at thar age.
I was going to gigs on my own at not much older.
I've seen a lot younger kids at Download and the crowds that go to these sort of gigs are really lovely and help everyone out. I remember getting cramp at a Slipknot gig and getting stuck crouched down on the floor, everyone stopped around me and helped me up.

brio4ever · 17/02/2022 20:51

Absolutely, I saw NIN, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot at 12, with my parents and right in the mosh lol. It was great, all my friends were dead jealous as they weren't allowed to go and parents refused to take them.

firstchopanonion · 17/02/2022 21:13

Definitely. I saw them alone at Glasto when I was 14 (none of the friends I was at the festival with wanted to see them!!)

planningtomakeaplan · 17/02/2022 21:16

Yes, go for it! DS went to his first gig with his dad at 13 (he looks a lot older). He loved it!

I think it's nice he's getting an introduction to gigs with his dad when he's this age - by the time he's allowed in with his mates, he probably won't want to be hanging round with his dad, will he?

DeadButDelicious · 17/02/2022 21:19

Do it! I wish someone would take me!

I went to my first gig (Marilyn Manson in 97) with my dad when I was 15 and had a great time! If they will enjoy it and like the band, absolutely take them!

MrPenguinsPoppers · 17/02/2022 21:39

I recall taking DD to see Airborne. The local venue cocked up, I’d called ahead before I booked and asked if she could go (she was 8 at the time) and they said yes, not an issue. They then turned it to over 14s.
I spoke to the organisers who agreed she could come and they sat us on a balcony that overhung the stage. It was quite low, low enough that she was high fived by the band members and finished the night with picks and a set list.
IIRC her first ‘gig’ was Leeds Festival when she was about 5. She loved it. I did have to swiftly walk past Goldie Lookin Chain in one of the tents though 😂

I’d have no qualms at all at 14.

Original poster
Rittersport · 18/02/2022 03:54

Amazing thanks everyone! Tickets booked!!

OP posts:
Flutterby8 · 18/02/2022 05:45

100% go!
I cant wait to take DD to her first gig! Shes not 3months old yet but shes going to have the experience when the time is right!

Curlyshabtree · 18/02/2022 06:30

Yes! Go for it. I’m off to see Dave in a few weeks with my 14 year old.

loislovesstewie · 18/02/2022 06:39

I was going to gigs at 12. By myself. I thought everyone did.

Vari757 · 18/02/2022 07:58

I think at 14 I would have preferred to go with my friends on my own. Is there any reason she's not doing that? Are you the fan and it was your idea or did she want to go and you'll only allow her if you also go?

Sciurus83 · 18/02/2022 08:07

Yeh I started going to gigs alone at 14 wouldn't think twice. Ahh god why does it have yo be in Cornwall?! It couldn't be any further away from me! My jealousy is pouring out of the North east!

Treaclepie19 · 18/02/2022 08:42

100% do it!

planningtomakeaplan · 18/02/2022 08:42

@Vari757

I think at 14 I would have preferred to go with my friends on my own. Is there any reason she's not doing that? Are you the fan and it was your idea or did she want to go and you'll only allow her if you also go?
I would definitely have preferred to be on my own at 14, doesn't mean my DC will be encouraged to be! I remember was off out on my own at 14 or 15 to all sorts of nightlife! Pubs, clubs, parties etc...

It's much less usual today though. We could get served in pubs and knew which clubs would let us in. That's all changed, it's much stricter now. There are some venues that allow 14 year olds in for gigs but a lot of them don't.

Also, no way am I letting my DC have the freedom I had at that age! I thought I was an adult at 14 and 15, and I was rarely where I told my mum I was. I was off taking acid, MDMA, having sex etc etc!

Saisong · 18/02/2022 08:47

DD is off to her first stadium gig with her dad in the summer for her 15th birthday. They are going to see Green Day - she is beyond excited. I think NIN will be fine for that age.

SartresSoul · 18/02/2022 08:49

100%. I want to take my 12 year old to gigs but they all seem to have a 14+ age restriction and there’s no way he’d pass for 14. I don’t want to be turned away and lose the money so can’t risk it.

BeastOfBODMAS · 18/02/2022 08:50

Absolutely, my Dad took me to see Motörhead and all sorts around that age on the condition that I accompanied him to a Status Quo gig. We had a kind of cultural exchange arrangement

MrsMonkeyBear · 18/02/2022 08:50

Yes, definitely. My nephew is 10 and has seen Iron Maiden and has been to Download Festival.

Personally, I'd sooner my kids listen to NIN than any of the rubbish that's in the charts these days!!

SartresSoul · 18/02/2022 08:50

Also wanted to add that I had been to many gigs at 14/15. My Dad did used to come with us because most had a strict policy where under 16s (I think) had to have an over 18 with them but he’d just sit in the bar while we went in for the actual gig.

Shortofspace · 18/02/2022 12:05

Stories about women being groped at gigs would put me off the all-at-the-front-together type of gig for a teenager. Many aren't like that at all now and you have your own seat - not as much fun in many ways but safer!

Karmagoat · 18/02/2022 12:11

Can I just say your 14 year old has excellent taste in music Wink

RubyRedRoses · 18/02/2022 12:12

Yes, but not the mosh pit

brio4ever · 18/02/2022 12:43

To the all the 'would prefer to go on my own" ones - I lived going with my parents, as did my friends! We did festivals and all sorts together, was never embarrassed. My dad especially would be right in the mosh. If I had a young teen now I would definitely be accompanying them, making sure they could handle themselves to be able to attend alone as they got older.

SavageTomato · 18/02/2022 15:16

Go for it, glad you've booked the tickets, they will have such a great time!! I was gigging on my own from 15, punk gigs, whatever, it was all great. I've found punk or NIN type crowds look out for each other, other genres maybe not so much, so a great choice. Have fun, very cool parenting!!!