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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take an 11 year old to a rock concert

128 replies

wornoutdad · 24/05/2022 10:00

I was a lot older when I went to my first concert and it was a relatively small venue.

My 11 year old wants to attend an arena rock concert (hard rock) with me (and I have a spare ticket) but I'm a little worried he may be a bit young, would you take an 11 year old to a rock concert?

OP posts:
MolliciousIntent · 24/05/2022 10:01

Yup! Just stay away from the speakers and the mosh pit.

NCForThis2022 · 24/05/2022 10:02

Absolutely would. Who's the band?

LampLighter414 · 24/05/2022 10:02

Seated or standing? Who's the band? The type that might swear a lot?

In a big arena, seated, I'd say its fine

Intrigueddotcom · 24/05/2022 10:03

Why does he want to?

he loves the band? Or wants to spend time with you? Or both?

Imsittinginthekitchensink · 24/05/2022 10:03

Not sure how the voting works. Yanbu to take him.

Bintymcbintface · 24/05/2022 10:03

Absolutely yes, if you're seated absolutely no issues at all, if it's a general admission standing ticket, off to the side a little where its less sardine packed and hectic. Enjoy the gig! BTW who is it you're seeing?

Intrigueddotcom · 24/05/2022 10:04

But to answer your question

no, I wouldn’t. I would save for a couple of years time when he can really experience it and do something else with an 11 year old.

User12398712 · 24/05/2022 10:05

Depends on the band. Also check the venue and see if there are any age restrictions. Worth considering ear protection of some sort to protect their hearing.

TeddyTrucks · 24/05/2022 10:05

Definitely! He'll remember it all his life. I wish my 11yo liked rock music!!

richardhammondsgoatee · 24/05/2022 10:06

wornoutdad · 24/05/2022 10:00

I was a lot older when I went to my first concert and it was a relatively small venue.

My 11 year old wants to attend an arena rock concert (hard rock) with me (and I have a spare ticket) but I'm a little worried he may be a bit young, would you take an 11 year old to a rock concert?

Do it!!! I took my girls when they were younger. We bought seated tickets (usually we would stand) Now my 14 year old comes to smaller gigs with us and stands where we do.

The only thing about stadium gigs is they often attract people that aren't gig regulars and don't get that we all look after each other. Stay away from the mosh pit and you'll be fine!

AlecTrevelyan006 · 24/05/2022 10:07

For an 11 year old a large arena is probably better than a small venue

Badqueen · 24/05/2022 10:09

I would take them seated at an arena but i wouldn't go standing with a child that age. Too many big sweaty men who don't much care who they trample.

Thewolvesarerunningagain · 24/05/2022 10:10

In a heartbeat! Just keep away from the middle of the mosh and pack a set of kids defenders (festival type ones) in case as kids ears are a little more sensitive. I've left the MEN arena in Manchester with ringing ears a couple of times. Otherwise go for it! Great experience:-)

Finalcountdowntoourtripaway · 24/05/2022 10:11

Under 10 I took dd to see Wet Wet Wet!! And Boyzone!!
Most recently ds 16 saw Nikki Minaj but they left early as he was too overwhelmed by the crowds.
Op you know your own dc...

DeadButDelicious · 24/05/2022 10:11

Do it! Avoid the pit and get some ear defenders and you're golden!

Who you seeing? Grin

Sirzy · 24/05/2022 10:12

Check the age restrictions though first

Worldgonecrazy · 24/05/2022 10:13

DD has been going to concerts since she was little (with ear defenders). The only problem is height, so you may need to figure out a way of them being able to see more than the back of the person in front.

Sodie · 24/05/2022 10:17

Definitely. My 9yr old son is going to see Elton John next month.

123rd · 24/05/2022 10:22

I would for sure. Maybe take a pack for those small foam ear plug just in case you are very close. But as Pp wrote , check age restrictions. Some places have a no under 14 policy

ATadConfused · 24/05/2022 10:24

Depends what you call 'Rock' I suppose. I'd take him to Elton John (who I think more as poo/rock) but not something that has much more chance of being a bit rough.

depends on sitting/standing & his physical size too IMO. A lot of 11 year olds are bigger than me, in which case I'd be more inclined than a small 21 year old.

123rd · 24/05/2022 10:27

I think Elton is a bit "poo rock" too 😏

transformandriseup · 24/05/2022 10:27

Another one who wants to know who the band is Grin

Original poster
wornoutdad · 24/05/2022 10:27

Thanks all. Some really good guidance and views here. Its making me feel a lot better about him coming.

To reveal my bad taste in music its the Cult & Alice Cooper....so not super heavy and I suspect no mosh pit.

In answer to some of the questions/more context - the person I was due to go with pulled out, he when DS overheard he asked to come. I think he wants to go for the experience, to hang out with me on his own and he has wide ranging music tastes (he likes some of the songs of the acts). I think the theatrics of an Alice Cooper concert really appeals to him too.

We've got ear defenders - we'll definitely take them.

They're seated tickets but on the 'floor'.

I think he's off to his first concert soon...

OP posts:
Floydthebarber · 24/05/2022 10:28

I went to one a few months ago I'd have been happy to take an 11 year old to. Seating and standing. Near the front moshing and crowd surfing but standing at the back fine.

You have to say who it is though! It's like name threads where they don't say the name!

MasterBeth · 24/05/2022 10:30

Finalcountdowntoourtripaway · 24/05/2022 10:11

Under 10 I took dd to see Wet Wet Wet!! And Boyzone!!
Most recently ds 16 saw Nikki Minaj but they left early as he was too overwhelmed by the crowds.
Op you know your own dc...

Boyzone?! As punishment, presumably...