To take an 11 year old to a rock concert

[wornoutdad]

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?

Yes, definitely! I've seen very small children at Download Festival having a blast.

I doubt Alice Cooper will be too rowdy. I've seen bands like KISS, Motley Crue, Faith No More etc and the classic bands seem to be a bit more tame. Well in comparison to bands like Slipknot, (old) BMTH and Black Dahlia Murder where I nearly died😂

Yes!
I went to my first gig at 5, and my present for 16 was seeing Paul Simon :D

Absolutely fine. Just not the standing area in case of crush, seated no problem.

Absolutely fine. Just not the standing area in case of crush, seated no problem.
Standing is fine, just be aware if your surroundings. Eg stay away from the mosh stick to the edges etc.

I have tinnitus which I developed in my 20s due to attending too many loud concerts. Take him but take ear defenders too.

DS1 went to see band regularly from an early age; he was 10 days overdue at first Whitesnake gig and 17 when he saw them last week. He’s a really good rock drummer 😁

Get some earplugs and make sure they fit - my musician friend had his ears permanently damaged at a Blur gig in Wolverhampton a good few years ago - he couldn't move they were so crammed in. He complains that his tinnitus has really affected his life. He thought it was loud but had no idea at the time his hearing would be changed forever.

I would but some of them you can't take under 14s

I would, but check whether the venue will allow them in. The last venue I went to, relatively small place in Nottingham, had a 14+ age requirement to attend.

Absolutely yes! What a lovely thing to do together

I went to my first gig when I was 9 and a few stadium gigs before I was 11, I think it's fine

DS went to his first gig aged 8 when we wanted to see Stereophonics but had no babysitter. He's now 12 and we saw Nothing But Thieves last month. He had a great time! Just use ear defenders.

Yes, I've been going with DS to all sorts, esp rock/metal, loves it.

Check whether the venue has an age limit. Also you might think about ear protectors- some kids have them, if you are going a lot (we don't but it's getting more common).

My DD(6) should have been going to the London Stadium to see the Foo Fighters. Obviously we aren’t now and we are all devastated. She is however going to a festival soon (not her first) and a gig to see another artist she likes!

ear defenders will be a must! She can’t wait!

Dd was raised on going to rock gigs due to dh playing with a band. She would sometimes come with me to overseas venues that were large from the age of 3. Just stay away from mosh pits (as previously suggested) and speakers (I have tinnitus because of this ....).
Rock on!!!

Alice Cooper is fab live, I’ve seen far younger than 11 at rock gigs so definitely go for it, and pack ear defenders just in case!

I definitely would! I really hope my daughter is in to my kind of music and I can take her to rock concerts when she’s 11.

You might see my kid there if it's the same gig. My oldest went to her first concert at 6 yo. Definitely have ear defenders or ear plugs. Have a great time!

Do it!

I was madly into Alice Cooper at that age. I finally went to see him live year later, and I loved every second. I still vividly remember my first gig as a young, Terrorvision, and it was brilliant.

I'm taking my 8yo and 12yo to see AJR later this year. We have ear defenders for the youngest. She can't wait.

DS was 10 when he saw Iron Maiden with DH🤟

Ds still talks about Foos at MK bowl when he was 11 as the best day of his life.
Took him again at 14.
Do it, he's so happy he had the opportunity to see Taylor Hawkins live 😭
Like so many others we were due to go this year.

Alice Cooper are marvellous live. The stage show is brilliant. I only know the big hits but thoroughly enjoyed it, especially for a sit down concert.

Would I take my 12 year old to a gig where the pit was likely to get particularly fruity? No. I've been to a couple where it went off and there is no way on this planet I'd let kids within a country mile of them regardless of just how old school pit etiquette was in place.

Took our ds to see Alice Cooper age 10, he absolutely loved it. The start of many concerts we have taken him to,he is in his 20's now and going with his Dad to the same concert as you. Have fun.

Absolutely yes! I was 8 when I went to my first concert at the Hammersmith Odeon. Nothing like live music to kick off a lifelong love.

I mean yes take him!