Unwanted concert tickets

[MurkyGloom]

DH & I had a conversation a few weeks ago about concerts. I went to loads of concerts and festivals in my youth and loved them. I adored the whole thing. I’m in my 40s now, with a few niggly little health issues and constant low energy levels. When we were discussing concerts, I made it clear that my concert days are over. I went to a few seated once a few years before Covid and I knew then that I was done. The walking to and from the venue, parking, transport, etc… It was all hell and I made it clear that I never wanted to go to another one again. I cannot imagine any band or artist that would make me want to go, short of Freddie Mercury rising from the dead.

I got standing concert tickets for a band that I haven’t listened to for at least 20 years ago, in a city hours away for Mother’s Day. Two of them, so I can take a friend. I looked at them and him and said that I couldn’t think of a single person that would want to go. I honestly can’t even think of anyone who’d be remotely interested. It was very obvious that I wasn’t at all interested in this, so now he’s sulking. AIBU to tell him to get rid of them? They were bloody expensive too and I would prefer to get new curtains for the spare room and not feel guilty about spending money than to waste money on such a stupid present.

For the record, all that I ever want for Mother’s Day is a card and at a push, something small for the garden.

YANBU
you were very restrained in your reaction. I would be furious. Just tickets to someone I don’t like won’t be my choice of Mother’s Day present but when they are standing tickets…
Was it someone he wanted to see so hoped that you’d invite him?

Let him sulk. It wasn't a thoughful gift and it he hasn’t listened to what you had said previously. Tell him to sell the tickets and to be more thoughtful next year.

It wasn’t. It was a band that I liked in my late teens. He was never into them. I had their first three albums and that was it. I doubt that I’ve actively listened to them for 20 years.

I actually feel like he’s trying to get the young me back. I’m not that person anymore… I’m middle-aged, with a demanding job, kids, a home (and beloved garden). I’m happy as I am, but this sort of feels like he’s either completely lost his mind or just thinks that I’ll turn into that energetic, carefree student that he once knew.

List them on Twickets & buy something else with the money.

I’m overly invested in which band it is though…

In my head I’d love to go to another concert, in my heart I know I’m too old, I like to sit, not be crowded and don’t like noise. My 15 year old wants me to get Korn tickets and I’m not sure I can hack it

If it’s not someone he liked then probably he’d like that sort of present himself or it was the easiest thing to buy online yesterday when he realised that he got you nothing for Mother’s day.
Agree with @CrazyCatMam - sell them and buy something for the garden.

They're your present so do what you like with them, if that's selling it that's fine

It's an odd sort of present for mothers day, and even more so if you've specifically made clear that you would never want to go to a concert again.

I can understand him being upset if he thought it was a really good present but the correct response to that is "oh sorry, I got so excited when I saw them and remembered you liked them that I completely forgot you'd said you didn't want to go to any more concerts."(or whatever his excuse is for going against something you've specified you don't want!)

In your shoes I’d want to find out if he’d already bought these tickets when we had that conversation about never wanting to go to a concert again, before deciding on whether to be angry and disappointed or just disappointed.

It probably is the type of thing that he would like, but definitely not the band. I just checked and I last bought an album of theirs in 2001… safe to say that I’m not a big fan. I’d have been perfectly happy with a packet of seeds that would bring colour and happiness.

Why not take a friend and have a night or two away from it all? Maybe stay near the venue and even think about leaving mid-way if it’s not amazing then back to the hotel for room service and a movie.

I want to know too. 😂

@MurkyGloom sell the tickets on Twickets and use the cash for somethig that brings you joy.

Standing only? The travel and standing would be a no from me!

It's really thoughtless and shows he doesn't actually listen to you. I would be so disappointed too OP.

If he really is trying to get you to be how you were when you were younger, that is a bigger issue that needs addressing. Men thinking that way often leads to bad things down the road.