To go to the concert alone

[daugtherwantsashop]

I like a particular kind of music that isn’t to everyone’s taste. When I was younger, I went to lots of local gigs in my home country, but I couldn’t afford to travel far or buy tickets for big bands. Then life got in the way.
I’ve been living in the UK for nearly 18 years, and during that time I didn’t think much about concerts, or even about music, compared to before. Then, about three years ago, a friend asked me to go to a huge concert — think of a very popular band. I had the time of my life.
Since then, I’ve been to four more big concerts. My husband has patiently come along with me, even though it’s not really his thing. Most concerts are in London, and the journey is long: it takes us about 3.5 hours to get to Cockfosters station, then about another hour to reach whichever venue we are goingto. We also have older electric cars that need charging twice on the way, which makes the trip even longer.
Now I want to see two bands performing together in London in a coupleofmonths. My husband has said he’s had enough, he doesn’t like the music and doesn’t really want to keep taking two days off work for this. That’s fair enough.
So my question is… would you go alone? I’m terrified of driving back on my own and also worried about getting from the venue to a hotel. I’m in my late 40s, if that makes any difference. Thank you for giving me some perspective 😊

I love music and I love gigs. I sometimes prefer going by myself than with someone who enjoys it a bit less than I do. This way I can fully immerse myself and enjoy the experience, without worrying about whether the other person is having a good time or not.

I’d definitely go!

I love going to gigs on my own! I say go for it and don’t let the lack of a gig buddy stand in your way.

I get the fear of driving alone - I wasn’t a confident driver until I was forced into doing all the driving after getting divorced. What would help you here? I used to use Google street view to plan out tricky junctions and so on. Can you park further out of London and get the train in?

What’s your concern about getting from the venue to the hotel? Where are they both?

Of course it is OK to go alone. I am seeing some big bands this year and haven't got anyone for company.
What are you worried about specifically in terms of getting from the venue to the hotel? I've lived in London for nearly 20 years (I'm in the west country now, much more mellow) and have never found myself in trouble getting around solo. Ubers exist as well as overnight tube (although, much less pleasant).
If you are "terrified" driving in, why? And is a train and option then?

I'm 40 and I've been to loads of concerts on my own when people haven't wanted to come with me, or I've snagged a last minute ticket. Once you're there you're in a crowd of thousands and nobody knows whether you're on your own or not.

Being scared to drive is a separate thing really. What makes you so terrified?

I've gone to concerts alone before in central London, its fine. I prefer having company if possible but better to go by myself than miss out entirely. I normally just get the last train home but if staying over I try to get a hotel either very close to the venue or on the main road so I'm not walking down the backstreets by myself.

How would you feel if u never went to the concerts? If the feelings of disappointment are so strong then I would definitely go. Plan it. Perhaps the train might be better option if u are worried about driving. I have been to concerts by myself. Perhaps u could get a hotel right near the venue? It might be more expensive, but would be worth it to reduce some of the stress re going back from the venue?

Take the train - if you book in advance and search for bargain tickets it will probably be as cheap or cheaper.

Where on earth would you be likely to book a hotel in London where the journey from a big venue would be any kind of risk? London is incredibly safe at night because it is so busy. Millions of us travel home on our own at night after meeting friends or working.

I wouldn't let any of this put you off something you enjoy so much!

Thank you so much for all the responses, it's great to see how many of you would actually choose to go alone. I realise I wasn’t clear enough in my original post, so apologies for that.
I’m perfectly fine driving to London on my own ,that’s not the issue. My worry is after the concert: it will be a very long day with lots of emotions, and I don’t function well when I’m tired 😫 The idea of driving all the way home afterwards feels overwhelming.
So I’m thinking my best option is to book a hotel in a central area and stay overnight. I just need to find somewhere that isn’t too expensive, which may be difficult in London. Need to confess that getting of the tube and walk to the hotel scares me a bit as ridiculous as it sounds.

I like going to gigs by myself, and have never felt threatened at one (I can't speak for every genre, metal though anyone causing an issue gets removed very quickly by the crowd). I'd get the train into London and a hotel rather than driving, even if it meant a very early train in the morning home, and an Uber to the hotel after the gig if it wasn't an easy/quick walk.
I'm in my 50's and still down the front at gigs

Which area of London is the concert? People may be able to recommend places to stay.

Honestly though there will be a huge crowd of people making their way to to the tube and off the other end (depending on where you stay), you are very unlikely to be walking the dark streets of London alone. I lived in London for 20 years, its always busy! Or get an uber if you're worried.

Metal, power metal to be precise 😎

My dd is 36 and is going to a show in london on her own next week.
She's going by train and has booked a hotel 15 minutes walk or she will get an uber. She didn't fancy the tube.

I've not gone to a concert on my own but often gone to the cinema or theatre alone. Life's too short to miss out on something you enjoy because others don't share the same interest. I have friends who are not in relationships and do loads on their own, one just returned from Italy where she spent Christmas because she wanted something different this year.
Hope you go and have a great time.

I absolutely love going to concerts and have no problem going alone.
I'm a massive Rock Fan and I often travel by myself to see bands. Small venues, Stadiums, Festivals, I've done the lot.
I usually stay in airbnbs or cheap hotels.
I'm nearly 58.

@daugtherwantsashopnow I’m intrigued as to who you want to go see! Dh and I both go to things on our own as though we both like metal he is a lot more heavy than me. We are both going to Metallica in July where he will be in the mosh pit for Pantera, but he isn’t so keen to come with me to Michael Monroe.
With getting to and from the hotel, once you’ve got to the venue from dropping your bag at the hotel you’ll know where you are going, and Google maps is so good now at letting you know just what you are doing, you’ll be fine

Go for it. Do a bit of research in advance? Can you get public transport from your home to City? Is there companies who run concert buses? (I am in Ireland and there are companies who do this for big concerts.) Look at the venue and see what buses/trains/trams run outside the venue and what hotels/hostels/air b&bs are on those routes. Pick one of them. Might be worth leaving concert a few mins early or late bit there are bound to loads of people doing the same route. Just count stops in advance.

I’d go alone but I wouldn’t like to go to London - that would bother me more

I’d be minded to take a train

Hammerfall and powerwolf 🥰

I think I am going to buy my tickets. Thank you so much everyone for responding and the suggestions 😊

How do you think those of us who live in London manage getting off the Tube and walking to a hotel? Or anywhere really?

@daugtherwantsashopWindRose are supporting them aren’t they? I really, really want to see them

Concert buddies?

Find a hotel near the concert venue, and you will be perfectly safe walking to it, as there will be loads of people around. Remember its quiet, lonely places that are potentially dangerous, not crowded ones.

I've stayed in central London on my own for theatre trips with no problems at all. Budget hotel chains like Z hotels are very comfortable and safe, the rooms are quite small, si perfect for one, and very comfortable.

Enjoy yourself, and do the things you love.

It would be great if there was some kind of app to find companions for specific events

Boom a hotel and then you can have a drink at the gig. I go to so many concerts and festivals - live music really is amazing

There are social groups on Facebook and meet up is probably good for that?