Going solo

Going solo

Hello everyone. I went to a DMB show last April not knowing the opening band, but by the end of their set I was blown away by the Avett Bros. So much energy. I'm heading to the Thursday show at the HOB next week for my first time seeing them headline. Unfortunately. I am going solo since most of my friends just don't get their music. Anybody that can share any solo experiences would help me feel a little less like a loser.

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Don't worry, you will make friends fast at an Avett show...and don't be surprised if you're planning a trip out to the west coast to see them next
year with some of the great people you'll meet in line Smiling It happens...have fun!

Avett fans are a great bunch of people. all you have to do is tell someone it is your first Avett concert and don't worry about the alone part. Just say how much you enjoy the guys music and you'll have buds for the evening.

oh gee i so hear you on this one! i saw their set alone at bonnaroo and newport.. and when i saw them in ithaca my boyfriend at the time came with. honestly, i really enjoy going alone. i am someone who is constantly worrying about other people, whether they are having a good time or what not. when i go to a show by myself i get to thoroughly enjoy it and have no worries, its the best. at bonnaroo, i ended up talking to some really nice people standing behind me while we waited 45 mins for TAB. you are guaranteed to have an awesome time.. enjoy!

no worries blackcircle. Going solo is actually really freeing experience. I went to the Roanoke show July 2009, drove 8 hrs by myself and made friends that I still keep up with to this day. There are plenty of great Avett fans apart of this community that you can meet who will be friends you'll have for future shows! Dont think twice and go for it!

Haven't been brave enough for the solo thing yet, but it has to be better than dragging along friends that aren't really interested. At both of the shows that I've gone to I could have enjoyed myself a lot more if I hadn't been worrying about what my friends were thinking. Have fun! Smiling

Thanks for all of the support. Being somewhat of a newbie, I only have I and Love and You, Mignonette and Emotionalism. Anything else I should get so I am familiar with songs I will hear? How long is their usual concert?

If you were only going to get one CD next, I'd suggest Four Thieves Gone. Ok, maybe A Carolina Jubilee. Oh man, just get the rest. Smiling They usually play about 90 minutes. 19-22 songs on average I'd say. Why am I awake now?

yeah blackcircle - nothing wrong with going to shows by your lonesome... I tend to go to lots of local acts by myself, just b/c its hard to get folks up fro shows during the week, etc.... but like everybody said here, you won't have a problem at Avetts.....you'll have a blast for sure....

but like yellobandit said - just go ahead and get them all... Four Thieves Gone is much more "punk rock" i guess you could say with songs like Talk in Indolence, Color Show, Distraction #74, and Left on Laura Left On Lisa.... Carolina Jubilee is much more "bluegrassy" but still has some amazing songs such as the Pretty Girl from Raleigh and Annapolis, Me and God, Love Like the Movies, etc. etc.... its a toss-up

I went to my first Avetts show solo and loved every second of it. You will be so wrapped up in the music that you'll forget that you don't have anyone with you. Also, Avett fans are notoriously friendly, so just strike up a conversation with whomever is around you in line - you may arrive alone, but you will leave with some new friends.

However, if you're still feeling apprehensive, watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs

Have a great time!

Dude, going to concerts solo is great -- no reason anyone should feel like a loser for that. People who feel that way are the same people who can't walk down the street without whipping out their cell phone and calling someone... some innate fear of being alone, looking like a loner, etc... who knows, but regardless, it's a needless concern.

I saw Tom Waits on my own in Atlanta a few years ago -- it was an incredible night. My eyes were just glued to the stage the whole time...it was the best concert experience I've ever had! Also Ryan Adams, Wilco, Modest Mouse... Hey, I'd rather see a concert alone than drag someone along who is ambivalent...and spend the whole night worrying about whether they're enjoying themselves.

Also, for seated venues, your chances of scoring good seats skyrocket when you just buy one. So don't feel bad -- you'll probably just enjoy it more, really.

I go to shows alone all the time.
My first Avett show I went alone, and I had a truly great time.
I just seen Old Crow open for Derek Trucks about a month ago alone, and had a great time.
In fact I'm going to see Dark Star Orchestra today, and I plan on going alone.

No worries dude. i would so go to a show solo because once it starts I'm so focused in on the show I don't pay attention to anything else going on around me.

Say hi to Hate for me.

(The Ballad of Love and Hate rubbed me the wrong way for a while but thankfully they made up for it in Perfect Space so all is good now.)

Lost, your comment has me lost. Anyway, I have been to a couple concerts solo but they were at larger venues. Glad I won't be sticking out like a sore thumb. Off to the record store after work to pick up 4 Thieves.

And I posted a comment. Where does it show up?

@ Heids - thanks for that link. That was absolutely beautiful Smiling

he he All my comments leave people lost. Just ask my old English professors/teachers.

I'm just saying that a lot of people need to be alone sometime. Ballad of Love and Hate can be read to suggest that everyone who is out walking the world by themselves is susceptible to the allure of misanthropy (hate offering up his handshake). The Perfect Space clarifies this by saying that people do indeed need some time apart from the herd and good friends are those that allow you to do so.

don't you just love that?

My favorite part is: "Dance like no one's watching, because they're probably not. And if they are, assume it is with best of human intentions."

"... But lonely is a freedom that breaths easy and weightless
and lonely is healing, if you make it."

My sister needs a date, she's tired of being a third wheel (Bahaha, if you're lurking, Joy, I'm kidding).
But s***, drop me a PM and you can hang with me and my crew if you want.

But to echo everyone else's experiences, I go to shows alone a lot, especially for local shows during the weekm when I get the itch.

I was hesitant to go solo myself, but I did for the first time this summer and it was the best time I've ever had. I didn't have to worry about whether the other person/people where having fun, or where they wanted to stand, or if they had to go to the bathroom. Plus, I got to talk to some really great people, that I wouldn't have probably talked to if I hadn't been alone. Don't be afraid. Just go in with your head held high, a smile on your face, and ready to have a great time!
ETA: I will never miss another show just because I will have to go by myself. I've missed stuff in the past and sincerely regret it now.

Thanks for offering up your sister, though my wife likely wouldn't approve. And thanks for the invite. I'll pm you later.
Heids- great, thanks for sharing. I was expecting a great avett video but it did not disappoint.

Very inspiring heids!

I have had some of my best concert experiences going solo. I always meet folks and you're completely unburdened. You don't have to keep track of anyone or meet anyone anywhere. As one person you can easily work your way up front little by little if you get there late. A group can't do that. Last October I went to the Avett's HOB Boston show by myself. I was in Rhode Island for business and saw that they were playing so I hopped the train in Providence (as advised by Mooncutter) and saw a great show!

Back in 1987 I drive an hour and a half to see Stevie Ray Vaughan on a Wednesday night. None of my friends wanted to go because of it being a weeknight. One of my all time greatest shows!!

I have went to most of my Avett shows alone... and NEVER once have felt "ALONE". My first show i met LittleDeadhead, Chillix, Miranda, ChrisVanT, Yogini, and her partner in crime Leslie. "AND IT SPREAD" from there..... about 10 shows since then, and have met so many more people that are very welcoming.

Actually was headed down to the Myrtle Beach shows (from ohio) for all 3 nights alone. But my girl decided to come, so i bought some last minute ticks for all three shows. LOL Told her if she REALLY REALLY didnt like it... i'd have no problem getting rid of a SAT night sold out ticket! (and she can find her own ride home!) haha j/k. But i think she'll be hooked by the 3rd song on Thursday. haha!

~have fun... Peace, love, and happiness...

Why have we not met this girl friend? Maybe it's because good bands have been avoiding our territory like we have the plague for the last month or so. Have a good time in the southland.

I'M ACTUALLY A PRETTY BIG DMB FAN TO AS EVIDINCED BY MY NAME LOL AND YEAH I SAW THE TAB FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THEIR SHOW POSSIBLY THE SAME ONE WHERE YOU SAW THEM WHICH ONE WAS IT?????????????????ANYWAY I WILL BE AT THE HOB WITH ANOTHER DUDE AND 2 CHICKAS SO IF YOU WANT TO CHILL WITH US SINCE WE HAVE THE DAVE CONNECTION PM ME AND I'LL BUY YOU A DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What happened, Broman, I thought you were selecting a lady to bring?

Bahaha, "offering up my sister" sounds so wrong.
I was kidding about that, btw. She would not be pleased.
Broman: you wearing the white head-band in Myrtle? We must meet.

I'm going to the HOB shows on my own (flying out from SF and camping, which feels very exciting & slightly crazy.) I'm super shy, but there are so many relaxed, easygoing, friendly people at Avett shows that you can't help but make friends. (And it's fun to share the obsession with new people if your friends and family are totally bored with your Avett talk.) Enjoy the freedom, and dance like no one's watching!

Broman-I saw them in Charlotte. I was near the front, stage left around some very enthusiastic Avett fans. I didn't own any of their music but when they finished the opener, Shame, I knew I was hooked.
Nate-(As a PSA and to keep your sis happy)-I took you "offering up your sister" as a very funny joke.
Galaxie-Wow! Coming from San Fran is impressive. Good to see these guys have such a loyal following.

So I pickep up 4 Thieves last night. Can't believe these guys have so many different sounds. I like it but think it will grow on me after a few more listens.

Galaxie500 - Don't feel crazy, or at least don't feel crazy and alone. I flew the reverse (from NC to CA) for High Sierra Music Festival largely to see TAB. No regrets. Although I would much rather be in San Francisco than Myrtle Beach.

4 years ago my son called from Portland and said "You have to go see these guys!" They were playing The Tractor, a tiny venue with the stage at eye level. I didnt go because I couldn't find anyone who would venture out for a band they didnt know. 20 shows later, my backside is still sore from kicking it. Bet I never make THAT mistake again!

Oh, and I have met lifelong friends by sharing rides to out of town shows, and offering my home for sleep overs. Friends for life, these Avett fans.

sorry to just throw this in on this thread but i didn't want to start a new one if this has been posted. Crackerfarm vid of "rolling in my sweet baby's arms". kind of low quality

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUS6H8ls8Lw&feature=youtu.be&a

a) solo = independent
b) solo = loser

Declare one. Toss the other to the side.

decide what to be and go be it

May be solo myself for this one.

We want pictures, Nate.

Avett fans don't turn down a chance to see the boys even if you are going alone. Everyone is family at these events. Relax and have a great time. See you there.

It will be wonderful.
Heids, brilliant.

reading this post has made me 10x more excited for the show (i didn't think i could be more pumped). we (my fiance and i) have fallen in love with the brothers, band and the music and this Saturday will be our first show. we are going with some longtime fans from Wilmington and can't wait to check out the live show and it sounds like the atmosphere is going to be awesome.