One of the things that I looked forward to the most once I came to London are the concerts! Back home, it was incredibly unlikely that big stars like The Weeknd, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift would ever come to town. And now, all of my dreams have come true!
About my experience
My first-ever concert in London was by an R&B, hip-hop, and pop artist called Keshi. The first time I have ever heard his music was around four to five years ago while I was still attending high school so his songs represented very specific memories I had with my friends and family.
Attending a music concert can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The anticipation and excitement build up as you approach the venue, hearing the distant sound of music and the buzz of the crowd. As you make your way through the long queues of people, you can feel the energy and excitement in the air.
On the evening, once inside the venue, the atmosphere was electric. The lights, stage, and sound system created an immersive experience that transported you to another world. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and everyone was eager to hear their favourite songs and see their favourite singer.
Once Keshi started singing, people were singing along, dancing, and screaming out the lyrics to their favourite songs. Some of my favourite songs by Keshi include Limbo, Always, Drunk, and Westside.
As the concert came to an end, the performers took their final bow, and the crowd erupted in applause. The experience left me feeling exhilarated, energised, and grateful for having been a part of something so special.
Tips for any music lovers out there!
Here are a few things that I wished I knew when I first moved to London that would help me secure tickets.
- Purchase an O2 sim card: By using an O2 sim card, you get access to O2 Priority which will give you earlier access to purchase tickets if your favourite artists perform in any O2 location (eg Islington, Sheperd’s Bush, Brixton)
- Follow your favourite artists on social media: sometimes, artists spontaneously decide to perform some songs and only certain fans are aware. I have secured tickets with two well-known artists just by following their Instagram accounts and being aware that there was a mini-concert happening soon!
- Getting there early: The question of “how early” is a difficult question to answer. The answer depends on how well-known the artist is and the type of ticket you prefer. If you purchased a standing ticket, get there EARLY, about three to four hours before doors open. If you purchased a seating ticket, you can actually be a bit late once doors open since your seat is secured and performers often start an hour to an hour and a half after doors open.
- Know where tickets are sold: most often, tickets are sold on Ticketmaster. However, sometimes you can also find them on the artist’s official website or Livenation. Give these a try!
In conclusion, I highly recommend you attend a music concert while living and studying in London, and see for yourself whether it is an enjoyable experience for you!
