This week I interviewed someone who I consider to be a concert expert. (Through email because social distancing!) I met Alicia when I was 13 because she was friends with my older sister. Over the years I’ve gotten closer to her and concerts are a big part of why. We have similar taste in music and have some of the same favorite performers. I’ve been to several concerts with Alicia, and there have also been times when we both attended the same concert but with different people. If I’m a 10 on the Concert Expert Scale, then Alicia is a 1,000. Any concert-related questions I have, I usually ask her. I know concerts are a big part of her life, so I wanted to get her input about her own experiences and concerts in general! 

Read our conversation below. 

What was your first concert? 

A: Hilary Duff – Metamorphosis Tour 2003 

How many concerts have you been to?

A: I’ve lost count but I have a ticket book that is full and it holds 150 tickets, so definitely 150+.

What has been your favorite concert (or one of your favorites)? Why?

A: Jonas Brothers – Happiness Begins Tour. After not touring for 7 years, seeing them for the first time since 2013 was a pretty special moment.

Who is your favorite artist to see live? Why?

A: 5 Seconds of Summer – They always put on such a great show and have some of the best stage presence I’ve ever seen, hence why I’ve seen them over 20x. 

What is your favorite thing about going to concerts?

A: The atmosphere is probably my favorite thing about going to concerts. It is always so positive and everyone is there for the same reason, and in the moment nothing else matters besides the band/artist you are there to see. 

Have people ever given you grief about spending money on concerts? If so, what’s your response to that?

A: Oh my god all the time! I just say, you spend your money on what you like to do and I spend mine on what I like to do, and that just so happens to be concerts.

What is one (or more) tip(s) you would give to other concert-goers?

A: Some tips that I have if you’re attending a concert is if it’s a general admission show, you should arrive early just so you can get a good spot in the crowd. Second tip is if you don’t get tickets to a show right away I would recommend waiting till closer to the show’s date because resell tickets drop significantly in price.

What is one artist you want to see live that you haven’t seen before?

A: LANY

Have any of your upcoming concerts been canceled due to COVID-19?

A: Yes I was supposed to see Billie Eilish. 

What does going to concerts mean to you? 

A: I consider going to concerts as my hobby. I’ve met some of my best friends through going to shows and it’s kinda like an escape from reality for a night to just enjoy the band/artist that you are seeing.