So, you wanna camp out for a concert?
So…you’ve got tickets for the night of your favorite band's concert. You wanna be front row? Here’s my recent experience, and how camping was the best experience ever!
Kidding...kind of... It does take dedication, lots of patience & perseverance. I camped out for the highly anticipated Big Snow Show #16 at The Rave/Eagles Club on December 10th for The 1975’s Tour, The 1975: At Their Very Best, and (wow) was it worth it! I ended up around the 2nd row in general admission, after waiting for less than 9 hours, altogether. Since the show was already sold out, those hours made a massive difference to my experience. Getting up close and personal, and having the best view in the house is unbeatable.
So...how does one, camp? First of all, do your research. I searched Twitter threads to find any information on the venue, any promotions for the event, or what the artist has done for previous tours. For TBSS16, it was sponsored by the radio station, FM 102.1, and in the past, have organized the first 100 people in line to receive an early admission wristband. The last time The 1975 played The Eagles Ballroom, this wristband was the VIP pass nobody knew was coming. Allowing those wearing it to be let into the venue before the official doors time, and most importantly, leave the general admission line and come back at that time! This wasn’t published or posted on social media. Based on the assumption that wristbands would be passed out, and that a radio station sponsored the show, I packed up early to get in line. With some waiting as early as 10:00 pm the night before the show, to obtain a wristband. After the venue’s employees arrived, and the cargo vans containing the set, instruments, and lighting sets were loaded in, the bands' official security handed out our wristbands.
The 1975 has the most die-hard of fans, so when I arrived at 4:00 am on the day of the show, others were already in the queue. For most campouts, the energy is so exceptional because of the fandom, everyone becomes friends and struggles together. The items I came prepared with, during the cold Milwaukee winter, included hand warmers, fold-out chairs, water, warm foods, and lots of blankets! Conveniently, a hotel nearby allowed us to use their facilities and grab a warm coffee! Some fans came prepared with games to play in line to preserve phone batteries, and even tents and umbrellas to cover the overnight rain. Overall, the first 6 hours were brutally boring, but all the friends I made while in line were so kind! Especially, when pushing began in the pit (which The Rave is adamantly against), we all vouched for each other to maintain “front row” manners. For the most part, the numbering system was followed and was very fair. Although, after the first 100, fans did not get early admission, yet continued to camp out! Since there’s never subpar standing room at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom, The 1975 definitely gave us a show not to forget (left stage supremacy).
So, you wanna be in the front row at your next favorite show? Follow these steps, do proper research, and, by all else, stay safe! Some venues do not allow camping, so make sure you are protecting yourself, and respecting the space around you. In the end, camping is about creating a community at each show and supporting our favorite artists.
FIND ME IN THE PIT!