In the modern world, millions of songs are accessible to us with just a few clicks. Yet, so many of us still choose to go and see our favourite artists in person, and love the unmatched experience of concerts and gigs.
Earlier this year, my friend and I had the exciting opportunity to see Bring Me The Horizon perform live in concert. The Grammy-nominated metal band became one of my favourites during the pandemic, specifically with the release of their critically-acclaimed album ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’. Between my established love for their music, and my friend recently becoming a fan of the band, this concert was perfect timing.
Post Human Performances
Not to exaggerate, but this concert was one of the best days of my life. I am intentionally being overly dramatic here, but it should be emphasised how extraordinary of an experience this was for me. The band’s performance was explosive; their lively stage presence heightening the music’s heavy breakdowns and melodic choruses. From jumping up and down to ‘Kool-Aid’ to chanting the lyrics to ‘Shadow Moses’, the crowd environment was like no other. We even got to experience several mosh pits forming around us.
Before the gig, I deliberately chose not to look through their setlist history. I wanted to go in with no expectations or established knowledge on how their performances routinely go. In hindsight, this decision elevated the entire evening for me. Watching the band transition from old favourites such as ‘Follow You’ and ‘Sleepwalking’, to recent singles like ‘Lost’ and ‘Parasite Eve’ and not knowing what was coming next was so exhilirating. For me, the setlist had the perfect balance between the classics and new.
Photo Credit: @BringMeTheHorizon on Instagram. Band pictured performing in São Paulo.
One personal highlight of the concert, out of many, was the performance of their track ‘Kingslayer’, with the J-pop metal trio BABYMETAL appearing alongside them on stage. The diverse musical interplay between the two artists alongside their synchronized choreography created such an infectious energy in the moment.
A unique experience?
So what is the appeal of concerts? The answer is not simply the songs themselves, but rather the experience as a whole. From the high-energy of the performances to the visual aesthetics on stage and the communal atmosphere, it is a distinct experience that is exclusive to concert-going. Whether you have been a fan for a few months or few years, everyone in the crowd shares a deep emotional connection to the artist.
Going to a gig is an investment; one that not everyone can simply indulge in at any given opportunity. However, it is a one-of-a-kind experience that pays for itself in unforgettable moments and memories.
Edited by Freya Harrod.
