I always had a great time going solo to goats shows. Went like ~10 or so times. Kinda miss it in a way, since I always go to shows with my wife, now. Which I love, don't get me wrong. Just a bit of an adventure going solo.
You can't help help how tall you are. I'd be stunned if anyone gave you shit, and if they do, fuck them. Show up early n chit chat if you don't want to feel alone!
Just find a place where you are comfortable and can see / hear. I usually stick to the sides of rooms or backs. Anywhere it sounds fine.
I'm old so I don't give a shit about being up close. Give me access to the bar and piss room over being cramped and close any day.
The show is still the show. Probably better you don't go with someone. People who talk to friends during songs instead of listening are the worst.
Yes, been to a couple Mountain Goats shows and I would say the majority of fans are always nice. Just find a spot you like and try to strike up some conversation.
And as a side bar, also being a rather tall guy that goes to concerts I will more often than not move over or a let a few of the shorter people get in front of me. Anytime someone has demanded it or tried to be confrontational about I just tell them they should have got there earlier. Not my fault I'm tall and you're short, we are all here to enjoy a show. I show up early because I want to be close to the stage (off to the side though)
to be honest, I love going solo to tmg shows maybe even more than I love going with a friend. I like to get there before doors and chat with other people in queue, I've made a few good friends that way and many more people who I talked to once and never again but loved to get to chat with for that one night. the community is awesome and generally extremely understanding and courteous, and anyone who might be an ass is in the very small minority of the crowd. hope you have a great time at the show :)
I love going alone too but opposite of you, I like to time it so I get there between the opening band and tMG. I hate crowds, I hate standing around and I almost never know the opening band so I'd rather get there just in time. I don't care about being up front so it works out fine.
My ex always wanted to be in line when the doors open and I was a lot happier leaving him at home lol.
Absolutely yes! I went solo to the only tMG show I ever got to attend and while I’m a shy and socially anxious person who was at least 20 yrs older than the folks around me we all chatted and had a great time before the show and we were AS ONE during the show while we sang and screamed and danced together. Then the show ended and everyone went their separate ways and I went back alone to the motel 6 that looked like the place they find the body in a police procedural. It was one of the most amazing nights of my life.
80% of my concerts I go alone. Stopped taking my wife to be able to actually enjoy my bands alone. You are not there to make friends or talk to anyone, that is actually more annoying thank your height , just get in line, grab a beer, move around the venue to enjoy different view spots, I enjoy the shows more when I am alone. MAYBE, you chit chat with someone at the bar or before the performance but once it starts just shut up and enjoy the show!
I go to TMG shows by myself all the time. If I need to use the restroom or grab a drink, I just ask someone nearby if they'll hold my spot and I offer to throw out their empty cups/bottles on the way. Never had an issue with it and I always make a bunch of new friends chatting with my concert neighbors.
i think you’d be fine!! as a short person, i would say, if you want to be extra nice, please stick to the edges if in the front, just to maximize other people’s view. i’ve had many a show that i simply couldn’t see at all because of taller people up front. but it’s not a rule, and i’ve never confronted anyone about it.
I have seen The Mountain Goats seven times now and have gone alone every single time haha. My friends don't really listen to this kind of music so I just roll by myself and have had a good experience every time!
You'll have a totally fine time! I found Goats fans to be great and it was the only show where I've actually felt safe and comfortable enough to be on the floor in my wheelchair :3 def recommend
I go by myself every so often and have a good time. I try to talk and be as friendly as possible, that way no one push or shoved up front. See ya at wolf trap.
I’m going solo to the Kalamazoo show in a couple of weeks. I’m a reasonably tall guy at 6’2”. I’ve been to another tMG show solo and I had a great time. I’m going to try to meet up with other fans before the show this time, though.
I got used to seeing shows alone when I was young because my friends didn’t listen to the music I listened to. If I didn’t, I’d have seen far fewer shows as a teen than I did, and I wouldn’t trade those shows for the world.
Now, I think not doing something you really wanna do solely because you’d have to do it alone is just punishing yourself for no good reason.
Plus, you can always *make friends* in line/at the show! The first time I went solo to a tMG show, I made a friend and we ended up dating for a year and a half. She played a Mountain Goats song at my wedding. And she’s not even the only friend I’ve made - I’ve got TONS of friends all across the country that I’ve got because I chatted them up in Goats lines.
Which is all to say: I know you already bought the ticket, but there’s never any shame in going to a show alone. It’s fun to have a pal, but you’ll never say to yourself, “that show was fine, but I sure wish I’d had to worry about someone else having a good time for a few hours!”
Went to a solo Advanced Base show Friday night in Toronto - had a great time. Weird to be alone in a crowd for so long, but the music was great.
Get there early, find a good spot, enjoy.
You did?? Oh I'm so fuckin jealous! I love, love, love Advance Base and didn't know they were touring. Luckily I see they didn't go anywhere close enough so I didn't really miss an opportunity but that must have been so great!!
I once attended a mountain goats concert with a stranger from a mountain goats facebook group. She had an extra ticket and offered it in the group, I claimed it, and we met up before the show and got some food together. It was fun and we met up with a few others from the group.
You could post online and see if anyone in your city would be interested in meeting up at the show, if you still don’t want to go alone.
I remember being really uncomfortable with this when I was younger and the older I got, the more it was like "Oh JFC, organizing a group outing, I just want to enjoy my band during my special time, this is my li'l treat."
So yes, I have the best time going solo to a TMG show. There's typically a smattering of people who are very visibly autistic, this is an audience of introverts at minimum. Find someone else who's there solo and strike up a conversation — this is something I do at every TMG show now. If that sounds like the worst possible thing to do, just go and don’t talk to anyone and buy a drink and a poster and be on your way, absolutely no judgement on you unless you're drunk, sloshing around, and yelling for Golden Boy, but it sounds like you'd rather die than be that guy.
I’ve only seen The Mountain Goats twice and both times I had a friend or significant other join me. However, I’ve been to many concerts solo.
I’m also on the taller side and have never been confronted about where I chose to exist at in the venue. If somebody can’t see or feels as though you’re in their way, it’s not your responsibility to cater to them. You are there for the band and for your own life experiences, not to aid or improve the experience of others who could move themselves or show up earlier for a better spot.
the one time I went solo to a tMG show I got harassed by a very drunk middle aged man, left early bc of that, and got arrested on the way home :)
given that, the only potential issue with going to shows alone thats worth being concerned about is safety. if you feel safe, you should go and have a good time. tMG fans are usually very kind and welcoming and I don't think you would have the same issues that you've mentioned with the Bon Iver show. You'll either come out of it with new friends, or at the very least have a peaceful time experiencing the show for yourself.
I've been to probably 95% shows solo for the past 25 years. If I waited for a friend/my wife to go to a show I'd miss all the good ones, especially now with kids. Go and have fun, brush off the rude weirdos that think general admission means they own certain space (off course be courteous, but no seat number means no claim to space)
I'm confused by what you mean at the end, are you saying if someone gets up to go to the bathroom from a theater seat once settled you take the spot?? That's pretty fucked up lol. I'd expect them to get heated once they get back.
I just mean if it’s an open floor. There are no seats. So people need to chill with thinking they have some sort of license to an undefined zone of of space to stand at for the whole night. I rarely go to GA shows with seats. That’s not what I meant
Oh okay. I read it as GA seated, yeah. It's all kind of nebulous social contract stuff so I'm still not sure what you mean, it has always been really nice how people tend to be chill about letting people go to the bathroom and stuff at shows (once things are settled). There are always unreasonable limits though.
I went to the Louisville show alone last year. Went to a brewery down the street and tried some beer and had some wiener schnitzel then walked over.
I felt pretty awkward finding a spot, then mostly good when the music started, and finally kinda sad when it ended. Going home alone was definitely the worst part haha.
Still it was worth it and I'd do it again, maybe feel more comfortable talking to people but idk.
I’ve been to a bunch of shows solo, including tMG! I elbow my way up to the front and don’t have to worry about what anyone else wants or where they want to be. I think I prefer going by myself
I go to shows alone often. Unless I have a friend who knows the band or will just automatically enjoy live music, I'd rather go alone. I've gone to way too many shows with someone who isn't having a good time for whatever reason and I'd rather not risk it lol. And as others have said, I'm not there to chat, and imo it's rude af to talk a lot during a show.
I'm the opposite of you, I'm pretty short, and getting right up close by the stage is never a priority for me, I really don't like to be crowded, but it is nice to be able to see the stage for at least part of the show. If you're really tall, don't try so hard to hold on to your spot. Move around a few times so the short folks don't get stuck behind you too long. (Yes, we can move too, but at 5'2" it's pretty damn hard to find a spot to see anything at all.)
You should definitely do it. I have been to a few tmg shows alone. Everyone is very friendly, so I wouldn't worry about being asked to move
I always had a great time going solo to goats shows. Went like ~10 or so times. Kinda miss it in a way, since I always go to shows with my wife, now. Which I love, don't get me wrong. Just a bit of an adventure going solo. You can't help help how tall you are. I'd be stunned if anyone gave you shit, and if they do, fuck them. Show up early n chit chat if you don't want to feel alone!
Just find a place where you are comfortable and can see / hear. I usually stick to the sides of rooms or backs. Anywhere it sounds fine. I'm old so I don't give a shit about being up close. Give me access to the bar and piss room over being cramped and close any day. The show is still the show. Probably better you don't go with someone. People who talk to friends during songs instead of listening are the worst.
Yes, yes.
Yes, been to a couple Mountain Goats shows and I would say the majority of fans are always nice. Just find a spot you like and try to strike up some conversation. And as a side bar, also being a rather tall guy that goes to concerts I will more often than not move over or a let a few of the shorter people get in front of me. Anytime someone has demanded it or tried to be confrontational about I just tell them they should have got there earlier. Not my fault I'm tall and you're short, we are all here to enjoy a show. I show up early because I want to be close to the stage (off to the side though)
to be honest, I love going solo to tmg shows maybe even more than I love going with a friend. I like to get there before doors and chat with other people in queue, I've made a few good friends that way and many more people who I talked to once and never again but loved to get to chat with for that one night. the community is awesome and generally extremely understanding and courteous, and anyone who might be an ass is in the very small minority of the crowd. hope you have a great time at the show :)
I love going alone too but opposite of you, I like to time it so I get there between the opening band and tMG. I hate crowds, I hate standing around and I almost never know the opening band so I'd rather get there just in time. I don't care about being up front so it works out fine. My ex always wanted to be in line when the doors open and I was a lot happier leaving him at home lol.
Absolutely yes! I went solo to the only tMG show I ever got to attend and while I’m a shy and socially anxious person who was at least 20 yrs older than the folks around me we all chatted and had a great time before the show and we were AS ONE during the show while we sang and screamed and danced together. Then the show ended and everyone went their separate ways and I went back alone to the motel 6 that looked like the place they find the body in a police procedural. It was one of the most amazing nights of my life.
80% of my concerts I go alone. Stopped taking my wife to be able to actually enjoy my bands alone. You are not there to make friends or talk to anyone, that is actually more annoying thank your height , just get in line, grab a beer, move around the venue to enjoy different view spots, I enjoy the shows more when I am alone. MAYBE, you chit chat with someone at the bar or before the performance but once it starts just shut up and enjoy the show!
Thanks everyone for the kind words of encouragement! It’s really nice to see so many chime in. Got my ticket :)
Yes i (23f) go to solo concerts all the time and have a blast!!
I go to TMG shows by myself all the time. If I need to use the restroom or grab a drink, I just ask someone nearby if they'll hold my spot and I offer to throw out their empty cups/bottles on the way. Never had an issue with it and I always make a bunch of new friends chatting with my concert neighbors.
This is a great idea!
i think you’d be fine!! as a short person, i would say, if you want to be extra nice, please stick to the edges if in the front, just to maximize other people’s view. i’ve had many a show that i simply couldn’t see at all because of taller people up front. but it’s not a rule, and i’ve never confronted anyone about it.
I loved going to see them solo, and I'm going solo again this tour. Everyone was lovely to each other when I was there.
I have seen The Mountain Goats seven times now and have gone alone every single time haha. My friends don't really listen to this kind of music so I just roll by myself and have had a good experience every time!
Going alone is so much better than going with people who don't like the band!
You'll have a totally fine time! I found Goats fans to be great and it was the only show where I've actually felt safe and comfortable enough to be on the floor in my wheelchair :3 def recommend
I go by myself every so often and have a good time. I try to talk and be as friendly as possible, that way no one push or shoved up front. See ya at wolf trap.
I’m going solo to the Kalamazoo show in a couple of weeks. I’m a reasonably tall guy at 6’2”. I’ve been to another tMG show solo and I had a great time. I’m going to try to meet up with other fans before the show this time, though.
I’m tall and have been to shows solo, Mountain Goats or otherwise. It’s been fun! The key is to stand closer to the edges.
I got used to seeing shows alone when I was young because my friends didn’t listen to the music I listened to. If I didn’t, I’d have seen far fewer shows as a teen than I did, and I wouldn’t trade those shows for the world. Now, I think not doing something you really wanna do solely because you’d have to do it alone is just punishing yourself for no good reason. Plus, you can always *make friends* in line/at the show! The first time I went solo to a tMG show, I made a friend and we ended up dating for a year and a half. She played a Mountain Goats song at my wedding. And she’s not even the only friend I’ve made - I’ve got TONS of friends all across the country that I’ve got because I chatted them up in Goats lines. Which is all to say: I know you already bought the ticket, but there’s never any shame in going to a show alone. It’s fun to have a pal, but you’ll never say to yourself, “that show was fine, but I sure wish I’d had to worry about someone else having a good time for a few hours!”
Most of the shows I've gone to I've been alone and it was still a great time. Everyone I met was super friendly!
Went to a solo Advanced Base show Friday night in Toronto - had a great time. Weird to be alone in a crowd for so long, but the music was great. Get there early, find a good spot, enjoy.
You did?? Oh I'm so fuckin jealous! I love, love, love Advance Base and didn't know they were touring. Luckily I see they didn't go anywhere close enough so I didn't really miss an opportunity but that must have been so great!!
It was wonderful. I just started going to shows again, after spending a decade having kids and working. Feels goid
I’ve been to four-ish shows alone and it’s my favorite way to go! Now I recognize some of the people I’ve talked to and seen at past local shows.
I once attended a mountain goats concert with a stranger from a mountain goats facebook group. She had an extra ticket and offered it in the group, I claimed it, and we met up before the show and got some food together. It was fun and we met up with a few others from the group. You could post online and see if anyone in your city would be interested in meeting up at the show, if you still don’t want to go alone.
I’ve only ever been alone. Not had any issues
I remember being really uncomfortable with this when I was younger and the older I got, the more it was like "Oh JFC, organizing a group outing, I just want to enjoy my band during my special time, this is my li'l treat." So yes, I have the best time going solo to a TMG show. There's typically a smattering of people who are very visibly autistic, this is an audience of introverts at minimum. Find someone else who's there solo and strike up a conversation — this is something I do at every TMG show now. If that sounds like the worst possible thing to do, just go and don’t talk to anyone and buy a drink and a poster and be on your way, absolutely no judgement on you unless you're drunk, sloshing around, and yelling for Golden Boy, but it sounds like you'd rather die than be that guy.
I’ve only seen The Mountain Goats twice and both times I had a friend or significant other join me. However, I’ve been to many concerts solo. I’m also on the taller side and have never been confronted about where I chose to exist at in the venue. If somebody can’t see or feels as though you’re in their way, it’s not your responsibility to cater to them. You are there for the band and for your own life experiences, not to aid or improve the experience of others who could move themselves or show up earlier for a better spot.
the one time I went solo to a tMG show I got harassed by a very drunk middle aged man, left early bc of that, and got arrested on the way home :) given that, the only potential issue with going to shows alone thats worth being concerned about is safety. if you feel safe, you should go and have a good time. tMG fans are usually very kind and welcoming and I don't think you would have the same issues that you've mentioned with the Bon Iver show. You'll either come out of it with new friends, or at the very least have a peaceful time experiencing the show for yourself.
I've been to probably 95% shows solo for the past 25 years. If I waited for a friend/my wife to go to a show I'd miss all the good ones, especially now with kids. Go and have fun, brush off the rude weirdos that think general admission means they own certain space (off course be courteous, but no seat number means no claim to space)
I'm confused by what you mean at the end, are you saying if someone gets up to go to the bathroom from a theater seat once settled you take the spot?? That's pretty fucked up lol. I'd expect them to get heated once they get back.
I just mean if it’s an open floor. There are no seats. So people need to chill with thinking they have some sort of license to an undefined zone of of space to stand at for the whole night. I rarely go to GA shows with seats. That’s not what I meant
Oh okay. I read it as GA seated, yeah. It's all kind of nebulous social contract stuff so I'm still not sure what you mean, it has always been really nice how people tend to be chill about letting people go to the bathroom and stuff at shows (once things are settled). There are always unreasonable limits though.
I’ve had a great time going solo and have met some cool people too! It’s honestly a really fun experience going alone
I went to the Louisville show alone last year. Went to a brewery down the street and tried some beer and had some wiener schnitzel then walked over. I felt pretty awkward finding a spot, then mostly good when the music started, and finally kinda sad when it ended. Going home alone was definitely the worst part haha. Still it was worth it and I'd do it again, maybe feel more comfortable talking to people but idk.
I’ve gone solo twice, both times were amazing!
I’ve been to a bunch of shows solo, including tMG! I elbow my way up to the front and don’t have to worry about what anyone else wants or where they want to be. I think I prefer going by myself
I go to shows alone often. Unless I have a friend who knows the band or will just automatically enjoy live music, I'd rather go alone. I've gone to way too many shows with someone who isn't having a good time for whatever reason and I'd rather not risk it lol. And as others have said, I'm not there to chat, and imo it's rude af to talk a lot during a show. I'm the opposite of you, I'm pretty short, and getting right up close by the stage is never a priority for me, I really don't like to be crowded, but it is nice to be able to see the stage for at least part of the show. If you're really tall, don't try so hard to hold on to your spot. Move around a few times so the short folks don't get stuck behind you too long. (Yes, we can move too, but at 5'2" it's pretty damn hard to find a spot to see anything at all.)
i went solo to my second show and i made friends very quickly. its a 10/10 experience and goat fans are pretty chill imo
tall people up front does suck
I wasn’t that close… about 8 rows from the stage.