When done right, concerts serve as entertainment perfection. For a good concert, the combination of enthralling production, fun atmosphere and a quality performance can imprint an unforgettable memory onto the many music fans who attend.
In an area as varied as music, where genres range from hip-hop to country, a concert-going experience is something that all music fans can gush over – for similar reasons. Whether you’re seeing an old favorite or discovering a brand new act, being able to witness a passionate and emotional performance in a blissful setting aids tremendously in elevating the fulfilling human experience that is witnessing art as it’s being created.
With so many things that could potentially make a good concert, it’s worth digging into them one-by-one to give an inside look at some of the most important factors in what separates a good concert from a not-so-memorable one:
General Production
Although it can certainly help, lavish production isn’t always mandatory to make a good concert. Certain performances would still sound great even performed in a dingy basement compared to a stunning concert hall, but the overall production does contribute to the overall atmosphere, which is pivotal to separating a great concert from just an OK one. Also, if a venue is devoid of much production, the audience better hope the band’s performance carries the load.
Lighting plays a big role, no matter the genre or locale. If an audience can’t see properly or is not enthused by a lack of entertainment, they are likely to head for the door. Typically, vibrant and dynamic lighting that adjusts to the mood of a performance (subdued movement and mellow colors for ballads, hectic movement and lighter colors for songs with faster tempos – for example). Lighting designers and stage crew play a massive role in organizing a show’s lighting and ensuring things run smoothly during the performance; they are like artists themselves in how they adjust the lighting to changes in sound or style. It’s precisely why businesses who produce stunning customized stage designs are often sought-after in the music industry.
The Musicians
Of course, the act itself is a pivotal influence as to whether a concert is any good or not. Even flawless production won’t be able to save a subpar/unprepared act. In addition to performing their songs soundly and confidently, a great concert band connects with their audience in some way – whether it’s how Dave Grohl sometimes reads out audience members’ signs or Bono brings someone on stage. A band that simply performs and acts like the audience isn’t there is unlikely to endear themselves; concertgoers would just put their record on at home if hearing the music was all they wanted.
Also, for an audience to get truly engaged in the show, acts should show that they genuinely want to be there and know how to put on a show, like how someone playing NJ Online Sports Betting should ideally have knowledge of sports. Acts that seem like they’re just going through the round will come across as a slap in the face to concertgoers, while those who seem truly committed to connecting will be embraced even more so.
A Spacious and Flexible Venue
An overly stuffy venue can result in a very unpleasant concert experience, as it’s hard to enjoy anything when the stage view is obstructed and you have someone’s armpit in your face. While good shows do require some sort of substantial and passionate crowd, venues whose general layout discourages the ability to frolic and easily go to the bathroom or get a drink have a tougher time getting people engaged in the shows they put on.
Conversely, a spacious venue – like a field or well-designed venue – provides concertgoers with the flexibility to sit wherever they wish, whether it’s further from the stage in lawn chairs or up close in a crowd of people. Concertgoers who have the ability to choose and adjust their point of enjoyment are much likelier to enjoy a concert than if they were restricted to one area the entire gig.
A Like-Minded Crowd
Similarly, the best concerts have a like-minded crowd that’s interested purely in listening to music and having a good time. Many concertgoers try to avoid overly intoxicated people at concerts; the best venues put a stop to most incidents like this before they get out of hand. Sharp and prudent management/security at venues often result in a peaceful and engaged crowd that makes the concert more fulfilling.
Essentially, if a show’ possesses apt and engaging production, a prepared and enthusiastic main act and a venue that features spaciousness and a like-minded crowd, all of the ingredients are in place to result in a very memorable concert experience.
