Ever seen your favourite musician in concert on TV or the internet and wished you were there? Except you weren’t, because the prices were high, the tickets were sold-out or you were miles away from the venue. These kinds of concerts should be accessible to you at least once in your lifetime. Here’s why…

1) To witness the passion of the artist

There are singers and then there are artists. Artists who write, produce and perform music that is soulful or love-ridden or uplifting or simply beautiful. Radiohead, Lamb, Imogen Heap and Florence & the Machine are just a few names that you need to witness to feel the music. They have this urge to come out of their bodies and be honest through their music. And before you know it, you are on that journey with them. That’s the passion that everyone should have a chance to witness.

2) To witness dancers defying laws of gravity

Some musicians have dance routines that amplify the experience. Madonna, Pink, Lady Gaga and others pick and choose their dancers one by one. Their choreography is strong, their rehearsals are boot-camps, their timing is impeccable and the result is sheer genius. Watch these dancers defy the laws of nature to tell a story through two hours of performance.  To witness such motion at the speed of light with the agility of a ninja warrior is another reason to be at a concert like this.

3) To witness acts that leave you spellbound

Sometimes you go to a concert knowing what to expect. But artists like Lady Gaga, Pink… even Ozzy Osbourne have another plan in mind. They plan to surprise you. You expect them to come on stage, sing, jump, say a cordial thank you and leave. But instead they come on stage, sing, jump, climb up a pole, swing from a rope, shoot fireworks from their breast and if you’re “lucky” they might just do something that you will never forget for the rest of your life. You have witnessed your artist’s inner being. They have just given you a taste of what they want you to leave with. You are left shivering, shell-shocked and spellbound.

4) To witness the production value

Bands like Coldplay, Metallica and U2 have a taste for high visual drama. With huge screens, powerful laser-lights and fireworks, their shows are nothing short of theatricality. Right from the opening to the finish, you can be lost in the crescendo, visuals and smoke-filled arena. So high is the value of the show that for a minute you may see how vulnerable you are in front of  it. That feeling is reason enough to be at a concert.

5) To witness the audience loose themselves

Ever been in a room filled with strangers, sweating, jumping and yet having a good time? Now change that room into a huge field with lasers in the sky and music surrounding you. A field where every person present is one with each other; hearing, seeing and feeling the same beat. You are cramped for space but yet you want to dance, so you all just jump together with your hands in the air. Gloriously equipped with glow-sticks, UV paints, and posters, whatever makes you happy. No-one cares how “weird” you dance or what you are wearing, because you will all be lost into the music – you will be one.

Concerts are the best way to keep music alive. Yes, we all love listening to music on our iPods, in the club, on our way to work. But to listen to it live and in a way the artist wants you to experience it, now that’s something else.

Here’s to the chance of having the concert culture in our country pick up, giving everyone a chance to witness, music and art. Things might be different here, but there is always hope! Have you been to a concert that you will never forget?