That moment when the lights go dark, the crowd goes silent, and the artist steps on the stage, is, for many, what concerts are about. According to The Hollywood Reporter, more than 145 million people attended a concert in the past year, and people have attended more than 50,000 events throughout the year. Concerts have been around since 1672 but have slowly become more popular in the past few years with 2023 being the highest selling year for concert tickets, according to Live Nation. 

           Concerts can be more than just live music. They can create a larger purpose and serve as a social setting for many people. When going to a concert, people can bring along friends, family, or even meet new people at the show. Amelia Jaderr, a junior and concert attendee has had this community experience. 

           “I have become closer with a lot of people [due to concerts] and that has impacted my life because I am able to share something I love with the people close to me. I feel like that makes it all so special,” Jaderr said. 

           These events can be a new social setting for some, but they also can allow people to feel as if they are a part of something larger than themselves. When attending a concert, many feel that there is mutual understanding that everyone is there for the same purpose: seeing the artist because of their love for them. This purpose serves as a shared interest between concert attendees and creates a sense of unity amongst the group. Bryant Scott, a junior, recently attended iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball in December 2024 and was able to be part of this group and unity. 

           “I find concerts so fun because I’m able to have a group of friends to experience the same thing that I enjoy which makes attending concerts even more exciting. It’s amazing to share something so special to me with others,” Scott said. 

           For those who enjoy finding events to look forward to, concerts can be part of this habit. It can give people a way to express themselves in a way they would not be able to otherwise, making it an event many look forward to. Concerts can also bring out another side of people, whether that be the way they dress, the way they talk, or even the way they act. This different way of expression is what can bring people joy in relation to these events.  

           “When I know I’m attending a concert, the days leading up to it are filled with excitement and anticipation until the day of the concert, which is a day that is filled with happiness and memorable experiences,” Scott said. 

           These shows have also been proven to have a positive effect on people’s mental health. A college professor from Michigan State University at Denver says concerts “can actually activate neural pathways associated with rewards and pleasure. People attending concerts show increased levels of endorphins, which are hormones that can intensify positive emotions.” Sometimes these positive emotions can come from the people met at the concert, or the artist themselves. This can occur even if someone sees the same artist multiple times since each concert experience is different and unique. 

           “Seeing Billie Eilish has most impacted my mental health because she has been my favorite since I was in fourth grade and it was amazing seeing her live again since she means so much to me,” Jaderr said. 

           Concerts can also bring people closer to their favorite artists, especially in smaller venues. It can be difficult to connect with an artist in a large venue either due to the physical distance or the layout. However, a compact venue can bring crowds and entertainers together in a more intimate way. At these smaller events, some may even get the chance to meet their favorite artist one-or-one such as junior Griffin Borrego.  

           “I prefer smaller venues in comparison to larger ones. I went to see Gracie Abrams with my friend Adalyn [Adalyn Liakakos, the writer of this piece] and we both got to talk to her. It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Borrego said. 

           Concerts can be beneficial to people’s mental health because of the outlet they offer for people to be themselves. This outlet can include chances to dress in new ways or interact with others in ways they normally would not be able to. These events can also allow attendees to meet people who are like themselves and have similar interests or opinions. Seeing an artist in person can be a stark difference from just hearing them playing through a phone speaker and it can be a unique experience, especially alongside one’s loved ones.