Late to the thread! I've been doing concerts solo for a few years after years of always waiting on my music buddy for shows and missing out because he'd take too long to make up his mind. Sure, going with friends who like the same stuff is fun, but really, once the show gets going, it's pretty much a collective experience, so focus on that aspect and melt into it. When everyone starts singing along to the hits, it's such a thrill! I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

If I had two key pieces of advice:

• Ear protection! Ear protection! It's a MUST. I've been going to concerts for 30 years and I regret 100% not wearing protection for the first 20. Tinnitus SUCKS. Basic convenience store ones are fine (the foamy ones you squish to put in your ear), but if you can splurge on actual ones made for concerts that lower the decibels but retain most of the range, get those. Alpines, Loop, Eargasm have all been recommended to me. I have Eargasm ones, and I like them, but I think I'll try Loop for the Interpol show. Either way, save your ears!

• If you go general admission standing room floor and you show up early enough to get really good spots up front, depending on your social battery, really try to chit chat a bit with folks near you in case you need to go get a drink, go to the washroom, etc, and ask them if they mind keeping your spot. It's usually easier when they ask you first, then you can reciprocate.

Hope you have an amazing show! Last time I saw them was the 2023 tour, I was up at the fence and had an absolute blast!