I don’t get it

I wanted to talk about a slightly more serious topic with this post. It’s something that has always confused me, I really don’t get it.

Camping for gigs.

Now what do I mean?

This happens a lot more than people think, usually for big artists. Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and more recently bands like The 1975 and Arctic Monkeys.

The 1975’s UK tour starts in Glasgow tomorrow night (8th February) and yet fans starting camping outside the venue. Yesterday. Two days before the gig began. 

With this tweet seeming to spark off the camping debate online, and act as some sort of announcement as to what was going on.

Reading through some of the quotes, I can see I’m not in the minority here. With thinking this is concerning, a bit stupid and dangerous.

These people are camping two days before an arena show, to reach the barrier.
In a city, in the middle of winter, next to a river when temperatures are dropping below freezing.

That to me is mental, I’m an avid music fan. I run this music blog, but it has never crossed my mind to camp for a gig and I’ve been to gigs of all sizes from academy venues to stadiums. Always seeming to get a good view.

People seem to be in agreement with me. 

The idea of camping outside in a city in the winter, for some isn’t a choice. Homeless people get arrested, moved on, tents destroyed etc every day because this is not a choice for them. Circumstances have dictated this for them.

Even if these people do get what they want, it’s likely that they’ve not been eating, drinking or sleeping properly for a day or two. Probably not being well enough to last the full gig at the barrier, or maybe even the full gig at all.

Is it all worth it?

How do we stop it. 

I saw this tweet, and to be honest I can’t see an alternative. The venues offer no reason for people to not do this. They accept that it’s going to happen and they facilitate it.

Voiding tickets, genuinely seems like the best thing to do. Camping is unsafe, and especially this time of year really bad for your health. Why do these people put themselves through that.

Like I said, I really don’t get it.

Thanks for reading x