I lost my virginity this weekend. There was all this booze, smoke and one absolutely gorgeous guy I could have sworn was British ...
No, I didn't go to a bash put on by one of those business college international student groups, but rather a Killers and Jimmy Eat World concert held Saturday at the Tempe Beach Park.
Maybe as a result of being raised by a strict Eastern European mother or my devotion to techno, it has taken me this long to finally do the deed and go to my first live show. As expected, my first time was rough: awkward body position, uncertain timing and subsequent soreness.
First, it is absolutely necessary to know with whom and where the event will take place. The greatest factor in determining the quality of the experience is being fully aware of whom you're seeing. As Mead Myrice -- self-described seasoned concertgoer -- told me and a group of other 'virgins' (most of them 15 and under): we did an excellent job in choosing a first show.
Mixing sweet with rough, Jimmy Eat World and The Killers made the first-timer feel comfortable by using the familiar, catchy pop, only to introduce harder, though still enjoyable tunes later. Because the transition was gradual and seemed to come naturally, it was easier for the first-time concertgoer to go with the flow.
Second, the location and the venue itself are important to keep in mind. If the event is taking place in an open area like Tempe Beach Park, there are more options for the concertgoer, like choosing to spread out on a blanket on the grass or move about freely.
In tighter, closed spaces, one must choreograph movements in order to avoid awkward and painfully body positions, or worse, hurting another person. This is especially true when things really get moving -- there is nothing like an elbow in the breast or getting a ninth grader dropped on your head to ruin a heated moment.
Now for attire. I've got one word for you: practical. Remember what you are trying to accomplish and dress with that goal in mind. Style is not objective: it must correspond to the location and event. So ladies, please save the tube tops and heels (yes, there were heels trudging through the grass at Tempe Beach Park) for the Enrique Iglesias show. We all come for the same purpose, and believe me, in the end, what you wear is the last thing on anyone's mind.
Above all, protecting yourself is the key to a good experience, so make sure to cover at-risk body parts: wear closed toe shoes.
Since we're on the topic of self-protection, let's turn our attention to fluids. They always create a sticky situation. Even if you bring your own, eventually you will need to replenish. Then comes the dilemma of whether you should return to the source and pay the high price, or just ask the person next to you if you can have some of theirs. All those I asked were more than willing to oblige.
Though at the spur of the moment it may seem like a good idea, remember you may get more than you bargained with something passed among strangers.
Though I was a little anxious about my first time, it actually turned out to be quite enjoyable. My new goal is to accrue further experience and continue shedding my innocence by going to more shows. From what other concertgoers told me, Taking Back Sunday and Green Day provide the best, most exhilarating and intense experiences.
I'll bring my whip.
Lucia Bill is a political science and journalism sophomore. Reach her at lucia.bill@asu.edu.
