The fact that I can officially say it has been over an entire year since I went to my last live concert is crazy to me. Due to COVID-19, the stage, crowds, and stars have had to be put on hold as the pandemic continues to spread worldwide. As an active concert-goer, it has been very difficult to deal with the unfortunate circumstance that live performances are just not happening, in these times. 

December 3rd, 2019, I walked out of Allstate Arena, after just screaming at the top of my lungs for two hours straight, to every single Jonas Brothers song that was played. Little did I know that was going to be the last time I would get to experience live music for a while. I never would have thought Joe, Nick, and Kevin were going to be the last performers I would get to see for such a long time.

It’s February of 2021 now and boy, have I missed a lot. In the summer of 2020, I had many shows lined up including Windy City Smokeout, Kenny Chesney’s World Tour, Country Thunder, and most excitingly Taylor Swift’s Lover Fest in both LA and Boston. Absolutely none of it happened. 

In my mind, music is the one thing that can bring everyone together and fills people with joy, especially when it’s right in front of you. For me, concerts are my getaway from reality. I look forward to the days where I escape my whole world and just indulge myself in the lively feeling of a performance even if it is just three hours. 

COVID-19 has not only affected fans but also all the behind-the-scenes workers as well. There are many people that go into making a live show happen, meaning tons of jobs are usually filled. But with no live shows, there are no jobs for these people. It’s uncertain to them when they will be able to return, meaning they must be relying on something else to keep their lives running. 

A life without concerts is quite honestly horrible. Shows are something I look forward to, a date that I mark on my calendar, circled in bright red. This year however there is absolutely no red to be seen. Hopefully, in the near future, life can be brought back to somewhat normal. The vaccine is an amazing start on the path to getting life back to how it was. I can’t wait for the day that I experience the rush of a concert once again, and trust I will be the most excited fan there!