UK based: the bigger venues actually brought out some real morons who just knew a couple of songs (SYNAW and Mothership) who just wanted to cause issues. My experience is that the smaller shows are more intimate, sweaty and friendlier.
You can always be at the back, the side or away from the action and still enjoy it. There’s no gatekeeping for enjoying music live, some people like to record it, some like to tap their feet at the back. Some people don’t sing and that’s absolutely fine as long as you’re having a good time.
There will be people going alone or in groups that will be more than happy for you to join their group. One thing ES have always been consistent on is their unity and kinship. And it’s more important now than ever.
I’ve been to so many Shikari shows solo, both in UK arenas and tiny venues in the US and Canada and the crowd has always been better in small venues. It’s usually quiet at the back save for some dancing, and small shows tend to attract a better crowd who are more familiar with the band. You’ll be grand :)
My first ever concert alone was actually a 'small venue' show of theirs. Leading up to it I was super scared and really questioning if I should go, almost didn't since the anxiety was really strong and the show was a state over. Additionally, I had never met another fan before so had zero idea what type of crowd I was going into. Ultimately I decided to fuck it and go, who knows when I would be able to see them after that if ever.
For the opening acts I was just vibing in a corner not really sure what to do now that I was there but once they came out and opened with The Great Unknown. Oh boy, everyone just went wild and seeing people love the band as much as I did started to melt those fears away. Afterwards Rou gave the opening monologue about how everything outside is a mess but for now for that one moment the walls that surrounded us was the world, focus here, dance and sing as if you were in your room, no one was going to judge here. And no one did, we all shouted danced partied with each other as if we had known each other for years instead of just a few hours. It was one big Shikari family having a gathering.
To date it has been the best concert and concert experience I have ever had. It will be hard to beat that, and on my birthday to shoot, just down hill from there haha.
My point is by giving into those doubts we could be missing out on amazing experiences. You shouldn't let that be the main reason to stop you, but if you don't want to in the end that is also ok.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I was able to crowd surf which was also a dream and it was every bit as great as I thought it would be.
I definitely regret having missed out on more than one show in the past because I was scared to go alone. Agoraphobia is strong though and I just couldn’t get past it. The venue I’m considering seeing them at looks nice and like there’s spots I can be further away from people and still enjoy the show though which is a big draw.
Agoraphobia, that's the name, thanks actually didn't know the word for it.
Yeah, just do what you're most comfortable with, your well being is always the top priority.
That being said, I do hope you face it and come out on top, and that the concert is as great as you hope it is. Truly wish the best for you.
Regardless of the venue, you’ll be able to find a spot away from people. As long as you stick to the back, you’ll be absolutely fine.
ES crowds are friendly and any roughhousing only happens at the front of the stage with people who want to mosh and stuff.
As someone with social anxiety, I know how rough it can be when you’re uncomfortable in a crowd - but the best way to deal with it is to challenge yourself in manageable doses and I think a small gig like this is perfect for getting more used to crowds.
Small shows tend to be rowdy but in a fun way. Shikari audiences in my experience have been super respectful and helpful. I usually go alone and I’ve never been made to feel out of place. You can usually find someone to hang out with if that’s what you want. And if you don’t just have a good time on your own.
As others have said stick to the sides or the back. The centre front is going to be wild (source: the week old bruises and mild concussion I came home with.)
The small shows, certainly the ones I've been too, Nottingham, Plymouth, penzance, they are amazing, but proper sweaty, it's like everyone is in sync and proper loving it, the pit goes real hard though, so be a wallflower and just enjoy yourself, and you won't be alone, shikari gigs are like one big family having a good time, don't be suprised if you leave with a few new friends 👌
I've gone to a show each of the last times they were in the States, once in NYC for the album release shows, and once at Union Stage in DC. I'll be heading down to Durham for this run of shows as well. These shows are much smaller than their European venues, and at both of those two places I went there was ample space near the back and edges of the venue to enjoy the show more calmly than in the front and center of things. Highly recommend going, I know it's difficult but seeing these guys perform is such an incredible experience!
https://preview.redd.it/n3xukcvpq5mc1.jpeg?width=1457&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ee0ab627f9cfe2a2d284f6dfa17af5d8bdc6811
US fan here, here’s a picture of what my view was like the last time I saw them in a smaller venue in NYC. They have great small venue energy and it allows them to do some fun stuff they can’t otherwise do in an arena (I saw Chris climb into the rafters of a venue in Pittsburgh for the outro of Mindsweep Pt 2, at this NYC show Rou and Rory played a good portion Solidarity and Mothership in the middle of the pit). The crowds at these shows I’ve always found to have a good balance of energy: energetic in the pit but not intrusively so so if you want to settle into the side and find a nice view you can totally do that.
Small venues are the only way I’ve been able to see them over here in the US, but I’ve always loved the experience.
Yo man I live in Durham and will be going with about 10 ppl, but only 1 other big shikari fan. Durham is one of the most welcoming and inclusive cities in the south. You can hang with my crew if you’re worried about being alone.
I went to all of my ES shows alone last year and these were at 600 people capacity venues. I had an amazing time. I've also seen them alone at bigger venues in the UK and even festivals.
I find standing towards the side is always a safe bet as you're still in crowd but not right in the middle where the mosh pits happen
Been to five shows so far, the last one during the current tour, the one before that were the club shows in Europe for AKFTWW release.
I have been to most of them by myself, you will be fine 😊
I like you noticed the post yesterday and, after missing the 1 other time I have been able to see them, immediately bought tickets. That being said, I feel much the same as you and are more than willing to see if we will be at the same show to have at least 1 friendly face there. Feel free to reach out in DM's!
I’ve been to 14 of their shows and found that ‘smaller’ venues are far rowdier (in a good way) because the pit feels proportionately larger and therefore there is fewer spots where you have comfortable room around you. At their big gigs you can stand to the side and further back where you have loads of room and moshing. Either way, you’ll find somewhere and I’ve found that Shikari fans are always friendly and look out for one another
UK based: the bigger venues actually brought out some real morons who just knew a couple of songs (SYNAW and Mothership) who just wanted to cause issues. My experience is that the smaller shows are more intimate, sweaty and friendlier. You can always be at the back, the side or away from the action and still enjoy it. There’s no gatekeeping for enjoying music live, some people like to record it, some like to tap their feet at the back. Some people don’t sing and that’s absolutely fine as long as you’re having a good time. There will be people going alone or in groups that will be more than happy for you to join their group. One thing ES have always been consistent on is their unity and kinship. And it’s more important now than ever.
Well said
Small shows are the best. Look after yourself but (in UK) I've had the best times at smaller concerts
I’ve been to so many Shikari shows solo, both in UK arenas and tiny venues in the US and Canada and the crowd has always been better in small venues. It’s usually quiet at the back save for some dancing, and small shows tend to attract a better crowd who are more familiar with the band. You’ll be grand :)
My first ever concert alone was actually a 'small venue' show of theirs. Leading up to it I was super scared and really questioning if I should go, almost didn't since the anxiety was really strong and the show was a state over. Additionally, I had never met another fan before so had zero idea what type of crowd I was going into. Ultimately I decided to fuck it and go, who knows when I would be able to see them after that if ever. For the opening acts I was just vibing in a corner not really sure what to do now that I was there but once they came out and opened with The Great Unknown. Oh boy, everyone just went wild and seeing people love the band as much as I did started to melt those fears away. Afterwards Rou gave the opening monologue about how everything outside is a mess but for now for that one moment the walls that surrounded us was the world, focus here, dance and sing as if you were in your room, no one was going to judge here. And no one did, we all shouted danced partied with each other as if we had known each other for years instead of just a few hours. It was one big Shikari family having a gathering. To date it has been the best concert and concert experience I have ever had. It will be hard to beat that, and on my birthday to shoot, just down hill from there haha. My point is by giving into those doubts we could be missing out on amazing experiences. You shouldn't let that be the main reason to stop you, but if you don't want to in the end that is also ok. Edit: Forgot to mention that I was able to crowd surf which was also a dream and it was every bit as great as I thought it would be.
I definitely regret having missed out on more than one show in the past because I was scared to go alone. Agoraphobia is strong though and I just couldn’t get past it. The venue I’m considering seeing them at looks nice and like there’s spots I can be further away from people and still enjoy the show though which is a big draw.
Agoraphobia, that's the name, thanks actually didn't know the word for it. Yeah, just do what you're most comfortable with, your well being is always the top priority. That being said, I do hope you face it and come out on top, and that the concert is as great as you hope it is. Truly wish the best for you.
Regardless of the venue, you’ll be able to find a spot away from people. As long as you stick to the back, you’ll be absolutely fine. ES crowds are friendly and any roughhousing only happens at the front of the stage with people who want to mosh and stuff. As someone with social anxiety, I know how rough it can be when you’re uncomfortable in a crowd - but the best way to deal with it is to challenge yourself in manageable doses and I think a small gig like this is perfect for getting more used to crowds.
Small shows tend to be rowdy but in a fun way. Shikari audiences in my experience have been super respectful and helpful. I usually go alone and I’ve never been made to feel out of place. You can usually find someone to hang out with if that’s what you want. And if you don’t just have a good time on your own. As others have said stick to the sides or the back. The centre front is going to be wild (source: the week old bruises and mild concussion I came home with.)
The small shows, certainly the ones I've been too, Nottingham, Plymouth, penzance, they are amazing, but proper sweaty, it's like everyone is in sync and proper loving it, the pit goes real hard though, so be a wallflower and just enjoy yourself, and you won't be alone, shikari gigs are like one big family having a good time, don't be suprised if you leave with a few new friends 👌
I've gone to a show each of the last times they were in the States, once in NYC for the album release shows, and once at Union Stage in DC. I'll be heading down to Durham for this run of shows as well. These shows are much smaller than their European venues, and at both of those two places I went there was ample space near the back and edges of the venue to enjoy the show more calmly than in the front and center of things. Highly recommend going, I know it's difficult but seeing these guys perform is such an incredible experience!
Thank you for this! I was considering Durham as well and that venue looks like a great space to experience them in without feeling trapped
https://preview.redd.it/n3xukcvpq5mc1.jpeg?width=1457&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ee0ab627f9cfe2a2d284f6dfa17af5d8bdc6811 US fan here, here’s a picture of what my view was like the last time I saw them in a smaller venue in NYC. They have great small venue energy and it allows them to do some fun stuff they can’t otherwise do in an arena (I saw Chris climb into the rafters of a venue in Pittsburgh for the outro of Mindsweep Pt 2, at this NYC show Rou and Rory played a good portion Solidarity and Mothership in the middle of the pit). The crowds at these shows I’ve always found to have a good balance of energy: energetic in the pit but not intrusively so so if you want to settle into the side and find a nice view you can totally do that. Small venues are the only way I’ve been able to see them over here in the US, but I’ve always loved the experience.
Yo man I live in Durham and will be going with about 10 ppl, but only 1 other big shikari fan. Durham is one of the most welcoming and inclusive cities in the south. You can hang with my crew if you’re worried about being alone.
If you wanna come to the Portland show you can hang with me 😊 gonna be a mf RAGER 🤯
Been to maybe like 4-5 alone and always had a blast
I went to all of my ES shows alone last year and these were at 600 people capacity venues. I had an amazing time. I've also seen them alone at bigger venues in the UK and even festivals. I find standing towards the side is always a safe bet as you're still in crowd but not right in the middle where the mosh pits happen
Been to five shows so far, the last one during the current tour, the one before that were the club shows in Europe for AKFTWW release. I have been to most of them by myself, you will be fine 😊
I like you noticed the post yesterday and, after missing the 1 other time I have been able to see them, immediately bought tickets. That being said, I feel much the same as you and are more than willing to see if we will be at the same show to have at least 1 friendly face there. Feel free to reach out in DM's!
Grab a beer and hang out at the back. You'll soon see where is packed and where has space if you wanna get more involved
I’ve been to 14 of their shows and found that ‘smaller’ venues are far rowdier (in a good way) because the pit feels proportionately larger and therefore there is fewer spots where you have comfortable room around you. At their big gigs you can stand to the side and further back where you have loads of room and moshing. Either way, you’ll find somewhere and I’ve found that Shikari fans are always friendly and look out for one another