One thing that I never thought about until I went to a gig since my eyesight started really progressing a few years ago, was any problems whilst I was there.
I went to see Duran Duran (Standard. My faves since 1982) with my two friends so I thought I’d be fine.
One thing that I always like to do is go to the merch stand and get myself a tour t-shirt. I’ve seen them alot and have quite a collection.
I was stood there at somepoint when it was still light and realised that I couldn’t come and go when I pleased anymore anywhere around the hall when I wanted to. I knew I couldn’t just stroll away later and leisurely spend time looking around by myself when darkness fell.
I suppose what I’m saying is, if you are planning going to see any bands, be aware, especially if this is all relatively new and you’re experiencing a period of further sightloss and therefore adjustment. Being aware of certain things before you go, will make your enjoyment as good as before.
I was surprised really as I hadn’t given anything any thought.
When it’s light before the gig has started (This was an open air event) go for your merch. It’s easier to get back to where you are (and your friends also if you prefer taking someone) and also it isn’t as frightening watching the floor, the people and less stressful all round. Because I liked to do things by myself this is what I decided to do. I didn’t want to put my friends out even though they wouldn’t have minded.
Same goes with the drinks. Whilst you’re passing get a drink or drinks if going in rounds first. By extra for later if you wish. Then when it’s dark or the lights are off you don’t have to move.
One thing I’ve stopped doing is drinking enough that I always need to find the toilets. It’s better to stop at somepoint than struggle finding them and your way through people and whatever you cannot see on the floor or ending up in the wrong place .
I don’t want to be dragging friends out of a gig to the loo to help me at the moment. That will change though as I’ll need help later on.
Once I’d fathomed this out in my head, I really enjoyed myself. I grabbed on to my friends leaving after it had finished and everything was all good.
Obviously depending on what level sightloss you have depends on what plan you have. With a little forethought we can still enjoy things we used to do.
I’m still very lucky at the moment. Although the days of me wandering off now on my own in situations like that have gone.
One Vision Blog 