How to survive your chronic concert habit

February 7, 2:42 PMIndie Music ExaminerNeal Rogers

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Rule #3: Wear deodorant, you hand-waiver, you

You wake up to ringing ears.

You’re not sure what day it is, or if you are heading to another show this evening. And if so, who is it you’re seeing? And where are they playing?

Sound familiar?

If so, you’ve got a chronic concert habit.

It’s nothing to hide, or be ashamed of. In fact, it’s something to embrace. Chronic concert attendance simply means you love music, of all sounds and sizes, and you can’t get enough of it. If a band you know and like is coming, without question, you will be there. And if you’ve never heard their music, but have been told they are amazing, hell, that’s almost better.

There are, however, drawbacks to this lifestyle.

It can be expensive. It can be exhausting. It can interfere with other aspects of life, like work, and exercise. And without taking the proper precautions, it can lead to burnout on a colossal scale.

Here are a few helpful tips to reconcile your affinity for show going with the realities of life.

Before the show

Buy tickets early
If you are certain you will be attending, don’t wait for showtime. It might sell out, and tickets usually cost more at the box office on the night of the show.

Eat a decent dinner
Not only does a good meal ensure that you won’t run out of steam as the clock approaches midnight, but it also keeps you from getting too drunk, or making that regrettable "run for the border" after the show.

Wear deodorant
Enough said.

Bring earplugs
They don’t need to be worn at every show, or even during every song, for that matter. But certain bands, and certain clubs, demand a little protection. Forget the cool factor — save your hearing.

Wear comfortable shoes
No, this doesn’t mean sporty sneakers. Not necessarily, anyhow. But bring something that will absorb the hard, often concrete, floor. And ladies — weigh the pros and cons of wearing heels. Yes, they give you a few more inches of height to see over some of the heads in front of you, and they look great as well. However if they’re uncomfortable, you might end up standing barefoot in spilled drinks, with your shoes in hand.

Bring cash
Leaving a credit card behind the bar with an open tab is not only one more thing to think about, the bill can quickly grow out of control. Whether it’s merch, drinks or a cab home, cash is best for a night out.

Rally the troops
If you’re going with a group, pick a watering hole near the venue to meet up. Make it early, roughly around the time doors open, and take parking into account. Nothing is worse than missing a great opening band — except perhaps for missing a great headliner.

At the show

Hit up the ticket office
If you or your friends are picking up tickets at will call, think about buying tickets to upcoming shows at that time. You’ll save a little money on those pesky “convenience charges,” and you’ll have future tickets on hand.

Throw down the cash for coat check
If it’s warm out, leave the coat in the car — you won’t need it inside. And unless you have a friend who works in the club, chances are any place you stash your coat, it is essentially up for grabs. That’s not the way you want to think about a room full of people enjoying a performance together, but it happens. And even if no one intentionally messes with your clothing, spilled drinks are always a reality. Spend the two or three dollars to have the security of a secure, dry garment for the walk home. But keep your phone and wallet on your body.

Be strategic
Find out when the bands are actually taking stage, and plan accordingly. Likewise, designate a meeting point to reconvene when the show is over — the “if we get separated, and all else fails, meet me here after the show” spot.

Choose your spot wisely
It’s worth being a few rows back to be in between the speakers, rather than up close and blasted deaf in mono. There’s a reason there’s room up front under the speakers. Also, scan the crowd for basketball players before you sift towards the stage. Avoid getting stuck behind them.

Drink water
True, it will send you to the bathroom more often. And it really sucks when you have to shell out $4 for a 12-ounce plastic bottle of H20. But drinking water is one of the best ways to avoid hangovers and promote longevity in your long-term concert attendance.

Learn the ways of the club
Get to know the people working the club, from the doorman to the people at will call to the bartenders and the sound guys. They can give you vital information, as well as the occasional access to VIP and backstage areas. And it's just the cool thing to do.

Pay attention
Shows are great spots to find out about other bands and shows. Chat up the people around you, or eavesdrop a bit to see what the happening shows have been, or are coming up. Read the posters and flyers that are posted or laying around.

Turn your cellphone to vibrate
This has nothing to do with disturbing the sound of the show — although that is important, too, at least at acoustic performances. Instead, it’s how you’ll be alerted that your friend is texting to find out where you are standing, or what you want to drink, or to let you know your ex is in the crowd.

After the show

Hang out for a few minutes
Smaller acts usually come back to help put away their equipment. If you enjoyed the show, let them know. It’s the least you could do, and you might just end up with a set list — and a new appreciation for their music.

Hit up the merch booth
If you’re planning on picking up anything larger than a button or a sticker — say a CD, a t-shirt or a poster — wait until the show is over. Otherwise you’re stuck carrying it around all night. And unless it’s close to the end of the band’s tour, don’t worry, they’re not going to sell out.