Most of the upcoming Blur concerts of 2013 have already been announced through their official site as well as social media accounts. Blur members Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree are set to kick off their wave of concerts in Mexico on 16th of March during the Vive Latino Festival. It is just nearly a month away from today, which heightens fans' anticipation and excitement more. However, the more we count the days until we see Blur live, the longer they feel. That being said, here are some activities you can do while waiting for the gigs to start.
1. Prepare a personal concert kit
Going to a music festival like Coachella or a regular concert is no joke. As exciting as the event may be, it can be pretty exhausting at times due to unforeseen circumstances or camping troubles. To cope up with these problems, do prepare a concert kit for yourself. This may include water, Blur books, medicine, extra shirts, pens (to get the band's autograph) and money. Make sure to plan ahead and check the venue online for parking information beforehand. Don't bring expensive things as these are easily stolen or lost, especially in the jam-packed gig venue!
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| Coachella Venue |
2. Find your concert buddy
For those who have attended concerts (whether it is Blur or other bands) in the past, the experience is definitely more fun and exciting when accompanied by a concert buddy or people you know. When looking for one, go for someone who is not ashamed of embracing the whole concert experience. For times where you cannot find existing friends that are willing to go, a good suggestion is to take advantage of the availability of the internet and connect with fellow Britpop fans.
Festivals aren't all about music, they're about creating bonds and togetherness too. They are a great way to find new friends and expand your horizons a little, so chat to the person next to you who is singing along or simply having a great time. Who knows, you might find your concert buddy in Twitter, Last FM or in social gaming sites like FoxyBingo. You can also try visiting sites like the Blur forums or even the band's Facebook page to connect with other music-lovers.
During a concert, it is inevitable for audience members to dance and sing their hearts out. A friend once told me before that people around him looked at him strangely after he sang the wrong lines while Blur were performing "Under the Westway" last year. So, spare yourself with this kind of experience by re-learning or memorizing their songs earlier before their 2013 gigs. While you’re at it, make sure to re-watch their music videos and sing along with the chorus.
4. Invest in a camera
If you do not own a camera, now is a pretty good time to invest in one for the festivals. Cameras don't have to be expensive to be able to shoot decent pictures or videos, and festivals are a perfect time for having fun, enjoying the scenery and capturing the moment. Blur gigs always contain memorable moments, and videos can make great memorabilia for a great gig. After all, this may be Blur's very last tour in a long time if they decide to call it a day after the year ends.
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| Lucky fans meeting Damon Albarn after a gig |
- Pick the right festival - some are kids-friendly, some have massive crowds that block all movement. Some have special parking spaces or cater for the elderly / disabled particularly well. Make sure you do some research before buying tickets.
- Keep young children away from any hazards during the festival - electric cables and amps can cause harm.
- Don't lose sight of adults and kids alike - it's easy to get lost in the big crowds.
- Bring enough food and water - summer festivals are guaranteed get you sweaty!
- Relax - it's a music festival to be enjoyed, and not stressed over! Listen to the music, and bring earplugs if you are worried about the loud noise.
