Nicole Elizabeth, a music lover from south east London, has attended 12 gigs by herself over the past six months and believes more women should do the same. She shared her tips on how to stay safe when attending events solo. Nicole’s confidence has soared since taking on this challenge, as she no longer has to wait for others to accompany her. She emphasized the liberating feeling of being able to strike up conversations with strangers and enjoy shared experiences with fellow gig-goers. In addition, she finds solace in being alone with her thoughts at these events.
Nicole’s solo journey began when she couldn’t find anyone to join her for a Royal Dragon gig at the Royal Albert Hall. Now, she enjoys the freedom to attend any show she wants, with her favorite performance being the Spice Girls at Wembley Stadium. Surprisingly, attending gigs alone has also positively impacted her relationship, as her partner does not share her music taste. Nicole uses various techniques to calm her nerves, such as having a friend on call for support and listening to music playlists during transit.
Safety is a top priority for Nicole, especially because many women may feel wary about going to events alone. She recommends using safety apps like Strut Safe and having offline playlists ready for calming during transit. While she understands the apprehension women may have about going solo, she believes it’s becoming less taboo and hopes to encourage more women to attend gigs independently. To further support women in this endeavor, she has organized women-only music events in addition to attending solo gigs.
A recent survey by viagogo revealed that 73% of women have never attended live shows solo, with safety and lack of confidence being major barriers. The survey highlighted that half of men have been to a concert alone, compared to only a quarter of women. In response to these findings, viagogo is introducing ‘Solo Socials’ events to boost confidence among fans, particularly before Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in London. These events aim to empower hesitant fans and create a supportive space for like-minded individuals.
Nicole encourages women to view attending gigs alone as an empowering experience that allows them to tap into their independence and be fully present in the moment. She underscores the initial vulnerability that comes with attending events solo but believes that pushing through this discomfort can lead to personal growth. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of being prepared and utilizing safety measures to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience at gigs. Through her own journey, Nicole hopes to inspire more women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the freedom of attending events alone.
Overall, Nicole Elizabeth’s inspiring story showcases the empowerment and liberation that comes with attending gigs by oneself. She advocates for women to overcome any fears or doubts they may have about going solo and to prioritize their safety while enjoying live music events. By creating a supportive community through her women-only events and sharing her experiences and tips, Nicole is leading the way for more women to confidently navigate and enjoy the music scene independently.
