Concert season is always an exciting time, filled with anticipation for seeing your favorite artists live. But keeping track of all the tour announcements, date changes, venue upgrades, and ticket availability can feel like a full-time job. Stay ahead of the curve and never miss a beat with this comprehensive guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of concert updates. Whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or planning your first live music experience, this is your go-to resource for staying informed.
Finding Concert Announcements and Tour Dates
The first step in planning your concert adventures is knowing when and where your favorite artists are performing. There are many channels for finding concert announcements, each with its own strengths.
Official Artist Websites and Social Media
- Direct from the Source: The most reliable way to get concert information is directly from the artist.
Check the official website of the artist you’re interested in. Most artists have a dedicated “Tour” or “Shows” section.
Follow the artist on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Tour announcements and updates are often shared there first.
- Example: If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, regularly check her official website (taylorswift.com) or follow her social media accounts for the latest Eras Tour updates and potential new tour legs.
Concert Ticket Vendor Websites
- Major Ticket Outlets: Ticketmaster, AXS, and StubHub are excellent resources for finding concert listings and purchasing tickets.
Sign up for email alerts from these vendors to receive notifications when artists you follow announce new shows.
Utilize the search filters on these sites to narrow down concerts by genre, location, or date.
- Example: Search for “upcoming rock concerts near me” on Ticketmaster to see a comprehensive list of performances in your area.
Music News Websites and Blogs
- Industry Insights: Music news websites and blogs are great sources for staying updated on the broader music scene and potential tour rumors.
Follow sites like Billboard, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Consequence of Sound.
Many smaller, genre-specific blogs can provide early news and updates on your favorite bands.
- Example: Read articles on Billboard to stay informed about major tour announcements and the latest trends in concert ticketing.
Dealing with Concert Rescheduling and Cancellations
Unfortunately, concerts are sometimes rescheduled or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Knowing how to handle these situations can save you a lot of stress.
Understanding Your Ticket Refund Options
- Refund Policies: Familiarize yourself with the ticket vendor’s refund policy before making a purchase. Policies vary, but most vendors offer refunds for canceled shows.
If a show is canceled, the vendor will usually send an email notification with instructions on how to claim your refund.
For rescheduled shows, you often have the option to either attend the new date or request a refund.
- Example: If a concert you bought tickets for through Ticketmaster is canceled, check your email for a refund notification. Usually, refunds are automatically processed back to your original payment method.
Staying Informed about Schedule Changes
- Monitor Official Channels: Regularly check the artist’s official website and social media accounts, as well as the venue’s website, for any updates on scheduling.
Enable notifications on your social media apps so you don’t miss important announcements.
Sign up for email newsletters from artists and venues.
- Example: Imagine you’re planning to see a concert at The Hollywood Bowl. Check their website regularly for any potential changes to the concert schedule.
What to Do If You Can’t Make the Rescheduled Date
- Resale Options: If a concert is rescheduled and you can’t attend the new date, consider reselling your tickets through official resale platforms.
Ticketmaster and AXS have official resale marketplaces that offer a secure way to sell your tickets.
Avoid using unofficial or third-party resale sites, as these may be scams.
- Contact the Ticket Vendor: If you’re unable to resell your tickets, contact the ticket vendor directly to inquire about other options.
Some vendors may offer credit towards future events or other concessions.
Maximizing Your Concert Ticket Purchasing Experience
Getting tickets to popular concerts can be competitive. Here are some tips to increase your chances of securing your spot.
Pre-Sales and Fan Clubs
- Early Access: Pre-sales offer a chance to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
Join the artist’s fan club or mailing list to gain access to pre-sale codes.
Check if your credit card offers access to pre-sale tickets for certain events.
- Example: Signing up for a band’s official fan club often provides access to exclusive pre-sale codes, giving you a head start in the ticket-buying process.
Timing and Strategy
- Be Prepared: Be logged in and ready to go when tickets go on sale. Have your payment information saved to expedite the checkout process.
Use multiple devices (computer, phone, tablet) to increase your chances of getting through the virtual queue.
Don’t give up! Even if the initial batch of tickets sells out, more tickets may be released later.
- Example: When tickets for a highly anticipated concert go on sale, log in to the ticket vendor’s website 15-20 minutes beforehand and refresh the page regularly.
Avoiding Scalpers and Scams
- Official Channels Only: Only purchase tickets from official vendors or authorized resale marketplaces to avoid scams and inflated prices.
Be wary of tickets offered at significantly lower prices than the face value, as these may be counterfeit.
Avoid buying tickets from individuals on social media or from unofficial websites.
- Example: If you see tickets being offered on a third-party website for significantly below the face value, it’s likely a scam. Stick to official ticket vendors or authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster’s Verified Resale program.
Staying Safe and Informed at the Concert Venue
Once you’ve secured your tickets, it’s important to be aware of safety measures and important information related to the venue.
Venue Rules and Regulations
- Know Before You Go: Familiarize yourself with the venue’s rules regarding prohibited items, bag policies, and entry procedures.
Check the venue’s website or contact them directly for specific information.
Arrive early to allow ample time for security checks and entry.
- Example: Before attending a concert at a specific arena, check their website for information on prohibited items (e.g., large bags, outside food and beverages, professional cameras).
Health and Safety Protocols
- COVID-19 Measures: Be aware of any COVID-19 related protocols in place at the venue, such as mask mandates, vaccination requirements, or testing policies.
Check the venue’s website or contact them directly for the latest information.
Respect the health and safety of other attendees.
- Example: Some venues may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Make sure to check the venue’s policies before the concert date and come prepared.
Emergency Procedures
- Plan Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the venue’s emergency exits and evacuation procedures.
Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to security personnel.
In case of an emergency, remain calm and follow the instructions of venue staff.
- Example: Take a moment to locate the nearest emergency exits when you arrive at the venue.
Following Concert Updates on Mobile Apps
Staying on top of concert news has never been easier thanks to the plethora of mobile apps available.
Ticket Vendor Apps
- Convenient Access: Most major ticket vendors have their own mobile apps that allow you to search for concerts, purchase tickets, and manage your events.
Enable push notifications to receive alerts about new tour announcements, pre-sale opportunities, and ticket availability.
- Example: The Ticketmaster app allows you to browse concerts, purchase tickets, and receive notifications about upcoming shows near you.
Music Discovery Apps
- Personalized Recommendations: Apps like Bandsintown and Songkick track your favorite artists and send you notifications when they announce shows in your area.
Connect your Spotify or Apple Music account to these apps to get personalized concert recommendations based on your listening habits.
- Example: Connect your Spotify account to Bandsintown and receive personalized notifications when your favorite artists announce concerts in your city.
Social Media Alerts
- Real-Time Updates: Use Twitter and other social media platforms to follow artists, venues, and music news outlets for real-time updates on concert announcements and changes.
Create lists or groups to organize your favorite accounts and filter out irrelevant content.
- Example: Create a Twitter list of your favorite bands, venues, and music news sites to stay up-to-date on concert announcements and breaking news.
Conclusion
Staying informed about concert updates requires a proactive approach, leveraging various resources and staying connected through official channels. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your chances of securing tickets to your favorite shows, avoid potential scams, and ensure a safe and enjoyable concert experience. So, get ready to rock, roll, and make some unforgettable memories!