When your friend sees your favorite band live
Right now I'm psyched because I'm seeing my favorite band in my favorite country very soon. But I realized a couple days ago that it was maybe even more exciting to live vicariously through my friend who decided to go see this group play in his city.
I identify so much with music and seriously could not live without it, and it's nice when my friends decide my favorite songs are worth a listen or two. But I actually shy away from giving music recommendations because, well, people usually don't listen to them. That includes my some of my friends who have similar tastes, who still wouldn't go out of their way to see my favorite group if they're in town. I'm not really hurt by it; it's normal. After all, seeing someone live—giving them some money besides the pennies' worth of streams on Spotify—is a much bigger commitment, especially in this economy.
Their music had a chance to try to win him over a while back, and given our somewhat similar tastes, it wasn't surprising that he liked at least a few of their songs. So, I didn't force him to go to the show by any means.
I was honestly nervous beforehand, and I wasn't even the one going. It felt a bit like how I would imagine a parent of a child athlete, hoping their kid doesn't have an off day on the field when an important spectator is present. Yeah, maybe too much ownership. My favorite band means everything to me, even feeling to some extent like they are me. And I know they deserve a way bigger audience and paycheck. Call me biased.
I was delighted when he texted me immediately afterwards and told me how awesome it was, even one of the best shows he has attended in his city. Notably, he felt that the venue was too small and the ticket too cheap for the amount of energy that they brought despite jetlag. By the end, he already knew some of the band members by name and even got a setlist as a souvenir. I can't stop smiling when I rewatch the photos and videos that he took.
Beyond being glad that he liked what I like, I find this small gesture so meaningful because he almost certainly left feeling like he understands me better. And knowing that that, in addition to enjoying the live music, probably motivated him to go in the first place just feels nice.