I haven’t been to a live music gig since 2013, when the Big Day Out festival still existed and I was an enthusiastic twenty-year-old.

Getting sweaty and exhausted and standing up for four hours straight isn’t my idea of a good time anymore (read: I love lying on the couch and watching Netflix with my dog). But in the middle of this year, a slew of my favourite bands lined up gigs in Adelaide and I couldn’t resist. Panic! At the Disco was my all-time dream band when I was an angst-ridden teenager, and I found that my love for them hadn’t quite died. Me and two of my friends bought tickets, and I chose my most emo-all-black outfit to wear. Just remember, though: if you go to a music event with friends, you might find you have very different expectations. You may need to compromise on your own desires.

Start times

Usually, a band will have a support act or two, and the main show won’t start until considerably later in the night. Some people don’t want to see the support acts, so be prepared for one or more of your friends to refuse to get there when the doors open. If you have a difference of opinion, make sure you organize a meeting point and time inside the venue and keep your phone volume on so you can get in contact easily.

Crowd positioning

Do you or your friends like being right at the front? Mid-crowd? Chilling at the back so you don’t get stranger sweat on you? Reach a decision with the group before the main act comes on. It’s often hard to move once the band starts playing.

Toilet or drink breaks

Are you going to go to the toilet or to get drinks together or alone? I personally like to hold our place in the crowd, and for people to head off on their own. That way, no one misses out on their favourite song, nobody gets resentful of the person who constantly has to pee, and we don’t have to sacrifice our hard-won spot. However, if you send people off solo, there’s a chance they won’t make it back—that’s why a prearranged meeting spot is vital, in case you’re separated.

Getting home

Try and discuss how everyone is getting home before the concert. Are you catching public transport back into the city together? Does everyone have a lift? Are you not going to drink, and drive to the venue? Make sure everyone has a plan because most music gigs finish late at night. Don’t leave anyone by themselves waiting for a lift just for the sake of getting home quickly yourself.