My first gig! - 19/11/2022

I've never been to a concert before; this was my first. Within Temptation and Evanescence were on the Worlds Collide tour, with Veridia as support. My dad bought us the tickets and drove us to Leeds, none of us had been to Leeds city centre before. 

As we were driving into Leeds, it was raining, and the city felt pretty dreary. Formally an industrial city, now old factories have been converted or lay abandoned. Even the park benches were falling into disrepair. There was so little colour, the only colour was from the changing traffic lights and these two digital billboards we drove past, I don't think this place would've been much brighter on a sunny day. 

When we reached the city centre, things brightened up and buildings were slightly more abstract and funky looking. As we were navigating our way to the car park, we drove past the back of the First Direct Arena and the sides of the roads were lined with the stage trucks and in my head I was just like "!!!!" I got very excited! 

We parked up and came out in this shopping centre but then there were more shopping centres. A lot of places to eat! Here was so much more colourful than the outskirts! I wanted to find the Damaged Society here, it took us a while to find because my dad didn't know how to use the phone map, but eventually we got there and I bought a Corpse Bride t-shirt, a badge, a Morticia patch, two keyrings and a harness. We then walked round the food court and that smelt amazing. Then we tried to find the Alt Box which sold band tees but unfortunately, they were no longer at the location, but we got to look round the place. Also there were so many alternative people there! I don't know if was just because of the gig but wow! I'd never seen so many, not even when I go to Camden I see that many alt people! 

On a side note, the weekend before, I was in Damaged Society in Peterborough (our local city) and there was a lot of people in there which was rare, there was even a guy who looked like he just came from the Whitby Goth Weekend! He had a top hat, an elaborate coat, huge, spiked arm cuffs and he had two little braids in his beard, kinda like Fili from The Hobbit movies. 

Anyway, back to the main story, we then headed back to the car and dropped off my shopping, had a drink and I changed from my leather jacket and hoodie to my denim "battle" jacket. We walked to the arena and joined the queue and agggshgg more alt people, so nice to see! When I went through the metal detector, it went off, understandably, due to my jacket, belt and boots. 

We had been queueing for about half an hour, getting inside was a bit of a relief because it was cold outside, although it wasn't much warmer inside to be quite honest. It was kinda weird inside because there was like, fog inside? My phone camera didn't really capture it, but yeah, it was hazy inside? We also bought some band merch too, my dad got an Evanescence hat and shirt, Within Temptation hat, shirt and scarf and I got an Evanescence bleached shirt and a Within Temptation shirt and patch set. We then headed to our seats and waited for about half an hour.

The lights dimmed and Veridia came on! They were incredible! The beat of the drums just went through your body and, wow!!!! Their lead singer had these fans with lights on them and danced, that was super cool! I loved the lights! They then finished playing and we waited until Evanescence came on. Their performance was also incredible! I liked that they hadn't forgotten about Ukraine. They finished and then there was another set change, maybe about 45 minutes. Within Temptation played and they were great too! Sharon spoke to a Ukranian in the crowd and waved their flag as they performed Raise Your Banner. They even got some flames in during their performance! All of the bands' performances were incredible, the drums, the guitars, the vocals, the lights, I was completely immersed in the lights and music as it ran through me. It was an amazing experience and I'm already missing it! 

I didn't film or take any pictures during their performances, so all images and footage in my compilation is what my parents took. Here's the link to  it: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClMQ8r2g8L-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I was so nervous and excited, but now that I've been, I want to go again! 

The gig finished at around 11 ish, and as we were waiting in line to pay for our parking ticket, a lady walked past me and gave me a proper good look up and down XD I mean… I don’t mind that from a fellow alt person! My dad noticed her too and said to me about it when she had gone, I found it kinda flattering and amusing, as no one’s ever done that to me before, I don’t think I mind people checking out my clothes! Maybe she thought I looked nice? I guess she must’ve!

We didn’t leave the car park until like midnight because everyone was trying to get out at the same time, but we eventually got out. We didn’t arrive home until gone 3am! We originally planned to make a pit stop at the services but we missed the turning, but I just wanted to go home so I don’t think I minded too much. We were all tired and hungry but also chuffed! Also I learnt not to wear a bralet/ bra because by the time Evanescence started playing, I was already uncomfortable. 

Anyway, in conclusion, I really enjoyed myself! I just wish I had friends who a) would be okay going to a gig and b) liked the same “heavier” music as I do. One day, maybe…