In an age of ever-increasing political correctness and concern about saying or doing the wrong thing in public, going to a concert is one of the last bastions of unmitigated fun and freedom. No matter what genre of music you are listening to, concertgoers can “let their hair down” and go wild without any judgment from the outside world.

I recently attended a Red Hot Chili Peppers show. Their music isn’t for everyone because they are the quintessential rock band. For some people, it’s just not their “jam.” I’m inspired by their non-stop energy. From the moment they get on stage until the lights are turned on and the audience leaves for their cars, they take the audience on a non-stop adrenaline rush. I’m not just in awe of their songwriting prowess but also of their passion for their craft. Every detail is carefully laid out. We saw them on their last stop on their 2½-year tour. They played 28 shows in Europe, 69 in North America, 8 in Oceania, 5 in Asia, and 9 in South America, for a total of 119. One hundred nineteen nights of constant movement for a group of 60-year-old men is just unimaginable.

Here is a snippet of one of their songs:

Then there are other concerts that hit a different chord. A group’s music touches the hearts of some people in the audience deeply. The Avett Brothers, a country-like folk band, are that group for me, and the song “Live and Die” is one of those songs.

Here is that song in concert:

My heart just soars when I hear this song on the radio. It’s so romantic, and it touches me deeply. Although if I hadn’t heard that song in person, it wouldn’t have had the same impact. They are so different from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but both are amazing to see live.

That’s what makes concerts so much fun! It’s the interpersonal relationship between the band and their fans is something that is indescribable unless you experience it in person.

From social media sites to being constantly connected to our cell phones, we are continually bombarded with empty noise. It’s so hard to find a place of utter joy and unabashed peace. I know it can be hard to believe that a loud, banging concert can be a peaceful place to escape the noise of the world. Well, it is for millions of people. Just try it…