I never went to concerts when I was a teenager in the 1990s, but I’ve been to some as an adult. I don’t have a favorite concert because they’re so different from each other. Different music genres. The concerts have been in Finland. I can’t afford to go abroad.

The first concert I was ever in was in 2017, when I saw Robbie Williams in Finland. I’ve been to several concerts since then.

I’ve seen Robbie Williams, twice. Toto, twice. Duran Duran, twice. Bryan Adams, twice.

Once with Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys. And the Finnish rock band, The Rasmus.

Last year I was at 5 concerts, but only 2 this year. Those were Finnish artists, and they were on a cruise ship.

If I had to choose one concert I’ve loved the best, then it must be Duran Duran. They are my favorite band. In both concerts in Finland, I was close to the stage. The first one was in 2022. It was outside, and the weather was rainy and chilly. But it didn’t matter because it had been a long wait, 40 years since they were here. The concert was on my birthday (June 2), so it was even better.

The 2nd was last year (2025). It was one day after my birthday. That one was inside. It was a bit unfortunate for me because I slipped in my hotel room and had to go to the emergency room. I thought I would miss the concert because I had to wait for so long to get treated. I managed to get to the concert, but I only saw half of it. I was so uncomfortable that I couldn’t fully concentrate on the show. I was in the pit, so I could move around. I forgot my discomfort for a while because their music and presence are a good cure.

All the concerts I’ve been to have been great. But the best ones are the ones where you can see the band or artist as close as possible. Not too close because you see best a little further away.

Sometimes the sound is so loud that you hardly hear what song is being played. But you go for the atmosphere and seeing your favorite in real life. You fold experiences into your memory, and you remember them for a long time. If not in your mind, at least in the photos you take.

I prefer concerts to festivals. I’ve never been to a festival because there is always some band or artist I can’t stand. I would rather spend money on music I like than on something I don’t. So long live concerts.