Growing up, I did not go to many concerts. I have always loved listening to music on my own time, while doing homework or with friends, but I was never eager to stand in a concert pit with hundreds of people in front of loud speakers. I have only been to an R5 concert and the iHeart Radio Music Festival.
After going to The Driver Era concert on Aug. 26, this all changed. The energy of the arena brought much-needed stress relief to my life after a long week of PGM training.
I was looking forward to this night at The Novo Theater in LA for months and was both nervous and excited when it finally came. Ross and Rocky Lynch are The Driver Era — Ross Lynch played Austin Moon on “Austin and Ally.”
Ross and Rocky Lynch are performing a song from their ‘Girlfriend’ album on Aug. 26. Riker Lynch, their older brother, was playing on stage with them during their summer tour. Photos by Tanya Yarian
With the COVID-19 pandemic, I did not expect to be at a concert with over a thousand people. I remember the days when I needed to put on a mask to see one friend and being in a room with thousands of screaming fans was impossible. It felt uncomfortable at first to be around so many people at once, but I soon enjoyed bonding with others as the concert started.
The social and economic effects from the pandemic influenced many things in our lives, including when artists could return to touring. With restrictions continuously changing, I was never certain a concert with thousands of people in large arenas would be possible again. It is mind-blowing to see how far we have come from being stuck at home in quarantine to jamming out to our favorite songs and seeing our favorite artists perform.
The four-hour wait to see The Driver Era was worth it as soon as the lights went pitch black, the drums and beat began and the band members walked out one-by-one. For the next two hours, I would sing, dance and scream until I lost my voice.
I took home many memories from that night including the 50 videos I recorded and a tote bag and tour T-shirt. I love showing off my Driver Era tote bag that says ‘Malibu’ on it, which is not only where Pepperdine is located but is also the title of one of their new singles.
I listened to The Driver Era’s albums and singles for two weeks leading up to the concert. Whether I was driving or playing music in my bedroom, it was The Driver Era. I am even listening to their songs as I write this.
I felt so much joy knowing every single word to every single song they sang on the stage. Sharing the passion of knowing every single song with others is a great feeling. It is a way to bond with complete strangers who have the same love for an artist.
I realized it is important to branch out because you never know what you will end up enjoying. This concert inspired me to not be afraid of trying new things with new people. I went to my third concert after years of not going to any and am already buying a ticket for another artist to see on stage in LA — Harry Styles.
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Contact Tanya Yarian via Twitter: @tanya_yarian or by email: tanya.yarian@pepperdine.edu
