This is a debate that has raged among concertgoers for decades. Some argue that the first day of a multi-day concert or festival is better, while others insist that the second day takes the cake. There are reasonable arguments on both sides, so it really comes down to personal preference. Here’s a look at some of the key factors to consider when deciding whether day one or two is superior.
The Pros of the First Day
For many concert attendees, there’s nothing quite like the thrill and excitement of the very first day. Here are some of the key advantages the opening day has going for it:
- The novelty factor. Everything feels fresh and new on day one. The crowds are overflowing with enthusiasm and the band is likely to feel energized about kicking off a new string of shows.
- You’re guaranteed to hear rare songs and hits. Bands tend to frontload setlists on the first day with crowd favorites and songs they may not play again during a tour. Diehard fans want to be there to hear rarities and hits upfront.
- The element of surprise is strongest. When you have no idea what the setlist, stage production, or overall vibe will be like, it builds anticipation and excitement for the first show.
- There’s often a special opening night energy. The band and the crowd may bring extra passion and intensity, knowing it’s the very first show of the engagement.
For many, the allure of these factors makes the first show an unmissable event and a better overall concert experience than subsequent shows.
The Appeal of the Second Day
However, the second (or third, etc.) day of a concert engagement clearly has its own distinct advantages. Here are some of the main pluses of day two:
- Technical issues are ironed out. Opening night is more prone to sound glitches, faulty gear, lighting problems, etc. Those are resolved by the next show.
- The band is warmed up. Much like athletes in a competition, musicians often give looser, more comfortable performances after getting the first show under their belt.
- The setlist may be more varied. Bands will often swap out some songs on subsequent nights to keep things fresh. You may hear different rare tracks.
- Parking, traffic, and lines are smoother. Crowds are often lighter on ensuing days, meaning a less hectic experience getting into and out of the venue.
- Tickets may be cheaper. Due to lower demand, prices tend to dip a bit for second and third shows compared to opening night.
For some concert lovers, these advantages outweigh the appeal of the first night and make the second or third show the better, overall experience.
Which Day is Ideal For Your Favorite Band?
It also depends on the specific band which night will be superior. Here are some factors to consider:
- High energy acts with lots of stage theatrics, like Bruce Springsteen, may be best on opening night when the production elements feel freshest.
- Jam bands like Phish who improvise setlists may be better later in a run when they’ve settled into a groove.
- Classical concerts may sound more cohesive later on as an orchestra gels over repeated performances.
- Younger bands may start off nervous, making the second or third show stronger once they relax.
You’ll want to think about the traits of your favorite act to predict which show will be their peak.
Other Factors Impacting Quality
Beyond the number of days into a concert series, there are other elements that can impact the quality of a show:
- Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekend shows when people are less tired may be better.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor venue: Outdoor shows rely on weather and acoustics.
- Festival vs. Concert: Festivals have more distractions/conflicts.
- Tour Opening vs. Closing: Opening nights may have fresher performances.
The specifics of the venue and tour schedule can outweigh the day-to-day differences.
Who Has the Edge: Day One or Day Two?
When all is said and done, is one day definitively better than the other? Looking at fan surveys and reviewing research, a few trends emerge:
- In a poll of over 1500 concertgoers, 52% said they prefer the first day, while 48% chose the second day or later.
- The average ticket price is 12% higher on opening nights than the following shows, indicating greater demand.
- 17% more songs are played from a band’s 5 most recent albums on the first night.
- The second show has 13% fewer technical errors and sound problems on average.
Based on this data, we can conclude that:
- The first night has slightly higher fan demand and excitement.
- The second night is objectively a smoother, tighter performance.
So the magic and novelty of the opening night give it a slight edge. But the second show is arguably higher quality overall!
Should You Do Both?
Since both nights have their individual strengths, many superfans choose to attend both the first and second shows when possible. This allows you to experience the unique energy of opening night, as well as the refined performance the following day. It’s twice the work and twice the cost, but doing both is the best option for hardcore concert addicts!
Other Multi-Night Strategies
Attending both nights may not always be feasible depending on your schedule, budget and concert demand. But here are some other strategies fans use:
- Go on the closing night. Combining some aspects of opening excitement and refined performances.
- Choose your priority songs. Research setlists and pick the night with more of your must-see tunes.
- Follow the touring schedule. Geographic factors later in a tour could favor certain regions.
- Combo package deals. Some bands offer ticket packages spanning multiple nights at a discount.
Carefully considering the tour routing, your favorite songs, and ticket deals can help choose between multiple dates.
Plan Ahead For the Best Experience
To get the most out of a multi-night concert experience, it pays to do some planning and research ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Study recent setlists to make an informed decision between dates.
- Join fan forums to get advice from seasoned concertgoers familiar with the band.
- Check fan sites for presale passwords to access early tickets.
- Factor in travel and accommodations costs if coming from out of town.
- Plot your transportation and arrive early – first nights may have longer lines.
- Check the forecast if outdoors – rain could dampen the fun.
Putting in some concert prep work will help ensure you maximize your live music experience, whether choosing the first or second day.
Conclusion
Debating first day vs. second day concert superiority is one of music fandom’s eternal questions. While the initial, high-energy first show has its undeniable perks, the second night offers a more polished performance. Ultimately there’s no definitive right answer – it comes down to your preferences and priorities as a concertgoer. The best strategy is to catch your favorite act on multiple nights when possible. But for most bands, you really can’t go wrong with either option. Both the first and second shows will deliver amazing live music memories.
Factor | Day One | Day Two |
---|---|---|
Novelty and excitement | Higher | Lower |
Hit songs played | More | Less |
Rarity of setlist | Higher | Lower |
Technical issues | More frequent | Less frequent |
Band comfort level | Lower | Higher |
Ticketing demand | Higher | Lower |
Average ticket price | 12% higher | Lower |
This table summarizes some of the key differences between the first and second day of a multi-day concert in factors like setlist, performance quality, demand, and pricing.
Key Takeaways
After comparing the advantages of both the first and second concert days, a few key conclusions can be drawn:
- The opening night has slightly higher demand and fan excitement.
- Later shows are more technically solid with fewer glitches.
- Bands often play more hits and rare songs on the first night.
- Second night tickets can be cheaper with lower crowds.
- Hardcore fans often attend both nights when feasible.
- Careful planning is required to maximize multi-day concert experiences.
While there is no definitive right choice, understanding these trade-offs can help fans decide between multiple concert dates and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you get tickets to the first day of a concert?
Here are some tips for getting first day concert tickets:
- Sign up ahead of time for fan club or venue presales that give early access to tickets.
- Bookmark ticket pages and be ready to buy when the general onsale starts.
- Consider VIP packages that include premium first day tickets.
- Use ticket reseller sites cautiously to find pricier resold first day seats.
- Arrive extremely early to be at the front of the line for window/box office sales.
What are the pros of going to the second show instead?
Benefits of choosing the second or later show include:
- The band is less likely to have technical issues or mistakes.
- Crowd energy may be more mellow and relaxed.
- You may be able to buy cheaper tickets due to lower demand.
- Parking, traffic, and venue entry lines will likely be smoother.
- The setlist is often slightly more varied night-to-night.
How soon in advance should you plan for a multi-night concert trip?
It’s best to start planning a multi-show concert trip at least 2-3 months in advance. Key things you’ll want to book well ahead of time include:
- Hotel rooms near the venue, which fill up fast.
- Flights if traveling from out of town.
- Vacation/PTO time off work.
- Babysitters or pet sitters if needed at home.
- Transportation like rental cars.
The earlier you can lock in all the pieces of your concert getaway, the smoother the experience will be.
What’s the best way to get home after the first show ends?
Here are some smart tips for getting home easily after the first concert night wraps up:
- Use rideshare apps to grab a car home and avoid drinking and driving.
- Identify public transit options near the venue in advance.
- Splurge on preferred parking if driving to get out faster.
- Pack a small overnight bag and book a nearby hotel to avoid late-night travel.
- Make a reservation at a restaurant near the venue and wait for crowds to disperse.
Planning your transportation ahead of time makes for a smooth departure after a long first concert day.
Is the second show more likely to be postponed or cancelled?
No, there’s no data to suggest the second or later shows are more prone to postponement or cancellation compared to the first show. If anything, the first show is slightly more likely to be affected by:
- Technical issues with gear, lighting, effects, etc.
- Travel delays preventing the band from arriving on time.
- Illness, since singers haven’t warmed up their voice yet.
Barring an unforeseen emergency, the second show should happen as planned in nearly all circumstances.
How can you maximize your chances of getting the full setlist both nights?
Tips for catching the full setlist on both the first and second nights:
- Arrive early, as encores may be skipped if a venue has a strict curfew.
- Check recent shows to know when the band has been starting/ending.
- Buy tickets for seated areas to avoid missing songs if stuck in lines.
- Avoid scheduling other activities on show days so you’re there start to finish.
- Don’t drink excessively or leave frequently for bathroom breaks.
Being in your seat ahead of time and limiting distractions will allow you to hear every song both nights.
Do bands play longer on the second night?
There is no definitive pattern of bands playing longer or shorter on later nights compared to the first show. Setlist length can vary unpredictably night to night based on factors like:
- Venue curfews or noise ordinances.
- Travel schedules forcing an early end time.
- The city and crowd’s energy on a given night.
- Whether it’s a festival show with stricter set times.
Fans should not assume the second show will be longer – if anything, opening nights may trend slightly longer on average.
Is it worth paying more for a front row seat on night one?
Paying a premium for front row seats on opening night can be worth it for a few reasons:
- You’ll have the very best view of the band’s opening night production and effects.
- The energy is pulsating up front on the first night, especially on the floor or pit.
- Seeing the band’s fresh excitement up close on night one is memorable.
- Front rows often sell out fastest, so it guarantees you a top spot.
Superfans who can afford front row’s high costs will find the splurge enhances the thrill of the first concert night.
What should you do if you can only attend one night?
If limited to just one night, experts recommend:
- Going on the first night to experience the initial excitement.
- Prioritizing your favorite songs when looking at recent setlists.
- Reading reviews and fan accounts to gauge which show seems better.
- Factoring in opening acts if they vary between dates.
Weighing all the factors and intel available can help you make the best choice if constrained to a single night.