Attending my first concert was an exciting yet eye-opening experience. As someone who enjoys cinema but doesn’t necessarily view artists with the same fanatical enthusiasm as many concertgoers, I approached this event with a slightly different perspective. The concert featured a highly celebrated singer. While the energy, music, and atmosphere were undeniably thrilling, the overall experience left me questioning aspects of sustainability, commercial exploitation, and value for money in large-scale concerts.
The Process: A Concertgoer’s Journey
The journey to the concert began with online ticket booking, where confirmation was sent via email. On the event day, attendees had to collect their wristbands at the counter before joining the long queues outside the arena.
Although the concert was scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, enthusiastic fans began queuing as early as 2:00PM. The anticipation was evident, with people braving the sun for hours just to secure a good spot inside.
Around the entrance, various food stalls sold snacks and drinks, fried food, fresh fruits, and other quick bites. However, strict security checks awaited us before entry. Security personnel meticulously checked bags, ensuring no prohibited items including outside food and drinks were brought inside.
And here was the first shock: any food or drink had to be discarded before entering the venue. I wasn’t aware of this rule, so I ended up hurriedly stuffing my food before stepping inside. The worst part? Even sealed mineral water bottles were not allowed.
Yet, once inside, there was a counter selling the exact same mineral water for RM5 per bottle.
The Wait and the Performance
Despite the scheduled 7:00 PM start time, the singer only took the stage at 8:20 PM, a delay of 1 hour and 20 minutes. During this time, the crowd was entertained by DJs and filler performances, but it was clear that most people were eagerly waiting for the main event.
The singer’s performance was divided into multiple segments, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, with breaks in between where other artists or DJs took over.
The concert officially ended around 11:30 PM, meaning that while the event spanned a few hours, the actual performance time by the main singer was significantly less than expected.
Adding to the chaos, at one point, the singer threw his jacket and shades into the crowd, leading to a literal fight among the fans. Security had to step in to control the situation, reminding me of how intense celebrity worship can be.
Sustainability Concerns
1. Food and Water Wastage
A major concern that struck me was the wastage of food and water. Many attendees had to throw away their purchased food, simply because of a venue rule. While I understand the security concerns, preventing items from being thrown at the artist, the complete prohibition of outside food and water felt excessive.
To make things worse, people had no choice but to buy overpriced bottled water inside, many of which were later discarded without being fully consumed. Those in the standing area often left their water bottles on the ground, leading to mix-ups and more waste.
Wouldn’t it be more sustainable to allow reusable bottles or at least provide free water refill stations? The level of commercialization, even on basic necessities like drinking water, was frustrating.
2. Plastic Waste and Environmental Impact
Concerts generate enormous amounts of single-use plastic waste. From plastic cups, food containers, water bottles, and confetti, the post-event cleanup is daunting. Looking around the venue after the show, it was evident that waste disposal was not being managed well, rubbish was everywhere.
With so much emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, why aren’t concert organizers taking more proactive steps to reduce environmental impact?
• Could they introduce reusable cups?
• Why not partner with sustainable brands for eco-friendly alternatives?
• Could venues implement a deposit system for bottles to encourage responsible disposal?
Concerts should not just be about entertainment; they must also reflect modern sustainability values.
Value for Money: Was It Worth the Ticket Price?
Ticket prices ranged from RM250 to RM1700 per person. While I understand that artists deserve to be paid well for their talent, I couldn’t shake the feeling that concerts are becoming excessively commercialized.
• The delayed start of 1 hour 20 minutes meant that people got less than what was advertised.
• The breaks in between performances made it feel as though the actual singing time was even shorter.
• The water and food restrictions felt unnecessary and exploitative.
For fans who idolize these artists, perhaps none of this matters. The mere chance to see their favorite singer live is worth every cent. But for someone like me, experiencing a concert for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel like there were aspects that felt off, like a subtle form of exploitation.
Concert organizers need to remember that attendees are paying customers, and their experience, comfort, and basic needs should be respected.
The Hidden Costs of Attending a Concert
Beyond the ticket price, there are hidden costs that can add up quickly:
1. Travel Expenses – Whether it’s fuel, tolls, or public transport, getting to the venue can be costly, especially for those traveling from out of town.
2. Accommodation – For attendees coming from far away, a hotel stay might be necessary, adding another RM100-RM300 to the total cost.
3. Food & Drinks – With outside food and drinks prohibited, attendees have no choice but to purchase expensive meals inside the venue.
4. Merchandise – Many fans buy official merchandise like T-shirts or posters, which can cost anywhere from RM50 to RM200.
5. Parking Fees – If you’re driving, expect to pay for parking, which can range from RM10 to RM50, depending on the venue.
All these factors combined mean that attending a concert is far more expensive than just the ticket price. A RM500 ticket could easily turn into a RM1000 expense once everything is factored in.
Final Thoughts: Enjoyable but Eye-Opening
Was the concert fun? Absolutely. The energy of the crowd, the thrill of live music, and the sheer talent of the artist were undeniable.
Would I attend another concert? Maybe. But I would do so with better expectations, understanding the real costs, the waiting time, and the commercial aspects that come with it.
Concerts should not just be about making money. They should also consider sustainability, fairness, and respect for the audience.
Is it time for a change in how concerts are organized? I think so.
A concert can be both enjoyable and responsible, and I hope that one day, more event organizers will prioritize sustainability and audience well-being just as much as they prioritize ticket sales.
This experience left me with an appreciation for live performances but also a critical eye on the reality behind them. If concerts are to continue evolving, they must address these sustainability and ethical concerns, because in the end, a truly great experience is one that is memorable, fair, and does not come at the cost of our environment or basic human dignity.
