How to have the best night at a small gig

Arena shows are spectacular, but small gigs are where music feels closest: the band is right there, the sound hits your chest and you might chat to the drummer at the merch table afterwards.

Arrive for the support act. That's where discoveries happen.

Buy tickets directly from the venue where you can, arrive early for the opener, and buy a record or T-shirt if you enjoyed it. Merch sales often matter a lot to touring bands.