CONCERTS HAVE BEEN an integral part of the fandom culture. The unparalleled ability to create a sense of community, evoke powerful emotions and provide a unique and unforgettable experience for artists and fans alike. Imagine the collective excitement once inside the venue and meeting new companions bound by a common interest. However, what follows this musical euphoria is a phenomenon that many concertgoers are all too familiar with – post-concert depression.
Let’s start with the facts. Following the lifting of restrictions in 2022, K-pop concerts have become an extremely popular event due to their growing fanbase. As a result, tickets sell out incredibly quickly. Due to its popularity in the Philippines, demand has never been greater, prompting concert organizers to propose a “stadium tour” for the artists. This led to the concert craze at the Philippine Arena and the Philippine Sports Stadium.
“…after the final encore, fans will be left grappling with a mix of nostalgia, longing, and a sense of loss.”
Performing in stadiums is a great honor for artists as it indicates they have a large fanbase, making them a household name in the industry. For instance, the K-pop boy group Seventeen became the first group to hold a concert in the Philippine Arena and Philippine Sports Stadium, a massive achievement for them. Thousands of fans attended, making it a sold-out concert, especially since the group is famous in the Philippines.
Furthermore, the tiring experience of attending these concerts is due to the need for public transportation from these two common venues. Imagine these two venues are just near the long highway of NLEX, and the struggle of booking a Grab or finding a train station or jeepney is the cons of attending. Luckily, event organizers are now moving to organize a shuttle bus so that fans in different areas can get to the venue without hassle, which is helpful for me, who came from Rizal and attended a concert in Bulacan.
But what is striking during every concert is the aftermath of what happened. Post-concert depression, or “PCD,” is the state where, after the final encore, fans will be left grappling with a mix of nostalgia, longing, and a sense of loss. It’s the result of the profound joy that we experienced during the concert now replaced by a palpable void. That feeling when the final beat is struck, fans are now back into the routine of their everyday existence, going back to their normal life.
As a fan, I can’t even explain how this stops. I went to my first concert on April 30, 2023, as a belated birthday present to myself, and thinking about it now makes me want to cry and go back to that event all over again. Also, I went to another concert on January 21, which was surreal. I’ve been dreaming about it since I was 18, and now I’m 22, and it feels like a dream come true. People say that my post-concert “longing” would only last for a day or a week, but I still have it up until now. After concerts, we would watch the “fan cams” of our favorite artists and even post them on Instagram to the point where our stories would become a PowerPoint presentation.
Will we only post about the concert for one day? No, it doesn’t end there. We also share our experiences and repost videos from other fans, causing some of our mutuals to mute our story or unfollow us. I mean, if my favorite member saw the banner I raised or even waved “Hi” to me, I would brag about it nonstop on social media – which I did. But wait, it still does not stop there. Fans will continue to talk about the concert nonstop, and you may feel the urge to cover your ears. However, if you have a friend who attended the concert and is experiencing PCD, let them talk and relive their experience.
Experiencing feelings of loss after attending a concert is quite common. However, it is important to acknowledge that the memories created during such events can be cherished forever. The connections made with fellow fans and the energy channeled during the concert can help one overcome the post-concert blues and develop a renewed appreciation for the magic of live music. After all, music can evoke strong emotions that transcend time and space, making it so special.
Email me at thebedan_fcreditor@sanbeda.edu.ph