When you first hear “punk” what do you think of? I’m guessing it’s probably the stereotypical emo or goth. A teen wearing all black, black hair, and eyeliner so dark it looks like their eyes have literally sunken into their skull? Now what about punk concerts? Mosh pits, crowd surfing, head banging and deafening screams of the singers? Well yes, punk concerts do involve quite a bit of that to be honest. But there’s so much more!

People are very quick to judge punk/metal music. Many people don’t even consider it music. Most parents don’t even want their children near these concerts! Luckily my parents grew up loving the same music I do now and bring me to these concerts.

I recently went to my first full pit punk/ metal concert last month and I have to say, it was an experience. On November 18 I saw British metal band Neck Deep, American punk rock band Sleeping With Sirens, and American punk band All Time Low. After pushing my way towards the center of a growing crowd to join my friends, my excitement grew. My sister, friends Jalen Flaherty and Gabby Babilot, and myself were lucky enough to get semi-close to the stage. When the concert started everything went crazy. People rushed forward and we were pushed back and forth. It was amazing to be around all these people screaming all the same lyrics at the top of their lungs for a thousand different reasons. Between bands I got the chance to talk to some of the people around me. They were some of the nicest people I have ever met. The concert wasn’t amazing just for her music. It could be the best music in the world but nothing compares to the feeling you got when you jumped up and down, pounding your fist to the beat and singing along to your favorite songs with so many people.

Going to these concerts, I really felt like I belonged. I made real connections with people after only talking to them for five minutes. The reality of punk rock concerts? They’re just like any other. Sure, some of the people may be damaged or hurt, maybe most of us are what society considers “outcasts”. But really we’re all there for one reason: The music meant something to us.