There are many reasons why I jump at the chance to see my favorite artists everytime they are performing near me. In some instances, their writing processes might take a while and it could be years before I have another opportunity to see them live. It’s also not unheard of for artists to go on tour once and then call it quits. So, when my family and I had the chance to see Tom Petty live at the Forum in Los Angeles, we stopped at nothing to get tickets.

In 2014, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers released their 13^thand final studio album, Hypnotic Eye. This album was also their only album to top charts, so they obviously embarked on a world tour, ending in L.A. on October 10^th.

My sister went to school in L.A. and we were visiting her on the 11^th. We had heard about the concert the previous night and were crushed that we had missed it, so you could understand our excitment when the band announced an encore to be held at the Forum on the 11^th. Here’s the thing, my sister and I were raised on Tom Petty. He took over the airwaves during my parent’s senior year of high school. My family can soundtrack our lives with his music. It was no surprise that mania ensued, trying to scrounge four tickets to this concert.

By the grace of a higher power, we got seats. I’m not going to walk you through the concert for a couple of reasons. One: I can’t do it justice and two: It was my first time in an environment where people were doing drugs and I had a panic attack and the entire middle part of the concert is honestly a blur.

This post is meant to be more of a lesson. If we had not gone to this concert, we would have never seen Tom Petty live. This was his last world tour, but we had no way of knowing that. If we had the opportunity to see this show and had missed out on it, I don’t think my Dad would ever forgive himself.

So, if you’re thinking about buying tickets to a show, do it. If you’re not sure if you want to go or even if you should go, go. No two shows are ever the same. Every night of every tour is completely unique and for a while, artists are able to create a world of their own. If you admire an artist or just like the way their music makes you feel, go experience the world that they have curated for you. You won’t regret it.