• Registered: 2016-02-07
  • Posts: 98

Topic: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Well, I went through with it, whew!  Even though I suffer from a severe case of social phobia I actually bought a ticket to see Joe live in Dallas, TX.  It's exciting because I was able to get a seat in section 101.  My row is pretty close to the stage.  My hope is that having the majority of the crowd behind me I'll be able to handle the immense anxiety that comes when being in any sort of confined area and being surrounded by people.  Heck, I can't even be in Wal-Mart very long before almost going into anxiety induced shock.

The opportunity to watch Joe live was too great to pass up.  I did, however, pay the extra $10 for ticket insurance.  If we are getting near the time of the show and I KNOW attending will not be possible then I will receive a 100% refund.  I chose not to go along with a friend because I did not want a pair of eyes watching every move I make.  They would do that to ensure I am ok and not reaching a dangerous level of anxiety.  However, having them there would only serve to make me feel like I am doing something which could be fairly dangerous...difficult to understand if you do not suffer from severe anxiety.  Anyway, I will be there and enjoying the show along with the two individuals sitting on either side of me.  If I reach the point to where I cannot remain in the venue I will simply walk out and be appreciative for the time I WAS able to watch Joe. 

For now, I am going to view this as a positive and not think about my phobia.  You never know, I just might make it through the entire without a single problem.  We never know what tomorrow will bring.  For me it may bring a wonderful evening with many Joe B. fans.

"There's not much left for me to tell, I just got back up each time I fell"

2 Reply by petew (edited by petew 2016-04-06 12:05:34)

  • From: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Registered: 2010-10-19
  • Posts: 190

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

It's funny, I have social anxiety too, but there's nothing I love more than going to gigs.  It's the only time I don't mind large groups of people.  Just remember, Joe usually goes on at 8 sharp, and you have a seat. No need to arrive too early. 


Really, once the show starts you won't pay any attention to anything around you, only what's going on, on the stage.

  • Registered: 2016-02-07
  • Posts: 98

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

petew wrote:

It's funny, I have social anxiety too, but there's nothing I love more than going to gigs.  It's the only time I don't mind large groups of people.  Just remember, Joe usually goes on at 8 sharp, and you have a seat. No need to arrive too early. 


Really, once the show starts you won't pay any attention to anything around you, only what's going on, on the stage.

Thank you for the support.  It really does mean a lot to me.

"There's not much left for me to tell, I just got back up each time I fell"
  • Registered: 2016-02-07
  • Posts: 98

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Jane H. wrote:

well i am glad to hear you got a ticket. I have a good feeling about it even though I don't really know you. But I do know that usually when Joe takes the stage - everything else goes out of my head and I am really in the moment and fixed on the stage wtaching all the musicians, well sometimes i close my eyes. anyway maybe this will be a new way of healing for you, this bonamassatherapy.
as the great lyrics of Pain and Sorrow go - Pain and Sorrow 'till you find another way.
i think this just may be your other way

The support from you all touches me deeply and gives me confidence.  No matter what happens I am looking forward to it being a memorable evening.  I can already feel the goose bumps anticipating the lights going down and knowing any second Joe is going to take the stage. 

The cherry on top would be him opening with Django.  I have watched the Live at Royal Albert Hall DVD so many times I have every moment ingrained in my brain.  The other song which would be amazing to open with is Slow Train.  Ha, ha, can you tell I've grown comfortable watching Joe on DVD?  Really, it doesn't matter what he opens with...every tune will be something I'll remember for a very long time.  Just like I remember every detail of my first Metallica, Megadeth, Slipknot, etc. concerts I, too, will be able to recall this show at a moments notice.

"There's not much left for me to tell, I just got back up each time I fell"

5 Reply by RoadcaseBoy (edited by RoadcaseBoy 2016-04-06 15:35:55)

  • From: Seymour Duncan's Hometown, NJ
  • Registered: 2012-03-05
  • Posts: 2,309

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Jane H. wrote:

... bonamassatherapy ...

The word of the day ...
It has worked wonders for many of us!!

Great to hear you may attend.

"I was in Space for less than 2 weeks … and suddenly Jeaniene’s back … half the Band is off the gd wagon … we have comedians opening for us … and the nice kid that ran our website is now a kleptof’nmaniac.  Boy ... did you guys miss me!!"  Phil Valentine - Road Manager - Staton House Band

JBLP#251 (unaged) ... thank you Ron.
  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-17
  • Posts: 74

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

I have to say I hate social gatherings, especially work xmas parties and the like. So, although maybe not to the degree you have, I can only imagine it is not at all pleasant what you must experience.

That said, I hope the excitement of seeing Joe live will be enough to get you there. Once the show starts I'm sure you will be transported someplace magical and forget about anyone at all behind you.

And yeah, Django and Mountain Time strung back to back always give me chills.

Hope you make it there man, all the best!

1998 Ovation CS247 Celebrity Deluxe
2010 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2015 Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard with Bigsby (Signed)
  • gary
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  • From: Palatine Illinois by Chicago
  • Registered: 2006-08-25
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Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Hi JHLesPaul.
Sorry to hear of your issue.
Can you take any meds for it?
I also know someone with some anxiety issue that is using a laser acupuncture treatment and it is working from what I hear.
Just thought I would pass the info on.
So anyway, do what you can to focus on the real joy of the show!!

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Joe and his music has effected many in extremely positive ways. Let him and his music take you on a ride. You will be in the company of friends.
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
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  • RickB
  • RickB
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Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

It will be over before you know it and you'll be entranced.
Enjoy losing your Bonavirginity and have a ball! Be there on time. You can set your watch to his first note at 8 sharp.
There is no intermission except when he says a few words at mid-set.
It's the best.
Rick

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Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
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  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Kudos for expanding your horizons!
I can only reiterate what others have said:
Everything else tends to melt into the background when Joe gets on stage.
And remember, Joe's fans are the best...you'll be among people that all share a common love of Joe and his music.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • Registered: 2016-02-07
  • Posts: 98

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Saw my therapist today and he feels going to the concert is a great idea.
I take meds. for my bipolar disorder and anxiety so I'm beginning to feel confident all will be fine.
However, the best medicine will come from Joe's music and being alongside other Bonamassa fans. Hopefully my concert "etiquette" will be tolerable to those around me. I've only been to heavy metal concerts so I'm used to cheering rather "enthusiastically" :-)  Not to worry. I'll refrain from holding "metal horns" high in the sky. \m/

"There's not much left for me to tell, I just got back up each time I fell"
  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

I'm glad you'll be going to the concert. Proper etiquette is certainly a bit different at a JB concert vs a heavy metal concert. Just try to pick the right time to cheer, between songs is fine, but its a good idea to refrain from yelling out during the songs, especially during the softer portions. People pay good money to hear the concert, being respectful of that is the guiding principle of good concert etiquette.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
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  • gary
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  • From: Palatine Illinois by Chicago
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Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

I hope you post back here after the show and give us your thoughts.

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

  • Registered: 2016-02-07
  • Posts: 98

Re: have social phobia yet bought ticket to see Joe in Dallas, TX

Rusty wrote:

I'm glad you'll be going to the concert. Proper etiquette is certainly a bit different at a JB concert vs a heavy metal concert. Just try to pick the right time to cheer, between songs is fine, but its a good idea to refrain from yelling out during the songs, especially during the softer portions. People pay good money to hear the concert, being respectful of that is the guiding principle of good concert etiquette.

Ya, I'll be courteous to those around me.  Even at metal concerts I have (had) a tendency to be one of the quieter ones.  For me it's about taking in the whole experience.  And, I definitely know about paying "good money" to be there.  It's ok.  Watching Joe live is definitely worth the price of admission.  Being within the first few rows is something that will add so much to the concert.

"There's not much left for me to tell, I just got back up each time I fell"