It is a matter of building up your exposure to such venue events gradually. It took me a year or two, so it sound like your just about at the same place. Like I said somewhere above, the likes of cinemas are a good place to test yourself because they are rarely that busy. Pick week days for the least amount of people attending, plus you have more chance of staff on hand, who are more than willing to assist, if only for a break from the boredom But you can take your time as you don’t have the same hordes on the stairs
As for the concert, I did thoroughly enjoy myself and am not put off doing it again and again for as long as good health will allow But I do think back to how I was the first couple of years after my stroke and how much I wouldn’t have been be able to cope with. So this post carries a number of messages’ particularly for those in early post stroke recovery. It can and does get better…though maybe not completely; life isn’t over because you’ve had a stroke…just postponed and you still have much to look forward to and enjoy; and hopefully with all the tips and tricks we’ve all offered up from our experiences, will give you all a better chance to enjoy such events yourself, if not quite now then at some point in the future
A lot of excellent advice here. A lot from the usual suspects ! I will not let this experience put me off.In fact there is a Simon and Garfuncal( wrong spelling!) in our local.theatre coming up soon I think I’ll ask my husband to book us seats for that! It should be manageable!!Thank you once again!
Good for you Gorrie, half your problem you’ve already started to resolve. Knowing what to expect will better prepare you for it and reduce some tension. Just take it easy for the day in preparation for the performance relax and expect to enjoy yourself. And know that you can always leave early if you find it’s too much. And then you can report back here because I love Simon and Garfunkel too and we’ll all want to know how you faired After all, life is for living
I’m wheelchair bound after my second stroke in 2023. However, that didn’t stop me from going to the Arena in Leeds to see Gregory Porter. My wife, my carer, I’m PEG fed went for free and we were placed in a special wheelchair bay. The concert was sublime. Mr Porter had surrounded himself with consummate musicians.
So we are going in April 2026 to see Richard Ashcroft and before that I am going with my son to see Suede at the Engine Shed in Lincoln. (February 2026).
So if you like seeing live bands and you can afford it, just do it. It will bring some joy to your heart!
My first stroke in 2016 left me disabled but ambulant. That didn’t stop me from seeing Australian Pink Floyd in 2022 and later that year Steve Hackett.
Cerebellum stroke 10 months ago, but gradually recovering.
Big music fan, used to go to a lot of gigs, but even before the stroke I decided it’s small gigs only as I started to dislike crowds, rip-off prices, poor views etc. Corporate is taking over as with everything else.
Since the stroke I’ve been to a few small gigs, it’s been OK although my dislike of being crowded in has intensified, as has my dislike of people who choose to chat all the way through the show! I’m not sure that’s age or stroke related (I’m 63)!
Although I can experience ‘sensory overload’ I have found it OK at the gigs, one thing I do make sure is I where earplugs to reduce the volume as my tinnitus has been worse since the stroke. I’ve found them really effective to take the edge off.
I’ve got to say other situations freak me out much more than gigs - restaurants with noisy chat echoing around high ceilings; and anything to do with height!
@EmeraldEyes All of what you stated above is expected at a Madness concert. I went to a Queen by Candlelight and was very fortunate that the people to my left were a really nice mature couple who caused no problems whatsoever. I did feel unsafe as I tried to get to my seat, but the seats I booked were the only ones left as there were 3 of us and I wanted us to be together. The concert was completely amazing as I love live music, but for future I would only go if I can book a box for my own safety. Apart from all you had to deal with you seemed to enjoy yourself, reading between the lines. Have an amazing day
I saw Adam Ant, a year and a half post stroke, I commented at the time that he was 67, and he performed in a theatre, so we all had seats and if you wanted to dance about, there was a small space at the front, close to me because I had front row seats. The audience were mostly silverbacks, and I was not out of place with my cane.
Rupert, this was Madness, they’re all in their 60s now, sadly one even has cancer now so wasn’t there. So the majority of the audience were also silverbacks. I’d say most of the younger ones were their children who grew with it…like our two. And being seated was no deterrent
But you can take your time as you don’t have the same hordes on the stairs 
But I do think back to how I was the first couple of years after my stroke and how much I wouldn’t have been be able to cope with. So this post carries a number of messages’ particularly for those in early post stroke recovery. It can and does get better…though maybe not completely; life isn’t over because you’ve had a stroke…just postponed and you still have much to look forward to and enjoy; and hopefully with all the tips and tricks we’ve all offered up from our experiences, will give you all a better chance to enjoy such events yourself, if not quite now then at some point in the future 
After all, life is for living 
