A Beginners Guide To Writing Gig Reviews

If you’re just starting out as a journalist, launching your own blog, or simply keeping a record of the gigs you go to each year, writing reviews is part of the process. Everyone starts somewhere, and the more you write, the better you’ll get. Whether you’re at a show by an artist you’ve never heard of or someone you absolutely adore, the hardest part is often knowing where to begin when you sit down to reflect on the night.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when you’re starting out:

1. Take a look around
   Describe the space you’re in: the venue, the crowd, what people are wearing, what the artist is wearing, and the overall atmosphere. Is it hot and sweaty? Packed wall to wall? Low-ceilinged and intimate? You’re setting the scene for readers who weren’t there, or transporting those who were right back into the room.

2. How did it sound?
   Talk about the performance itself. How was the band or artist live? Were there any standout moments in the staging, lighting, or visuals that left an impression?

3. Highlight a moment that stood out
   Was there a particular song that hit differently live? Did the artist do something unexpected, or maybe something that didn’t quite land? You can absolutely share what you didn’t enjoy too, just explain why, and what you think could have worked better.

4. Add a bit of context.
   It’s always helpful to include some background on the artist. Is this tour celebrating a new album? A festival warm-up show? Where are they in their career right now? Give the reader a sense of what this gig represents.

5. Don’t forget the crowd.
   Audience reactions can bring a review to life. How did the room respond to certain songs? How did it make you feel? At the end of the day, a review is your perspective, so your emotional response matters.

Above all, keep it honest, engaging, and to the point. You don’t need to over-explain every detail. Clarity and personality go a long way!

If you’re feeling nervous, it can really help to jot down a few points before the show and keep them in mind throughout the night. Take photos or short videos too as they’re great memory joggers when you’re writing the next day. And if you’re planning to publish your review, sharing a draft with friends for feedback is always a good idea as a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference.

Most importantly, enjoy it. You might be watching your favourite artist, so soak it all in and make the most of the experience.