Millie Gooch: “Give yourself the gift of at least doing one gig in your life sober”
Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, encourages people to try attending at least one gig without drinking. She says being sober can make live music more memorable and help concertgoers feel more present, though the experience may initially bring anxiety or discomfort.
The writer describes going to gigs sober over the past year and finding the experience more relaxing and connected, while stressing that this is a personal perspective rather than a call for abstinence. Gooch says she struggled to recall many concerts from when she drank, and argues that sobriety helps her take in performances, especially when tickets are expensive.
- Millie Gooch recommends trying one gig sober.
- She says sobriety can make concerts more memorable.
- The writer presents it as a personal choice, not a call to abstain.
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Millie Gooch founded the Sober Girl Society, a community for women who are sober or want to explore life without alcohol. Her comments sit within a wider conversation about how drinking fits into social occasions, including concerts, where alcohol is often available.
People’s experiences of gigs without alcohol vary: some may find it easier to focus on the music, while others may feel anxious or out of place at first. Gooch’s suggestion is to try one sober gig, rather than to stop drinking altogether; the choice is personal.