Words and photos provided by Valerie Gritsch

As I’ve mentioned on varying blogs here on the XMR HUB, I have chronic illnesses. Mine are invisible, meaning I look able-bodied even when I feel like I am on death’s door. I know there are many others like me who are obsessed with music and love going to gigs and try to balance that love with their disabilities or illnesses. It’s hard, I won’t lie. It’s a juggling act. You can’t fully enjoy one, because in the back of your mind you’re worrying about the other.

Inspired by a recent post by Safe Gigs For Women founder Tracey Wise, I decided to compile some tips. Some are from me personally, some are from others with health issues. All of them are ways we have found to survive a night or weekend out with live music. If you have your own tips, feel free to send them our way for inclusion. Please do. There may have been something we haven't thought of yet.

Before the Gig