The short answer is yes, you generally have to be at least 18 years old to attend a Megadeth concert without a parent or guardian present. Megadeth is a heavy metal band known for their intense lyrics and sound, so their concerts are usually restricted to adults and older teenagers only.
Typical age restrictions for Megadeth concerts
Megadeth concerts are usually restricted to ages 18 and up, meaning you need to be at least 18 years old to attend without a parent or guardian with you. Here are some of the typical age policies for Megadeth concerts:
- General admission standing room only: 18+ only
- Reserved seating: 18+ recommended but sometimes 16+ allowed with ID
- Floor/pit tickets: Strictly 18+ only
- VIP/meet & greet packages: 18+ only
These policies can vary slightly by venue, but 18 is generally the minimum age for unaccompanied admittance. Some venues may allow 16 or 17 year olds to attend with a parent or legal guardian present, but policies are inconsistent across venues.
Why the 18+ age restriction?
There are a few reasons why most Megadeth concerts have an 18 and older age restriction:
- Adult themes in lyrics – Megadeth’s lyrics frequently deal with dark, violent, or sexual themes that may be considered inappropriate for those under 18.
- High energy – Their concerts are high energy heavy metal shows with moshing, crowd surfing, and more rowdy behavior common.
- Noise levels – Extremely high decibel levels that could potentially damage younger ears.
- Alcohol consumption – Alcohol is served at most venues, requiring patrons to be of legal drinking age.
- Violence/injuries – More violent behavior and injuries are a risk at metal shows compared to other genres.
Venues aim to keep shows 18+ only to keep minors away from this mature environment. They also want to limit liability issues that could arise from injuries or other incidents involving underage patrons.
Are there any exceptions?
There are a few rare exceptions where those under 18 can attend a Megadeth show:
- All ages shows – Once in a blue moon Megadeth will play an advertised all ages show, usually at a festival or as a co-headliner. These shows are open to all ages but rare.
- Parental supervision – Some venues may allow 16-17 year olds to attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian who can take responsibility for them. Policies vary by venue.
- Working the event – Minors can attend if working at the venue, i.e. as a ticket taker, vendor, backstage staff, etc.
Outside of these kinds of exceptions, those under 18 should not expect to be admitted into a Megadeth show. Fans are recommended to check the specific age policy at the venue they plan to attend if under 18.
Tips for attending as a minor
If you are under 18 but still hoping to see Megadeth live, here are some tips:
- See if any upcoming shows are advertised as all ages and pick those dates.
- Contact the venue ahead of time to ask about allowance of minors with adult supervision.
- Look for festival performances, where Megadeth may be bound by all ages rules.
- Check venues near your state border which may have more relaxed rules.
- Wait for an all ages show or check again when you turn 18.
Trying to sneak in underage is never recommended, as you will most likely be caught and denied entry. Your best bet is to plan around the venues that do allow minors with parental supervision when possible.
Is it worth trying to sneak in?
It’s nearly impossible to sneak into a 18+ Megadeth concert if you are underage. Here’s why it’s not worth trying:
- ID checks – Your ID will be closely checked against your appearance and possibly scanned to verify age.
- Wristbands – Age wristbands are commonly applied once ID is shown.
- Marked tickets – Under 18 tickets may be marked differently.
- Extra security – More security is expected at 18+ shows, looking for rule breakers.
- Denial of entry – If caught, you will be denied entry without refund.
- Legal trouble – Venues may get police involved and issue fines if minors repeatedly attempt to gain entry.
You have a far better chance getting into a show by checking age policies ahead of time rather than trying to sneak past security checks. Getting caught could ruin your night before it even starts.
At what age can I attend without a guardian?
The most common age you can attend a Megadeth concert without an adult is 18 years old. Once you are 18, you are considered a legal adult and can attend 18+ only events freely. Some key points:
- Policies vary slightly by venue, but 18 is the standard unaccompanied age.
- Some venues allow 16-17 with a guardian, but this is less common.
- Even if 17, they may restrict entry without an adult present.
- Some all ages shows allow unaccompanied minors, but very rare for Megadeth.
- Have valid photo ID proving your 18+ age ready when purchasing tickets and entering the venue.
Unless the show is specifically advertised as all ages, you should be at least 18 to attend a Megadeth concert without being accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check the venue’s age policy when buying tickets to be sure, and only purchase unaccompanied tickets if you will be 18 by the concert date.
Can I wait outside the venue if under 18?
It is not recommended to wait outside a 18+ Megadeth concert if you are under 18, even with a parent. Here’s why:
- Loitering concerns – Venues don’t want unsupervised groups of minors hanging around the premises.
- Smoking/drinking – Common outside venues and hard to control with minors present.
- Rowdy behavior – Intoxicated concert goers exiting shows can be rowdy and dangerous.
- Hearing damage – You will still be exposed to loud music levels even outside.
- Denied re-entry – Your guardian may not be allowed back in after exiting.
Instead of waiting outside, it is better to:
- Attend an all ages show where you can go in together and wait inside.
- Have your guardian drive you home after dropping you off rather than wait.
- Pick a venue further from the parking area so you don’t have to wait nearby.
- Wait at a safe distance in the guardian’s car or at a restaurant/shop nearby.
For your safety and comfort, avoid hanging around immediately outside a restricted Megadeth show if you couldn’t get tickets. Come up with an alternate plan with your guardian.
Can I get a refund if turned away for age?
If you are under 18 and attempted to buy Megadeth tickets unaware of the age limit, you typically will not get a refund if denied entry based on age. Here is why:
- Non-refundable policy – Most concert tickets have a no refund policy, especially for restricted events.
- Warnings – Age limits are usually clearly advertised so buyers should be informed.
- Sellers not liable – Third party sellers like Ticketmaster are not responsible for venue entry policies.
- Purposeful restrictions – Limits are intentional so venues don’t make exceptions.
- Precedent concerns – Giving some refunds would set precedent obligating future refunds.
Your best recourse is to carefully check the listed age policy for a Megadeth show beforehand when purchasing tickets. If you are under 18, only buy tickets if the event is advertised as all ages or you plan to bring an adult. Otherwise, you will likely lose the money spent on tickets if turned away at the door for your age.
Can I get a refund if turned away with a guardian?
In some cases you may be able to get a refund on Megadeth tickets if you are under 18 and turned away even with a guardian present. You have the best chance if:
- The event was not clearly advertised as 18+ only.
- You can document being told minors were allowed when purchasing tickets.
- The venue policies contradicted info you received beforehand.
- You purchased directly from the venue box office and they set the policy.
You likely will not get a refund if the 18+ policy was:
- Clearly posted in ads and at time of ticket purchase.
- Is standard policy for this band and venue.
- Was an oversight on your or the seller’s part not checking rules.
- Tickets were non-refundable or sold via a third party.
Check age policies carefully before buying tickets as a minor to avoid losing money. But you may have a case for a refund if the venue did not make restrictions clear beforehand.
Conclusion
Attending a Megadeth concert generally requires being at least 18 years old, with very few exceptions made. This 18+ age limit is enforced for mature content concerns, liability issues, and more. Minors should not try to sneak in underage due to a high likelihood of getting caught and denied entry. The best policy is to double check a show’s age rules before purchasing tickets as a minor. Barring special all ages shows, you typically have to be 18 to attend Megadeth concerts without supervision.
