Same here, but playing in a band instead of just going to see them. Heavy metal, small practice space. Heavy-handed drummer. I too thought earplugs were “lame”,

Same here, but playing in a band instead of just going to see them. Heavy metal, small practice space. Heavy-handed drummer. I too thought earplugs were “lame”, but eventually got sick of not being able to hear for 4 hours after band practice. Today, my right ear “cringes” (only word I can use to describe the feeling) when anything loud like a restroom hand-dryer goes off for more than a few seconds. I wear earplugs to all concerts now.