Falling at the final hurdle in the chase to get tickets for your favourite band is a crushing experience. We've all been that soldier, frantically hitting the refresh button even though we know the game is over. Well and truly over. Those tickets are sold out, but we're not just not quite ready to accept the defeat.

Every once in a while, however, the music Gods smile down on us and those golden tickets make their merry way into our inbox. A glorious occasion.

Here are the 15 stages of getting a ticket to your dream gig.

1. The excitement

You get the news that your musical idol is coming to town. Forget Christmas, Easter, Paddy's Day and your birthday, this is the best day of your year.

2. The questions

After tweeting, texting, Facebooking and generally screaming at anyone who will listen about your excitement, you start to ponder the details. Who's the support act? How much will the tickets cost? Who CARES! You can't freaking wait!

3. The nerves

It's the night before tickets go on sale. You've pre-registered your credit card details and set seven alarms. Those pre-sale jitters are real. For those few early morning hours before it's time to get up and face the music, you are the fear.

4. The blind hope

You get up an hour and half before the tickets go on sale. And even though haven't slept a wink, you're feeling positive. You will be going to this gig.

5. The Whatsapp pep talk

You need to check if everyone is awake, at their laptops and ready to pounce on these tickets. Every member of your Wolfpack is responsible for making these tickets happen. There will be consequences if this doesn't work out.

6. The realisation of the cost

Oh my God, you didn't factor in the processing fee. Are these people having a laugh? Everyone will need to pay you back immediately. Like, today. You'll have no money left in your account. Beans and toast for the week.

7. The final countdown

Five minutes to blast off, people. The nerves reach an all-time peak. You've lost all perspective on life. All that matters now is getting those tickets.

8. The paranoia

Wait, what time is? Is it actually 7.57? Or is it really 7.59? Why is there nobody here to tell me the official time? Oh GOD.

9. The moment the clock strikes 8am:

10. The panic refreshing

You start refreshing that sale webpage like there's no tomorrow. Refreshing and refreshing and refreshing until you think your finger might actually fall off. Your heart is thumping in your chest. The struggle is real.

11. The horror Of course this is the moment your laptop decides to freeze. That's right, totally seize up just when you need it most. Why is this happening? What did you ever do to deserve this??

12. The moment of truth You're through! You knew having those credit card details pre-registered would pay off. You're winning at life. Your payment is processing....

13. The big reveal

The screen refreshes. And there it is before your eyes. You've done it. You've managed to purchase those golden tickets. The sense of achievement envelops you like a warm blanket.

14. The email confirmation

Pfft, game over. Your work here is done. And you're feeling pretty smug about it. Pretty smug indeed.

15. The realisation you're going to see your favourite band...

And it's going to be awesome. This is a great day. And it's only 8.07am.

Never miss a gig? Three customers can now enjoy unrivalled access to to 3Arena, music tickets, festival experiences, competitions and much more. Register now with 3Plus to get these exclusive deals as well as offers on shopping, food & drink.