10 Worst Ways To Behave At Concerts: How You’re Ruining It For Everyone
May 2nd, 2008
The other day I took a look at my positively RAMMED spring/summer concert calendar and my left nostril promptly flared to the size of a grapefruit. Concert season is a time for excitement, but at the same time it’s a time for frustration and cynicism. These days you have to brace yourself for an experience easily ruined by the fans themselves, who (from what I’ve seen) have become a rude and unruly lot entirely unaware of everyone else’s personal space. I now present you with ten rules that people blatantly disobey, or, ways that you’re ruining it for everyone else.
1. Recording the show or incessantly taking photos with your cell phone. I honestly don’t know why people do this. The photo quality of the majority of cell phones is terrible. I certainly didn’t pay $30-100 for my ticket just to watch it through a 3×2 inch screen with your extended arm as an obstruction, why did you? Are you honestly ever going to look at those photos again? And when you do, will you even be able to recognize the tiny speck that’s centre stage as Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys? Will you be able to tell you’re at a Spice Girls reunion concert instead of the New Kids On the Block reunion concert? No. Ditto for people who record entire songs on a shitty camera for future uploading to YouTube. 90% of these videos are unwatchable. Check out this “sweet” four-and-a-half minute footage from a recent Yelle show that someone shot and uploaded for our viewing pleasure. In case you couldn’t make it out, the song Yelle’s performing in the clip is “Je Veux Te Voir”.
2. Waiting until the show has started to secure your spot in the front row. People line up outside general admission venues hours, sometimes even DAYS, before the show in order to snag that prime spot from which to enjoy a show that they’ve likely been waiting to see for much longer than you. In the Land of the Fair, It’s called waiting your f**king turn. So when one is rammed at the front, standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of sweaty mouth breathers is uncomfortable enough without your conga line of friends charging through the crowd claiming, “Oh, my friend’s up there!”. It’s like when you’re late for a movie and making a huge production of finding a seat after the lights have gone down. It’s rude. And no, if you’ve scored a front row spot, you cannot ever leave to use the washroom or get a drink. You’ve sealed your fate - you’ll never make your way back.
“Hey! Can you hear this? It’s Pearl Jam. This is what you’re missing. Wish you were here. OMG do you hear? They’re playing Even Flow. Listen!!” *puts phone up to speaker*
3. Talking throughout the entire show. Speaking of rude: No one’s saying you have to stand there like a wax statue with your arms folded, intently concentrating on every lyric and chord. But we could do without the people who feel the need to constantly natter to their friends throughout the show, especially at smaller shows where the band can HEAR you not paying attention. There have even been shows where the band stopped playing to ask people to STFU. Embarrraaaaaassssing! It’s like people who talk in class…why are you even there? Go stand at the back near the bar if you want to chat.
4. Being over 6′4 and choosing to stand in front of the shortest person in the crowd. You can’t fault people for being tall (or too short), but why does the tallest person usually have a complete disregard for where they’re standing? If you see a 5′0 tall girl, don’t stand directly in front of her. Maybe kneel? Maybe lop off your legs at the shins? Or better yet, maybe just stand behind her? The same goes for girls who insist on sitting on their boyfriends’ shoulders for the duration of the show. The band might appreciate it when you show them your boobies, but the entire audience behind you will just think you’re a boob. Thanks for blocking my view, dink.
5. Continually crowd surfing or slam dancing even though it’s not that kind of show. You can only be dropped straight to the ground and then hoisted back up so many times by your fellow concert-goers before it gets exhausting for everyone involved. Some people are actually trying to enjoy themselves and not worry about getting an errant boot or elbow to the head while trying to gently guide you towards safety. Save it for Lollapalooza or some other monster UK festival. Ditto to people who mosh and slamdance at shows like Crystal Castles or Klaxons. Don’t make me show you the black eye I got at a seemingly “tame” Malajube show.
6. Being an unruly lout. Everyone knows all about the one dude who stands at the back of the venue and yells “WOOO! YES!!!” during the band’s between-song banter and at the start of every song, regardless of whether he can recognize it. What’s worse is when that dude brings along all of his rabblerousing buddies, and they get to the venue early to get their drink on. By the time the show starts they’re slurring their words and sloshing their drinks, bumping into people and stomping on toes. Get a hold of yourselves, people! Try to make it to the encore without blacking out, please.
7. Spastic dancing and general disregard for personal space. We know you wanna dance. And we WANT you to dance and have a good time. But take a moment to look around and size up the amount of space you have to work with and adjust your movement accordingly. If it’s Daft Punk and everyone’s going ballastic, go ahead and join in. If the crowd’s tightly packed and there’s no room to dance, bop along, maybe try to start a mini-dance party, but now’s not the time to start flipping your hair like a stripper, breakdancing or practising the Soulja Boy dance.
8. Holding up a sign or flag for the duration of the show. This practice is especially popular at any British indie band show. Suddenly everyone’s a raving fan of the Union Jack and has brought along a humongous silk flag to prove it. Not only that, but they want to make sure the band is aware of their nationalism. Then you have the people who write deeply personal messages for the band on bristolboard and hold it up in the hopes that the guitarist will fall in love with them. Nope - the only thing you’ll feel from behind is hate.
9. Standing at a seated venue. Look, I go to a lot of shows. Almost all of them are general admission/standing. I look forward to sitting at the 10% of venues that have seats. So for the love of god, please don’t LEAP out of your seat the moment the band hits the stage and remain standing for the entire set. Stand for a couple of songs and then sit back down. The domino effect is really strong on this one - it’s kind of hard to convince an entire audience to sit down, and once one row is up, others are sure to follow, meaning anyone who’s too tired or short to see anything while standing won’t get to see anything if they stay in their seats.
10. Waiting till the band plays their radio hit and then leaving . A lot of times the band comes to town early in their career and they already know that you only came to see them for one song. But humour them and feign some interest in the rest of their material - it’s all near and dear to them; it just happens that one of their songs is being pimped out by their label or the local radio station. Several tours later, they’re probably already sick of playing it anyway, and want you to latch onto something new. If they haven’t saved it for the encore, after which there would be a natural exit break, don’t start a mass exodus out of the venue. The other songs might crash and burn, but emergency exits should only be used in case of actual fire.
Anything else that’s ruining your live show experience that I’ve missed here?
Photograph Courtesy Getty Images
Posted on Friday, May 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am by Kat and is filed under Concerts & Events.
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289 Responses to “10 Worst Ways To Behave At Concerts: How You’re Ruining It For Everyone”
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At a show last summer, I saw a band play a brand new song that they had never played before and 90 percent of the crowd just chatted like it was a fucking intermission. It was so aggravating.
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I agree with all the cell phone related points. As far as the rowdiness is concerned, if you can’t handle it, go to the back. I’ve been to Klaxons and Crystal Castles shows, and it always gets crazy so I guess they are THOSE kind of bands.
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People who smoke pot at concerts drive me NUTS. Do it outside the venue if you feel the need to get high. Don’t make the rest of the people at the show around you suffer.
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we go to different shows, me thinks.
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um seriously how is “yelling ‘Free Bird!’” not numbers one through five? that stopped being funny when the people on stage were the ones at the concerts.
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I used to go to so many shows and I know I was obnoxious in many of the ways you have stated. Especially at the punk shows. Interestingly, I also got really annoyed by other people’s behavior at the shows. Let’s see… I was a selfish person and so was everyone else at the show. It was all about me.
But in the past 10 years I have discovered the most awesome phenomenon: Christian concerts. I can not even believe how polite and considerate everyone is at a Christian show. Of course, they aren’t for everyone, but there are more and more varied genres of Christian music - hip hop, punk, alternative, etc. - and so far, every one that I have been to has been equally satisfying. I still stand up throughout shows, though. And definitely sing along. But I know the bands totally appreciate the crowd singing along.
The cell phone thing can get annoying, but its not as bad as the rest of the things you listed. I like viewing videos on youtube of shows I missed - if the video has semi-good quality.
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Wow, it’s like you visited my inner thoughts and put it on this blog. I’m a concert junkie and all of this is so true.
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I was just at a concert today and my friend was literally shoved to the floor. These dumb bitches who did it were so enthusiastic about OMGTHEIRFAVORITEEVAR that they started stepping all over her! I literally had to fight people back with the help of a couple stray metalheads and haul her back up.
Seriously a lot of these rules I don’t really agree with but that right there is a prime example of concert etiquette goin downhill. If someone goes down in front of you, you pick them up. Even drunk idiots at metal concerts obey this rule. It’s dangerous otherwise.
I don’t like the smoke when it’s in the middle of a song and next to a mosh pit - that’s asking to burn someone there. Same with the drinks. Finish the drink by the bar and then run back into the crowd, OK? Get wasted but don’t get it on me.
I realize that the shoving and everything else is going to happen. Inevitably I always end up behind the tall guy and I don’t want to be the person who starts shoving people out of the way just to see by him, it’s just rude to do that. So I stay put and in a song or two things have shifted enough for me to see. Things move naturally.
And usually if anyone pisses me off I make an attempt to move, nicely. But honestly it is very hard to move in a lot of concerts without bodily pushing people, which causes them to push back, and just starts a pushing war which could end up with people on the floor, and I don’t want that.
I have a sort of problem with people who shove back ridiculously hard. I know you need to remake the space you lost because of the crush but you don’t have to do it quite that bad, it just causes retaliation.
Dance as crazy as you want as long as you don’t hit me anywhere - unless I’m by the pit, then I’m asking for it. I like it better if the crazy dancers manage to do it in a zone, and a lot do (but a lot of girls love to moosh up against my back and rambunctiously bounce and hit me with their flailing arms - look I am not a guy, I am not interested in doing things with you.) It’s also usually girls that don’t keep buffer zones so when the crowd push goes on, they have no give and take and end up shoving people even more because of it. It’s not concert etiquette or anything but if you tried leaving some space instead of completely mooshing, things might not get so rough.
Finally, god damn girls. There is one thing, ONE THING I cannot stand at concerts and that is when your screams are not normal scream but in fact banshee wails. I know you are so excited but please keep your screams in a normal octave and not one that will break glass AND my eardrums.
All the other rules you have? Eh whatever.
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I Agree! I saw Smashing pumpkins, waited like 6 hours before the concert, got a front row in Gen Admin.. and then someone says “dude, excuse me” and tries to get his way in there. Waited HOURS for a Garbage Concert and lucky I got front Row.. and was able to secure front row at a No Doubt Concert (I am aging myself i know now..
BUT in the others I have seen this.. assholes stand up, get in front of you. push around. block with stupid signs, talk loud. Why cant people just be respective.. and these are not just “made up rules” these are common sense - unwritten rules at concerts. I paid my $60 to see the show just as you did.. doesnt mean you can dance and push your way around
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If you dont like cell phone video or pics of concerts then dont take them. why does it matter if other people want them?
Securing your spot: Standing room only= Not high school assigned seating. Stand where you want. move to where you want, at your own risk. be an adult.
im 6′2, does that mean i shouldnt ever be at the front of a show? if it obstructs your view so much then move. dont act like a little kid and cry to your blog about how some tall guy ruined a show by standing in front of you.
if someone decides they’re into the music, the band, or the show enough to where they feel like they want to dance or move around to show the band they’re into the music, then they have every right to. i dont know how many shows ive gone to where the band is giving everything and the crowd just stands there and stares at them.
if these things ruin concerts for you then maybe you shouldnt go to concerts.
if you dont like people talking during the movie at the theater, then dont go.it happens and if its going to ruin the movie for you then why risk it?
just deal with it.
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Bravo, every single word in the article is 100% correct.
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At first I thought about agreeing with you… Then I thought about this band Municipal Waste, and how awesome their shows are, and how f’in retarded they would be if there were stupid rules like the ones you laid out.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FReXY-aKoKY
^^Now thats a show
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I have had plenty of smoking (pot) people at concerts. Pink Floyd… Standing at a seated venue where I left smelling like beer and pot. It was baaaad (besides Pink Floyd, of course).
Also, at another concert, we got there SIX hours and were in the front of the line, and were on the barricade, at a huge venue concert. It was great. Then some douche behind me and my friends was smoking and rubbing against us. Eventually me and some other girls started to hit him and yell for security. He was… “taken care of” very well.
It was a good moment.But, please, if you are the person described in #2 and/or #9, be aware of how many people want to throw you in a pit of razorblades. I would be one of them…
And the whole smash dance thing is for idiotic scene kids. Nobody likes that.
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totally agree with all of these points.
every single one is true.
and i really don’t think it should be acceptable for people to do drugs at concerts.
people, come on when there’s so much smoke in the room that i can barely see the stage? that’s pathetic.
oh, and for the whole thing about singing every word to every song?
that’s probably the only thing that doesn’t bother me at a show.
it’s amazing when people scream back the words to the bands.
it shows dedication and how much the band means to them.
and trust me, 99% of the time the band is completely thrilled when that happens.
it makes them feel accomplished.
i hate all of you losers who have no consideration for people these days.
WE JUST WANT TO SEE A FREAKING CONCERT.
not get choked to death or get our skull smashed in. which has happened to me way too many times.
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The only one I don’t like is #6.
I do a lot of screaming after songs at shows (not drunk, and know the songs) and bands and crowds seem to respond in a positive way.
Of course….it’s totally rude to scream during whole songs especially “Hurt”, quiet instrumental sections, or Neil Young shows…
But do think bringing a lot of energy and love for the scene is good.
Just apply rule #7 to the screaming and hollering.
Remember, when you make noise, the band knows you love them!
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To everyone who trashes the author for failing to “have fun” at concerts, you have to remember that not EVERYONE in the world has fun in the same way that YOU do, nor should you expect them to. Some people do not think that being wild, violent, rude, drunk, and stoned is a good time, believe it or not.
Some people actually have more fun when they are COMFORTABLE sitting in a seat so they can actually focus on the band instead of on how much their legs and feet hurt from having to stand up for 3 hours straight.
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It all comes down to common courteousy. i want to have fun at a show, i want people to have fun at a show. whati hate, are the flag wearing bogans at festivals with their fluro attire and dilated pupils dancing around like morons. it sets a pathetic image for australian youth(I can only talk for shows in australia) and you are not impressing anyone.
If you go to a punk/metal/hard rock show, you expect a moshpit. Moshing is alot different to ‘Fight Dancing’. if i get one more dumb ass little shit swinging his arms around at my face, he will be leaving early.
I agree mostly with what you said, it all comes down to having a good time, but respecting everyone else around you. This practise should be used throughout your whole life.
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I’m 6′5″, and it really annoys me when some shorty decides to stand behind me halfway through a gig and then complains about it. What the hell do you want ME to do, especially when the room is packed full? If I have room I will step aside, but more often than not it just means I end up standing in front of someone else. Some of us are just tall - it’s your responsibility to find a good spot, not mine to give up a good spot for you.
Also, with respect to standing / sitting - I have arthritis and although I’m ok most of the time, some days are worse than others and I can have painful flare-ups, so I need somewhere to rest. Not necessarily a seat, but say, an open area near a wall where I can take the weight off my feet for a while. I know I can’t expect other people to go out of their way to make room for me, but I hate when there are very clearly areas set aside for people who want to sit down / take a break, and it’s just full of people jumping around and generally getting in the way.
I’m definitely with the ‘have fun at a gig’ crowd, but you know, a little respect and courtesy goes a long way. A few years ago I was right in the pit going mental with the others (and I completely disagree with the ‘moshers aren’t there for the music’ thing - I was always listening to the music while moshing), but that was before I got arthritis, meaning I can no longer bounce around and dance like I used to (And I’m only 21 - still got some life in me yet
)Another thing (I’m just ranting here) - I was at a Ladytron gig the other night - it was pretty rammed so not many people were doing much more than a little ‘on the spot’ dancing - and some idiot behind me spilled an entire pint down the back of my legs. The bitch didn’t even apologise, she just looked a bit embarassed and said ‘oh, I was just too excited’. Yeah, like that’s ok - if you’re reading this the LEAST you could have done was say sorry like you meant it.
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cant stand guys who have girls on their shoulders most of the time not wit the girl n think if do it wit girl shed sleep wit him later how wrong they are
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I can see what you are getting. I’ve not actually been in the middle of any of them, because I generally go to death metal shows and am in mosh pits. But i hate it when people start hardcore dancing at the worst time and take up as much room as possible
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I’ve been to a shitload of concerts in the last year (get in free because I work for radio) and every single one of these points I agree with. I’m one of those “observe quietly from the back” type of concert-goers and absolutely cannot stand when someone else’s enthusiasm interrupts mine; yes, enjoy the concert in your own way but do it so it doesn’t affect mine.
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The sign thing would deserve a beat-down, but somebody talking on a cell phone? Just relax!
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A concert is a party; Not church. It’s a place where you shouldn’t have to worry about anything, much less this kind of stuff. We all have to be considerate at a concert, of course, but a little bit of tolerance goes a long way.
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I agree with most of these, general guidelines. We’re not asking you to do jack shit during the show, we’re just asking you to give us less reason to want to kill you. It’s just a little consideration.
And speaking of, I couldn’t agree more with number four. I love concerts of all types, and being 5′ gets in the way of seeing a lot of them. I go earlier so I can see, not so I can block your view. 9/10 of you can see straight over my head, there’s no reason you need to push in front of me and block me for the entire damn show.
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#11
people who try to assign 10 rules for going to a rock concert
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ahahahaha why the fuck is this stumbled? why did i read it? fucking hell i’m glad all the idiots have crap taste in music and don’t come to the gigs i go to . particularly i’m vexed by the inclusion of “don’t leave after that one song” … well excuse me wtf, how about
“don’t listen to bands that only have one song people want to listen to, listen to some real fucking music where every song on an album is great, then go to their gigs and notice how everyone has a good time and there’s no dickery” … i’m talking about metal, and also jazz and blues. if you want good gigs, don’t go to manufactured crap
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As a short person it does seem unfair when a tall person is in front but just move. The one about sitting at a concert–that is very lame and old fashion to do especially when the band is asking you to stand and enjoy the concert. Saw that happen at a Billy Idol and Evanesance Concert. These were people my age who have not been at a concert in a very long time and are out of touch. Kind of makes you understand why some bands do not come to Toronto because you disrespect them by sitting down at a concert.
What I hate at a concert is when someone tries to shove their way to the front–I either stand my ground as a short person or use elbows strategically placed.
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I think the point is just common courtesy. I don’t like it when people push their way through to the front when I have been there forever…As I would not dream of doing that. I also have had very tall, muscular men, push and shove their way past me, to stand directly in front of me. The mid-lower part of their back was not the best view. I hate moshers (during slow melodic songs)…I guess I am a stick in the mud. As a short person, I don’t expect someone to kneel, or move. But for godsake, don’t go out of your way to push me out of the way to obstruct my view, Jerk.
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Yeah I never understood the cell-phone pic obsession at concerts. I see people take, like, 10 pics per song on their crappy cell-phone cam (they are ALL crappy in that kind of environment, don’t kid yourself mister 2.0 megapixels, lulz).
And yes, it does bother me, because I have to squint through 10 people’s arms holding cell cams to see.
I realize there is no codified set of rules at a concert, but some of this shit is just common sense man. Sure, noone is going to stop you from screaming like a banshee or dancing like a whore during every show no matter what song it is (don’t you love those chicks who only seem to have that ONE skanky dance move, and then just do it repeatedly for the whole set).
Now, yes, certain shows I expect some shit to go down. I go to metal shows mostly, and I expect there to be a mosh pit, and beer being spilt every now and then, and maybe even some random debris being thrown, but don’t throw full cups of beer, or lit cigarettes, or any of that shit.
Also, sod-throwing, while hilarious, and totally awesome to witness when I was 15, is not really all that cool. My friend nearly got his neck broke by a huge piece of sod. If i see you throwing sod randomly into the crowd, I will intentionally pour my beer all over your head, or maybe just take a picture of you and show it to security on my way out. Ripping up sod also makes me have to pay 5 bucks more a year just to see the same lame show.
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I can forgive anybody of these offenses under the following 2 conditions: 1) the offender is female and 2) the offending female takes her shirt off
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How about people who make out right next to you in crowded venues? I was recently at a Citizen Cope show in a local music venue, and crammed next to a couple where it was very clear that he was there for the music and she was there for the guy! Toward the end of the show when the band was playing some slower songs, she was suddenly wrapped around him, grinding her hips into his and looking longingly into his eyes, while he was watching the band like a respectful fan! Of course, a young guy can only take that for so long, even if he is a die hard fan, and soon they were making out hardcore, a very distracting and disgusting display for those of us who were around and behind them!
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Sorry, I don’t agree about the cell phone stuff. Not all those videos are shit and I enjoy watching them on You Tube. Also, if I try to get to my seat just after the show has started, that means I just got off work and I think I can get to the show on time after perhaps missing the opening act.
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I went to a Liars show in February. It was at Warsaw, where photos/recording are allowed, so a lot of people had their cameras out, and I’m ashamed to say I hit a dude in the face with my elbow a couple times when taking pictures.
However, I was a good fan, and got there an hour early when no one was there to meet the opening band and secure a spot in the front of a very empty hall (and stayed there the whole time, no pissing or anything), danced appropriately when there were some dicks next to me, didn’t make out with my girlfriend during the show, didn’t grow any taller than my 5′8, didn’t get any older than my 18 years so that I could go get crunk or do any illegal substances (Ah, America), said maybe three words to a nice guy next to me during the show (and a little chatter between bands), and only sang/shout back when the crowed was invited to by the frontman.
And though I completely get why people think you’re a dick for writing this, I appreciate that someone cares about making the experience calm and fun for everyone. Because I stuck to indie concert ettiquette rules, we really enjoyed ourselves.
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Most of the comment here sound like they are from 20 Nothings:
This little boy lives in his mom basement, hes never going to get laid and will be single all his life:
Christ, concerts are supposed to be fun, wacky times. If you’re so intent on being tight laced, go see some opera or something, you douche.
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I just really don’t understand the concept of talking during a concert. You are there to hear and see the band! If there is a break in between or you’re at the far corner, sure a small conversation is ok. But during a slow song in a smaller venue where you and friend is in the middle of the crowd, and you are going blah, blah, blah, yeah that is unfair to some people and real inconsiderate to the performer him or herself. If you want to chat all night and not pay attention, then go outside.
And if you want to dance and jump and stand, that’s fine by me. But one kick to me or object hitting me, you will leave the place with a black eye. And I will tell you not to block my way. Otherwise, there some good quality concert footage on youtube that I like for someone who didn’t get a chance to go, but blocking people’s way with your camera is a bugger. But a little crazy is what keeps a concert fun, because it can be ruined with people being dull. Just respect people around you is all.
And would some people just calm down on this post? This article was just someone’s opinion, why are you getting so offended for? You tell the tightasses to relax, but it sounds like YOU need to seriously chill. Just because you don’t agree, you don’t have to insult. The article just says: BE TREATED THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED. I’m sure your mothers taught you that.
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Yeah, some good points i suppose. Have you ever thought to change your interest maybe to snooker or japanese professional wrestling? Seriously man I am 6″1 and every event I go to, I always feel guilty for the people behind me. I took my girlfriends to a panto and granted its a kids thing, but she is only small so she wanted front seats and I paid a price for em let me tell you. I get to the front and I find that the four people behind me are either kids or small grandparents. I spent the entire event slouched in my chair uncomfortable as hell and for what - so other people who wanted the same experiance could be happy. Its not like there wasnt tiered seating - small people should sit as high up as possible so they can see better. They shouldnt expect someone to sit uncomfortable just because they were unfortunate enough to out grow people.
It happens all the time aswell and I am hardly a giant at 6′1. My mate Tom is 6′6 and his girl is like 5′0 a right mismatch. When they get front seats for events he always pisses others off because he doesnt give a shit about em, he paid the premium to be as close to the front as possible so his girl can see. He aint gonna crouch the whole time and feel uncomfortable so some short guy can be happy when he knows the short guy could have sat at the top and had a perfectly good view.
As for the rest of your rules - well I gotta say I would go to far more events if people did behave better. I have wanted to go to leeds fest for a while now but every year my mates come back black n blue telling stories of people setting fires and destroying things.
I dont fancy that so I stay away, my mates like it so they go - maybe you could learn something from that.
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Fucking umbrellas at aerosmith last year!!
i hate unbrellas!
there is no point to them whatsoever!
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This is definetly true in most case scenarios, however if you are at a heavy metal concert, most of these points go out the window. ill print this up and give it to my little brother.
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I cannot agree more with rule #9. I went to a concert on the 1st and the entire crowd stayed standing the whole time - except for those who, like my sister, were confined to wheelchairs. If I wanted to listen to a band and watch the backs of people’s heads, I’d wear my headphones and take the bus somewhere.
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#4, story of my life. I’m 5 ft 1 and it’s not even just an issue of not being able to see the band, it’s more of an issue of being able to BREATHE. Just be more considerate all you tall folks, especially those who stand right in the very front!
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You forgot the “Being A I-Don’t-Dance-At-Shows-Ho” At a Gossip show, the entire freaking audience is getting down dancing except for one little 10 person section in the very front who were there for the band that was next…they totally killed my buzz.
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It drives me nuts when people ignore / talk through the opening act. I go to see bands in small clubs and sometimes I am more interested in the opening act than the headliner. Many bands pick opening acts they want to see get more exposure and then their fans ignore them.
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I agree 100% with everything here , I am short and pay a lot for my tix… I always get the 7 foot giant to dance, sing and take pictures in front of me then walk pass me over and over for beer refills stepping on my feet each time without saying pardon me … They know who they are and NO ! the concert is not a private performance for you !
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what about concert goers who refuse to tame their big hair. I was recently at a show, and standing diagonally in front of me, was a girl who had very unruly hair. Now this isn’t the first time that I have noticed this at a concert, and I was lucky enough to be on an angle that allowed me to avoid getting a mouthful of her frizzy locks. However, because the venue was full, the gentleman beside me was getting a face full of hair every time she moved.
Is it too much to ask for someone to pull their hair into a low ponytail, preferably to the side in order to allow fellow concert goers to enjoy the music, their drinks and the sight of their favourite musician without feeling like Cousin It?
Maybe I am being a little harsh, but ever since I noticed how irritating it is to have someone else’s hair in my face, I make a concerted effort to wear my hair in a fashion that will be the least detrimental to other people’s view and taste buds as possible. I know that not everyone digs a low side ponytail as much as I do, so another option would be to try to position yourself in front of someone who is a lot taller than yourself. This way, your hair is away from their face, and only their tshirt will feel the wrath of your hair.
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I 100% agree with these comments, and I LOVE going to concerts. The camera one is the rule that drives me crazy the most… enjoy it! Live it!! You can find 100 better, clearer pictures online afterward.
It’s interesting because at the Kelly Clarkson concert, every single person was taking pictures at all times…so annoying. At the Bruce Springsteen concert I went to, not one. Not one camera, even in the pit! Different type of fans, I guess… they know that seeing Bruce is an “experience”.
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I guess I’m getting old too, but I don’t know half these bands you’re talking about!
I go to mostly classic rock shows, and I like to sit too, but I know people will stand, and there’s nothing I can do about it… So I usually move to seats that are off to the side or further back so I can just enjoy the music. I don’t go to a rock show for the view…
If it’s a GA show, I stand towards the back as well, so I can have my own personal space.
I do get annoyed by talkers though. talkers SUCK.
Some of these rules are common sense, and it’s sad that we live in a time when most people are so oblivious of other people and cant show any respect.
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I agree with most of these…
But being 6 foot 6, I stand where I want to stand. Along the lines of #2, if I get to the show before you I get my spot. I will stand and if I am in your way you will have to move, I try to be accommodating about it, but there is only so much I can do.
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UGH, YES TO EVERYTHING. So many concerts have been ruined by tall people standing all around me. People keep saying ’step to the side’. IT DOESN’T HELP IF EVERYONE IN FRONT OF YOU IS OVER 6 FOOT. If I ever become a rockstar, I’m making separate section for short people, so they can actually fucking see for once.
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You missed rule #11, which bans the removal of clothing…and I’m not talking at some blazing hot outdoor venue where there is room to lounge. I mean at any show where I might have to stand next to you and get your torso sweat on me.
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A concert is a party; Not church. It’s a place where you shouldn’t have to worry about anything, much less this kind of stuff. We all have to be considerate at a concert, of course, but a little bit of tolerance goes a long way.