10 Worst Ways To Behave At Concerts: How You're Ruining It For Everyone

I could not agree more with #1. Has anyone EVER watched a cell phone video of a concert after they shot it?

Also, i enjoy the pic of the dude in "Being an unruly lout"

you sound like you have a rule complex. maybe you shouldnt go to concerts or just go to the ones where you have assigned seats. Most people who go to live concerts are smoked out or drugged up and drunk, so under that state of mind , most dont care about the next person

ya, but do you think in general people are less courteous nowadays than they used to be? noone cares about other people or is aware of their surroundings. its not a private concert. you're not the only person at the show.

i relate most to the talking. oh, how countless of times i've asked people nicely and not so nicely to shut their face. and how many times do they just get louder and start talking about the dreadful girl in front of them. and how dare she ask them to shut up? i had a moment with the singer of nada surf recently because there was a group of ten taking pictures of each other. it resulted in him apologizing for ruining their bar time.

seriously folks, take this to heart!! you're pissing off more people than you think!!

As someone on the tall side I must say that I am painfully aware of who I am potentially blocking which usually results in me standing in a quarter squat with my head tilted to one side. I'm just that considerate. Are we height-gifted to be relegated to the back just like our school age class photos??? Maybe I'm just looking for some of the shorter people to say "hey big guy, I appreciate the effort"

ya, I agree with those rules but i hav another. I went to a Fray concert and all these girls decided to form a huge grp and SHOVE EVERYBODY in their vicinity to get closer to the band. I suggest just to scoot up forward and not to form a huge grp and shove everybody which is very impolite.

You need to get the sand out of your vagina, and untwist your panties. I'm every one of those... and I'll be at every show you go to.

Hey Ricky Kasso

You're a huge dick

i don't use a cell phone but i will take plenty of pictures or video at a concert and will definately look at them again. i really hate when venues say no cameras after i've just paid $50 for something i'm so excited about and won't have anything to look at after. personally the most unpleasant thing about concerts is all the smoking going on. i seriously feel like i've left with lung cancer so i hardly ever go to any

It's ok to take pics. I just mean, don't spend the entire show holding up your cell phone or camera. I want to watch the show through my own eyeballs not through your camera/phone screen.

Yeah the smoke is terrible, I agree. In Toronto now you're not allowed to smoke at bars (sometimes people do but it's rare) so luckily I haven't had to deal with that lately! I hate smelling like cigarette smoke!!

There's nothing worse than smoking of any kind at a concert. It's hard to enjoy your favourite band when some jerk beside you is blowing smoke in your face.

Kat, you're my favourite!

And to Clem, as a short person, I do appreciate when a tall person looks back, sees me, and moves aside. Sometimes they truly didn't see me!

It's the times that I've had people that have shoulders that are far above my head stand DIRECTLY in front of me. We're not talking a few feet. We're talking my-nose-is-touching-your-shirt. Don't stand that close in front of ANYBODY, especially not someone that's over a foot shorter than you!

I definitely agree with you on number two! I recently went to see Dragonette and 6 (not one, not two) but 6 GIRLS pushed in front of us to "meet up with their friends". It also didn't help that a guy brought a honkin' HUGE camcorder to film the show in front of my friends and I.

I also agree with Kat with smoking inside the venues. just because it's a crowded general admission show and you won't get seen by the security doesn't mean that it's not going to affect everyone around you! At a crazy show where people will be jumping and dancing and it's already hard to breathe in, it's saying something when the cleanest air there is coming from the guy smoking next to you.

As well, at Kat,What is your opinion on people screaming "I LOVE YOU! MARRY ME!" etc. etc. during every pause at a concert?

Sometimes when I leave a small venue and people have been smoking, I feel like I was the one smoking because I reek so badly. It's like the #1 reason they invented that "hair freshener spray".

Last night at the Constantines show a 6'6 dude stood right in front of me (like Alison said, LITERALLY his heels were touching my toes) and didn't think to look back. I tapped him on the shoulder and he moved to the side a few inches so I could see :)

For #2 I say, "Who cares".
For #4 I say, "Grow taller, you whiny bitch or ask them to take a step left".
For #6, next time you go to a concert, stand there with your arms crossed and looking at the floor, you pissy little emo shit.
For #10, let them leave, what do you care?

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.

How about singing along to EVERY freakin' song? I hate that. I came to hear the band live, not you choir children in front of me. Please shut up for five minutes.
Most of us are not independently wealthy and don't get to go to that many shows as it is.
I am a respectful person and expect others to be as well.

LOL...welcome to the Old Man Club. "These kids nowadays...". I've been going to shows in every imaginable venue, year in, year out, since the late 70s. Nothing has changed except your age. Accept it or stay home.

whiner

You are so self-centered. You make up all these rules that no one else knows about and you expect everyone to follow, then cry when they don't? I really hate people who sit at concerts, even when they are seats. Concerts are to have fun at, unless it's classical. I stand at every concert and I've even had to punch a guy once because he wouldn't stop asking for all 1000 of us to sit and I was the designated spokesman for the 1000. Needless to say, that guy got ushered out and we all had fun while he sulked. I think rock concerts are too grown up for little girls like you. Stay at home and listen to the radio.

I agree with all of these points. However... if the person on the phone looks like the girl between rule #2 and #3 (the one with the hat)... she can talk all she wants :).

I have to say for the most part i agree with everything you said. However I have a bit of a problem with number 4 and its seeming contradiction with number 2. I am a die hard fan of Deep Banana Blackout, the funkiest band in the world. I have spent many afternoons waiting outside their venues to secure front-row standing space. I am also 6'4". I do feel bad for the occasional short person who stands behind me, but i am certainly not about to give up my hard-earned front row positioning just cause the chick behind me can't see. She can move over. Again i feel bad, but sometimes theres nothing to do other than close your eyes, pump your fist in the air, and get FUNKY.

Why can't short people move a few inches to the side to see? And as much as it's the tall person's "fault" for standing in front of you... isn't it just as much your fault for standing right behind them?

I don't go to concerts anymore, after going to a few, I've noticed that it's really not worth seeing a band live anymore.

not to be mean but you all must be getting old. Go watch the beach boys if you want everything to be mellow.iTS A CONCERT..A TIME FOR PEOPLE TO RELEASE A LITtLE. Secondly..the fray.the constantines.the commadores..jesus. try a real concert. Lastly Im not anyone of thos at a concert but none of them bother me. Everyone is having a good time except for you.......SIDE NOTE: I MIGHT FEEL DIFFERENTLY IF I EVER WENT TO SOME CONCERT WHERE TEENY POPPERS RAN THE SHOW. lUCKILY i DON'T

Being 6'7", I'm incredibly insecure at concerts, b/c I don't want to be that guy.

Actually almost got into a fight at a Christian Music Festival at Universal Studios about 5 years ago.

who ever wrote this is a pussy theres no rules at concerts ...when the hell do you sit at a concert. Quite your whining and have fun and let others have fun

Get over yourself, bitch. Your vagina monologue rules for concerts will never happen. Maybe you should stick with going to see the Four Tops or the Temptations at your local 4th of July celebration. I expect to get drunk, push to the front like everyone else, yell "SLAYER!!" or "Angel of Death!!" at the top of my lungs at every pause, have people rain down on my head, get a boot to the face and smoke heavily. Even if I'm forced to go to a Fiona Apple concert.

Kat, what about the concerts where the band/singer asks people to get up out of their seats and move about - like Stipe did at that R.E.M. show at the Amphitheater? The suits up front don't move around too much, the money in their pockets weigh them down too much, I guess. I was standing up, the people behind me were yelling at me to sit down, I told them "We're at a rock concert, not the opera!" Jerks.

Really? Maybe your ruining the concert for us, by being so anal retentive. Most of us are there for the music, everything else is just a close second.

How about the people who feel compelled to sing with the music. I realize that you like the song, I realize that you've listened to it many times and know all the words, very good, but we came here to hear the band and the singers, not the 2/3 of the audience that feels their singing voice is better than the people they just paid money to see. Am I the only one irked by this?

Great article. I feel that some concerts people really follow these sorts of rules. I went to a U2 concert awhile back and everyone was really there to see the band. Same with country music concerts. I saw Modest mouse a few months ago and it was a different story. I think the type of concert you go to really shapes the crowd obviously, but more in how they will behave. Also, at Voodoo Fest this year one guy tried crowd surfing during Rage Against the Machines set, and he was promptly dropped on is face, and the girls who tried to film had the cameras and phone knocked away and broken.

Pot smoke is definitely fine at concerts. Smoking cigarettes at concerts is just spreading cancer, good job douchebags.

COMPLETELY DIAGREE WITH NUMBER 9, I HATE IT WHEN I AM AT A SEATED VENUE AND PEOPLE ARE SITTING, WERE HERE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME, NOT QUIT YOUR BITCHING AND STAND UP AND DANCE

I've been to shows where I'm not only the short girl behind the tall guy, but then he farts!! Or someone behind me with a monster cold starts coughing so hard I feel specks of it in my hair. I hate going to shows.

I can't STAND #2. Usually someone kinda taps me and says "excuse me" to which my natural response always seems to be "oh I'm sorry" as if I've accidentally hit them or something. But then I realize it's just a douchebag trying to make their way to the front. The worst is when they say their friends are up there somewhere, as if anyone cares. Why should everyone else suffer because you were too lazy/stupid to wait up front to begin with?

You are just a cry baby, everyone has the right to enjoy the concert whatever they want to, people body surfing, doing drugs, drinking, that's the whole vibe of a concert. So stop crying about it and next time stay home and watch the concert in you tube or something, or go to a Opera concert I bet you'll fit in there. I was surprise you did not complaint about the mosh pit.

Although I am a bit younger, Rodney has it right on. You think Woodstock was a time for lots of little polite rules? You don't get rock and roll. The worst thing is inflation, at least for this crazy experience we used to pay a lot less than $50+

If you want a venue where people actually sit down and listen to the music, that is called classical. Even coughing is frowned upon- is that the type of show you envision?

Simply look back to the Beatles concerts- you could not even hear the band over the screaming/fainting girls.

You cant tell tall people where to stand, why should they move back and have a shitty view just so all the short ass people can see? If you cant see stand in another place dick face. Or get there earlier and get to the front.
Live music has never been any different, its just the more times you go, the more complacent you get. You have obviously had some bad times but tough shit, deal with it.
Funny pics though.

ricky kasso is a dick!

i didn't pay over 50 bucks for you to act like an inconsiderate douche.

this fuking list is pathetic. here's a tip. stay the fuck home loser.

This is why I don't go to concerts. Dealing with people sucks. I'd rather hear it at home.

As someone who's tall, I would never purposefully move in front of a short person. But what bugs me is when I've been standing in the same place during the duration of the show, and then some short person finds themselves behind me, either by their choice or due to crowd jostling, and then hassles me for existing. I shouldn't be forced to watch every show I attend from the back row - I have the right to stake out a spot just like everybody.

I hate those who sing loudly foe the entire concert (especially girls) like its his/her concert. If just a few song it's ok. I don't care if you knew every song of the singer or how well you sing, please just stfu.

I agree with all but the "Standing at a seated venue" one. I hate when they make me sit on the concert, so I stand up after 2 or 3 songs and don't sit back till the end. BUT, I DO know there are others who don't think like me, so I try to block noone's view... I stand on the side or something...
And those who say shit like: "I can't worry about other people" should really get their faces smashed just to see how it looks not to worry about anyone.

I agree with all but the "Standing at a seated venue" one. I hate when they make me sit on the concert, so I stand up after 2 or 3 songs and don't sit back till the end. BUT, I DO know there are others who don't think like me, so I try to block noone's view... I stand on the side or something...
And those who say shit like: "I can't worry about other people" should really get their faces smashed just to see how it looks not to worry about anyone.

I've had people comment on my concert videos on Youtube, so somebody must be watching them. But I try to avoid blocking anyone's view, or recording incessantly. There's a show to watch, after all :)

Thanks for making tall people feel bad.

How are we supposed to control who comes and stands behind us!? We've paid the same amount for the ticket and even though we try to stand off to the side or not around short people, it happens anyways.

And if you have time, listen to Randy Newman's "Short People." It's a doosy!

I don't agree with your tall people complaint, because i can turn that around: Short people should not go to concerts and complaint that their 4'3" frame can't see the stage. or here's one better, 300 lbs people should not fly on airplanes and take up more of their designated space in the seats. Or hey, why stop there, the list goes on; forbid people with toddlers and babies to attend churches, or people with political agendas to attend public meetings complaining loudly with banners and T-shirts and shouts... Where do you draw the line?

@Joel: 100% agreed! I wouldn't choose to stand behind a tall person, but when one moves directly in front of me, I just try to move to the side. I usually don't see much at shows anyway, I'm used to it! :)

i love rock music!!!1

Are all of you 6?!!!!!!!! I have never heard such a bunch of whining little bitches in all my life! Get some summers eve for your vaginas, they obviously are in need of a flush!

I love cash and gold!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW8d4oZ_UCE

I completely disagree with the sitting thing. Why would I want to sit down at an arena show if the band is playing danceable music? Why not actually get into the show and enjoy it? I'd hate to be on stage and look over at my crowd and see them sitting around - I'd rather they contribute positive energy back into the arena by dancing and having FUN.

you sound like the brooklyn blowhard

I am going to do all of these at the next concert I go to. thanks for the tips on making the live experience more pleasant for ME! Oh, I'll be the guy that throws a full beer as far AS I CAN INTO THE CROWD!!

I'm extremely tall. I like to get to shows hours in advance so I can score a spot in the very front. I am however courteous to those that might stand behind me and usually opt to stand off the one of the sides, but still in the front.

If short people want to file behind me, that's their own damn fault. They should have gotten there early.

I can't stand listening to whatever short person that arrived late and pushed their way tot the front, assume that everyone should clear out of the way just to cater to their tiny asses.

If I arrive at a show late though, I'll accept my fate and stand way in back.

rules? I'm 6'5" and I'm going to stand in the front, go to the bathroom alot, scream and yell, while my girlfriend is on my shoulders taping the show with her cell phone. I'm gonna dance like I'm insane, while standing on my seat and waving arount my 6 foot wide 'fluffhead' sign.

The thing I hated most about concerts was the mosh pit. It never made any sense to me that the pit should be located right in front of the stage. I mean, I know that whenever I would get into the pit, I wasn't watching the show, I was jumping around like a lunatic. I also know that noone else in the pit is interested in watching the show, either. They came to mosh. That's fine but, as I grew older, and as the ticket prices began to rise, I became more interested in actually watching the band - after all, that's what I paid for. Having to stand in the back to keep from getting an errant elbow to the mush makes feel feel a little ripped off. The pit, and all of those people in it who aren't there to see the show, should be at the back of the venue so that those of us who came to WATCH actually can.

What's bugging me?

Went to A Taste of Chaos tour, and it was loud. These guys turned it up to 10.

Then Atreyu came on, and I'm not much of an Atreyu fan. They turned it up to 11.

Then Avenged Sevenfold came on. What the hell, it goes up to 12?

I was wearing 32 decibels of ear protection, and I still had a headache at the end. I expect to leave a show with a headache, it's cost of doing business. I do not expect the stairs to a show to be where it passes my pain threshold, nor should the back row ever be loud enough to pass my pain threshold at all.

I really haven't seen much of what you identify going on, but I must admit, it would in fact suck.

ya if you're wearing earplugs and it's still too loud, imagine how loud it's for the front row! how can people stand it? especially for more than one band like you say...

I usually go to about 25 - 35 concerts a year, and maybe it's just the concerts I go to (punk and alternative) but I usually don't see to much problems. I usually go up to the front of the stage and make it a point to help out the smaller people making sure they have room to breath and snapping photos if they need them. I've no problems with people phones nor cameras, nor with people who come into the front row when they want to, as long as they are not obnoxious about it, in fact if you can get to the front row once the concerts started I generally have more respect for you and your right to be there.

I don't mind the crowd surfing at all in fact it makes for a better concert although people should think about their size/weight in relation to the type of concert. For example a heavier guy or gal can get away with crowd surfing at a Dropkick Murphys concert or a similar hefty fan concert but the same guy/gal shouldn't really even think about it at a band like Plain white T's, My chemical Romance or like bands. As these bands though popular will no doubt have smaller and younger people up front and they really can't take the weight of the larger folks crowd surfing. I also agree with the same guy/gal that must spend the entire concert crowd surfing. I don't mind them going 4 - 5 times up but every song is just a bit much. It ties up the Bouncers up front and makes it harder for others to get their chance.

As for the flags or signs they can be great fun to see especially if it's an irish flag for Flogging Molly or something similar and most times I've never seen a fan keep it up the whole time but rather bring it out for that special song or two. Often times these very things you mention are some of my favorite things about a concert. I remember last year in Denver at Warped tour a guy crowd surfed with a cardboard box while others tried to throw empty crushed bottles into it. then we tried to launch people into the crowd (who were ready to catch them) Many people thank me for helping them catch all kinds of great moments they might not be able to get on their own. I helped a young woman get some great footage at a Dropkick Murphy concert in Anaheim that was really special.

In fact while some of these things may concern me it's not from being irked but rather from concern for my fellow concert brethren. I hope to catch you guys at a concert if I notice you we'll go up front grab some great spots, mosh it up a bit then go up on stage and have some real fun.

Agree with Chris. I am super annoyed by the people that feel the need to sing every song DIRECTLY into my ear. You are not the one on stage so STFU.

Dog shit taco!

"I look forward to sitting at the 10% of venues that have seats."

SQUARE!

do people really put their actual email addys in here? wtf. i guess now i know where to look when i decide to start a spam list.

don't care about 2-9, but #1 is quite annoying. I saw interpol recently and there were dozens of people in front of me who held their cell phone up in the air the entire show taking picture after picture......none of which will probably be viewed again or are even viewable at all. Sure, if you have a camera take a picture, just don't hold your phones up for the entire show- you look like an idiot.

The talking on the cell phone thing certainly is annoying, but the girl in the tank top and hat on her phone is pretty hot.

For the most part i agree with what your sayin... but just remember that must of the best concerts (IMO) don't really consider rules: they're just little pieces of organised chaos.. it's just about having a laugh.
Also realise that most people will be absolutely wankered beforehand any way.
That said I enjoyed the article... and congrats, you've been dugg
[wonder how long before the server crashes]

For all of those reasons, I'd rather crucify my winky onto a cactus than go to a concert. Bravo for voicing the gripes of the voiceless.

As someone who is 6' 9'', if I get to the concert before you, I will stand in front of you. Tough luck, shorty.

I dont agree with all of these, but the cell phone one...oh man!

This one dude insisted on RESTING HIS ARM ONTOP OF MY HEAD to take a video with his cellphone. And, when people put their phones in the air, and you go to take a picture with flash, and it doesnt turn out because the flash bounced off the phone in front of you, not the band.
>.<

Dude, tall people have a right to score premo spots in the crowd just like anyone else. I'm all for fairness, but let's face it -- the 5 foot tall folks wouldn't help you if you were foaming at the mouth, so why should we give a shit whose view we're blocking?

As a short girl, I definitely appreciate the tall people who are considerate of shorter people! I'm not asking anyone to give up their good spot, and I'm definitely not going to walk up behind you and then bitch if you don't get out of my way. You can't help being tall any more than I can help being short. But there are plenty of douchebags out there who will walk right into the 2-foot opening I've created between myself and the next person up, position their b.o. smelling armpits right between me and the band, and then spill their beer on me.

Hey short people- the solution is simple- if you're not going to be able to have a good time without a good view of the band, go to shows at venues where you know you'll be able to see!- the kind with bleacher areas, upstairs railed-off balconies, sloped lawns, etc.

The real point is this: concerts are supposed to be a place where people can have fun, get wild, & enjoy the experience, but NOT AT THE EXPENSE of everyone around them. That goes for the spastic dancers, the constant screamers, short people, tall people, smelly people, cell phone talkers, everyone. When did we all forget about common courtesy and become such selfish a**holes?

I've been to shows where the bands have asked to "Not play the pass the guy around game" or to not mosh/stage dive, etc. It works. it also work when a band asks everyone to please put their camera phone down so the people around you can see.

Bands need to take responsibility too!

Wow Karen - Nicely put. People have become less and less aware of there surroundings and only care about themselves it would seem. Everyone wants to have a great time, rock out, dance, sing along...but it shouldn't be at everyone else's expense. If your behavior is rude and obvious enough for people to notice above the loud concert taking place, there's a problem!

love the photo of the girl on the guy's shoulders AND on the phone. breaking two of the rules right there. it'd be even better if she was yelling and taking pics.

these are concerts ppl, smoke? Well they are outdoor, nothing to do about that.
Yelling and singing? mmhh it's a concert, not a stand-up.

If you don't want to deal with it go home and watch it on your HDTV or go to teathre and pick a sit on the balcony, so you can even sit and enjoy it without none in front of you.
Cell. phones and cameras? That's what's making the internet today, that's how you are able to publish your article.

Rules at a rock concert?

That is the dumbest fucking thing I've ever heard.

If there must be rules how about these two:

1. Have fun
2. Don't Physically Harm anyone.

my cell phone has a 2 megapixel camera. if the lighting warrants, i will take a picture. screw you all

quit your bitchin its a concert not a frickin 3rd grade xmas pagent

Don't mind any of these nay-sayers. Most of them just realize that they do most of the things you mentioned and can't fathom being in the wrong. People have no manners these days. Or brains for that matter.

Yah, the worst is the "sing alongs". Apparently lots of people are so eager to show their emotional attachment with the song and the fact that they know all the words that they just can't help themselves. Singing along with the radio is one thing. But I didn't drive 2 hours and spend $50 to hear the dumbass beside me and a couple thousand like 'em belting out the tune to the point you can't even hear the artist performing sing it. Talk about ruining a show. And it's pathetic when the artists on stage encourage this behavior by pointing the microphone at the crowd so the audience can take an entire chorus or verse. ~M

I agree with some of these and some I don't. You're there to have fun and enjoy the music. I say go ahead and stand up if you know a song and want to sing go ahead. If you happen to be standing up in front of someone who is sitting down and doesn't want to stand up just tell them you're not a bleepin' funeral you're there to have fun.

I was at a Bruce Springsteen concert last Monday in Greensboro and down in the "GA Pit" down front by the stage and I let one girl stand in front me only because I'm 6'4" and well my vantage point looking down was pretty good. Hehe!

i loved reading these comments. some people are just assholes. honestly smoking? in an enclosed area? i'm all for people enjoying themselves...except when i have to contract lung cancer because of it!!!

geez. i agree with mostly everything on here. except for some of the comments about the singing along with the band. most bands love to hear their fans singing along with them.

another thing i hate - i understand moshing and skanking and flailing about - but not when it isn't the right music for it!!! it's just annoying to everyone else.

i wish people would go to concerts for the music not just the band. =[

I totally agree with the comments on rude behavior. EXCEPT ... being tall is not being rude and should not require the punishment of being moved to the back of the crowd for the convenience of shorter patrons. Life's tough enough for the tall (thank god indoor hanging plants aren't as popular as they used to be).

I've got a few.
-Concert dates- Don't do this. It it disgusting to watch. I seen Billy Talent at the Molson Amp last summer, and this big couple..they weren't skinny so i couldn't look between their heads..was all kissy kissy. I did not come to see couples make out! What do I do?Pictures, pitures, pictures(Yes, i do look at my pictures ALL the time that i cant although i dont use a cellphone).

- Venues that say "cameras prohibited" or whatever. I do not like hiding my camera. And when you bring cameras, once you get in there are a ton of people using them.

-Being in a seated area and half way through the show a few guys go through the seat cracks to stand right in your view.

-Rudeness- I understand at concerts people aren't actually that nice. They RUN right through you and your friend..constanly.

-No one jumping where you stand. My first standing concert..why the hell aren't you people rocking out?! And it's right where i was standing. It's awkward, when I want to rock and no one around me is.

And of course tall people. People reeking of pot. Yelling between songs when in a theatre.."You're SO hot!""you're so sexy""i love you!" and so on.

...i may be one of the screamers...i love to sing..but i cant sing very loud. i like the idea of this article because it brings up a few points. ive been going to shows a long time for someone my age, mostly on my own...and have had a number of crazy things happened to me. im 5'2", 120 pounds...ive been sandwiched in between 3 fat guys, kicked in the face, had a giant garbage can dropped on my head, been picked up and had to crowdsurf unwillingly...oh and my favorite...the tall guy spilling beer and kicking me in the shins...but you know what. if there wasnt so much chaos at the shows, the band would think we had all turned to corpses.
..as for other annoyances such as giant signage, cellphones and cameras waving in the air, and a whole host of other things...i just try to do my part by not committing any of those acts, so the people around me can have a good time too

I hate annoying people at shows. But if there are annoying people, I move. Haha, it's not hard. I'd rather move and enjoy the rest of the show instead of staying next to the person annoying me and be angry about it.

Look, I go to a lot of shows. And almost all of them are full of people going mental and having a good time. Except for the 10% of the crowd who don't actually like music, they're just there to tell people they were there.

They stand around frowning at each other name dropping the latest bands that will dissappear into obscurity before anyone gives a shit about them. They'll stand near the soundboards and happily tell anyone who passes them that the sound is terrible. Even though nobody but them gives a damn that the hi-hat is a little flat. They'd rather you just keep quiet and stop jostling because its hard enough to take notes at a show without you bastards bumping into them all the time.
They've spent too long writing music blogs inbetween bartending shifts that they've disappeared up their own arseholes and forgotten live music is supposed to be fun.

Wanker.

Yeah, you're sounding like a little bit of a wuss here, no offence. By going to a stand up concert and standing in the spot that everyone wants to be, you do give up your 1 metre radius of "personal space" that no one else can enter. Because there are way more people than their is space - consequently, the people end up compacting down a bit.

Waiting in line for days so you can enter the venue first does guarentee that you will have a clear path to the stage (barring wandering crew and those VIP bastards). But once you're at the stage, you have to defend your turf, like everyone else.

"If you see a 5'0 tall girl, don't stand directly in front of her."
That line is what got me! People always seem to do that to me, I'd have a good spot for the entire show when two girls would slink their way in front of me.

I'm guilty of #1, but usually, it's at all-ages shows and it's pretty normal. Heh.

no beer ruins concerts too. I went to a metal concert, and there was no beer for sale. Most boring concert i ever went to.

The dance space one is so true. The other night at the Fillmore the girl standing next to me was a bit of a wild dancer, AND she had these GIGANTIC boobs that kept bumping up against me. She kept saying, "I'm sorry, I have no control over these things". LOL!

I'm 6'6, suck my dick. I paid for my seat and if you can't see then politely ask me. I'm not going to worry about everyone else, if they need me to step back, I'll do it.

I went to see Portishead in Edinburgh recently, and while there were mostly genuine fans there, there was a large number who spent the entire time talking to their buddies and drinking. I think for some of them, they go simply because they see it as hip to be able to say they've been to a Portishead gig. Oh, and by the way Cell Phone Picture Taking Guy, a 2 megapixel camera, wow, I bet that makes you a big hit with the ladies. I can just picture it now. "Is that a gun in your pocket Badboy, or are you just glad to see me?" "Well neither actually, it's my cellphone with 2 megapixel camera"

IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE CROWD, GET OUT OF THE PIT.

Oh and I'm sorry I'm 6ft tall because obviously no matter where I stand it will not be good enough for all you shorter people. If I have waited 8 hours to be front and centre, I will be front and centre and I don't care who's view I block. Get over it.

I saw Sigur Ros last year, who you may know is a really atmoshpheric/ambient sorta band from Iceland. It was a seated show in a theatre, really classy. There were a bunch of mouthbreathers WHOOPING and SHOUTING in between songs & meanwhile it wasn't t hat kind of show. Not to mention you could tell the band was getting annoyed because they were trying to set "the mood". F@*king frat boys!!!

I don't know if this would fall under #6 or not, but throwing lit cigarettes into the crowd is one thing I don't care for.

I witnessed this at one concert and said to myself "If a cigarette hits me, I know who is going to leave bleeding."

#4 - I'm tall and sorry, but I can't help it. I'd like to magically allow the poor throng of shorties behind be see through, but I'll end up at the back of the concert by the time I don't obstruct anyone. That said, I'm conscious of it, -try- to be convening.
#5 Don't like them? Drop'em. Crowd surfing is participatory.

okay for everyone that is like "OMG Y WUD U SIT DOWN ITZ ALL ABUT HVIN FUNZORZZZZZZZ"

what about those of us that are physically challenged and can't stand up for long periods of time? we NEED to sit at some point so we arent in excruciating pain and because of that we can't see shit when we sit down because every other cocksniffer is standing up being inconsiderate of those like myself because concerts are about "having a good time" i DO have a good time at concerts i have seen my favorite band Papa Roach twice and met them at each show but missed seeing 50 percent of it because of all the idiots standing when i need to sit. so dont try and use that "concerts are about having fun" bullshit. we realize that but if we need to sit we need to sit. that is sometimes out of our control

I'm 6'6". I stand in the front before the show starts when it's my favorite band, Linkin Park. I'm in their fan club, and I have a loud voice. I always get the crowd excited and can hear myself and the audience cheering on the concert-recordings (since they are no longer bootlegged). Maybe some of you LP fans are reading this and remember me from Tucson, Dallas, Phoenix and Las Vegas shows. ;-)

I am that tall guy that doesn't mind pissing anyone off that pisses me off.

How about this rule: Don't be a douchebag. Everyone at the concert paid just as much as you to get there, and has just as much of a right to do whatever the fuck they want. Try enjoying the show instead of trying to sit on your own high pedastal. If you have a problem with what someone is doing, do something about it. If you are too pussy to do something about it, don't bother crying all night then going home to blog about it.

I agree 100%! Although I record and take pictures a lot but with my actual camera. I hate going to concerts because I hate how people act.

What I would do is cry about it a little more.

Maybe small people should consider seating in the stands or getting there earlier so they don't have to stand behind people over 6 foot. I am a tall person, and it pisses me off when people behind me ask me to move.. FUCK YOU, I was here 1st, you move if YOU cannot see!

If i ever see you at a concert, i am going to

1. record the whole thing on my camera phone in one hand and my digital camera in the other.
2. show up 5 min before the main band starts and still squeeze into the front row.
3. Talk to the hot chick next to me about how great the band is the whole time
4. wear my fag platform shoes and stand right in front of you (and put the hot chick I just met on my shoulders)
5. crowd surf regardless if it is "that kind of show"
6. get retard drunk (i showed up late cause i was out in the alley behind the club kicking back 40s with the bands roadies)and yell in your ear all night
7. do every dance I know....soulja boy, macarena, YMCA etc.
8. hold up any sign/flag i want (maybe hit you with the corners of said sign)
9. stand or sit whenever i feel like it.
10. and leave whenever my legs get tired or I feel sleepy.

And you are going to take it.....

oh wait no your not....your going to go online and write a gay list for homos and queer homosexuals of what not to do and your gestapo headquarter concerts.
.
.Oh yeah...

11. and then you are going to get an elbow in the face by me ....moshing HARD!

Fuck you, don't turn your little man syndrome on people who can't help it. I feel the burning eyes on my back, I'm 6'4 and most people are shorter than me. What am I going to do stand in the back row or leave? Move, or wear stilts douchebag.

I hate when I go to concerts and people are throwing around fresh human feces, thats got to be the worst, your all grooving dancing and looking good, when all of a sudden a raunchy steaming smelly pyle of shit lands on your head

whoa david "FUCKING" reed.

you are quite angry!

quit complaining and enjoy the show

@David FUCKING Reed: Well, I think you'll just have to get drunk to accomplish #6. You've got the retard part down pat.

hmm....

There's always the obnoxious drunk!
Peace...............

music is artistic expression. with that comes a certain amount of expected behaviors, including many of the ones that break your rules. as a guy who has worked in the music industry for quite a few years, all i can tell you is it comes with the territory, get used to it. concerts aren't what they used to be.

i totally agree with this list. i am six foot six and am tired of being kicked in the head by crowdsurfing peckerwoods. also agree it's pointless to take pix or video with a cell phone.

though i must admit that i have been guilty of standing in front of short people and dancing erratically at shows in the past. but for the most part i haven't been in the pit since the mid 90s. don't miss it either.

For god's sake - i don't particularly conform to any of the points above, but bloody hell it's a gig, many different people are there, not everyone agrees with you - hopefully there is a blog somewhere that moans about people who agree with these posts.

I mostly agree with most of that, except for the pictures on my mobile.. My camera isn't bad quality, and I can make out the people on stage, and I do a little gig review blog as well, so I have an excuse. However, I do make a point of not taking excessive numbers... And a somewhat excessively tall guy I have to say, sometime you can't help where you're stood! I do my best to be courteous, but if the pit is going crazy, you got no choice... :)

Oh and you missed out people that don't cheers for encores saying 'they're obviosuly going to do one, so why bother cheering?'... The band SHOULD not play an encore if the crowd don't cheer... It's missign the point of encores completely, and it pisses me off. ALOT! Ahem. Nuff said! :)

too bad these things always happen at concerts. they always have, and always will. so get over it. if not, just dont gp to showsany more.

While I agree with most of these rules, there is one that is kinda flawed. The assigned seating one is more or less a two way street because when everyone stands your forced to stand but the problem starts when someone sitting behind you asks you to sit down even though you won't be able to see anything yourself and they still won't be able to see anything because everyone in front of you is still standing. Either way its not fair so if people in the assigned seating should go and tell everyone in the theatre to sit instead of singling out people. Furthermore if a person is not prepared to stand at a concert then they should reconsider the type of concert they are going to and the point of it.

I hate to say it but another thing that ruins shows for me is ALL AGES shows. When I was a teenager I had cool taste in music and wished I could go to 21+ shows but now I see why most shows aren't all ages. Teenagers are the worst!!

I can't believe how nasty some of these replies are-- yowch, man! They accuse you of being a loser or whatever, and in response they're assholes. Gotta tell ya: I'd rather be a loser than an asshole.

At any rate- I'm with you on this list. I think it's a lot to do with behaving appropriately for the kind of show you're at. If I'm at the opera, I'm not gonna mosh. If I'm at Korn I'm not gonna expect everyone to sit quietly and bob their heads.

The thing that applies in those cases- and in all cases- is just that you wish people would have the courtesy to recognize if what they're doing is totally inhibiting other people around them from enjoying the show. I didn't pay money to get a boot in my face, you know? Somebody spills a beer on my foot? Whatever. It happens.

It's all about just being aware, that's all.

I agree with most of these examples of excessive behavior. I don't understand why people go to concerts if they're all drugged up and not going to remember it anyway? You can get f*ed up any day, go beat your own face in. Concerts are for music and I love having fun at them, but people don't know anything about etiquette anymore...

Concerts suck.

To #3: I went to see Magnetic Fields, and a woman in front of me talked to her friend the entire show. Through every song. During the between-song banter. She literally talked through the entire concert, essentially missing it. After the show, she ran up to the singer and told him that he was her FAVORITE EVER EVER and how much his songs meant to her. Classic!

I hate it when people bring their dinky point-and-shoot cameras and use the 'auto' mode like idiots. The only thing the flash does is annoy the people around you. Its range is maybe 10 feet! Learn how to turn off your flash or keep your camera in your pants.

all the dicks that do these things and are commenting like 12 yr olds ("queer homosexuals" - wtf?) are the ones who aren't there for the music- they're there for the scene.

the reason they defend their actions so vehemently is because they know they're fakes, so they cling desperately to the image they've assumed.
i've always thought it was completely stupid to get hammered at a show- how the hell are you supposed to enjoy the music/experience if you don't know what's going on/won't remember it the next day? oh, that's right... you don't really care, you just need another notch on your "shows" belt. LAME

I didnt read all the comments, so sorry if this is repetitive.

About the tall thing, theres only so much you can do when you're almost 6' tall. If you let everyone who's shorter than you stand in front of you, you'll be in the back, leaning on the bar in no time. Sorry, but i enjoy being close enough to see the band.

Now, one thing that really bothers me, are crowd surfers. The drunk ones. The drunk female ones who are in skirts and hooker heels. It's a ROCK CONCERT. I'm sure the old perv standing behind you, holding you up by your ASS likes the way you dressed, however, the rest of us find it quite ridiculous and uncalled for. Especially if you plan on crowd surfing...

i agree with most of the rules. when i go to a concert i do want to leave with something to remeber it by, but its annoing watching the concert through someones camera or cell phone.

jesus fucking christ, if you don't like this guy or what he says, why don't you hit the back button instead of making us listen to the shit coming out of your mouth. nobody fucking cares if you disagree, you prat.

you guys are a punch of pussies. Get over the emo shit and stop bitching. Going to a show is about letting yourself out and having a good time.

Wow what a bunch of assholes commenting. You're the pricks I punch in the kidneys at concerts, 'accidentally'. All these people think they are the only people at the show.

everything on that list is an inherent part of a live concert. there will always be crowds and assholes and smoke in your face, my suggestion is stop going to concerts if you don't like it.

its a bit like bitching about pollution and then refusing to stop driving your car.

I am over 6'4'' and the manufactured world is not built for me. If I am in front of you, let me know and I'll move, but it is not my responsibility to look out for the other 97%'s field of vision.

really, it just boils down to people not giving a crap about anyone but themselves. most of these all boil down to that, if people cared about other people we wouldn't have to deal with stupid people that /still/ think that talking on their cell phone in a movie is ok. and it's only going to keep getting worse, the human race is de-evolving.

#9 is stupid. I went to a TOOL show at the USF Sundome in Tampa and people were sitting and telling us to sit down. Who the hell sits at a TOOL show!?!?! Not even my grandmother!

I'm sure I'm guilty of all of these at some point! You should try and go to concerts in a positive frame of mind, otherwise large crowds that inevitably do these things will get to you, and ruin the experience.

I found myself at an unexpectedly posh sit-down event once, completely rat-faced. I spilt the wine of the chick next to me at least twice, and I found a drummer's egg under my seat (a sort of practice device for drummers), presumably left behind by the band, and I continuously rattled this throughout most of the gig. I had a fucking great time, but I'm sure I pissed a few people off.

I've come to accept the assholes, even look forward to them. I try to pick them out before the show, make a little game of it. My most common complaints have to do with the venues themselves. Here's a few I've come across multiple times.

1)Choke points, especially with multiple bars around the main viewing area, make it impossible to not get stuck in the middle of the crowd.

2)Lack of handicap-accessible viewing areas. I'm not trying to nobly defend the differently abled, I'm not that nice. The most uncomfortable situations I encounter within crowds almost always involve a wheelchair bound person I'm either trying not to block or trying to avoid being run over by.

3)No viewing options. There are very few venues that have both seating and dancefloor. Its usually either\or. In the few places I've been that have a section of the room reserved for tables and chairs (say, in the back or in a balcony section) in addition to a dancefloor I've always had the best experiences. It doesn't take much table space either. A couple is enough, I'll usually know ahead of time if I don't feel like dancing and can get there early.

4)Non-smoking policies. What is a concert without a cloud of smoke for the light show to dance upon? And I'm pretty sure clean air makes the music sound worse, too.

we had beer spilled on us this past year. it wasnt fun. also, the people behind us asked us to sit... but I mind you, almost the entire audience (it was a humongous concert) was standing. it was the main band, Nickelback, and they had the nerve to ask us to sit. I dont think so.

It's a concert. These people will always be there get over it and move away/around the deuchebags. But still the lot of these are a bit annoying. Here's another one I avoid, the sneering downer in the back who is to good for the rest of em.

If you get pissed because of these types of people you should just move in on the stage and zone.

works for me.

The best way to watch a concert is on telly/DVD... no thugs, no idiots, great sound, your own VIP couch, a fridge close by and a toilet... plus you can watch naked if you want. why would anyone pay $50 for a real ticket? ;)

Hello, this is the first time I have attended an FDA (thats Festival Dickheads Anonymous). My name is Anonymous and im a Festival Dickhead. Its been three festivals since I last acted like a dickhead...

i agree with a lot of these except for the standing at a seated event cause i think you should only sit in between sets or before get your rest then.

I can't tell you how may times i've had some dick trying to shove me out of the spot i waited twelve hours for and then he has the nerve to act like i did something wrong when i shove him off or elbow him back. i've had problems with moshing too, i'm not a very big person, so when some 200lb person starts slamming into me and the people around me it kind of ruins the experience (concussions suck) it's one thing to be enthusiastic, i respect that but having absolutely no respect for those around you is just being an ass

two words: high heels.

if you are wearing heels, and you are standing within whispering distance of the person nearest you, you are GOING to get shoved, stepped on, or otherwise jostled sometime during the band's set. stop causing a fuss, and don't throw your goddamn elbows around like you've just contracted chronic epilepsy.

i got pissed on at a concert. FUCK YOU.

concerts are like college parties. 80% of attendees are total douchebags looking out for #1. then again, you are a total douchebag for being in that other 20%.

we all KNOW that concerts can suck. and the people who break these rules arent the kind of people to read this article and abide by it.

whine with me now

haha I totally agree.
I think I have complained about almost all of these things at least once while at a concert.
especialy number four, me being the 5' tall girl the 6'4 people stand in front of. =P

100% agreed about standing at a seated show. I paid $100/ea to see the Police, I want to SIT in that $100 seat and SEE the motherfucking POLICE! To that end, I have been known to, if I can, procure seats in the front row of the next section back from whatever TicketRipoff is currently selling. Yes, it's a tiny bit worse of a seat, but at least I'll get to sit in it.

What the hell is wrong with some of you idiots? It's not like these are laws or anything, just someones idea of a few general courtesy rules, if you don't like them you don't have to be a huge fucking douche about it. People like you are the reason Kat posted these in the first place.

I agree with every single thing on there, here is another one, it's not really a way people ruin the show but anyway:

Wearing the bands shirt or merchandise to the show. If you buy the shirt at the present show that is okay to wear it, but if you are wearing the stuff in to the show of that band that is just stupid. we know who you are there to see, we do not need your shirt to also tell us. It is redundant and way too emo.

Let's not forget the guy who stands next to you and can't seem to realize that there's music going on, why not talk? It's especially weird that he seems so content to NOT listen to the band, considering that the majority of his conversation is about the band, their merchandise, other shows he's been to, pointless trivia, and various other pointless Indie Cred to whip out as though it impresses you. This guy is usually twice your weight and there alone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

we go to different shows, me thinks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Bravo, every single word in the article is 100% correct.