Let’s face it, rock concerts are not a night at the symphony and the rules to
live by while at the venue are quite a bit more relaxed. However, there is
still a code that you should follow while you are at a concert. This goes for
any show at any venue.
This is not a new topic, but it is one worth revisiting (as it often is over and
over again by various sources). Regardless of how many times a blogger,
magazine, or journalist writes an article about concert etiquette, we still
hear frequent stories from fans about a ruined concert experience because of
the behavior of those around them. Obviously, you need to stay within the law
and respect the venue’s policies, but there are also a set of unwritten (and
not always agreed upon) rules to keep in mind while you attend your next
concert.
Before we ask your opinion on concert etiquette, please allow us to present a
few thoughts based on feedback we have heard from fans over the years.
The Sit or Stand Dilemma
This one comes up a lot. You can easily split a concert crowd into two
categories: those who like to sit and those who like to stand. For some shows,
it’s almost a unanimous mindset leaning one way or the other, but for other
shows, there is a gray area that can easily cause issues between patrons.
Our best advice is to look at your surroundings. Are you at
a high energy rock concert where everyone else is standing? Then it is probably
okay to get up on your feet.
Are you at a low-key performance where most everyone is
seated? Then it is probably best to give your feet a rest.
Simply, be considerate of those around you. You wouldn’t
want somebody blocking your view and ruining your experience, would you?
Have tickets and/or
ID ready
Occasionally, there can be very long lines to get into an event. If you
have your tickets, and in some cases I.D. and credit card (for paperless entry),
ready when you reach the turnstiles, it will make the entire process quicker
and easier for everyone involved. The more time you take fumbling through your
belongings looking for your tickets, the more time there is for fans to begin
piling up behind you.
Talking
Concerts are social events, so it is natural to want to turn to your bestie
and show your excitement when your favorite song begins, but try not to go too
far. It’s alright to talk to your heart’s desire in between acts, but once the
musicians are on stage, do your best to pay attention to the show. You came to
see the band perform, not catch up on the latest gossip. If you would rather
sit and chat through the entire show, perhaps watching a live concert DVD at
home is more your style. There will be plenty of time to discuss the fine
details after the final notes have been played.
Phones
If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, does it make
a sound?
If you were at a live concert and you couldn’t inform everyone you know that you were
having more fun than them, were you really there?
In the age of social media, sometimes it can seem as though
you aren’t having fun unless you are posting to your social media pages to show
just how much fun you are having. We are ever-connected to our devices these
days, but much like everything else moderation is key. It’s fine to snap a few
pics here and there, send out a tweet or two, or check in with the baby sitter
via a quick text, but that bright light of yours can be very distracting.
Also keep in mind that some shows will not even allow the
usage of phones. The Eagles and Kevin Hart are examples of recent shows that
enforced a strict “no cell phone” policy. And tablets? They are almost never
allowed in, and we would strongly encourage you not to use them even if they
were. (They are huge! You might as well erect a billboard in front of the
person behind you while you hold it up to snap some pics.)
Enjoy the moment, use your phone sparingly, and create some memories. You come
to see a live show, not watch it through a tiny screen, right? Besides, let’s
face it – chances are most of those pics and videos you take with your phone
aren’t going to turn out very well anyway. (Pro Tip: Using your flash when taking pics at a concert does nothing for the exposure. That bright light will only travel a few feet directly in front of you. It's best to turn it off when taking some shots at a show.)
Dancing
Rocking out in your own personal space without completely invading the
personal space of the people sitting next to you is a skill. If you are not
sure how to do it, watch the veteran concert-goers around you. They know how to
ramp up the excitement while toning down the arm-flailing. Furthermore, if you
are holding a drink, do not forget that
you are holding a drink!
Nobody likes a cold liquid being spilled in their hair or
down their back because the person behind them cannot stop sloshing their beverage
around while attempting to showcase their moves. This brings us to the next
one…
Drink responsibly–
don’t spill!
If you are drinking at an event, please drink responsibly. Know your limits
and be sure you have assigned a designated driver for the evening. If everyone
in your group is drinking, arrange for a friend to pick you up after the show,
call a cab, or use services such as Uber to make it home safely. There are no
excuses here.
Don’t stand in the
aisles
Not only can this be a serious safety issue, but aisles are busy
passageways. You standing in the middle of one with your fist in the air while
people are trying to get to their seats or back out to the concourse is a major
inconvenience. Not to mention, you paid for specific seats, and standing in the
aisle may be blocking the view of someone who paid to be in the section you are
trying to gain access to.
Woo-Girls/Woo-Guys/FREEBIRD!
Concerts are exciting, and we encourage you to display your excitement
before, during, and after the events you attend. However, yelling at the top of
your lungs the entire time can be a bit excessive and sure to annoy the other
fans around you. Definitely express how great the show is with a few exclamations,
but remember that while you are yelling, woo-ing, or screaming “FREEBIRD!” after
every song (this stopped being funny at least 20 years ago, by the way) both
you and those around you probably cannot hear the show everyone paid their hard
earned cash to see.
Basically, everything boils down to realizing you are one of
many people at a concert and that your behavior could impact the experience of
others. Be mindful of your surroundings, nice to your neighbors, and have a
great time. We want everyone to have the best experience possible while they
are here, and pleasant fan-to-fan interaction goes a long way toward helping
that happen.
Now it is your turn. Did we nail it? Did we get it all
completely wrong? Do you agree with some of it, but the rest is way off base? Did
we miss something? We want to know your thoughts. Tell us in the comments
below, and let’s keep this conversation going.
Nancy Kerrigan
Johnny Weir
