So, you decided you want to go to a concert. Maybe it’s your first, or your third. Or maybe it’s your 30+ show. Whether it’s rock, indie, electronica, or even a damn pop concert, there are a few rules you should abide by. Concert going is becoming more and more popular, but it’s also becoming more annoying. It’s not (just) the influx of 13-15 year old teenage girls who don’t shut up, but also the fact that people don’t know how to follow the basic rules of “concert etiquette”. Here are a few basic tips to live by when concert going so that you can have fun, be safe, and lower the chance of people loathing you.
1. Don’t complain about being pushed if you’re in front.
Seriously. If you’re near the stage, you should expect to be pushed and shoved by everyone else who wants to be where you are. If you don’t like it, then go to the back. Stop whining. No one wants to hear it.
2. Don’t text during sets.
It’s rude. Your iPhone is just a beacon of retina-burning light distracting others. It will get you noticed, but not in a good way.
3. Don’t be “that” guy.
You know, the guy who shows up hours before the show starts, scoffs at people who don’t know all the b-sides, and claims to “know the band”? Yeah, that guy. Don’t say you know the band unless you actually know the band, because chances are you’ll get to meet them, and they’ll have no idea who you are, making a fool of you in front of all those you belittled beforehand. Unless you’re into self-deprecation, then by all means, go ahead.
4. Don’t show up on drugs.
No one wants to hear about how you can’t feel your arms or that you see in sound, and they don’t want to take care of you when you’re sloshing around. You sound stupid, and you’ll most likely get kicked out of the venue.
5. Try not to get into fights, Verbal or physical.
I find it hard to live by this rule. I can’t count on my hands how many people I’ve punched in the face at different shows. Or kicked in the ribs. Or pulled their hair. It’s a brutal place out there. Try not to start a fight, but if one just happens to come to you, don’t be afraid to “protect” yourself.
6, Put the camera down.
Enjoy the show. I get it. You want to “remember the moment”. Taking a few pictures here and there and maybe one video is okay, but taking pictures throughout the entire set is annoying, especially when your cheap Cannon is smashing itself into my face or skull every time the crowd moves. You’re not a professional photographer. Stop it.
7. If you’re drinking, don’t throw your beer. It’s sticky.
Actually, don’t throw anything. Don’t throw food. Don’t throw water bottles; empty, full, or filled with urine. Nothing. It leads to bad times. Example: Warped Tour 2005. The girl in front of me in line got pegged with a yogurt. I got hit with a bag of Cheetos. I’ve been smacked in the head by rogue beer cans and water bottles. It can easily happen to you, so please don’t be the guy to make it happen to somebody else.
This is just a basic list of rules that you should follow if you plan on going to a show. Basically, try to enjoy the show without ruining it for others. Don’t complain; just enjoy yourself. Be safe. (Unless moshing; then go all out.) Hopefully you’ll follow these simple rules, preventing others around you from hating you and wanting to deck you in the face.