Concert Etiquette


As I have stated before, it is in my opinion that music is best enjoyed live. Some people are into movies, some love the ballet. I love music. I started going to concerts when I was 16 years old. Over the last five years I have been to big festivals, shows in small pubs/bars, arena shows, award shows and shows in smaller all floor venues. I have seen atleast 33 shows that I can remember, although I'm sure more will come to me after I finish typing this. I have seen way too many bands to count. Although there are no written rules that you can google there are certain ways people should act at a show, band members and concert goers alike. When people go against the norm it makes for an unpleasant experience for other people who are just trying to enjoy the show.

It could just be that I am loosing patience and tolerence as I get older but I find that when I attend shows there are large numbers of younger fans that don't know the norm. It has gotten to the point where I become extreamly annoyed when I see someone under the age of 17 at a show and automatically become irritated. In order for us to co-exist in peace and enjoy the live music we love I thought I would point out some things you should keep in mind when attending a show. I am typing this entry at 5:20 am while watching Nick and Norah's Infinate playlist for the millionth time. I have yet to sleep so please bare with me.


Band Tee's
Let's start off easy as this first one isn't too much of a big deal. Wearing band merch is always welcomed at any type of show. It is reccomended though that if you are going to do this that you choose something that does NOT represent the band you are going to see. The reason for this is that everyone going to this show is there to see the same bands you are. When you wear a t-shirt or a hoodie that sports a logo from your favorite band you are basically advertising them to anyone who could potentialy see your shirt. You are going to a concert packed with kids who have a similar taste in music as you. If you wear a shirt from a different band it gives other people the chance to see what else you're into. In addition to this the band could possibly get some new fans from the people looking at your shirt. Free advertising. Wearing merch for the band you're about to see makes you look like a noob.

Butting In Line
There is no way to stop people from butting in line. It sucks if you've been waiting for five hours in the rain and someone shows up ten minutes before doors open and butts right infront of you, but that's life. We're all guilty of doing it. If you're going to line butt you need to be careful about it. Even though we all do it, line butting is still frowned upon. If you're obvious about it someone could tell security if you piss them off and you'll be bounced to the back of the line. If you're going to butt your best bet is to find a friend in line and start talking to them. Do NOT butt too close to the front of the line. Keep in mind that some people have been waiting a long time to get in, the closer to the front of the line you butt the more likely it is you'll get caught. Don't butt in massive groups as it really pisses people off. Go in groups of two, three max. Be as polite as possible and draw as little attention to your self as possible.

Security Check/Bags
Not all shows will have a security check but most will. People are excited and they want to get into the venue as quick as possible. Have your ticket ready to be checked. If you have a bag or purse have it open and ready to be searched. Don't be lame, if you know you have something that can't be brought in get rid of it before you get up to the door. Example, food and drinks. It's a well known fact you can't bring this in and it will be taken from you. The less you have with you the quicker you get in. Only bring in what you need. I have been guilty of bringing in my massive hobo bag purse. It works well if you have a hoodie with you or buy merch, plus all your friends can store their stuff in your bag too. Be careful that while you're in the crowd enjoying the show that your purse doesn't get in the way of other concert go-ers. Please leave your back packs at home. They're annoying and take up too much room. Everyone wants to get as close to the stage as possible.

Homemade Band Shirts
Over the last few years I've noticed that it's been a common practice for kids to make their own t-shirts using bleach or markers or fabric paint that says something realted to the band you are about to see. I have done this twice a few years ago and I more than likely wont do it again. Although I am not a big fan of the homemade shirts I'm assuming it's because I have grown out of the phase where it's cool. If you're going to do this make sure it looks good and is tasteful. The first time I did this my shirt had my favorite lyric on it using bleach and foam letters as stencils. The second time I used fabric paint on a tank top I wore under a hoodie. My tank top had a joke from the band on it and it made a good conversation starter between myself and the band. For that reason I understand why people do it. Make sure you fully understand what you are putting on your shirt. If you're not careful the joke could be on you. When a band talks about a "Band Slut' it's not a good thing, and not something you want to brand on a t-shirt, especially if you're twelve.

Pushing
It's common knowledge that at show, especially a punk/rock/power pop show, there WILL be some pushing. If someone crashes into you keep your cool, they more than likely have been pushed by soemone else and are in a long line of pushers. Try to keep the pushing to a minimum this way you can maintain as much personal space as possible. Unless you're in a mosh pit, pushing just to be a jerk isn't cool. If you need to leave your spot or want to get closer try to do it inbetween bands. Know one wants you pushing past them to get a better spot then they have so be polite about it.

Parents
The idea of having parents at a show doesn't exactly sit well with me. You should not be going to shows unless you can prove to be responsible enough to be going on our own. If you are bringing your parents to a show keep your cell phone on you and leave them by the bar or near the back of the venue. Obviously this rule doesn't apply if you have assigned seats for an arena show. Parents are tall and block the view of the shorter kids who really want to see the show. They typically tend not to get into the performance and get angry when they are pushed or bumped into. The last thing I need is a 50 year old Mom yelling at me because someone pushed me into her eleven year old daughter or worse, her. The only exception to this is if your parent genuinely likes the band and understands what going to a concert entails. If they are going to enjoy them selves then by all means, enjoy.

Merch
Merch lines are always long and the guys behinde the table work their asses off to get you what you want as fast as possible so they can move on to the next one. Know what you want and in what sizes before it's your turn. Have a back up in mind incase they run out of that size or style. If you can add up your cost and have your money ready. The faaster the better. Keep in mind that merch guys make very little and if you can spare the change you should always tip them. Every bit helps. Most importantly, be polite and greatful. If you're rude they wont bother with you.

Attitudes
Bad attitudes are NOT welcome at shows, so please check your attitude at the door. We are all here for the same reason, to have a good time. Be polite and respectful to everyone. This isn't school, there is no popularity contests. We are all equals, just a bunch of people going to a show. Snarky comments and rude glares are not welcomed. It's also a good idea to keep in mind that the older someone is the longer they've been in the secene, comming to shows, and the more knowledge they have of the bad you're about to see. They will more than likely be the ones who know every word to every song, even the old stuff on the bands first EP. You don't want to disrespect them. If you are one of these hardcores, be polite and respectful to the noobs. One day they'll be hardcores like you.

Meeting the Band
Be polite and respectful. Do not bash a band that you're meeting. If you don't like them don't wait around to meet them. Generally it's ok to ask for one thing to be signed and ask to get your picture taken. When you're having a conversation with a band member be curteous to the other people waiting for their turn to meet them. If there's a lot of people I'd reccomend getting your picture/autograph and then waiting around until the crowd thins out to have your conversation. Be smart about what you get signed. Your skin is not a good idea as it WILL wash off. A picture of the band, their cd cover, a ticket stub are all appropriate things to get signed. Creativity is welcomed as long as it's appropriate. My friend got a tamborine signed once and it was a big hit. Asking for your bra or your boobs signed is awkward. I recently saw 12-15 year olds ask for this done. It's awkward for the band members and innapropriate, especially if you're under 18. Regaurdless of your age though it looks pretty trashy.

Bands
If you're in a band you must be on top of the world. When it comes to shows it's important for you to be as greatful and humble as possible when it comes to your fans. Treat them like equals. Keep in mind that if it wasn't for them you wouldn't be on stage at all. You should always hang out after shows to meet your fans, talk with them, take pictures and sign thigns. Make sure you act like you want to be there. No one likes an asshole who makes it obvious he doesn't give a shit about his fans and is eager to get back to the bus.

The bottom line here is respect. Respect the people around you, both on stage and not and the venue and staff and everyone will have a great time.

Later Days
Santi