what is happening to concert etiquette???

Listen. I love going to concerts. I find myself feeling the most in love and inspired by music after a concert. But lately, I’ve been finding myself a bit… annoyed at the concerts I go to. I try not to let myself get upset over things I can’t control or other people’s actions. I just want to enjoy music! I should be happy to be there regardless. I think it goes beyond just a few annoying people attending shows though. I’ve been noticing music crowds growing more diverse, mainly non-music people and younger fans (which is great!!!). I also think phone-usage and COVID have a lot to do with it, and there’s a lot of people out there with underdeveloped social skills. Unfortunately, I think these new audiences don’t quite understand concert etiquette.

Let me give you a few examples. One of my biggest pet peeves has been noticing people arriving to a show right before the headliner, posing through the crowd to get closer to the stage, and standing RIGHT in front of someone else. It especially gets me when the person is taller than the person they’re standing in front of. Not cool guys!!! I understand standing room shows can get crowded, and everyone wants a good view of the show. But consider other people! If you’re taller than average, don’t stand directly in front of someone else. If you get there late, don’t push through people who have been there for hours! There’s plenty of opportunities for a good view of stage from the back.

Something else I’ve noticed is a lack of attention to the performers i.e. extreme phone usage and conversations during a set. You paid good money to go to this show, so why not pay attention and get your money’s worth! I’ve felt so bad for some performers lately who have played a whole set to an audience that has their faces in a screen and are having conversations with their “outside voices”. It’s just rude!! There’s numerous other things I’ve noticed that come from a lack of knowledge about concert etiquette - like getting angry at respectful moshing despite choosing to stand in a prime-moshing spot, yelling disrespectful things at artists, etc. - but I won’t get into that. I’m not trying to act like I’m the most perfect concert-goer. This isn’t the main point I’m getting at.

What I’m really trying to get at is reframing the way we think about attending concerts. What we all need to remember is that concerts are COMMUNAL EXPERIENCES. Not only are you going to see your favorite artist live, but you’re also going to experience music with a group of people who have the same love and passion for the artist as you. It’s a beautiful thing! I’ve been trying to reframe my thinking about concerts and I want to invite you to join me! It’s ok if you don’t have the most perfect view or sound. You’re there! That’s all that matters! Be respectful to the artists and the people around you. Live in the moment and put the damn phone away.