With more videos of musicians being assaulted at shows and more stories of fans being assaulted physically and sexually, we thought it would be best to ask around and collect the best concert etiquette tips so shows are enjoyable once again. Click each tip to expand and read.
Do NOT throw things
Since acts have begun interacting with fans more during concerts by grabbing phones, taking pictures, and posing with props fans brought, there has been an influx of fans throwing items on stage in order to get their moment. When you think about the percentage of fans who are able to afford meet and greet passes, it makes sense as to why throwing stuff has gotten so popular. However, it’s gotten out of hand. Too many artists had left concerts bleeding because Bobby decided to throw his iPhone. If the artist gets injured, no one enjoys the show and EVERYONE has wasted money. Most artists are pretty active on social media these days and interact with fans all the time. Go that route instead.
Record sparingly
I know you want a video of your favorite song live. I know you want to remember the moment. But can you remember a moment you didn’t really experience? If you absolutely must record during the show, keep it to your favorite lines in the song and end it. You’ve heard it a million times, but holding your phone in the air the whole show ruins it for the people around you. Especially if you’re one of the people who “accidentally” forgot to wear deodorant that day. Which leads to our next tip…
Be aware of your B.O.
Please wear deodorant and shower the day of the event. Yes, it is a personal choice. However, not everyone enjoys the smell of mist and sweat. And in a close and sweaty crowd, smells are guaranteed to be intensified. Be considerate of your fellow concert-goers. It would be best to avoid string perfumes as well.
Mind your neighbors
Don’t crowd around people at the barrier and don’t try to push your way to the front. You’re not accomplishing what you think you are. You’re just making the people around you uncomfortable. Give people room to tie their shoes, pick up something they’ve dropped, or dance. But also don’t be that a$$hole that expects a lot of space.
Don’t be a creep
Speaking of space, don’t be that person that tries to use the crowd as a cover to grope someone. Enough said.
Now is NOT the time to experiment or get wasted
It’s hot and energy is high. You WILL crash and get sick. Again something that’ll ruin the show for you and everyone around you. Be smart and be careful.
Signs to the back!
Everyone wants to enjoy the show. Don’t block the view for others. If you absolutely must bring one, make sure it’s reasonably sized or see if someone at the barrier could hold it for you.
Don’t steal souvenirs
If an artist throws something in the crowd and you don’t catch it, that’s your loss. I’ve seen too many fights over drumsticks and even had to help my friend in a fight for a towel because someone a$$hole decided they were big and bad.
Mosh safely
Mind were you mosh. Don’t try to drag people in and don’t try to expand it out. No one wants to leave a show injured. Something I’ve seen recently, is the formation of “Girl Pits”. Supposedly less intense mosh pits. Love the idea! I hope we can work on the name though.
Let people hear the performance!
It’s perfectly okay to sing along, but don’t scream-sing into the ear of the person in front of you.
Respect ALL acts
Don’t be disrespectful and have a conversation, heckle, or sit on your phone when an act is performing that you didn’t necessarily come to see. Either give them a listen and see if you like them or excuse yourself for a bathroom break, to hydrate, check your phone, etc. You might think the act won’t notice you, but they will. Don’t be a d!ck.