We’re in an era of bad, and I mean awful, concert etiquette. Not only is it present, but it’s being normalized. As someone who has attended quite a few concerts, I can’t overstate the positive impact of being surrounded by fans respectful of both the artists and other fans.
Videos of bad concert etiquette have begun to widely circulate on social media, calling some much needed attention to the issue. In particular, videos of young girls screeching lyrics of slow songs at the top of their lungs have gone viral. Now, I’m not saying don’t bring your children to concerts – but please, for everyone’s sake, ensure they’re being respectful.
This isn’t solely targeted towards children. Teens and adults, you’re guilty of it too. Don’t let your rudeness get in the way of someone else’s night.
Let’s get into the dos and don’ts of concert etiquette.
Do: Maintain a respectful volume and tone during slow/acoustic songs
There is nothing that can kill the mood of a beautiful acoustic live cover like someone screaming crude or inappropriate things at the artist when they’re pouring their hearts out in often extremely emotionally vulnerable songs.
I’m not saying don’t sing – but understand how to adjust your volume and tone depending on the song. If it’s a bass heavy pop song, you’re safe to sing your heart out. But, if an artist is playing a delicate solo on the guitar or piano, maybe it’s time to turn down the volume dial.
Don’t: Hold up signs blocking someone’s view for more than a couple seconds
It’s becoming more and more popular to bring signs or posters with witty lines on them to attempt to catch the attention of the artist on stage. Some artists like Harry Styles even have whole sections of concerts where they interact with fans, largely by reading these signs.
However, as gratifying a personal moment between you and the artist may be, you need to remain aware of people around you, particularly those behind you who can’t see the stage beyond your sign.
Holding a sign up for a few seconds during an interaction period where no music is being played is one thing. Holding a sign up during entire sets where the artist isn’t talking to fans is incredibly disrespectful to those around you.
Do: Be aware of those around you, especially when sitting in the pit
After the catastrophe of Travis Scott’s Astroworld, where multiple people were trampled to death due to a rowdy pit, artists are continually more aware of maintaining safety on the pit and floor, whether it’s ensuring fans have proper standing space or can receive water to avoid passing out.
On top of the artist, you need to do your part in this too. First, and hopefully obviously, if someone falls down, help them up. It’s easy for a fallen fan to go unnoticed after falling and quickly become trampled by the stampede of fans.
If someone around you says they feel lightheaded or might pass out, please attempt to flag down a security guard or even the artist on stage to get help. At most concerts, security is on high alert for situations like this. They’re here to help.
Don’t: Record the entire concert
I won’t lie, I am definitely guilty of this one. I will tell you that you will not go back to watch those concert videos nearly enough to make missing the full experience of the concert worth it.
Yes, record a chorus of your favorite song or record a couple snippets of yourself singing along – it’s certainly nice to have some of those memories, but looking through your phone screen the whole time and not dancing as to not shake the screen just impedes on your experience.
I promise you, put that phone in your pocket and you will have an infinitely better concert experience.
There you have it, my guide to not being a jerk at concerts and tips to enjoy the experience to the fullest. I hope you’ll keep them in mind during your next live music outing.
