Concert Etiquette

Concerts are finally back in full swing after three crazy, socially distanced years. With artists announcing tours every other week, everybody is getting their hands on a ticket, myself included. Isolation has caused large anticipation for live shows, with some people going to their first concert within the last year. 

However, the lack of socialization has affected the way people act in social situations negatively, especially at concerts. Take the whole Kid Cudi walking off stage after getting a water bottle thrown at him fiasco as an example. Both the lack of social interaction and being a concert newbie can make for a not so good experience. 

Coming from someone who is seeing four concerts this year, and has seen many in the past, here is my list of concert etiquette to follow to be safe and respectful at shows:

1. PLEASE WEAR DEODORANT 

This definitely sounds a little silly and obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people forget this. Please put on deodorant before a concert, when you start to get sweaty and out of breath from having a good time, if you aren’t wearing some, everyone will be able to smell you.

2. Treat the artist like a human being

The artists are not just figments of your imagination with no feelings. The things you say to them have an impact. When you invade their space or overstep their boundaries you are disrespecting them. Treat people the way you want to be treated. They are there to entertain you, they don’t owe you anything but their performance. Please free yourself from your parasocial relationships. 

3. Treat the people around you with respect

I know you guys remember learning to keep your hands to yourself in kindergarten. That still applies here. There is no need to push and shove the people around you to get noticed by the artist. Everyone is there to have a good time, so don’t be the reason someone leaves with a bad experience. Also be aware of the people around you! If they look like they need assistance getting out of the crowd or need some water, please be helpful.

4. You don’t need to be on your phone the whole time

This is a controversial one, but you really don’t need to watch the whole concert through your screen. I used to be one of those people who recorded every song, beginning to end. But then I realized I wasn’t actually in the moment at the show. You guys are paying good money to see this concert, so why not actually see it. Recording a few songs is fine, I do that too, but I promise you’re not going to watch all of those videos back after you take them. Your phone storage will thank me later.

5. Know the environment of the show you’re going to

Not every concert is the same. A concert for Taylor Swift is not going to have the same atmosphere as a Slipknot show. If you’re going to a metal/rock show, know the type of activities that go on there. If you aren’t comfortable with moshing, try to stay out of areas where mosh pits occur. If you’re at a K-Pop show, just know that you might have signs or lightsticks blocking your view. 

6. Don’t be mean to the opener

You might not have come to see the opener, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard them. They’re performing for you just like the artist you came for is. Show them respect and at least pretend to enjoy their set. Openers usually try to engage with the crowd, so you should go along with it. And who knows, maybe you might end up liking the music from the opener. A lot of your favorite artists used to be an opener for someone too. The artist picked those openers for a reason.

I know a lot of this is common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to have this as a reminder. Stay safe and be respectful. Have fun and make the most of the experience!