Concerts are a major hobby for a significant majority of people and smaller General Admission (GA) shows with smaller artists are becoming more popular. A huge part of concerts, especially smaller GA shows, is the environment you’re in, including the people surrounding you. Unfortunately, sometimes other people can affect or even ruin a concert experience, and take away from the artist you’re trying to enjoy. To ensure that you and your friends aren’t doing this to others, follow these few tips of basic concert etiquette.
- Personal space
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Personal space is very important, especially when it comes to smaller GA concerts. If you want a good spot on the floor, the way to do that is to get there early and wait. You should not try to push your way to the front and don’t stand on top of other people. You should also try your best not to save space for a ton of friends; instead, they should follow the same rules of getting there early. If you leave to get drinks or go to the bathroom (which, as a tip: try to do either before getting a spot), don’t expect your spot to be there when you get back. Everyone wants to be towards the front; people won’t be happy having to move backwards into a crowd of people for someone to stand in front of them.
- Don’t throw things
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The few viral moments of artists putting on or using objects like hats, boas, or drinks from fans can be envious. However, it can also cause injuries to the artists and be very distracting. The singers can potentially slip, especially if they have specific choreography, or can get hit. Harry Styles, for instance, was hit in the eye by a Skittle, and BeBe Rexha was hit in the face by a fan’s phone, leaving her with a black eye and in need of stitches. It’s important to consider artists’ safety for their own well-being, so that they can continue performing and put on a great show.
- Be mindful of your signs
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If you are going to be close to the front of the pit at a big concert, then it may be tempting to make a sign. If you do, be wary of the size, and only hold it up in between songs when the artist is facing you. There is no point in holding up a sign when the singer is at the other end of the stage. Otherwise, you will block others’ view and they can’t see one of their favorite artists at all. They also might miss seeing the performance of one of their favorite songs.
- Screaming & yelling
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In the moment, it’s always very exciting being at a concert and the environment is super energetic and lively. It is normal to scream and yell for the artist, both out of excitement and in support. Although, it can be slightly off-putting if the person next to you is screaming non-stop during the entirety of a song. Try to keep in mind to be loud at the end of songs, or during specific, special moments, like a solo.
- Recording
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You’re going to want to relive the memories from a concert, especially if you’re having Post-Concert Depression. Although, you don’t need to record the full length of every song on the setlist. You could pick some of your favorites, and record a verse and a chorus, or the bridge, or whatever your favorite parts are. Others around or behind you won’t have to be forced to watch the same concert through a screen and you’ll be doing yourself a favor by saving your own battery life and storage. You can still remember great moments from the concert by just enjoying it in the moment without having to depend on your camera roll.
Just remember, while you paid for a ticket, so did everyone else; you’re not the only one there. You paid to see the artist and you paid simply to see them perform, not necessarily to have your own “special moment” with them that results from disruptive behavior. If you are planning on going to a concert soon, or if you already have done some of these things, please be mindful and keep these simple rules in mind at your next concert.