Concert Ettiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of a Showgoer

Warning: throwing your bra at the band member of your choice will not increase your chances and will only scream desperation louder than your mouth ever could. Photo by Rachel Campbell.

Concerts are a fantastic way to blow off steam by letting loose to some great live music, but sometimes the level of enjoyment in your experience can rely upon those around you. Take note of these usually unwritten rules and keep them in mind the next time you plan on rocking out. Just like the concert itself, these are all meant in good fun.

IT’S A CONCERT NOT A CLUB, so dress like it. Some concerts are in clubs, but unless you plan on sitting at the bar all night then a barely-there dress and pumps that add four inches to your height probably aren’t your best bet.

SHOES WERE MEANT TO STAY ON YOUR FEET, as well as keep you on them. This could probably fall under the above, but footwear seems to be one of the biggest fails of a showgoer. Heels are obviously the worst choice, but flip flops aren’t much better. If Converse can be eaten up by the pit, then those definitely will. Comfort is key, but so is practicality.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO GET HIT, THEN GET OUT OF THE PIT. Depending on the genre of the show you’re attending, chances are a mosh pit will break out somewhere in the crowd. If you’re near it and don’t want to be involved then take a few steps back. Being stubborn and throwing a fit if you get bumped in to when you most likely could have prevented it is lame.

HANDS IN THE AIR AND NOT ON HER BUTT. If you don’t know them, then you probably shouldn’t touch them, on purpose that is. Crowds cause all personal bubbles to be popped, but that shouldn’t increase your level of creepiness. Usually the only time a hand should go on a girl you don’t know is if you’re helping her crowd surf to the front, otherwise don’t be “that guy.”

MARRIAGE PROPOSALS ARE CUTE, if you actually know the person. Proclamations of love should be reserved for significant others and not a band member who probably doesn’t even know your name. Just because your Twitter handle has already claimed their last name, that doesn’t mean that you actually can. Speaking to them post-show is bound to get their attention more than screaming at them during it.

OPEN YOUR EARS, NOT YOUR MOUTH. Many people feel as if when their favorite band isn’t on then it’s okay to talk to their friends the entire time and may even go so far as to turn their back to the stage. This is incredibly rude to bands and fans alike, so just don’t do it. If you don’t like them, then fine. Get out of the crowd for their set; take a bathroom break or grab a drink. If you don’t know them, then listen up. They could be the next big thing or at the very least your new favorite.

HAVE FUN. It is a concert after all. Go hypothetically crazy, but keep it respectful. Remember that everyone is there for the same reason, so no need to ruin it for someone else.

Practice your etiquette by checking out some venues in the area such as Musica, the Grog Shop, Peabody’s and the House of Blues for upcoming shows.