The Essential Gig Etiquette Guide

We’ve all been at a concert where we’ve unfortunately been next to someone who’s either talked throughout, tweeted and texted constantly or just spoilt the vibe by looking and acting as if they’re attending under sufference. The other night, I had the displeasure of standing next to someone who practiced all of those bad traits (and many, many more). Whilst their behaviour was infuriating it did inspire me to write a guide to gig etiquette. So enjoy and just remember, don’t be that person.

1. DO Mosh, DON’T Fight

As I said in my first ever BUZZNET post, Dave Grohl (see video above) does not stand for any violence in his crowds. Whilst it is fine to mosh (in fact, it’s encouraged), there is a fine line between expressing your own appreciation of music and opressing that of others. Just make sure that your time for slamming is appropiate; if you’re doing it to silence inbetween acts, that’s just fighting not moshing – and if you’re doing it to a slow song, you’re just an idiot.

2. DO Sing, DON’T Talk

(Image Source) As much as standing next to a tone-deaf overly enthusiastic fan is extremely annoying (I imagine that the middle woman above was experiencing this problem), singing in crowds is a glorious communal activity that we should all embrace. Sure, vocals can get a little pitchy but if you know the words (and it’s not a delicate intimate acoustic track when you probably should hush up) don’t be afraid to sing along. Besides if you do sing, it’ll drown out the sound of those ignorant chatty types who prefer to gossip about so-and-so’s boyfriend’s sister’s new hairdo than listen to the band.

3. DO Cheer And Woop, DON’T Boo And Heckle (Unless The Band Deserves It)

(Image Source) Sometimes it seems that the loudest people at gigs are the ones having the worst times. Funnily enough “PLAY A LOUD SONG ALREADY!” and “GET ON WITH IT!” seem to be shouted out a lot more than “THAT’S MY FAVOURITE SONG, THANK YOU!” and “TAKE YOUR TIME TUNING UP, IT’S OK!”. Whilst heckling good or bad things is breaking the fundamental gig etiquette rule to not interrupt, you should still make your voice known (after all, you’ve paid to see the artist). If it’s amazing and you’re enjoying every second, feel free to scream “I LOVE YOU” (at an appropiate gap) and if a band’s really, really disappointing (or as late on stage as Guns N Roses) perhaps they do deserve an odd boo so let it out.

4. DO Drink, DON’T Spill It On Others

(Image Source) Whilst many of us hardened concert-goers (as opposed to hardened drinkers) try to go nil-by-mouth to avoid leaving the crowd and losing your spot for a quick toilet visit, there is no point getting de-hydrated. So whilst holding a drink may be annoying, if you just get a little bit (I ask bars to fill mine half up – they always give me a funny look, but they do it) you can afford ruining somebody else’s time by drenching (and stenching) them in beer. Oh and if you do spill it (accidents do happen), just apologise – it’s better than thinking that they haven’t noticed because they probably have but are just too scared to confront you.

5. DO Stand Your Ground, DON’T Queue Jump Or Push In

(Image Source) Sure, queue jumpers and pushers in are annoying but you can stop them. If you’re too scared to speak up with a “AHEM, I was there”, you can also stand your ground in a more subtle way. Try the “spreading out technique” when you sense that somebody who is ‘looking for a friend’ attempts to get right to the front of a crowd. The “spreading out technique” is pretty easy, just lock your arms in an aggressive manner and when you feel somebody weaving in keep it tight and stand your ground – literally. Although I will say that if somebody genuinely left for the toilet and returned, be nice and let them back in because if it was you who’d queued for hours then desperately needed the bathroom, you’d want the same treatment.

6. DO Use The Cloak Room, DON’T Wear A Huge Coat And A Rucksack

(Image Source) There’s always somebody who dresses like they’re on a trek up Mount Everest, but whatever you do don’t be that person. Although one time I was very grateful for falling on a backpack mid-mosh, I’ve had plenty of experiences where I’m held back by somebody’s massive coat/jacket/bag. I sympathise with those who have to travel from far to the venue and don’t want to waste time in the cloak room but if you can’t pack as light weight as possible, you’ll have to leave it in the venue’s hands.

7. DO Take Photos, DON’T Do It All The Time Or Get Pissy When Someone Knocks Your Arm

(Image Source) Ok, ok I’m sure there’s many people who’d like cameras to be fully banned at concerts (well they are, but that rule is rarely enforced) but we all like to keep and share memories really. So if you do like capturing the action, I think that’s ok but be aware of others around you. If you can’t get a good shot because the crowd’s too lively, don’t start having a strop about it – just embrace the fact that you’re in an energetic environment. Oh, and also never take photos of yourself while the band’s on – that’s not just annoying, but it’s tragic.

8. If You’re Tall, DO Stand Where You Like But DON’T Wear Heels

(Image Source) Some people are small, some people are tall – get over it. Height shouldn’t affect where you’re ‘allowed’ to stand so don’t lecture someone who’s over 6ft to move to the back because they might be a bigger fan than you in more than just a physical way. However if you are tall, it’d probably be best if you don’t wear heels because a) they’re not practical and b) they’re going to further piss off the petite people stood behind you.

9. DO Join In Crowd Participation, DON’T Be Too Shy To Move

(Image Source) We can all feel like a bit of a wally when you’re waving around like a maniac and fist-pumping in the air but when everyone else is doing it, the only people who look like idiots in the crowd are ones who aren’t doing anything. So when a band says “Sing back this” or “Wave this way”, go ahead and join in – you know you want to even if you’re feeling a little shy.

10. DO Share Your Memories On The Internet, DON’T Do It During The Music

(Image Source) Remember that scene in All Time Low’s Weightless video when they made it perfectly clear that NOBODY CARES about the band’s hair, set list, performance etc during their concert. I know, I know that we all like to share good times with friends but save tweeting and updating your Facebook status until after the gig or at least wait until an appropiate gap or the journey home because if you spend so much time recording the moment, you’ll never actually live it.

What’s your top gig etiquette tip?

What bad experiences have you had with rude crowd members?