The 10 commandments of going to concerts
We can all agree that going to gigs hasn’t been what it used to be. And not to be all nostalgic, but something’s been off – arguably the pandemic is to blame for putting a whole huge part of the culture on hold and with that people forgot that the only time gigs are the best place on earth is when everyone knows they are part of the community. A community of fans, artists, and venues – only as a whole can we make this magical moment happen.
It’s more than just attending a concert; it’s about feeling a sense of belonging and connection, being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a common love for music.
Now recently this seems to have gotten lost a little bit – but here’s some basic gig etiquette to make sure your next concert is the best it can be.
1 Buy from official source
Does what it says on the tin. In order for your favourite acts to be able to keep touring, for venues to to remain open, make sure you buy your tickets from official websites only. Don’t trust third party speculative listings – the chances of you not attending because you’re tickets don’t actually exist are pretty high.
2 Get to the venue early
If you have a 9 to 5 this is easier said than done but here’s a few reasons to encourage going to the show for doors. Great spots to watch the show – the early bird catches the front row. Short bar queues – get that double pint in while you can. Make friends – if you’re going by yourself, getting to the venue early is the perfect way to meet new people with the same taste in music as you. And what’s more important than that?!
3 Support the supports
Another great benefit of getting to the venue early is potentially discovering your new favourite band! Many an artist we listen to these days we discovered as supports of other bigger bands. They will almost always be playing music similar to the headliner’s and if you like theirs then why wouldn’t you like the support bill.
4 Respect your surroundings
This is simple mindfulness to be honest. Don’t be the douche who makes everyone’s evening miserable by bumping into everyone, grabbing every woman by the waist (or worst), pushing your way through when your friends aren’t actually at the front, make it your own concert (love a singalong, but we do want to hear the speakers too), and so on. You get the gist.
5 Phones or no phones
Now this one’s a huge debate – our take is, just be mindful. Video a few seconds of a song, or one or two of your favourite songs whole but don’t record the entire gig or facetime someone for the whole set.
6 Grab some merch
Support your artist by getting a piece of merch. We know, we know, merch has become extremely expensive. Sadly this is due to the dreaded Brexit and also unfortunately due to many venues charging merch cuts (a feature for another day – long take short, venues shouldn’t legally be allowed to charge merch fees). But if you can afford it, grab that tshirt, hoodie, poster or whatever floats your boat. Side note to bands: Make your merch more female friendly I beg you!
7 Get a beer
Or a non alcoholic drink, we’re not here to encourage drinking. We do encourage making your night a little less thirsty and at the same time help out your local venues! This rule only really applies to grassroots venues, no offense to stadiums and arenas, but those drinks prices are daylight robbery in some places.
8 Know when to be quiet
When the band are playing a slow or acoustic song or when they’re conversing about a sensitive topic, just postpone that catch-up to after the gig. In fact, if you want to chat about work gossip, your new apartment or neighbourhood goss, just go to the bar.
9 Look after your fellow gig goers
We all know the rules of the pit – if someone falls over, we help them up. The same goes for outside the pit. Does someone look unwell? Bring them to security. Does someone look upset? Check in on them. Does it look like someone is getting unwanted attention? Speak up.
10 Look after the venue
Most venues are pretty tough and can take a lot (that’s what they’re built for) and we’re not going to ask you to not throw your beers because well that’s part of the fun (though at these prices, why would you?) – but if your venue is in a residential neighbourhood, be quiet when you leave. We all run on adrenalin and want to keep singing our hearts out. But one too many complaints to the council and that venue is gone forever.
So there you have it. All pretty standard stuff – no one is gatekeeping but for everyone to have fun some rules need to be followed.
High Fives & Stage Dives 