A handful of concert etiquette suggestions, because it seems like we need it.
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It seems as if a lesson in concert etiquette is needed these days, as Adele would say. And a lot of people would agree. A recent concert I attended was far less enjoyable because of one person smack-dab in the middle of the standing section who raised their lightstick far above their head around 80% of the entire show. It’s not an isolated incident—phones held high up are actually very common across live concerts everywhere. And it got us thinking about how we can work together to make concert experiences better for each other.
From one concert-goer to another, there are definitely ways to participate in concerts that don’t inconvenience the people around you. Of course, there will be different rules across different artists, venues, shows, and the like, but these rules apply to most, if not all, of them. Let’s all try to consider them, practice them, and share them, so future concerts are a blast for everyone.
DO FOLLOW QUEUEING RULES, AND STRATEGIZE WITH CONSIDERATION
Who hasn’t been annoyed by queue-cutters and people shoving you aside to get a better spot in the pit? While it’s totally understandable that you want the best possible view or chance at a Y/N moment, make sure you’re not stepping on anybody’s toes (literally or figuratively) when you’re lining up to watch a concert or already in the standing sections. Further, don’t try to arrange for your own queueing systems for lines at ticketing or standing sections if you can’t ensure that everyone will be aware of it beforehand.
DO KEEP YOUR PHONE AT EYE LEVEL
hi to future VIP standing peeps… please if you’re taking a video or picture, make sure na eye level lang yung phone + lightstick or any banner. be atleast considerate to the people at your back lalo na ang laki ng pit ngayon. ayaw natin ng ganitong view diba? pic.twitter.com/8xDQX5WbBq
— che (@kkakkameori) October 26, 2022
Now, we don’t mind seeing phones and cameras at concerts—unless they’re obstructing the view in a wildly annoying way. A great tip that’s been making the rounds on K-pop fandoms is keeping phones, lightsticks, banners, and other items at eye-level. Of course, you can’t account for height or the arrangement of people in standing sections, but in general, not keeping your phones high above your head is ideal. Unfortunately, what can you do except do the same when people in front of you are holding theirs so high up? Totally understandable, but hopefully we get to spread the message around so we can all have unobstructed shots to look at in our photo libraries.
DO BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER AUDIENCE MEMBERS
While we do tend to make jokes about fans fighting in the pit, it’s really not great that almost all concerts these days have stories of people being rude to others. It’s not that hard to be gracious to other concert-goers. We’re all there to have a great time.
Don’t elbow or shove just to reach the front, and don’t go too wild that you end up smacking someone in the face or side (speaking from personal experience). Take care of each other when something happens, too. People sometimes get injured or pass out at concerts, so be aware of one another and help each other out.
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, DON’T INTERRUPT THE ARTIST
screaming excessively while idols are talking is soooo disrespectful what is wrong with u all https://t.co/nQgb6bPdRF
— noor (@eaudetaeil) January 30, 2023
We know you want your message to be heard loud and clear by your idol, but don’t be rude! When they’re taking the time mid-show to tell their beloved fans a message, why interrupt it by screaming their name—or worse, another member’s name—or yelling other things across the arena? Sometimes it’s okay, like when fans greet their artists a happy birthday or their spiel isn’t that serious, but it’s safer to just not do it or wait for a better opportunity (sometimes they encourage the screaming, anyway!). Interrupting an artist continuously and tactlessly when they really want to communicate with the crowd is totally not it.
DON’T THROW THINGS ON STAGE
Adele talks about concertgoers throwing things at artists:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 4, 2023
“I fucking dare you. Dare you to throw something at me and I'll fucking kill you.” pic.twitter.com/vy680y8ekm
While bra-throwing has been a common practice among bands and male artists in particular, the culture of throwing things at artists on stage or while they’re making their rounds in an arena has been getting way out of hand. More than one artist has experienced getting hurt by items fans throw on stage, and more than one has also called them out on it. You may just be expressing your appreciation for your fave artist, but doing it in an annoying and potentially harmful way is totally disrespectful.
DON’T BE THE PERSON IN EVERYONE ELSE’S CAMERA ROLL
@bohoglamdk #oliviarodrigotour #tagthem #whoarethey? #msg #oliviarodrigo #share ♬ original sound – BohoGlamDK
By that we mean, aside from not obstructing everyone else’s view or shot with your phone, arms, banners, lightsticks, or posters, don’t scream or yell the lyrics the whole time. Imagine your own initial amusement, and then disappointment, once you go home and browse your media only to find out you can’t even hear the artist because someone beside you was louder than the venue speakers.
Don’t be rude interacting with others, as well. You might even end up as a viral storytime on X. Generally, just be respectful to the people sharing that same space with you, whether it’s artist, staff, or audience member—and not just because you don’t want to be cancelled online. You’re there to have fun and enjoy the music, but so is everybody else.
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