“Play ‘Free Bird!’”
Concerts may seem like a free-for-all experience, but several unspoken rules exist to ensure we all have a good time. From cutting in line to smoking in the pit, here are 20 annoying things people need to stop doing.
1. Yelling Out Song Suggestions
Artists carefully plan which songs they’ll perform, so while it may be a bummer to miss out on your favorite, don’t scream requests during their set. Not only does it disrupt other concert-goers, but it bothers musicians, too.
Photo by Gio Bartlett on Unsplash
2. Taking Too Many Photos
The odd picture isn’t an issue, but flash photography or constant recording gets pretty annoying. Concerts are meant to be enjoyed, not documented in full—everyone has a way better time if you keep that phone in your pocket. It’s even worse juju if the performer themselves asks you to stop.
Photo by Maria Benitez on Unsplash
3. Holding Stuff Up
We know you heart Harry Styles, but so does everyone else who paid to be there. Showing off funny signs or props isn’t the end of the world if you only do it once. Those behind you, however, won’t appreciate constantly staring at the back of a poster.
Photo by Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash
4. Getting Too Drunk
Concerts and booze go hand-in-hand. While indulging in overpriced beer isn’t unheard of, there’s no call to get hammered either. Stumbling concert-goers often ruin the experience for others, encroaching on personal space or being way too loud. No one paid for a drunken karaoke night either.
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5. Standing in Seating Areas
Most theaters have elevated seats, so standing isn’t an issue for the person behind you. Some venues, however, are more old-fashioned with level seating areas. Pay attention to your surroundings. Standing up in certain venues blocks people’s views and makes you a prime target for booing.
Photo by Aranxa Esteve on Unsplash
6. Being Too Loud
Shouting between sets or during quiet moments annoys everyone. From confetti cannons to pyrotechnics, plenty of concerts give ample time to let loose—wait for those moments! Banshee-screaming for two hours is completely unnecessary.
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7. Pushing Through the Crowd
General admission shows are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some fans camp out for hours or wait in the pouring rain for their spot up front. They earned that. Don’t be the person who shoves their way to the stage. It’s rude, it’s unnecessary, and it’s a good way to pick fights.
Photo by Jorge Gordo on Unsplash
8. Cutting in Lines
Speaking of basic manners, we all learned about line formation in grade school. There’s no reason to cut ahead at concession stands or in line for the bathroom. If for some reason you need to go ahead of someone, ask first.
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9. Starting Fights
Anything from misunderstandings to belligerent behavior jumpstarts a fight. The best musicians warn about fighting beforehand and can even spot one in time to break it up, but the onus isn’t on them to keep the peace. Fights ruin the atmosphere and put others in danger.
Photo by Evgeniy Smersh on Unsplash
10. Talking Over Music
Concerts aren’t really the time for a history lesson. You don’t need to tell your friend the story behind the song or loudly whisper that it’s your favorite. People paid to hear the music, so give them the chance.
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
11. Vaping or Smoking
Snoop Dogg concerts are one thing, but lighting up in a crowd is usually unwarranted. Concert-goers won’t want plumes of cigarette smoke or clouds of blueberry in their faces (though one does sound better than the other).
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12. Cheering Too Early
Oftentimes, songs have a moment of silence before the grand finale or an artist intentionally draws out quiet moments to boost suspense. Those moments aren’t for cheering. Wait those few seconds and lose yourself with the crowd, not before them.
Photo by Wan San Yip on Unsplash
13. Always on Your Phone
If concerts won’t draw your attention, nothing will. Most people indulge in the loud music, greasy food, and fun atmosphere—and then some sit on all their phones all night. Surf the net at home. That glowing screen only irks everyone around you.
14. Making Jokes
“Play ‘Wonderwall!’” Some artists encourage audience participation but most won’t take kindly to juvenile requests or loud interruptions. For the most part, it’s better to keep those jokes among friends… and even they’re probably tired of hearing it.
Photo by Jade Masri on Unsplash
15. Excessive PDA
No one likes excessive PDA! Whether it’s a concert or a five-star restaurant, swallowing your partner’s face makes others uncomfortable. It’s way harder to get into the music when someone’s shirt is already off…
Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash
16. Throwing Drinks
Throwing drinks is a strangely common experience, though we wish it wasn’t. Stop whipping cans at people’s heads and don’t dump the rest of your beer on a crowd. All it does is annoy or hurt people.
Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels
17. Being Rude to the Opening Act
Opening acts deserve the same respect as our favorite musicians. You may not be thrilled to sit through an act you’ve never heard of, but opening sets are a good way to discover new music—they’re not a place to boo or throw things.
Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash
18. Invading Personal Space
Don’t be a personal space invader. Keeping to yourself is basic concert etiquette, which means flailing in the mosh pit or drunkenly dancing with strangers is off-limits.
Photo by Alex Bracken on Unsplash
19. Getting Upset at Nothing
Oops, someone accidentally bumped into you. Oh no, there’s hardly any space in the pit. These are common concert experiences that don’t require security. Sweating the small stuff ruins it for everyone.
Photo by Joey Thompson on Unsplash
20. Breaking Theater Rules
Depending on where you are, theaters can have house rules like no flash photography, no drinks in seats, and no blocking the exists. Rules keep everyone safe and allow maximum enjoyment—so don’t be the person who breaks them.
