Concert Etiquette

So I'm in Grantham, PA doing the college thing, and I must say that it is pretty flippin' sweet. I'm a Church Music & English double major (I think) so basically I spend the majority of my time just reading interesting literature and poetry and sawing away at an upright bass.

He liked it so he put a ring on it

Also-- I'm engaged!!!!!! And that's quite exciting (to put it mildly). I love you Matthew! Here are some adorable pictures of me and my husband-to-be. You are allowed to be disgusted and/or jealous. Or even happy for me. 'Cause I am :D




Hokay. Back to the topic the title of this blog suggests. Today, the bands Seabird and Relient K graced Messiah College with their respective stellar musical selves. The show was an enjoyable one, however I left feeling that it was necessary to offer some helpful little tips about how to be an overall more conscientious concert-goer. If you follow these easy steps, you will be sure to find your shows from here on out more enjoyable, and less people will be upset with you at the end of the event.

1. Respect Hardcore Fans
At every show there will be Those Guys who have waited in line for hours and hours before the doors open, even though they ordered their tickets the second they became available, who know the words to all the band's songs (even the secret unreleased ones and B-sides) and have tattoos of their favorite lyrics in visible places. I am in no way trying to belittle these die-hard fans. In fact, I respect their dedication. And they DESERVE the spaces at the very front of the mosh pit where they can scream all the songs back to their idolized lead singers. I say all of that to say this: don't ruin it for them. As RK was playing Jessica saw a girl who was standing in the front and just crying because she was so happy. The stragglers who come into the venue two minutes before the show starts and then try to muscle their way up to the foot of the stage just to stare blankly at the band deserve to be tarred and feathered. There's nothing wrong with going to a show to check out a new band, but don't experience new music at the expense of a hardcore fan's chance to be within inches of their heroes.

2. No Excessive PDA.
So your girlfriend has been giving you funny looks lately because you've been playing air guitar constantly. Taking her to see your favorite band with you is a great date idea and a novel opportunity to grow and make memories together. HOWEVER. Do NOT make out with her THE ENTIRE TIME. Not only does this render her chance to learn the words to your favorite song obsolete, but it grosses the heck out of everyone within a ten mile radius. Hug her, maybe kiss her between songs, and of course protect her from the all-out moshers, but for God's sake don't have sex in the mosh pit. Not on your first date anyway.

3. Don't Take A Bajillion Pictures
Facebook will be OK for a few hours without you. And when you and all your friends stand together in a line other people are forced to move and then they become disgruntled and your feet will get stepped on viciously when the dancing starts (same principle applies as in rule 1). Also don't take a zillion pictures of Guitar Guy when he is just standing there. That's lame.

4. Don't Scream The Whole Time
Seriously. Don't. It's annoying and also kind of rude if you think about it. When Mr. Frontman asks you how you're doing/if you're excited/if you like their new album or if the opening riff of your favorite song starts to play are all totally appropriate times for you to scream your brains out. But not in the middle of the emotional piano ballad or when Mr. Frontman is telling you their upcoming tour dates or how to get free merch. Be sensible. And also not a douche. In a similar vein, DO NOT yell for Free Bird or for the pretty girl bassist to show you her tits. She won't. Trust me on this.

5. Don't Be A Crowd Surf Idiot
Getting dropped on people (or the floor) cannot be a pleasant experience. Neither is getting a person dropped on you (and subsequently ending up on the floor). So if you want to crowd surf, make sure there are people around you who are equally game to support you in the endeavor. It's for your own safety.

6. Be Nice To Security Guard Man
Security Guard Man could mess you up. You cannot take him. But he will break you. So play nice. 

That pretty much sums it up. Basically, if you're considerate of the space and the people in it everyone can have a really rockin' time. At a show, your feet probably will get stepped on, you might not always have the best view of the stage, and someone will, inevitably, yell for Free Bird. But don't be a d-bag, and I'm 96% certain you'll still have fun.

As long as you're not at a Justin Bieber show. In that case you probably haven't gotten to this part of the blog yet anyway, cuz you have to sound out all your words.

Love!
MAnDers