Live performances are always something that makes music so special, and there are very few things that can be seen as more special than seeing a live performance in the flesh. Concerts are something that has kept music fans running for as long as they can be remembered, with even our parents and grandparents going crazy to see their favorite artists live (does Beatlemania and Woodstock’s insane traffic jam ring any bells?).
Now that things with the pandemic are winding down (but definitely not over) in many countries and concert tours are back in full swing, it seems to many veteran concertgoers that there are aspects of concert etiquette that the pandemic-related break on shows has caused many to forget.
It has come to the point that many concertgoers have started dreading going to concerts, with some even talking with friends about rules or tips people need in order to be able to attend concerts. Because of the influx of new attendees, as well as many newer concertgoers not being certain of what to expect at a concert, we at THP have decided to unveil The Honey Pop’s Declassified Concert Survival Guide. Starting off strong with the basics, some Do’s and Don’t’s of concert etiquette. If this is your first concert ever, or you just want a refresher, keep reading!
DO: Pack the Essentials
Over and underpacking your bag is something that frequently happens when going to a concert, typically because of the excitement that causes people just bring too much or forget some of the important things. To help combat the forgetting, we at THP have compiled a list of the Must-Brings for concerts!
Deodorant or a light body spray
The people around you will thank you, but make sure if you bring a spray or perfume, that it isn’t too strong as people have scent sensitivities, and multiple scents combined can cause issues. Especially in enclosed environments!
Portable battery
External chargers are a concert goers best friend. Make sure to do research. Sometimes splurging for the 20000 mAh battery that can charge a phone from dead 4+ times is easier and overall cheaper than having four 5000 mAh batteries that don’t. Also, a solar-powered recharging one is highly recommended!
Small wallet
The cute bulky wallet that you use every day? Not the most practical when you have a bag size limit since you don’t want to take up valuable real estate for all that merch you’re eyeing. It’s recommended to have a smaller card wallet, to be concert specific, that you can use to hold some cash and your main cards and ID.
Some Cash, debit/credit card, ID, and ticket
While it seems like common sense, we all have done it or know someone who has at least once. Forgotten our ID or ticket at home and need to try and cry and beg our way into the concert or have a friend travel to bring you the ticket. Make sure to pack these the night before to guarantee you have them.
Makeup for touch-ups
Either a setting powder or a setting spray, just to touch up, so your makeup doesn’t melt off in line. Other things that may be important is lash glue for lash wearers and lip product for those who wear lipsticks.
Phone charger
By this, we mean a chord and a block. You never know where you’ll find a plug you can use, either the cafe down the street or outside the venue where you’re lined up. You don’t want to waste your portable battery if you don’t have to.
Pen and Notebook
You never know if you’ll get the opportunity to meet the artist and either get a tattoo you were thinking about getting or have them sign something. Always be prepared, just like the Boy Scouts say.
DON’T: Ignore the Venue’s Rules
Every venue has its own rules of bag sizes, what’s allowed and what isn’t, what time lining up is allowed, and everything else that can be imagined. It’s best if you’re going to a venue you’re unfamiliar with to look up their own rules because you don’t want to hold up any lines entering the venue, nor do you want to bring things that aren’t allowed in. If you’re unsure about something specific, don’t hesitate to reach out to the venue directly, as a venue worker will always be more reliable when it comes to their policies compared to someone on social media.
DO: Help Others While in the Pit
Safety, not just for you but those around you, is of utmost importance in a concert, especially when you’re in a GA pit. One of the first rules concertgoers learn at heavier punk, and rock shows are if someone goes down in the pit, you stop what you’re doing and help them up. That rule goes for pits in all genres, you see someone fall or in need of help? You take a moment to help them up or alert security guards so they can get the help you need.
DON’T: Fake a Medical Emergency to Try and Get Closer
This is something that should go without having to be said, but there are many stories floating around social media about fans across many different genres faking medical emergencies to try and get closer to barricades. Do not do this! Not only is it crying wolf and could eventually lead to those actually having medical emergencies being ignored, but it also is just incredibly rude and disrespectful to the fans around you.
DO: Enjoy Yourself in Your Own Way and Let Others Do The Same
Everyone has fun and enjoys concerts in their own way. For some, it can be jumping and screaming the whole time. It can be enjoying the music calmly. For another group, it could be recording as much as possible so they can rewatch everything as many times as they want. Let people enjoy the show the way they want to and enjoy the show how you want to. Just try not to let your enjoyment interfere with others’ enjoyment.
DON’T: Throw Things On Stage Unless The Artist Specifically Asks
While often forgotten, musicians are also workers doing their job of putting on a show. Throwing things on stage when they aren’t expecting it is dangerous and can cause serious harm to our favorite artists. Refrain from throwing things unless the artist asks. Sometimes it’s like Yung Gravy, who asks for fans to throw bras on stage as he later donates them. Have something you want to give to the artist? You can ask someone on the barricade to try and hold it out to them. If that doesn’t work, talk to the staff, and maybe they can deliver it backstage.
DO: Eat and Stay Hydrated While Waiting
One of the main causes of passing out inside is a lack of eating and hydration while waiting in line. One way to make sure you eat and stay hydrated is to bring water and pack snacks. You can even order delivery to the line and split it with the people around you! Ordering pizza or Uber Eats is also a great way to make friends in line. You can even offer some to staff as a thank you, and they will appreciate the gesture.
If you’re afraid of needing to use the restroom midshow, remember that the venue typically opens doors an hour before the concert actually starts. Another way to prevent mid-show bathroom emergencies is to stop drinking and eating at a certain time before doors open. Everyone’s body is different, so you have to decide for yourself what time is best. If nature calls when you’re inside, it’s okay!
DON’T: Be Rude to Other Fans In Line
Everyone is there to support the same artists, and everyone deserves to see the show the same amount. Regardless of how they discovered the artist, how long they’ve been a fan, how many shows they’ve attended, or how much money they’ve spent on the artist. It’s not a competition. All that matters is they wanted to attend the show, so they did. If they’re a newer fan, you can introduce them to lesser-known facts about the artist!
DO: Be Kind to Security and Other Staff Members You Meet Throughout the Day
Working behind the scenes at concerts is an incredibly grueling job. You can ask those who have done it before. There are more and more stories of fans disrespecting security, merch sellers, or other behind-the-scenes staff for no reason. They don’t realize those are the people who control your concert experience. Your favorite artist throws a guitar pick, but it falls behind the barricade? Security is the one who can pick it up, and they’re more likely to remember the fans who are nice to them over those who aren’t.
The main thing to remember, the venue and tour staff are people too. They deserve just as much respect as anyone else.
DON’T: Be Violent in the Pit
Yes, in the pit, there is going to be jostling happening. That’s normal for pits and is nobody’s specific fault. Especially the closer you are to the front, this will happen. That being said, things like intentionally shoving, kicking, or elbowing people is unnecessary and can cause a lot of harm as well as ruin people’s concert experience. As we said before, safety is key and so doing things that could jeopardize others’ safety is not okay.
DO: Have Fun and Enjoy Yourself
Concerts are meant to be a fun, not too stressful event for fans of artists, so the main thing that needs to be remembered is to enjoy yourself and have the best time. You can have the time of your life in the very front, the back of the pit, or the very last row of an arena as long as you make the most of it.
Have any more tips you want to share? Feel free to tweet us @thehoneypop or connect with us on Instagram! Be sure to stay tuned for more installations of The THP Declassified Concert Survival Guide!
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