I have a very clear and distinct memory of the first time I fell while running in a circle pit and was immediately picked up by a huge, buff stranger. It was insanely hilarious to me at the time how easily he just picked me up and plopped me back into my feet. Looking back, that was one of the first instances of someone looking out for my safety at a show. He did not think twice about it either. He saw me tumble and immediately came to my aid.
Concert etiquette is more important than ever before. It keeps people safe, while making sure everyone can have fun. This is especially true after the tragedy that was Travis Scott’s Astroworld. It is so important to take care of one another at shows; we are all there to experience the same music we love. We should be looking after one another instead of making each other miserable. Here are 10 things to keep in mind while attending your next show:
- If you see someone fall, PICK THEM UP! No one should have to fall and experience people trampling over them instead of being helped back up.
- If someone is seriously injured, you need to be yelling for a medic or security. Help form a protective circle around the person and be sure they have enough space to breathe.
- It’s a show, people bump into one another but there’s no need to purposely push people down or trip them. You gain absolutely nothing from injuring other people.
- Stop throwing crowd surfers into the audience. When surfers are thrown instead of passed, they are usually just thrown into an unsuspecting crowd of people where everyone just ends up falling.
- Don’t be a creep. Crowd surfers are not an opportunity for you to sexually harass or assault anyone. You’re passing someone through a crowd of course a hand might be placed in weird places, but you should not be purposely trying to feel someone up. You’re gross.
- Studs and spikes are super cool, but not super cool when they hit you in the face. Just be mindful of your sharper jewelry at shows no one likes being stabbed at shows they’re trying to enjoy.
- Mosh pits are fun and can get violent, but no one should be full on fighting. You’re not cool for trying to knock out the ONE girl in the pit. You’re not cool for trying to start a physical altercation with another person in the pit, you look dumb and miserable. Fighting is not tolerated at any venue, why even bother?
- Let people out of the crowd! As to why this even needs to be said is astounding.
- Avoid large clunky shoes when crowd surfing. It’s all fun and games until you give someone a concussion.
- EVERYONE is allowed to crowd surf. No matter the weight, age, or height. People in entire wheelchairs have crowd surfed with ease! You trying to discourage people because of their weight or size is ignorant and wrong.
At the end of the day, you should just be acting like a decent human being with compassion and empathy for others. Enjoy the show and try not to ruin it for those around you. People in the scene do not tolerate shitty behavior; be a good person or get out!
