How many times have you gone to a concert and been appalled at the behavior of the people around you? I realize that there are many different kinds of music, and with those differences come different behaviors, but I think a general rule at standing-room-only concerts is not to act like you own the place. Unless you, in fact, own the place.
I came up with the idea for this blog when I asked Lauren what I should write about, and she said, “Write about the way people act at standing room only concerts!” with a hint of anger, and a whole lotta irritation. She want to see Brandi Carlile this weekend, and I have a feeling her experience is different than the one I’m going to tell you about, but the message is the same- respect people’s personal space, m’kay?
About 6 years ago, I went to see Ministry. It was a general admission show, and we showed up hours early to get good spots. And we did- right on the barricade in front of the stage! It was so loud, I couldn’t even see for the next week! However, my concert experience was almost ruined by that guy who thinks it’s really cool to take his shirt off and be a jack*ss. Usually, it takes until halfway through the show for the drugs to kick in, but he was sweating and cussing before the band even came on. My boyfriend nudged me, and said, “I bet the sweaty guy with no shirt on is going to get kicked out.”
I’m not a tiny girl, but I wouldn’t exactly call myself big. Six years ago, I think I was “twiggy.” Well, this 250 lb. gentleman, sweating, with no shirt on, decided he was going to turn my spot into a mosh pit, and jammed me up against the barricade. I was having trouble breathing, and I think I broke a rib. (I didn’t have health insurance, so I didn’t bother finding out.) Next thing you know, ol’ Sweaty McSweatypants was being escorted out of the venue, struggling the whole way.
Boys & girls, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned. No matter if you are at a folk show, a metal show, a jazz show, or anything else, please, for the love of all that is good, DON’T TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFF AND ACT LIKE A JERK. No one likes it when you do that.