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10 Ways People Are Ruining Concerts For Everyone

blog.muchmusic.com — At concerts these days you have to brace yourself for an experience easily ruined by the fans themselves, who have become a rude and unruly lot entirely unaware of everyone else's personal space. Here are the ten rules of concerts that people blatantly disobey.

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  • willeagle, on 05/02/2008, -47/+17The last concert I went to was Sia, and throughout some girl was dancing around bumping me with her over-sized purse which felt like it must have had bricks in it. What other stuff bugs you at concerts?
    • infimprob, on 05/02/2008, -11/+29Everyone should probably chill out about things like this. Seriously, if you don't want to mosh get out of the mosh pit, and if you don't want to be crowded then watch the show from the stands.
      • theMurdocVolta, on 05/02/2008, -11/+6Seriously.

        This list is a little too much.

        -The cell phone thing, yea it can get excessive but there are certain songs that if close enough I would love to get a clip of on my phone.
        -The line thing. I will now ***** while in the front of the line only hoping that the writer of this article is close enough to enjoy :]
        -Taking on the phone, small cafe type things, yeah thats as lame as it gets big concerts that make your ears ring, ***** 'em its to loud to care, unless there RIGHT next to you SCREAMING "WHAT. WHAT! I CANT HEAR YOU" but thats never happened to me, or anyone I know.
        -The Height thing, OMG, what an asshole. Seriously, just because someone is 6' 4" means that they lose the right to stand in line for days to secure that perfect spot in front. only to be told "nah dude, your too tall, the um pa loom pas aren't going to be able to enjoy the show", thats ***** dumb.
        -"Continually crowd surfing or slam dancing even though it's not that kind of show" yeah, that ***** lame.
        -dude, if its a big show no one is ever going to STFU together, cant win them all.
        - if you dance like an idiot, your going tobe treated like an idiot, or knocked out.
        -***** SIGNS, thats WWE *****. John Mayer doesnt give a ***** about you sally, unless you are going to buy merch, then after that hes ***** done with you. got it!
        -"Standing at a seated venue." Not cool Pablo!
        -"Waiting till the band plays their radio hit and then leaving" seriously. If they have a radio hit 10 people leaving probably is going to make a major difference, and is that whats really on the bands mind?
        I can agree if its a cafe show it can be a little more obvius and maybe of putting but at the same time, its not like they aren't getting paid either way, not to put down the feeling of an artist and the anguish he can take from being waked out on (seriously?)
        the rules change based on attendance, area, and music so really, just use some common sense.
    • Pimpalicious316, on 05/02/2008, -4/+30seems you've had to learn one of our cardinal rules here at digg the hard way; you do not comment on your own submissions first. there is a caveat though if you are adding more information to an article (follow up links and such).
      • humperdeath, on 05/02/2008, -7/+6How about another article/post:
        "10 ways people are ruining Digg for Everyone"
        1. Posting first on your own submission
        2. Linking to an unexpected Rick-roll
        3. Digging up any article about i-phone, macs, Ubuntu or Ron Paul. (who?)
        4. Swearing like a sailor. I mean, **** come-on, it gets the **** edited out anyway. Dumb-***!
        5. Using racist remarks..Especially against the French, since they cannot defend themselves anyway.
        6 Not finishing your post before the 2 minute timer kills you, or the 'Page needs to be refreshed' GRRRRRR!
        7. -10, (someones can continue, I'm out.)
        • lotsa1s, on 05/03/2008, -2/+07. Making top ten lists.

          So lets stop before we get to 10 and ruin it for everyone.
      • willeagle, on 05/03/2008, -0/+0Oops my bad. I'm still a bit new to Digg. Can you tell me why you shouldn't comment on your own post first? I wanted to show people the article I had found, but also add my own experience from a recent concert.

        BTW - caveat means a warning or caution, I think you mean to say that there is 'an exception if you are adding more information...'
    • piper999, on 05/02/2008, -26/+8Are the youth of today really all as pathetic as you? Do you walk around wrapped in cotton wool, crying because a girl bumped into you at a concert?
      • altcountryman, on 05/02/2008, -5/+3What is cotton wool, exactly?
      • piper999, on 05/02/2008, -9/+4Look it up. And then make a post on the internet crying about how rude I am afterwards.
      • schuder, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1This doesn't sound like a youth, it sounds like an annoying old person. Seriously, if you go to a concert and sit there like a douche, don't go. Sit at home and listen to your band on the radio. The concert isn't about the music (most often you can't even hear the lyrics), it's about the experience. You have free license to be an asshole at concerts. Dance like an idiot, sing if you can't (chances are no one will hear you at a good concert anyway), jump into the GA from a seat when the security isn't looking and melt into the crowd. Bury this POS article.
    • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -4/+14People like you. Do us all a favor - Stay at home next time!
    • scstraus, on 05/02/2008, -3/+5I find it almost incoceivable that anyone is this much of a pussy. If you can't move out from behind a tall person at a concert, you should just go home and cry.
    • Pake, on 05/03/2008, -3/+4People who think it's cool to smoke pot the entire concert. That bugs the ***** out of me, because it causes horrible nausea and dizziness to me, so instead of their dumbasses going outside to take a break, I have to go outside and sit for upwards of 20 minutes.
    • djepik, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3Thing that annoys me the most? Well I don't mind when people clap along at quieter concerts, it can really add to the experience especially for some songs. The trick though, is that clapping MUST be done on the counts 2 and 4 NEVER on 1 and 3. Clapping on 1 and 3 makes it sound like a children's TV show. Clapping on 1,2,3 and 4 is even worse.
    • specialK16, on 05/03/2008, -4/+1Things that annoy me? Ridiculous articles such as this with completely subjective opinions passed as objective general opinions. I mean, wtf is your problem? If people want to take pictures and watch the show through a 2x3 it is their ***** problem and not yours. The same goes for all the other points.

      Get a life dickhead, if not, then let people live and enjoy a show you prick.

      /rant at article writer.
    • cannibaljp, on 05/03/2008, -4/+2Just read through that piece of ***** article...

      Author = Douche.
  • punky, on 05/02/2008, -15/+30i've been to two concerts this week and had combination offenses from this list already. elbow to the head from someone flailing about, tall people and having beers spilled on me because ppl are too drunk
    • loyalj, on 05/02/2008, -31/+5It sounds like you are quick to temper. You should probably just smoke a joint before the show and let people enjoy it the way they want :@ :@ :@
      • cha5e, on 05/02/2008, -2/+18Enjoying it the way they want shouldn't involve elbows to punky's head. Probably not beer spilled on him/her, either, but hey, it happens. But we tall folk can't help it.
    • goomba323, on 05/02/2008, -5/+111Being a very tall person myself, I take offense to the "being over 6'4" and standing in front of the shortest person at the show". Listen, I understand your concern about not being able to see over my giant self, but I try my best to accommodate, so you should too. You are a short girl? ***** move!! Don't stand behind me; Leave that room for other tall people...there's nothing I can do about my height. The worst is when I'm at a concert and a girl and her boyfriend are behind me and I hear the stupid bitch complain "ugh, I can't see, he's so tall".
      • loyalj, on 05/02/2008, -14/+3Maybe you should lose a couple of limbs?
      • diblasio, on 05/02/2008, -0/+13I'm 5'3 and have been to my fair share of concerts. If I really like the band, I just arrive super ***** early and get a spot at the front. I don't think too many people are offended to have me there. If it's a band that I'm not so in love with I just stay far away.

        I know I'm short and what to expect at concerts. Bitching at other audience members for being taller than me would be a pretty obnoxious thing to do.
        • ownwonnow, on 05/02/2008, -6/+5Yet people still do it, and it's annoying as *****. I'm 6'3" and broad shouldered, I used to wonder why there was always a two foot gap between me and the next person until I realized that most people can't see over top of me. Once the crowd pushed me over toward the 6'9" guy and I got a taste of my own medicine.
      • alf86, on 05/03/2008, -5/+7The complaint was not that tall people go to concerts. It was that some taller people get in front of shorter people with no regard for them. If I am enjoying a show and a taller person gets in front of me, that is rude. It should not be my responsibility to "***** move" from my established place so he can enjoy his new place. A considerate person would not have chosen that place. I won't stand in front of people shorter than me, because I am a nice person. I get behind them so we can all enjoy the show we paid to see. Now, if I were to find a spot behind a taller person who had already been there, I would have no reason to complain.
      • brycelb, on 05/03/2008, -2/+11I'm tall as well, 6'5", and it's not like the 5'3" lady in front of me on a plane gives a ***** about laying her seat in my lap during a 5 hour flight so I say pay back is a bitch.
      • IpecacNeat, on 05/03/2008, -2/+1Why should I have to accommodate for everyone in the crowd cause I'm tall? That is ***** up. When you move in front of me, there is now going to be someone shorter behind me still. Domino effect. Also, this guy seems to have a problem with dancing and moving. You are going to get touched, you are going to get hit a couple of times. Its a concert. Buck up, the writer of this article is a bitch.
    • Snokage, on 05/02/2008, -10/+80tall people? who the ***** are you...i paid for my ticket, so ***** off and deal with it.
      • diggitydoc, on 05/02/2008, -4/+34AMEN, i can't help it if your napoleon-esque self cant see over me, i paid and i am tall, so fuggoff.
        • MiDri, on 05/02/2008, -4/+9napoleon was like 5'10, he just had really tall bodyguards that made him look small...
    • macaddct1984, on 05/02/2008, -5/+17I was at an Eve 6 concert several years ago and there was a large group of people moshing. Moshing. To Eve 6...
      • piper999, on 05/02/2008, -6/+1At last a glimmer of hope.
      • dafragsta, on 05/02/2008, -3/+9I saw this ***** in 1996 for The Eels, Poe, and Goldfinger at the same show. None of those bands beg for moshing. Moshing is stupid ***** designed let frat boys and ***** be the center of attention at a show.
        • IpecacNeat, on 05/03/2008, -7/+0***** off. If you don't like it, don't get in the pit. Goldfinger is a ska/punk band. There is going to be skanking/moshing. People like to get up and slam dance. Don't be a downer because you don't like it.
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -3/+40Just because we aren't vertically challenged like some, doesn't mean we should move to accommodate your lack of height. If I'm standing with my group of friends (who are almost all taller than 6'2) and we get there first, maybe you should just find a better spot to see the show? Now if I push my way in front of you, sure, I'll be considerate and conscious of who's behind me, but it's not my fault that I'm taller as much as it is not your fault that you're short.
      • punky, on 05/02/2008, -4/+1i know! i just mean, don't stand heel to toe with me. like almost on top of me!
    • trogdor282, on 05/02/2008, -2/+14This is news? Title should read 10 ways assholes ruin everything for everybody, and always have. "Fan" is from the word fanatical.

      Another thing - From what I've seen concerts usually get progressively rowdier the closer to the stage you are. You start at the back and move forwards until everybody around you is approximately as big of an asshole as you are. Problem solved.
      • Sophistifunk, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1Agreed. Although I have to pitch in, that I *hate* crowdsurfers. It's the most annoying thing at concerts, and anybody who passes over me gets the ***** punched out of them. I don't want your boot in my face, or your skinny bitch-jeaned ass in the way of my view.
        • IpecacNeat, on 05/03/2008, -1/+0You're an asshole. People are just trying to have fun.
    • Kronos6948, on 05/02/2008, -2/+7I've never been to a concert where moshing and crowd surfing wasn't the norm. And, talking during the show? How the ***** do you hear eachother? I guess this list is for music I just never got into.
      • makeinstall, on 05/02/2008, -3/+2i was at Bjork in london the other week and one of her fan boys kept saying, nay shouting, at the first bars of EVERY song, "Oh, I love this one. whooooooo! Yeeeeaaaaaahhhhhhh!", right behind me.

        Contrast that with seeing Colleen at Union Chapel 2 weeks before: everyone waited until the last notes had played before they clapped and then waited with baited breath for her to start the next song and then listened, making no noise whatsoever.
      • Sophistifunk, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3The moral of the story of course, is don't go to Bjork concerts. A wise caution if ever I've heard one.
    • scstraus, on 05/02/2008, -1/+2Being tall is not a choice, it's just a fact of life.
    • oxdeltaxo, on 05/02/2008, -0/+2The simple answer to numbers 1,2,4, and 5 is to stand back, if you didn't want competition for the spot don't stand there. The music is usually loud enough to not worry about 3. Number 8 is the only item on the list which I agree with. As for the rest it really just depends on how 'sensitive' you are.
    • ChristianMagic, on 05/03/2008, -1/+3Yeah, I find it offended when people of other ethnicities come to MY concerts.
  • traviswood, on 05/02/2008, -5/+153Don't forget the horrible mix of BO
    • ImReallyBored, on 05/02/2008, -15/+9And cigarette smoke!
      • jpaolini, on 05/02/2008, -4/+1And more BO!
      • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -1/+6Most venues (at least in California) don't allow any smoking in the show area. Granted, outdoor venues usually don't try to stop the pot smoking, but most people smoke their cigarettes between acts in the concourse area of the venue.
      • scstraus, on 05/02/2008, -4/+11And the smell of whiney pussys.
    • fluidfoundation, on 05/02/2008, -13/+4And someone ***** on the coats.
      • doshindude, on 05/02/2008, -4/+8*buries you for even thinking of mentioning Dane Cook*
        • fluidfoundation, on 05/02/2008, -8/+6buries you for knowing it was Dane, elitist.
    • dicknuts, on 05/02/2008, -2/+23What about those ***** that insist on taking their shirt off and brushing up against everyone with their slimy backs? Those guys need to be stabbed.
      • chonuts, on 05/03/2008, -1/+3I hear that. I saw Rage Against the Machine in NYC last summer on one of the hottest and most humid days that year, so, naturally, every guy was shirtless, sweating profusely, and slamming into me. I had to wash my clothes twice then burn 'em for fear of causing some sort of environmental catastrophe. So rancid.
      • camehoe, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1Slim guys?? Me and my other gal mates only go smelly sweaty FAT short dudes feeling us up with their entire bodies in the mosh for System of a Down..
  • hoegaarden, on 05/02/2008, -9/+205i can forgive anybody of these offenses under the following 2 conditions: 1) the offender is female and 2) the offending female takes her shirt off
    • JakeyG14, on 05/02/2008, -0/+93) Female is hot with or without the use of low strength beer goggles
    • skewer324, on 05/02/2008, -1/+7What JakeyG14 said, with the addendum that if you just see her bare back, it isn't hot. It's just a bitch in your way. If I get to see the titties, then it's all okay.
    • thatyogaguy, on 05/03/2008, -1/+0To a certain extent. At Bonnaroo 06 my friends and I, along with everyone else, sat on the ground in between shows before radiohead played. Out of no where struts in this girl, body paint head to toe, BUCK NAKED, and stands right in front of me while her posse took pictures of her. Few moments in my life have made me less turned on than being eye to "eye" with an unwashed, mid-june, 100 degree day, cooch. Greatest part was that tons of people gave her hell.
    • sagenhoney, on 05/08/2008, -0/+0And you wonder why their are so many stupid b&$%@# in the world, could it be because you give them the right of way?...possibly
  • Rotzooi, on 05/02/2008, -5/+90Freebird!!!!!!1111eleven
  • jlee2081, on 05/02/2008, -6/+43thats if you can even get into the show... f*ck scalpers
    • TheSuperunknown, on 05/03/2008, -0/+11And ***** the professional scalpers: Ticketmaster.
    • freqk, on 05/03/2008, -2/+1could someone enlighten me to what a scalper is?
  • exomni, on 05/02/2008, -12/+7At a concert a couple weeks bag this girl behind me kept singing along loudly to the lyrics and waving her hand over the person I was with. Then she dropped her beer on my pants when someone tried to push by.

    It was pretty hilarious, and obnoxious.

    Destroyer was great, though.
    • raoulduke87, on 05/02/2008, -3/+2Where did you see Destroyer!! I missed both New York shows last week. I was *****
  • digitallysick, on 05/02/2008, -25/+8You know who ruins concerts for me?? Security! Can't they just leave people alone and let them have the good time they paid for? If someone wants to crowd surf, let them, its a personal choice, stupid or not
    • ssj4vegita2002, on 05/02/2008, -1/+11Personal choice yes, but then if the person gets hurt it is still the club's responsibility. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with you, and this is coming from someone in a death/grind band, we've seen our share of incidents.
    • DangerMouse9, on 05/02/2008, -3/+11Then when you lose an eye from someone doing something stupid, don't go crying (pun partially intended) about it or try to sue.
    • shredswithpiks, on 05/02/2008, -1/+17it's still my face you're crowd surfing on :(

      (but at the same time I always end up helping lift people up to crowd surf...)
      • macaddct1984, on 05/02/2008, -5/+8I can't stand crowd surfers. It's just so ***** inconsiderate for everyone there.

        I don't want to have to hold up half of your fat body weight, nor do I want to have to be constantly on the lookout to avoid being kicked in the face or have someone land on my neck.
        • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -10/+4Then go stand in the back of the show. It's part of the atmosphere of a rock concert. If you went to see Rage Against the Machine or Pennywise, would you also be offended of those people in the mosh pit? If so, you don't belong at the show, or near the front where most of that activity occurs.
          • subliminalurge, on 05/02/2008, -0/+5You're entitled to your opinion, of course. But if you're going to be crowd surfing at a concert that I'm at, I have one friendly bit of advice for you.

            Wear a cup.
        • macaddct1984, on 05/02/2008, -1/+10I've been in mosh pits and I have no problems with them because they're easily avoidable if you want to. People climbing on top of my head? Not so much.
          • subliminalurge, on 05/02/2008, -0/+9Me and my friends generally try to maneuver ourselves into a position where we are the majority of people holding the surfer up.

            Then we drop them.
    • enclaved, on 05/02/2008, -0/+18So it'll be my choice to let them fall on their face then right?
      • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -2/+5Yes. It is your choice. You might look like a prick if you do, but it's your choice.
        • enclaved, on 05/02/2008, -0/+7I'll just say oops and deny any intended malice! Problem solved!
          • subliminalurge, on 05/02/2008, -0/+3"Sorry dude. Dislocated my shoulder last week. Couldn't help it...."
          • Ahyx, on 05/02/2008, -0/+0Oh *****, sorry dude, i didn't see you coming above my head.
          • Enasni1212, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Oh, I'm sorry man, I didn't mean to punch you in the balls like that. Twice.
    • TrevorBelmont, on 05/02/2008, -5/+11Next time your crows surfing and someone hooks their arm around your waist and you SMASH into the ground... that was me.
    • 5urr3al5am, on 05/02/2008, -1/+7actually I'm pretty sure people AREN'T there to watch you act like a fVcking idiot. Here's a thought, they're there to watch the show -- not you.
  • krsone2424, on 05/02/2008, -1/+73Everyone loves the kid practicing their karate moves in the middle of a show!
    • Lythium, on 05/02/2008, -4/+7Don't mind him, he's just kung-fu fightin'
    • alpha19, on 05/02/2008, -1/+2LOL... I see this at almost every show...
    • fauxXenophanes, on 05/02/2008, -0/+3dude, that was elvis
    • Cloud7654, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Took two elbows to the stomach from some kid doing this at Taste of Chaos a few weeks back.
    • palehorse864, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1krsone: I see your problem, and I must say that such behavior is indeed usually frowned upon. However, I feel that such moves would be perfectly acceptable at a Carl Douglas show.
  • friday04, on 05/02/2008, -12/+48The slam dancing is utterly insane, especially when you're watching Rage Against the Machine at Red Rocks and these morons are all slamming into each other then falling down the steps that make up the Red Rocks Amphitheater. I saw some skinny kid fall and hit his neck squarely on the edge of a bench and not get back up. He then got slam danced on by the other slam dancing fools.

    Last concert I've been to.
    • piper999, on 05/02/2008, -2/+14Joe Strummer is crying up in Heaven right now. Either that or filling up a bottle of ***** to throw at you.
    • Twisted871, on 05/02/2008, -0/+16Slam dancing can be fun, but people should have some common sense and should not do it near stairs, and if someone falls down have the courtesy to help them up, don't trample the poor guy.
      • Coffeedemon, on 05/02/2008, -0/+11Its like on the Slayer: Decade of Agression cd. "You see someone going down, help em up. Thats what we're here to do - help each other out....This is a song called War Ensemble!!!"
      • Wintermute426, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1Mosh pits seem to vary a lot depending on where you are. Here in Austin, if someone goes down or gets hurt, the pit will stop while the participants help the person out.

        But then when I went to Killeen (the home of Fort Hood) for a show, the people there were really out for blood.
    • mikebaldwin67, on 05/02/2008, -1/+96rowdiness at a RAGE against the machine concert? Thats just uncalled for. I hope they didn't have the music too loud either.
      • friday04, on 05/02/2008, -3/+11Rowdiness at a Rage concert is absolutely expected. But the venue chosen for the concert wasn't a good choice. The people slam dancing had a choice and chose to slam dance on the side of a mountain. People got severely injured.
        • centerblack, on 05/02/2008, -0/+5Maybe they won't slam dance any more.

          Problem solved!
        • queenstarsha, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1i don't understand this. up in the northwest, our coolest amphitheater is on a cliff, but it's not like random drunk teenagers amped up on metal have access to the edge. sure, personal responsibility, darwin, blah blah blah. but if red rocks lets drunk teenagers listen to rage against the machine at the edge of a cliff with no fence or anything, red rocks is really stupid.
    • lolinyerface, on 05/02/2008, -7/+1....slam dancing....thats funny, never heard it called that before....
      angry jumping around convulsions...woooo!
    • tehHardcorez, on 05/02/2008, -3/+8Would "slam dancing" be akin to moshing?
      • scstraus, on 05/02/2008, -2/+5Yes, but only under 2 conditions
        1) You are over 50 years old
        2) You have only ever been to one concert
      • tcpip4lyfe, on 05/02/2008, -1/+1I'll always be moshing in my book.
      • queenstarsha, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1it was slam dancing in the punk days, when as i understand it, it was violent and somewhat dangerous. on the other hand, though we felt rather hardcore about it at the time, in retrospect, moshing at a jane's addiction or smashing pumpkins show in the nineties was sort of a courteous affair. i think now there's both. if the band you're seeing is in pitchfork magazine, it's probably moshing. if you won your tickets on the local ***** rock station whose call sign is delivered in an extra-deep voice, watch out for truly violent assholes trying to prove their manhood (nu-metal slam dancing). as noted elsewhere, i know someone who was cut with a razor blade by one of these new slam dancers.
    • 5urr3al5am, on 05/02/2008, -6/+4People are such wanna-be's .. whatever.. you ever hear people talk about moshing or slam dancing.. they are always talking in such a damn self important manner --- like they've climbed a mountain or something
      • brycelb, on 05/03/2008, -3/+4I bet you would get tooled in a mosh pit.
    • Metis2be, on 05/03/2008, -0/+2I've been at a concert where I fell, couldn't get back up, and nobody noticed. My strategy was grab the leg of the closest person until he was kind enough to help me up. Luckily he didn't seem to mind some terrified girl clinging to him.
    • Lixie, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1You just witnessed Darwin at its finest.
    • queenstarsha, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3moshing/slamming whatever has gotten more violent. back in my day (the early nineties), there was a certain courtesy. you could stand at the edge of the main ruckus (oh yes i am old) and feel safe, even as a chick (a tall chick, but a chick). there were apologies when lines were crossed. you might get a bruise, but you were 16-22. you *****' healed.

      nowadays, i know a kid who went to some angry-guy metal show (is "stain'd" a band?) and some ***** in the pit SLASHED HIM WITH A RAZOR BLADE. what the hell is wrong with kids these days.
      • IpecacNeat, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1I love moshing, but people are dicks about it now, especially in the "core" scene. These scene kids uphold an image, so they go out and throw fists, elbows, etc. They suck. I still go help people up and have fun in the pit. Recently I was in a fight for defending some kid who had fallen and was getting kicked. I got rocked by a hard right hand to the face. The kid was also wearing a cast when he hit me. That razor blade stuff is messed up. No place for that EVER.
  • notcarsondaly, on 05/02/2008, -8/+157Sound guys that do not understand this...

    LOUD != GOOD
    • sholt, on 05/02/2008, -3/+3Agreed. But I've worked with bands who've believed in the louder is better mantra, and it's hard to say no when they're signing the checks.
    • revjustin2, on 05/02/2008, -0/+27Actually, from a soundguy's perspective, you are sometimes forced to mix louder than you'd like. Sounds stupid (and it kind of is), but some bands have such overwhelming stage volume (amps, monitors, etc) that the only way to get any clarity is to mix on the loud side. This is why experienced bands know that reducing stage volume is one of the best things you can do for your "sound".
      • scubaninja, on 05/02/2008, -0/+21Absolutely! Especially at a smaller venue, the mix coming from the soundboard is only about half of the total sound in the room. If you turn the PA system off, you've still got Marshall half stacks, a bass amp, and a live drum kit, complete with snare and half a dozen cymbals to contend with. At least in a smaller club, the band dictates the minimum volume, and the sound engineer can only turn the rest of the things (like vocals, kick drum, etc) up to blend with the existing sound as a lower volume threshold. And before you know it, you're at 110dB in the room.

        It's really the drums that do it. Any amps can be turned down, but a snare drum is just loud, so the guitar and bass player have to be as loud (or louder) than the drummer. And then the drummer needs to hear more of himself in the monitors, because the guitars are kind of loud. And then the singer needs to be louder than all the rest of them so they can hear themselves. And so on.

        A well behaved band that blends together will probably sound good live, assuming they can reasonably play their instruments and have arranged their parts to play in different frequency notches.

        The band Motorhead actually has a T-shirt that says "everything louder than everything else", that pretty much sums up the battle a sound engineer is in for with a lot of bands if they want to get a good house mix.
        • SanTe, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1Motorhead without a doubt is the loudest band I've ever seen/heard. Saw them in Seattle at Memorial Stadium (a football field) with several thousand other people during a Bumbershoot Festival several years ago. They were on stage at one end and we were standing at the opposite end of the stadium in front of the concession stands and could still only barely take the volume. We didn't stay for the whole show because of it, but they were great!
        • norcalscan, on 05/02/2008, -1/+5Any drummer worth their salt can control their dynamics. If a drummer can't lower their volume to match the rest of the band, get a new drummer.
        • joegibes, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1@norcalscan: Any musician worth his/her salt can control his/her dynamics. Don't always blame the drummer.
          The ability to play quietly is somewhat of an indicator of non-newbiness (not necessarily greatness).
      • andrew7667, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4Which is why no guitarist should have an amp louder than 30w (seriously, once you get big enough to need that 100w stack, you're going to mic it anyway), and every drummer should know what dynamics are. It irks me every time I go to a small show and the entire band has stacks. We came to enjoy the music, not to have our heads blown off.
    • slayersotaku, on 05/02/2008, -1/+13i dont think sound guys understand what distortion is. nothing worse than the crackling of a guitar solo, or the over drowning base guitar that you cant hear the drummer.
      • revjustin2, on 05/02/2008, -0/+10Sound reinforcement in rock clubs is one of the ***** situations. Generally, rock clubs are just not built around sound acoustic principals. Also, most rock clubs are unwilling or unable to shell out the bucks or spend the time it takes to design, build, and maintain an appropriate PA for the venue. Then you add in the fact that many engineers are the ex-bass player for the local hair-metal band with no real training in live sound and shot eardrums and you've got yourself a recipe for some bad nights.
    • thescimitar, on 05/02/2008, -0/+3Reminds me of a Jerry Garcia quote, "Loud IS better David [Kemper, i think]. On this planet, louder is better."
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -3/+2Rage in SF 2007 was the loudest I've heard in a long time, and it sounded so damn perfect. For an outdoor show with 30k fans, it was beautiful. So in that case, LOUD == GOOD!
    • Rammsteined, on 05/02/2008, -3/+6Depends on the music, if it's metal its never loud enough.
      • scstraus, on 05/02/2008, -0/+9I remember the Kill 'Em All tour, and there was a cone of open space right in front of the front speakers, because it physically hurt to stand there.

        There is such a thing as too loud. I don't care what type of music you listen to.
        • einstevo, on 05/03/2008, -0/+2yea there definitely is such a thing as too loud. i had ringing in my ears for days after a GWAR show. high frequency hearing loss is not metal.
        • bagelmaster, on 05/03/2008, -4/+1If it's too loud, you're too old.



          Someone had to say it
          • einstevo, on 05/07/2008, -0/+0it's entirely possible to build a loudspeaker setup capable of completely destroying your sense of hearing. would that be cool? some concerts are loud enough to cause minor hearing loss. it just gets worse every time. look at the guys in the band...they're wearing custom fit monitor earplugs...
    • Kronos6948, on 05/02/2008, -1/+2Motorhead FTW!!!
    • Reeses2150, on 05/02/2008, -6/+1Dugg for javascript
    • AgincourtDB, on 05/03/2008, -1/+2I play rock/reggae shows, and most of them are amped waaaay too loud. It should be loud enough for the whole room to hear comfortably and no louder. If people in the way back need earplugs to keep from getting tinnitus? Ridiculous. Enjoy needing a hearing aid at 35.
    • TonyTones, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Agreed! I think it's reprehensible that some Audio Engineers run house at 120 db. I've gotten in trouble one with a smaller--lesser known band for not having it loud enough. But a major act I engineered for, when we were at an arena show, they didn't complain. Really the larger groups want a professional that makes it sound good.

      There's no need to rip apart peoples eardrums. But I will make the kick drum kick you in the chest, HA!
  • Chassit, on 05/02/2008, -32/+23Whine/rant much?
    • jpaolini, on 05/02/2008, -1/+25Is that not what the Internet is for?
    • temporaryescape, on 05/02/2008, -2/+7seriously... he's taking all the flavor out of concerts.. basically just stand in your space and stare at the stage for 3 hours, immobile.
    • brycelb, on 05/03/2008, -1/+4Seriously! When did concerts turn into pussy festivals. This author needs an extra large vagashake to cure his problem.
  • mrlivingston, on 05/02/2008, -2/+180I miss lighters. ***** cell phone cameras.
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -0/+29Me to, but I don't miss burned thumbs.
    • centerblack, on 05/02/2008, -0/+26Seriously, every time I see people do that I feel like I'm in a ***** Verizon commercial.
    • meamog, on 05/02/2008, -1/+9Bring a real lighter to the show, there's nothing stopping you. I try to, and you'd better believe the bands prefer to see them too.
    • timxpx, on 05/03/2008, -1/+23cell phones ruin the experience entirely. apart from the picture and video people are taking, i always manage to stand next to the girl who's never seen live music before and does this:

      *band's radio hit starts playing*
      "OH MY GOD ITS OUR SONG!"
      *girl dials friend*
      "OMG LISTEN!"
      *girl holds phone up*
      "YOU HEAR IT"
      *all friend on the other end hears is :::gargle gssshhhh frzzzzz kkkksssshh:::*
      "DID YOU HEAR IT ?"
      *sticks phone back up*
    • mGARANDEUR1, on 05/03/2008, -0/+4Just keep a lighter in your shoe. When they pat you down, they won't find it.
    • Altanar, on 05/03/2008, -3/+1Psst. It's never going away. However, people who prefer lighters slowly will.

      Old people are funny.
  • PolishLogic, on 05/02/2008, -4/+89Collecting wallets from forgetful crowd-surfers FTW!!
    • Twisted871, on 05/02/2008, -5/+2i always hand my wallet to a friend if im going to crowd surf
      • Coven, on 05/02/2008, -1/+13Leave the wallet home. Cash in one sock, ID in the other, make sure your house keys are on a clip and hang on to your cell phone for dear life.
        • Lythium, on 05/02/2008, -2/+17Or you can, you know, go for a couple of hours without your cell phone....
          • Coven, on 05/02/2008, -1/+31Blasphemy! How else am I supposed to call my mom to come pick me up :-x
      • TrevorBelmont, on 05/02/2008, -1/+23I'll slip your shoe off then. Yeah, I'm that guy.
        In my defense, you can only get kicked in the head so many times before your heart blackens to crowd surfers.
        • Coven, on 05/02/2008, -1/+9When I crowd surfed I only wore Chuck T's to avoid hurting people under me. Nice soft sole sneakers, plus the added bonus of they are nearly impossible to rip off. Add to that the fact that I weigh 120 lbs soaking wet and people can keep me up for a song at a time :)
        • Wintermute426, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4Amen to that! After getting knocked unconcious by one at a Pantera show way back when, I have no remorse for them.
        • Fixthemedia, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1Ive had a show stolen every time i crowd surfed. (was years ago when I was in highschool). Always waited till the end of the show to find it laying around somewhere.
    • Enjia, on 05/02/2008, -3/+4button back pockets ftw!
      • Coven, on 05/02/2008, -1/+10button back pockets ftl
        speaking from experience
      • joegibes, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3Being a poor college kid ftw! The wallet itself is worth more than the contents :(
  • piper999, on 05/02/2008, -33/+17Oh my God. Anyone who remotely agrees with this list should stick to watching concerts on video to avoid something terribly, terribly unpleasant happening like coming into contact with people who actually know how to enjoy themselves.
    • mikebaldwin67, on 05/02/2008, -12/+6hahah thank you.
    • krellor, on 05/02/2008, -7/+13Yeah, like the last concert I went to where I showed up 5 hours early in the GO line, and got in first, and then had about a million people try to squeeze me out of the front? Yeah, that was awesome, I want more human contact like that. Specifically the part where I introduced my elbows to their abdomen. That was totally a social gesture.
    • RufusJSquirrel, on 05/03/2008, -1/+2Shooting the entire thing with your stupid ***** cell phone is not "knowing how to enjoy yourself". It's incredibly stupid and pointless and really does, believe it or don't, ruin it for ten people standing behind you.
  • bromac, on 05/02/2008, -37/+46Seriously, if you can't ignore someone talking and listen to the music being blasted over huge PAs, you're just an oversensitive douche.

    Actually, if you can't ignore most of these points, you're an oversensitive douche. People get excited at concerts, sing, dance, yell, hold up lighters, what have you. If you want to sit calmly and not move at all, you're a boring *****.
    • dyreschlock, on 05/02/2008, -16/+16exactly my thoughts.. this author needs to go back to his skybox.
    • piper999, on 05/02/2008, -6/+20I totally agree. I'm actually shocked that this is what live music apparently amounts to these days. What is the point of being in a crowd watching live music if you are just going to complain that it isn't as comfortable as sitting at home on your couch? Utterly hopeless.
    • slayersotaku, on 05/02/2008, -4/+9i'm all for people having fun and singing with the band. but there is always that guy who can't sing and his voice drowns out the bands singer... i will forever have a favorite song ruined by this jerk.
      • bromac, on 05/02/2008, -2/+10If a non-amplified voice downs out the lead singer, your favorite band needs a better sound tech and equipment, or you need better seats. Of course, if you're in a small venue like a local bar, this doesn't apply, but for CONCERTS, like the article is about, you should be able to hear the band over everything except a small nuclear explosion.
        • slayersotaku, on 05/02/2008, -2/+8The sound was fine in the middle of the venue, small venue, and the previous bands vocals came in clear. This guy was about 2 people away from me screaming at the tops of his lungs in the direction of my right ear. Probably should have just initiated a mosh pit and took him out.
        • dext3r, on 05/02/2008, -8/+1@slayers:

          then you're a dick too.
      • queenstarsha, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1usually i see bands where singing is just not the point, so this doesn't bother me. but i saw the genuinely vocally gifted grizzly bear a while back, and some douche frattie next to me totally destroyed the performance of my favorite song.
    • georgi0u, on 05/02/2008, -7/+18thank god theres someone criticizing this article...
      the only reason i go to live shows is to be in that sweaty mob of people jumping up and down. People who understand the true energy of the music are going to be the people who jump and down. Matter of fact i get a kick out of watching people who don't know anything about how concerts go down complaining when they get their spot on the rail snagged.
    • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -1/+7THANK YOU!
    • SpeakerCity, on 05/02/2008, -8/+21I've come to the conclusion that the average digger is about 30% pussier than the average person. This is evident not just by how people are digging this story and commenting, but by the comments on any video where someone does something risky or dangerous.

      "That guy's an idiot! Nominate him for a Darwin Award." "I hope he doesn't reproduce"

      STFU and type your computer code or whatever it is you do. Jesus ***** Christ. I like the fact that concerts are sweaty, rough-and-tumble affairs. It makes me feel like a primitive human engaged in some tribal ritual. Its a welcome change from the day-to-day life of suits, traffic, cable news, and everything else that goes with our rigid, conformist society.

      "I got there early so I could have a spot right at the stage and someone shoved their way in front of me". Then use your goddamn elbows and shove him the ***** out of the way.

      "Tall people stand in front of me"
      Get there early and defend your spot to the death.

      Actually, pretty much all the things this blogger complains about can be solved by using a little spine. I'm not saying you have to go tough-guy and make a big deal. But be assertive, polite and respectful and I can promise you positive results. If you can't do that, then invest in a decent home theater setup and watch the DVDs. I recommend Metallica S&M, RATM at the Olympic Auditorium, and 311 Live in New Orleans.

      http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c75/sppennywise/ ...
      Pic related. Its me (white shirt) having a ***** blast at VooDoo Glow Skulls show.
    • icroak, on 05/02/2008, -0/+2The one I can't ignore is a new problem. I have no problem with crowds being unruly or aggressive. I've been in those crowds for years. But the whole camera issue is annoying because there's always some asswipe blocking your already limited view with his hands and camera up in the air. I never had to deal with that and I never had a complaint before.
      • subliminalurge, on 05/02/2008, -0/+7Then it's time for that douchebag to have someone "accidentally" bump his camera and send it flying into the middle of the mosh pit, where it will be stomped into a million pieces before he can fight his way through the crowd to retrieve it.

        Problem solved.
  • h3lx, on 05/02/2008, -3/+25I saw BB King at the Meyerson Music Hall, a fantastic venue except for one woman in her late 40s who was, in no uncertain terms, his goddamn biggest fan. She undeniably loved him.
    Old and diabetic, BB had to be reminded of this every 15-30 seconds.
    • notcarsondaly, on 05/02/2008, -3/+2One of the best shows I have ever seen.

      BB King at DAR in DC.
    • cmuwriter, on 05/02/2008, -1/+17I saw him in detroit, he said "I've paid my dues, thats why I'm sitting on this chair." I don't care old man, just play that ***** guitar.
    • centerblack, on 05/02/2008, -1/+3BB King rocks.
    • spootmonkey, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1I catch him once a year in Albany, NY...so great.
  • devilsagain, on 05/02/2008, -16/+6211. 14-36 year old who grabs the girls breasts who are hanging out because other 14-36 year old ripped off her shirt while she was crowdsurfing. You know who you are and you are all scum.
    • Misanthrope, on 05/02/2008, -5/+33AWESOME scum!
    • Rammsteined, on 05/02/2008, -3/+15Don't get all tied up about it, just give their nads a good firm "shove".
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -2/+8But said first 14-36 yr old did the rest of the 14-36 yr olds all a favor.
      • Lith25, on 05/02/2008, -1/+1I beleve said second 14-36 yr old does the favor actually...
    • yohnstoppable, on 05/02/2008, -5/+65Whatever. Bitch who kicks me in the head as she goes by owes me a titty grab.

      Jk, but I do find it dumb to ensure 100s of male hands will be on you while not expecting to be groped. It is so prevalent that you have to wonder if that is the entire reason for doing it
      • Ahyx, on 05/02/2008, -5/+0There's a pro for homosexuals ;)
      • Metis2be, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1I don't mind peoples hands being on me, I mind feeling them purposefully slip under my bra, especially when I'm currently on my back so they had to reach around me to do that.
    • Haroshia, on 05/02/2008, -1/+10Look man I'm sorry. I didn't know she was your girlfriend.
    • boobsbr, on 05/02/2008, -5/+5don't go to concerts, stay home, watch dvds.
    • Schmapdi, on 05/02/2008, -1/+7Yeah, not that you (or any crowdsurfers) deserve it, but I don't think I would expect to crowd surf (especially as a female) without being felt up by strangers at least a little. Especially with so many people drunk, high, whatever at a concert.

    • Metis2be, on 05/03/2008, -1/+3I wear sports bras at concert, both for support and protection. I can't understand those girls who wear just a bikini top, I'm too protective.

      Plus, I can take off my shirt and still not be considered too slutty.
    • RufusJSquirrel, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3TITTY PUNCH.
  • PHiZ187, on 05/02/2008, -31/+8Who the hell goes to concerts anymore? I go to local shows...
    • SnuKs, on 05/02/2008, -3/+30You must be a hipster.
    • Coven, on 05/02/2008, -1/+32How many pins and patches are on your messenger bag?
    • bdbr, on 05/02/2008, -1/+4Same ***** happens there, unless your local show is the "Podunk jazz trio".
    • asnider, on 05/02/2008, -1/+18A local show is still a concert, dumbass.
    • motogoat, on 05/02/2008, -3/+7Well LOOKIE what WE gots HERE!!!
      One of them there indie hipster snobs! Drinkin' and a'guzzlin' coffee when you should be jumping around drinking draft beer!
      I ***** on thee, indie hipster!
    • Ahyx, on 05/02/2008, -2/+4Man, aren't you cool!
    • psylent, on 05/03/2008, -0/+4Pffft, I only see bands who play in my basement for me and my friends. Local shows are so mainstream.
  • sailadayaway, on 05/02/2008, -26/+140You're wearing the shirt of the band that you're going to see? Don't be that guy.
    • Coffeedemon, on 05/02/2008, -2/+63Its not that bad when the shirt is as old as half the audience.
      • subliminalurge, on 05/02/2008, -0/+7Yep. While I agree with the rule in general, it ceases to apply once the shirt reaches a certain age. If you're going to a Motley Crue concert, feel free to wear the shirt you picked up during the Shout at the Devil tour. (Just make sure it's not the ***** replica shirt that they're selling at the concession stand that same evening.)
    • reaper527, on 05/02/2008, -2/+48I am That Guy
    • Skab, on 05/02/2008, -4/+8dugg for pcu reference!
      • gallagherFTW, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1i love after-school comedy central movies :)
    • punky, on 05/02/2008, -2/+50btw, why is it OK at a sporting event, but not at a concert?
      • Misanthrope, on 05/02/2008, -3/+45Because at sporting events there are two teams and you need to show who you're there for. At concerts...it's pretty much accepted that you're there for the headliners. Now, if you're there specifically for an opening band...well, feel free to don the shirt! UNLESS it's a shirt you bought at that day because you wanted to look cool. I'd say the shirt must be at least 3 months old.
        • punky, on 05/02/2008, -0/+3Fair enough! And yeah, the older the tshirt the better. Like if you have a super obscure Radiohead t-shirt from 5 tours ago or something. Uber fan :)
        • vulgarrr, on 05/03/2008, -5/+2Sorry, but that's extremely dumb reasoning. Who cares if someone buys a shirt to support the band they're there for? You don't know which band they are at the show for. And saying that they bought it to "look cool" is just an assumption. Worry about yourself, not what other people are wearing.

          Oh, and nice avatar douche. You've proven how immature you are right there.
          • superossum, on 05/03/2008, -2/+3You nimrod, that's Bad Religion's logo.
        • SpeedSteamBoat, on 05/03/2008, -3/+3Lol, having an icon expressing your dislike of the Christian cult = douchy and immature?

          Okay, well then everyone with any sort of religious symbol on their car or clothing is a douche as well.
      • gallagherFTW, on 05/03/2008, -3/+1dude don't be a dumbass. they're different, and usually a different kind of crowd. seriously, i don't even know why you commented that.
      • Ryanr14, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Don't be the guy that judges people by the shirts they wear, and forgets to watch his favorite band while he's at it
    • thedogfatherx, on 05/02/2008, -2/+6I'm that guy.
    • modsuperstar, on 05/02/2008, -11/+4I've long avoided being that guy. I was at a show last night and bought a tshirt and kept it stashed just so as not to be that guy. I also hate those gayzors that wear the jerseys of the soccer club the band supports to a show. Learn to think for yourselves sheeple
      • andrew7667, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1I went to a Dropkick Murphys show a little while back in Austin. There were SO many people wearing Red Sox jerseys. I wonder how many of those people were fans before they say DKM. It was a terrible show.
    • motogoat, on 05/02/2008, -0/+3Thank you old quote from even older movie that's been spouted millions upon millions of times.
    • boobsbr, on 05/02/2008, -2/+43wear whatever you want. don't be the guy that doesn't wear it because of what someone's gonna think.
    • MasterTroll, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3Or blasting their music in your car as you leave the venue... right after you saw them play... That guy.
      • SpeedSteamBoat, on 05/03/2008, -0/+5If you can still hear your car radio right after you leave a show YOU ARE DOIN IT WRONG.

        Or wearing ear-plugs.
    • widgetmaker, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Wearing stilettos/heels in general at a jumpy gig, Don't be that girl.
    • joegibes, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Wearing the shirt of another (not too popular) band that the headliner happens to like a lot = win (conversation opportunities).
  • cha5e, on 05/02/2008, -9/+23I'm surprised the list didn't include "Urinating in a non-designated area. The grassy lawn area is NOT a designated area". Some guy peed on my leg at Dave Matthews in 2000. Ditto to my then-girlfriend at a previous concert in the same venue.
    I don't go to concerts anymore.
    • petebot, on 05/02/2008, -5/+39That's what you get for going to see Dave Matthews at someplace with a "lawn area". ***** hippy.
      • cha5e, on 05/02/2008, -5/+19You will note that I said "in 2000". Dave Matthews was cool back when you were in kindergarten.
        • petebot, on 05/02/2008, -6/+11Dave Matthews was never cool.
          • cha5e, on 05/02/2008, -6/+4Ok. Kindly provide me with the date and time of a concert in 2000, that was by a band that according to you was cool at that time, and at a venue with no lawn area. Throw in a time machine, too. Then, I will happily attend the concert that meets your exacting specifications.
        • subliminalurge, on 05/02/2008, -7/+2Um.... Nobody had ***** heard of Dave Matthews back when I was in kindergarten. He would have been in roughly 3rd grade himself at the time.
    • scatmasterjj, on 05/02/2008, -0/+10I apologise. I was a different person back then with wild perversions.
    • superkendall, on 05/02/2008, -3/+1After the first time I would have run some electric fence wire down the outside of my jeans...
    • Shatneresque, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4That's just part of the Dave Matthews Band experience. They dumped their excrement on a Chicago tour boat:

      http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0825042_dave_ ...
    • altcountryman, on 05/02/2008, -0/+15Your girlfriend peed on your leg too?
    • widgetmaker, on 05/03/2008, -0/+2And I thought it was bad when people were chucking bottles of ***** over the crowd : /
    • brycelb, on 05/03/2008, -0/+2There is a time and place for everything and if you don't have the good sense to bitch slap someone that takes a ***** on your leg then you probably should skip future concerts.
  • Vegiemaster, on 05/02/2008, -14/+65I hate when people DON'T go nuts at a hardcore concert. :(
    • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -10/+0Hardcore dancing is the most entertaining/fun thing about a show.
      I saw Enter Shikari the other day at Coachella and, even though they were opposite Prince, there were still a handful of crazies in the pit. It was so great.
      • haylel, on 05/02/2008, -0/+11that's not hardcore.
        • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -6/+0Re-read. I wasn't arguing about whether or not you like Enter Shakari.
          I am probably the biggest poseur ever! Oh no!
          • haylel, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3my not liking that band has nothing to do with them not being hardcore.
            fact of the matter is, that band is not hardcore.
    • sdubois92, on 05/02/2008, -4/+7hardcore is dead. all that ***** they play now is crap
      • saranagati, on 05/03/2008, -2/+1I agree the day i heard someone say they like hardcore shows but don't like how violent everybody is at them is the day i knew hardcore was dead (like 6 - 8 years ago). And then came the day where the people who were dancing wouldn't get within 2 feet of someone else because they might hit them...
      • HangerBaby, on 05/03/2008, -1/+0I dunno man... Agnostic Front's new album is pretty sick...
      • NJPENSO, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Hardcore is far from dead.
        Get a clue.
    • Asheis, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3[User Deleted This Post]
  • bryannnnn, on 05/02/2008, -1/+35011. Ticketmaster

    my $28 ticket to a show ended up costing $48 after taxes and fees...
    • SpeakerCity, on 05/02/2008, -0/+46TicketBastard
    • BeforeSputnik, on 05/02/2008, -0/+18This should be the most dugg comment on this and many other threads. Even when i go to the venue to buy the ticket, i still have to pay that damn Ticketmaster!
    • boobsbr, on 05/02/2008, -0/+6ticketmafia
    • Vagabondjohn, on 05/03/2008, -0/+4Amen brother. My $35 Iron Maiden ticket ended up costing $55.
    • Shuk, on 05/03/2008, -0/+8"convenience charge"... how convenient for them.
  • WhatsUpWithJack, on 05/02/2008, -12/+5STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!!!!!
  • Skab, on 05/02/2008, -19/+511.Going to concerts with bands that have hit radio songs. That would have loud dousche fans.
    12. Yelling SLAYER!
    • Misanthrope, on 05/02/2008, -1/+9Yeah, bands people have heard of suck. Go see bands only you and 2 of your friends know about. It'll be a pompous-douche-fest and you'll feel right at home.

      Moron.
    • haylel, on 05/02/2008, -0/+2***** that, slayer was/is awesome
  • Coffeedemon, on 05/02/2008, -2/+51Mine: the spin-kicking fist waving fool that always shows up at metal/punk shows but won't go into the pit. I still love the music but don't have much desire to go into the pit nowadays so I tend to stand as close as possible so I can watch the action and the band but far enough away so I don't get dragged in. Thats tough when you're stuck between a circle pit and that one jackass who wants to twirl his fists and feet by himself but acts all offended when you shove him into a bouncer. ;)
    • Coven, on 05/02/2008, -1/+28***** that, just toss his ass into the pit and watch him scream like a little girl when he gets a boot to the chin.
    • sgtpppr, on 05/02/2008, -0/+20Then that's not a metal show and/or has been infected by screamo scenester kids. Last time I saw one of those skin tight black jeans wearing retards do kung fu dancing at a slayer show he accidentally hit a big biker guy who basically chunked him 10 feet.
      • ReverendRodger, on 05/02/2008, -1/+2Push/drag him to the pit. That'll fix him. :D
      • HangerBaby, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Its probably not a punk show either as I've been to several and haven't seen one invisible ninja killer
      • Coffeedemon, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1All the shows in my area (Ottawa) that lean towards either genre (I'm not going to argue over what is and is not metal or punk vs what is a sub-genre here) have been infected with these guys. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against them setting up a little place away from the regular mosh pit to practice their moves. But don't be that solitary guy that wants to carve out a piece of real estate right between the bar and the pit where you're right in the sight line for everyone else who didn't come to dance.

        True - some things still apply You generally will not see these guys at the Slayer show yet.
  • braineater2448, on 05/02/2008, -17/+10The author of this needs to grow some nuts. Jesus. Its a concert, not high tea with the Queen. So stfu and dont go to concerts if you dont like them.
  • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -24/+77Most annoying = uptight assholes who complain if you:
    -dance too much or the way they don't like,
    -punch you in the back if you get too close to them,
    -complain about you being in their personal space at a concert with 1000's of other people
    -give you dirty looks if you cheer too loud for the band

    Basically the people who wrote this article. If you want people to behave like they're at church, go watch the church choir sing!
    • Enjia, on 05/02/2008, -8/+13right on, this whole article was bitch mode
    • yohnstoppable, on 05/02/2008, -5/+11Ya, no *****. I'm sorry, but this seems like people going to a type of concert that does not fit their personal tastes (like a lot of commenters here on digg). I just picture someone at a killswitch concert in church garments standing off to the side with his/her arms crossed.

      Concerts are loud. Concerts are crazy. People use them as an excuse to go ***** insane. Sitting down and just enjoying the music isn't what you go to these things for. You can do that at home with your own higher quality music.

      To quote Super Nintendo Chalmers - "The rod up that man's butt must have a rod up it's butt"
      • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4"Super Nintendo Chalmers" Wow... thanks for the Ralph Wiggum reference. That made for a good laugh.
    • serif69, on 05/02/2008, -10/+35Congratulations! You're the drunken douchebag nobody likes at the concerts you go to! Take a moment and spill another beer on someone!
      • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -17/+2Congratulations! You're too uptight to enjoy anything but masturbating by yourself with the bathroom door locked!
    • andrew7667, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4There is some truth to what the article said, although there is such a thing as taking it too far. There was a guy in the front of a Dropkick Murphys show who was elbowing everyone to "protect" his girlfriend. I mean, seriously, you're at the front of a fairly large venue to see a punk band. If you're girlfriend doesn't like being touched, let her stand in the back of the venue.
      • saranagati, on 05/03/2008, -1/+5If you're complaining about getting elbowed at a dropkick murphys show, maybe you shouldn't be there?
        • andrew7667, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1My point was that she shouldn't have been there. I was fine getting smashed up against everyone. I recognized that that was going to happen. If I didn't want to go through that, I would've stood in the back.
      • Metis2be, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3Doing it for the fun of it is one thing, doing it to be a dick about your girl is another.
  • mickhead, on 05/02/2008, -16/+257Crowds at gigs should be organised. Front to back, smallest to tallest.

    It should be:

    Short people
    Regular people
    Tall people
    Fat people
    Moshers

    The layer of fat people is there to protect the normal people from the moshers, who will with no regard for anyone else cause injury to anyone near them.
    • punky, on 05/02/2008, -8/+1LOL...imagine?! Or at least stagger the floor so it's like a "dome"!
      • ninjasaurus, on 05/02/2008, -0/+7What the ***** are you talking about?
    • Twisted871, on 05/02/2008, -6/+64I like how you make a distinction between "normal" and "fat" people
      • mickhead, on 05/02/2008, -9/+6I like how you take things out of context when you clearly know what I mean.

        But just incase you don't. The distinction was between the moshers and the 'normal' people.
        • SpeedSteamBoat, on 05/03/2008, -2/+4Why are you getting all butthurt? That was the best/funniest thing about your comment. It was the only reason I dugg you.
      • gallagherFTW, on 05/03/2008, -2/+10me too. why r u fat? does that offend you? eat a carrot pussy.
      • joegibes, on 05/03/2008, -2/+1In the wise words of former Justice Potter Stewart, "I know it when I see it."
    • TrevorBelmont, on 05/02/2008, -4/+33Let me guess, you're a short person?
      • mickhead, on 05/02/2008, -1/+10I'm 6'2.
        • serif69, on 05/02/2008, -1/+15I'm 5'6", and I thank you.
        • satandumpling, on 05/02/2008, -1/+8I'm 4'10", and you two can line up behind me. I'll be there early enough to cling to the front barrier, only way I can see a show if there's no balcony or something. Of course some big fat sweatly bald drunk thug is always right next to me... never fails...
          • punky, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1I'm used to not seeing anything. I'm there to hear the music anyway. Just sometimes it's nice to be able to catch a glimpse of the stage!
    • lolinyerface, on 05/02/2008, -5/+19Exactly, fat isn't normal.
    • DrummerAndrew, on 05/02/2008, -1/+9Moshers end up at the front by nature, you can't fix that.
    • Breticus07, on 05/03/2008, -3/+2short people in general need to avoid concerts
    • djepik, on 05/03/2008, -2/+4dugg for "layer of fat people" ...rofl
  • themanflounders, on 05/02/2008, -1/+22I go to a lot of concerts and festivals throughout the year, and I'm here to tell ya, you're always going to find people who are cramping your style a little bit with the way they are enjoying the show. Unless you are at a show that'd be better termed a "performance", anything goes with the crowd. There are things that are rude, and I agree with a few of the things on the list. But, they're going to happen, and obsessing over them is a great way to ruin the show for yourself. And after all, who am I to tell thousands of other people how to enjoy music? Just relax and go with the flow.
    • motherwell, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1exactly. You can tell most of the people commenting don't get out much.
  • weedancer, on 05/02/2008, -8/+7As a dwarf i totally agree with the tall person in front of you thing, it's not even so much I can't see the show but smelling ass all night long, but that's why people have no obligations to crowd surf a midget to the front!
    • Kronos6948, on 05/02/2008, -0/+6Man, it sucks to be you.
      Unless, of course, you find a hot chick at a show you really don't give a damn about, and stare at her ass the whole show. You totally can get away with it.

      Anyhow, you could always get balcony seats.
    • widgetmaker, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Learn how to move through the crowd. zig zag sideways, works like a charm.
  • DomoDigital, on 05/02/2008, -0/+158Had to login for the first time in a while.

    I am tall....taller than average I would say.

    I recently went a concert, where there wasn't much room, but I was standing near the front, and about a half hour in, a shorter girl came up behind hind me, and in a bitchy manner said "You are waaay taller then me, I cant see, can I stand in front of you."

    I nodded and let her come forward, because, sure, it sucks to not be able to see, and I can see over her no problem. BUT THEN, once she had her spot. She gabbed her boyfriends hand, who is the same height as me, and proceeded to pull him up in front of me....

    its a crazy world out there in concert world, all rules of civilized society go out the window until you leave the venue, DEAL with it.
    • knowsfear, on 05/02/2008, -8/+52Just one more reason all women are whores.
      • merreborn, on 05/03/2008, -8/+3Right. A single anecdote about one woman justifies that generalization. Totally.
    • serif69, on 05/02/2008, -0/+19That's when you stand in the boyfriend's way and refuse to budge. He doesn't want to play by rules, neither do you.
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -0/+6That's a bitch move. I usually laugh if there's another guy there and tell them there's plenty of room next to me.
    • modsuperstar, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4Yeah, I've learned that one the hard way. It's pretty much dog eat dog at a general admission show. I've had that exact thing happen to me. I try not to be a dick, but you basically have to hold your ground at shows or truckloads worth of douchebags will push their way right past you, even if you showed up well before the show to secure that spot.
    • flippedcracker, on 05/02/2008, -0/+16i too am tall, generally one of the tallest people at a concert, and i never let people stand in front of me just because they're shorter. if you're short, and are worried about being able to see, you should get to the venue early, and secure your spot up front. otherwise, deal with it.
      • Themauvestorm3, on 05/02/2008, -0/+116'6 here, if she's hot and with hot friends, she can get in front of me - if there's a dude with her, I widen my stance
    • mhuggins, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Push her onto the ground and reclaim your spot.
    • Gr8Pumpkin, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3almost the same thing happened to me @ a perfect circle, but this bitch waited until right before the band went on, and she had a full beer the happened to spill on me as soon as the crowd pushed up because the show started. It wasn't 2 songs in before she had to get pulled out by the crew. Dumb Bitch.
    • fdsarawr, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1That's why you say TOO BAD BITCH! People at concerts don't care about you, so you shouldn't care about them. I wish the etiquette were different at concerts but it's not so I'll conform to their ***** and be an asshole back.
  • Xegyn, on 05/02/2008, -6/+6I agree with #1 mostly BUT if it weren't for them we wouldn't have this awesome video:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auen-tPyu40
  • cmuwriter, on 05/02/2008, -3/+36I once went to a concert festival thing called Area Two, the band Ash played, along with Blue Man Group, David freaking Bowie and Moby. I stayed for the whole concert, but was confused as hell at this couple who only came to see the Blue Man Group. I mean it was David Bowie for Christ sake.
    • revjustin2, on 05/02/2008, -1/+16This one time....at band camp....
    • CapeKid, on 05/02/2008, -0/+13I went to Ozzfest this year, similar thing happened. Static X played then Lamb of God then Ozzy. Like 40% of the people left after Lamb of God. I have no idea why anyone would want to miss one of the biggest icons in rock and roll.
      • Vegiemaster, on 05/03/2008, -3/+4I'll probably get dug down for this, but Ozzy sucks (with occasional exceptions). He WAS a rock god and is still a legend in that sense, but after Sabbath, his stuff went downhill.
      • merreborn, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3Most of the kids who go to shows like that have *parents* younger than Ozzy.
      • desmondregan, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1ozzy osbourne is good and static x is actually pretty good too
      • uremomsnitemare, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1That's because Lamb of God is the *****
    • VAXcat, on 05/02/2008, -10/+2 It's like Keith Richards says, Bowie is just a poser. He cares more about how his hair looks than he does the music.
      • catbertz, on 05/02/2008, -0/+10Keith Richards needs a med check. He's a prick for bagging on Bowie, when Jagger is just as much a poser. The Stones have made some classic music over the years, but so has Bowie. Great artists do not always make great music, sometime they put out ***** product. Whatever.
        • cmuwriter, on 05/02/2008, -1/+4Richards needs to go to an old folk's home and stop slagging off Bowie.
      • weeFred, on 05/02/2008, -0/+7Keith is just mad that Mick chose to sleep with Bowie instead of him
    • sgtpppr, on 05/02/2008, -1/+3How is it bad if people leave early? That's just more room for everyone else and a better place to stand. It allows you extra breathing room from the shirtless drunken marines/frat/douches who are so soaked in sweat they look like they just got out of the pool.
      • cmuwriter, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4I don't think that it is bad if people leave early, or come late to see a performer, it was her assigned seat. I think I was more in shock that there was someone that was so hardcore abou the Blue Man Group (she had her face painted blue, and had a BMG t-shirt on. Her husband was wearing normal clothing and looked normal). If you're going to pay that kind of money, assuming she paid for her tickets, wouldn't it be getting more of your money's worth if you stayed for the rest of the show?
        • brycelb, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1I would be a little confused as well but it's obvious that this lady was completely out of her mind. Who paints their face blue that isn't actually in the BMG?
    • gallagherFTW, on 05/03/2008, -0/+11"I blue myself"
      "There has got to be a better way to say that"
  • pigfarts, on 05/02/2008, -6/+21Such sad stories, I can't believe these things happen at your Kenny G and James Taylor concerts. Stear clear of the metal scene because we're all elbows and beer.
  • reaper527, on 05/02/2008, -13/+8author is just overly bitchy (with the exception of the sign near the end of the article). its a concert, expect it to be wild, be disappointed if its not
  • Hoogs, on 05/02/2008, -13/+19The first and probably last concert I went to was Panic! at the Disco (my friend had tickets and took me). It was one of the worst experiences of my life. The place was a zoo, literally packed full of people. Everything is so loud, with the people screaming, and the insanely loud, distorting speakers, I could barely even make out the music. And during the whole concert there were these two gay guys who stood up, took off their shirts, waved them around a bit, and traded shirts with each other. At the end of the night, it took about an hour just to get out of the parking lot, and for the rest of the night my hearing was shot. Everything sounded muffled. Absolutely nothing about the experience was enjoyable.
    • Enjia, on 05/02/2008, -3/+23concerts are not for you, don't go ever again.
    • georgi0u, on 05/02/2008, -2/+85"The first and probably last concert I went to was Panic! at the Disco"

      thats your problem right there
    • yohnstoppable, on 05/02/2008, -0/+15"If it's too loud, you're too old"

      Actually, scratch that. ***** bands have ***** concerts
    • CapeKid, on 05/02/2008, -0/+8See smaller acts. Large acts are generally atrocious. Tickets are way too expensive, the crowds there are full of people waiting for the "radio hit." and if you have crap tickets you are miles away from the band watching them on the jumbo-tron. Most acts where the tickets are less than $25 are a blast.
    • 45441, on 05/02/2008, -1/+2"Stay at home next time."
      -Everyone else
    • sgtpppr, on 05/02/2008, -0/+19Panic at the Disco? And you were surprised two guys were making out?
      • celkin, on 05/03/2008, -3/+2Haven't you people ever heard of...closing the goddamn door?
    • BeforeSputnik, on 05/02/2008, -1/+10Ear Plugs are a great idea for every concert; a lifesaver when you need them, not taking up too much room in your pocket if you don't. Not only do they save your hearing, but they usually filter out a lot of the muffled sound and make it easier to pick out the lyrics. Try a show at a smaller venue next time. House of Blues is a great place to see a show.
      • DrummerAndrew, on 05/02/2008, -0/+4***** hate HOB. Single handedly responsible for the demise of good local clubs. Assholes.
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -0/+10Your first mistake? Going to a Panic at the Disco concert. I'm sure those weren't the only two gay guys at the concert. There was probably a lot of parents in the parking lot waiting to pick up their 15 yr old daughters too. You should have told your friend that you weren't a douchebag and wanted to see a real concert for your first. Santana, Radiohead, Phish (RIP), a cool jazz or blues show, etc. So many better musicians out there to go see shows of. Don't give up on live music.
      • Kronos6948, on 05/02/2008, -0/+6GWAR should be everyone's first live show.
      • DruminPatrick, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1I don't think I have ever agreed more with a Digg comment.
    • motogoat, on 05/02/2008, -3/+3EMO DUDE IS SADDDDDDDDD! :(
    • Hoogs, on 05/02/2008, -0/+3Ok, maybe I'll give live shows another shot, and I'll be sure it's someone better than Panic! next time.
    • roebeet, on 05/02/2008, -0/+2I've been to big venues and small ones, and there's a world of difference (and I don't mean just the size). You get a different group of "fans" at large concerts, if you want to call them that. There are not there for the music generally, they are there just to tell their friends they were there. Anyone who spends more time on their cellphone than listen to the band is not a fan.

      Small venues for little known artists are, from my experience, filled with real fans who actually came to listen to the music and see / support the band.
      • veganvelma, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1Don't forget that at small venues the band actually wants to take the time to talk to you after their performance.
        Shockingly, they sometimes even sell their own merchandise to you!
    • HeyaBILL, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1"And during the whole concert there were these two gay guys who stood up, took off their shirts, waved them around a bit, and traded shirts with each other"

      *buys tickets*
    • DephexTwin, on 05/03/2008, -1/+2I don't get the part about the two gay guys. What the ***** do you care?
      • Hoogs, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1They were right in front of me the whole time and were being in-your-face annoying.
        • Mike89, on 05/03/2008, -2/+3The real faggot at that concert was you.
    • JAK2112, on 05/03/2008, -1/+2Seems like you enjoy nothing of what makes the typical concert experience great. The loudness, the crowd energy, the funny stories. Sounds like you weren't even trying to have fun. If loudness bothers you, wear earplugs. If packed crowds bother you, don't get GA tickets, buy seated ones. If parking bothers you, well... thats a problem we all have to face. Mass transportation is your best bet

      Oh, and one last ting, DONT BE SUCH A PUSSY
  • Gullop, on 05/02/2008, -1/+36I think you will find the most annoying thing someone can do at a festival gig is throw a cup of *****.....*****.
    • ngmcs8203, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1hahaha... I'm glad I was never privy to that until just now.
    • weeFred, on 05/02/2008, -0/+1Couple of years ago I saw Oasis at Manchester, it was practically raining *****.
      • DephexTwin, on 05/03/2008, -0/+6It just seemed that way because you were at an Oasis concert.
  • Soave, on 05/02/2008, -7/+15Meh, trying to get to the front is part of the fun. It's just an accepted concert rule. This person complains too much.
    • andrew7667, on 05/02/2008, -2/+2No. Show up early. I've been elbowed out of the way so many ***** times by ***** that couldn't show up 30 minutes before they did. It's worse when I literally can't move anywhere, so their shoving is pointless.
      • Parkinsons, on 05/03/2008, -0/+4Elbow your way back up.
      • Soave, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Well if you can't move anywhere, then how are they taking your spot?

        I guess it just depends on what kind of concert, but the pushing and shoving's kinda fun.
        • andrew7667, on 05/03/2008, -1/+1They weren't. I was just getting elbowed the whole ***** time.
  • UmpUmp, on 05/02/2008, -0/+37i hate the idiots that deem it necessary to throw objects at the band playing. If you don't like them..then why are you even there?
    • punky, on 05/02/2008, -1/+2whoa, people do this??
      • dudefaceguyman, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Yeah, I remember during a Guns N Roses concert some dude threw a ***** rock on stage and Axl Rose stopped the song. Yelled at the guy, then security dragged the fan outta the concert with boos at the dude. He prolly got his ass kicked afterwards.

        Axl may be a jerk, but damn if he isn't hilarious when he gets into his rants or yells at some dick during a concert.
    • boojoy, on 05/02/2008, -0/+2People at concerts who hate the band really baffle me. A while ago I saw a U2 cover band at a small nightclub - kind of stupid but hey everyone was drunk/having a good time. There were several people in the back who decided to yell "You're the real Bono" really sarcastically when the "Bono" guy was looking for some crowd reaction. Then everyone realized they were at a U2 cover band show, and things got real sad...Real quick...
      • SeasonedBeef, on 05/02/2008, -0/+6If I was at an all-day music festival to see a band I liked and for some reason Nickelback was also there I would be tempted to throw things too.

        edit - Oops... replied to wrong comment. If only I could delete this...
        • Vegiemaster, on 05/03/2008, -0/+7I don't care where your comment is. If you're willing to throw ***** at Nickelback, I'm willing to digg you up.
    • saranagati, on 05/03/2008, -0/+1Depending on who the band is, its not necessarily a sign of disrespect. I've been to many shows where people will actually attack the singer of the band even if they do like them. The really good singers are the ones who won't miss a lyric while fighting.
    • desmondregan, on 05/03/2008, -0/+3it usually happens at festivals with multiple artists and some give really really horrible performances like p