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I sat in the balcony at a Wilco show over the weekend, and the late-30s couple next to me insisted on standing up for the entire show, even though no one else in the balcony was standing, and the people seated behind them had asked them nicely if they would please sit down. I think they just had it in their head that rock concert = standing, even though we were in the balcony of a very nice concert hall usually used for symphony performances.
Now, all the people on the floor were standing, and I think that's totally fine - there was a consensus. There was also a consensus when the whole balcony stood for the encore.
I blame it on the fact that we've become a home-entertainment society; with our computers and our big screen TVs, most people don't go out to a show very much, and when they do, they act as they would at home - talking over the entertainment, walking in and out, texting, etc. It's as if we've forgotten how to act in public.
great post. I've had similar problems in the past. Now I don't mind it if you want to stand for a band you love. If you want to show your support and dance a bit that's fine. But if everyone around you is sitting then it can be rude at times to stand up.
At Monsters of Folk at the United Palace I was in the 4th row center. Across the aisle from me were a group of young kids. I don't know how old they were but they must have been somewhere between 17 and 25. I'm 23, for the record, but know how to be courteous at concerts.
Anyway, everyone stood up as the Monsters of Folk came out which is to be expected. Soon after they launched into the first song though....most people began to sit. I never stand unless the person in front of me is standing for a while and doesn't seem like he will quit. So we took our seats and watched the show.
Over across the aisle though, there was one kid (who was obviously too drunk and probably doesn't remember the show) who was there for Conor. He must have loved Bright Eyes stuff because anytime a Conor-led song or a Bright Eyes tune would begin he stood up. He would stand the whole time, while a girl he was with was sitting and made the kind gesture to try and get him to sit. She clearly was aware of the situation and saw that the guy sitting directly behind them was having his show ruined because some dude wants to be the only guy standing. He ended up leaving midway (almost falling on the stage) to go to the bathroom because he was clearly about to throw up.
Point being........don't stand unless it's a unified thing. If a bunch of people start standing I just say "alright.....this is what we're doing now" and go with it. But I never block some people behind me just so I can stand.
I've had problems with music fans of all ages at concerts. Douchebaggery knows no age limit. There will be young kids who are there to make out and be wasted and don't pay attention to the show. There will also be 24 year old girls who group together and push there way to the front of the stage, elbowing all the people who waited over 2 hours to hold the spot that they have. Sometimes I hate concerts because of the inconsiderate people. Usually at Roo there isn't much of that and a lot more "sorry, I didn't mean to bump you" then at regular shows.........but there are always a few assholess.
I saw Cold War Kids a few weeks ago and while they were covering the Creedence song "As Long As I Can See the Light" so beautifully there were young kids making out with their backs to the stage. I yelled very loudly "there is music being performed for you. this isn't an orgy....it's a concert". they were too drunk to hear me though
I've had shows ruined by people of all ages. I saw Yo La Tengo a few weeks ago and their show was destroyed by the crowd. Yo La Tengo is a great band, but they tend to attract hipster fans that are more interested in talking about how they like Yo La Tengo than actually listening to Yo La Tengo. This crowd was mostly younger people.
The Clapton-Winwood show last year was ruined by a bunch of stupid old ladies in "Clapton is God" T-Shirts that didn't stop screaming the entire time. It's like the teeny boppers in the video for the Beatles Shea Stadium shows never stopped screaming. I could barely hear any of his guitar solos. Also it was at a basketball arena where the sound sucks. But it confounds me that these people paid close to $200 per seat to listen to themselves scream.
after letting the band know about my experience, they told me that they didn't notice the negativity and that it was actually the best show of the tour for them so far. so i guess it was just the assholes directly behind me at the show. i should have just moved away from that space.
Point being........don't stand unless it's a unified thing. If a bunch of people start standing I just say "alright.....this is what we're doing now" and go with it. But I never block some people behind me just so I can stand.
Exactly. I think you just have to take the temperature of the room, so to speak.
It was the oddest thing because this couple looked so innocuous otherwise, but it was like they were giving a big fat finger to the whole balcony It was such an inconsiderate thing to do, I can't imagine standing there all night knowing the whole balcony hates you...that would definitely ruin the show for me, no matter how "cool" I thought I was for standing up!
Yeah, this is often the case. I couldn't find a good spot at the Yo La Tengo show, but I managed to stake out a quieter spot at the Clapton show. I had to try out four different areas at Saturday's Mule show before I could finally find a place to focus on the concert. Too many significant others get dragged to these shows for everyone to shut up...
Post by pondo ROCKS on Feb 22, 2010 16:33:14 GMT -5
Guess I'm in the minority here....
I have gone to shows and paid good money to see an act and if the person beside me, in front of me, across from me also plunked down say 75-100 dollars for same said ticket and it is their favorite band, I have no problem with standing. I do, however, have a problem with people getting their late and the headliner comes on and then they decide they are going to go to the front. Not through me they don't! If i have spent hours being there, they can spend minutes behind me.
I could see how being in the balcony standing could be a problem but since i usually am towards the front or front row at shows, standing is usually the norm. Now if it's a show like Jewel (wait I would never pay to see Jewel again) scratch that, a show like Kenny G...wait scratch that too. Not too many acts I can think of that I would pay to see where standing was not the norm. If it was the norm, I would prob. sit though.
Providing an outlet and a voice for music lovers to unite under the common theme of music for all. Join The Pondo Army to show your allegiance to musical freedom! Fighting for no censorship of the arts & music education in schools, The Pondo Army will triumph! The Pondo Army Movement
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This has been a big point of contention for AC's Sundown in the City series here in Knoxville every spring. It has become overrun by high school pricks who come there just to be there. Most of the police presence is there to deal with intoxicated teeny boppers. There has been talk of making it an 18 and up thing, which would kind of defeat the original purpose of the series.
Went to see POTUSA there two years ago; one of the largest crowds I have ever seen on Market Square. My friend and I were wading through a sea of people on the side of the square, and this high school kid started forcibly pushing his way through, almost knocking over a woman who was pushing s stroller, and a guy saw him and hit him in the face (I would have done the same thing), which then set off a big fight and security issue. I don't care if I sound like an old man, kids these days need to understand that you can be crazy and obnoxious while still showing some respect to those around you.
\end rant
We have the same problem here at Thursday At The Square, a free concert series every summer. I don't even go anymore it's so bad. It's why I avoid free concerts in general, it's more a place for high schoolers to meet up and hang out rather than a place to see a concert.
But then this gets into there isn't much for high schoolers(or people under 21) to do in town in the first place so I can't really blame them.
It took me this long too realize you're from Buffalo. My girlfriend is from there and just moved down here to Long Island to live with me a little over a year or two ago. We've gone back to Buffalo a handful of times to visit her family. We always look at the Thursday in the Square, and Friday in the something (isn't there some other free weekly concert thing?) to coordinate our trips. Haven't made one yet but they have some really good bands. I think one year had Zappa Plays Zappa and MMW and others.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Post by questionablesanity on Feb 22, 2010 16:54:21 GMT -5
I had people try to shove their way past me at several shows at Roo last year. They promptly received a verbal lashing from me. Im a small guy 5'10" 155lbs. But as long as one person stands up to the asshole,everyone else will follow suit.
At other shows where it's really tight and the lights are already down, these rude people trying to get up front either get their toes stepped on or a swift elbow to the gut. They always turn around and at least try to go another way.
I never let these people ruin shows for me because I confront them. Normally, I avoid confrontation at all costs, but don't get between and my one passion in life. I learned this from my good friend Mike Doyle. Mike and I used to go to movies all of the time. Of course, people blab through movies all of the time. Mike would stand up turn towards the person, point his finger in their face and tell them to shut the fuck up or leave. He always got applause.
I will have a shirt made for Roo quoting Jeff Tweedy...."You're at a concert, STFU."
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
nodepression
Bleary-Eyed Bonnawook Inforoo's Waffle Czar & Baron Von Hipster
We have the same problem here at Thursday At The Square, a free concert series every summer. I don't even go anymore it's so bad. It's why I avoid free concerts in general, it's more a place for high schoolers to meet up and hang out rather than a place to see a concert.
But then this gets into there isn't much for high schoolers(or people under 21) to do in town in the first place so I can't really blame them.
It took me this long too realize you're from Buffalo. My girlfriend is from there and just moved down here to Long Island to live with me a little over a year or two ago. We've gone back to Buffalo a handful of times to visit her family. We always look at the Thursday in the Square, and Friday in the something (isn't there some other free weekly concert thing?) to coordinate our trips. Haven't made one yet but they have some really good bands. I think one year had Zappa Plays Zappa and MMW and others.
Yep we get some good free shows, we've had the Avetts, ZPZ, George Clinton, Disco Biscuits, Moe, UM, Neko Case (although it was cancelled,) Broken Social Scene. There's TATS as well as another one at the harborfront, although I can't remember what day it's on. But now you have to pay for the one on the harbor, the one in Lafayette Square is free and filled with drunk horny underage kids. But if you get close enough to the stage you can avoid it.
If you don't mind me asking where'd she go to high school?
I have gone to shows and paid good money to see an act and if the person beside me, in front of me, across from me also plunked down say 75-100 dollars for same said ticket and it is their favorite band, I have no problem with standing. I do, however, have a problem with people getting their late and the headliner comes on and then they decide they are going to go to the front. Not through me they don't! If i have spent hours being there, they can spend minutes behind me.
I could see how being in the balcony standing could be a problem but since i usually am towards the front or front row at shows, standing is usually the norm. Now if it's a show like Jewel (wait I would never pay to see Jewel again) scratch that, a show like Kenny G...wait scratch that too. Not too many acts I can think of that I would pay to see where standing was not the norm. If it was the norm, I would prob. sit though.
Please don't misinterpret the "standing" argument. If it's a standing room show or if the floor isn't elevated than I think you're expected to stand. I was at Phish in Knoxville and the whole floor section is one flat level surface so if anyone wants to sit in the folding chairs they can but I wouldn't expect them to.
If you're at the front or near the rail/stage then that's not really a problem either. Stand as you like.
In my example, literally every single audience member was sitting and enjoying the show. Especially because a lot of the songs are slower and more intimate. But there was only ONE kid standing and I could tell by the face of the guy behind him that he was ruining the show.
If you don't mind me asking where'd she go to high school?
She lived in Lockport and went to Lockport High School. Anywhere close to where you from? She graduated in '04.
Yea I always appreciate live shows. That's pretty cool for you guys up there. I guess they have to do it since most other shows are within a few hours drive (except for that Artpark in Lewiston I think. I don't know the area really to be honest).
Post by nodepression on Feb 22, 2010 17:18:36 GMT -5
I went to Amherst, it's kind of close.
Artpark is definitely my favorite place to see a free live show, it's like our own mini version of the Gorge, except it's the Niagara Gorge. Saw moe. for free a couple years ago. Here's a picture
I had people try to shove their way past me at several shows at Roo last year. They promptly received a verbal lashing from me. Im a small guy 5'10" 155lbs. But as long as one person stands up to the asshole,everyone else will follow suit.
At other shows where it's really tight and the lights are already down, these rude people trying to get up front either get their toes stepped on or a swift elbow to the gut. They always turn around and at least try to go another way.
I never let these people ruin shows for me because I confront them. Normally, I avoid confrontation at all costs, but don't get between and my one passion in life. I learned this from my good friend Mike Doyle. Mike and I used to go to movies all of the time. Of course, people blab through movies all of the time. Mike would stand up turn towards the person, point his finger in their face and tell them to shut the quack up or leave. He always got applause.
I will have a shirt made for Roo quoting Jeff Tweedy...."You're at a concert, STFU."
The worst experience I had at Bonnaroo with this type of behavior was last year waiting for Ben Harper's late night set. I was upset about having to miss NIN and Moe. but my girlfriend is really into Ben Harper and to be honest I like the Relentless7 stuff.
But anyway, we left Bruce pretty early to secure a close up spot for Harper. We got there HOURS before the set began. My girlfriend and I were basically one row back. There was the people hanging/sitting on the rail and then us. At some points we would lay down since we were tired as hell. So at some point.....a little while before the show actually started some girl comes in and lays down right next to me and is like elbowing me and stuff. We're still waiting. She is bitchy to some other girl who said something but I don't remember what it is.
So the show is about to begin. Everyone is standing now and waiting for Harper to come out. This is when the girl next to us starts looking around (clearly looking to find her friends). She says something on the phone about having a great spot and to hurry up. Right then myself and many others were pisssssssed. Then, pushing there way through the crowd comes 2 other girls and 2 really tall dudes. They are literally pushing other people out of the way so they can get to the front (really second) row of the show. It's so frustrating. Like why did I wait over 3 hours if people are just going to shove their way in. I don't care if you have ONE person wait there for a short amount of time. Most people wouldn't let them get as close as they wanted though.....claiming quite literally that "there's no where else to go. There is literally no room for you".
It's stuff like that..........it really gets me mad. Such inconsiderate people only looking to have a good time.....don't care or think about the other people around them.
The worst venue I've encountered for this is the Memorial Union in Madison. I was about three rows back from Great lake Swimmers and could barely hear them over all the talking. I had hoped by the age of college that most would be over this trait, but clearly not at an intitution known for its false senses of self-entitlement.
Union Terrace is one of my favorite places on Earth. People meet there everyday to hang out/talk/whatever, so people kind of treat that as the norm during shows there. Not defending it, but I can see why it happens...
I sat in the balcony at a Wilco show over the weekend, and the late-30s couple next to me insisted on standing up for the entire show, even though no one else in the balcony was standing, and the people seated behind them had asked them nicely if they would please sit down. I think they just had it in their head that rock concert = standing, even though we were in the balcony of a very nice concert hall usually used for symphony performances.
Now, all the people on the floor were standing, and I think that's totally fine - there was a consensus. There was also a consensus when the whole balcony stood for the encore.
Overture Center in Madison, I presume? I missed out because it sold out before my following paycheck How was it? That place is a whole different story than your average rock venue so you'd think common sense would make people err on the side of more proper behavior. I know I felt kind of uncouth wearing a Hawaiian shirt to the Brian Wilson show there opening season.
I don't think Overture really wants to do more of the rock/comedy shows (Lisa Lampanelli was there Friday before Wilco Saturday) but, given how badly the foundation's financial situation got screwed, I don't think they have much of a choice.
To throw in my two cents on the original topic with my own teenybopper horror story: My worst case of teenyboppers was at Austin City Limits in 2004. My main attraction was the Pixies closing out the stage. Sandwiched between Modest Mouse & the Pixies was fucking Dashboard Confessional. I've never seen a crowd so inwardly against itself as that one - the crowd was full of diehards for either band and didn't get along too well. The Pixies fans were mostly beyond college age - late 20s/early 30s. The Dashboard fans were mostly high-school teenyboppers. Half of them had brought signs to wave at the lead wimp in Dashboard (Not going to waste my name googling his name.) Marriage proposals, invitations to bear children, etc. There was much shrieking when they came on. Perhaps my favorite moment was when a Pixies diehard yelled "PLAY THE SONG FROM SPIDERMAN 2!" during a lull in the action - it got a good laugh from a portion of the crowd. A few Dashboard protest signs started popping up in the crowd, and around then bottles began flying back and forth and there were some scuffles. I guess that shows it goes both ways - every bunch has its bad apples. Thankfully, Dashboard eventually finished and most of the kids cleared out. Between sets, there was this Dashboard fan nearby - a girl of about sixteen - who hadn't left like all the other teenyboppers. I was curious to know why this particular Dashboard fan stuck around when all the others (including the friends she came with) had left. She told me the only Pixies song she knew was one that was covered by Papa Roach, but wanted to see what they were like. I simultaneously wanted to laugh, cry and punch her in the face. We let her nom some of our corn right before the Pixies came on, and she was passed out getting lifted over a barricade maybe three songs in.
Between sets, there was this Dashboard fan nearby - a girl of about sixteen - who hadn't left like all the other teenyboppers. I was curious to know why this particular Dashboard fan stuck around when all the others (including the friends she came with) had left. She told me the only Pixies song she knew was one that was covered by Papa Roach, but wanted to see what they were like. I simultaneously wanted to laugh, cry and punch her in the face.
We let her nom some of our corn right before the Pixies came on, and she was passed out getting lifted over a barricade maybe three songs in.
Wait a second.
Your profile says your born in 1980 so in 2004 you woulda been about 24 correct? So when you were 24 you were smoking up a 16 year old girl at a concert which led to her passing out? And she was the problem?
That's an odd story if you ask me. Seems like she was somewhat interested in seeing the Pixies. We all started out as fans of crappy music at some point. We just need someone to show us the way.
I was enjoying with my friends after we had been talking - I attended ACL with my own female companion, thank you very much - and she saw it and asked in.
It's not like I drove by in a van after school got out and said "hey little girl, want some corn?"
I was enjoying with my friends after we had been talking - I attended ACL with my own female companion, thank you very much - and she saw it and asked in.
It's not like I drove by in a van after school got out and said "hey little girl, want some corn?"
Lol.....maybe keep those details in the story when you tell it next time. It just sounded weird the way you put it but I know you weren't worrying about telling that part of the story.....it was more about the annoying fans.
Doubtful it was just my corn, between the sun and temps in the 90s and dehydration and whatnot. But it was probably the straw that broke the camel's back in that case.
I was telling the story to demonstrate the kind of amateurs in that crowd. As was mentioned... we all make our rookie mistakes.
I have seen my fair share of people pushing their way through a thick crowd, and I can't even imagine what they are thinking while doing that. Those people can be so rude and they deserve the vitriol spewed at them. And these are the same idiots who you sometimes hear in a stoned, half intelligible manner, "BONNNNAROOO, PEACE AND LOVE MAAAANN". I've actually heard that once when some people were pushing their way through.
Though the one that took the cake for me was during Gov't Mule at Roo last year, some NIN fan left her front row spot, and I thought, "she better not think she's gonna get her spot back."
But lo and behold, right before The Mars Volta, she comes pushing her way through with a ton of water and food. The most inconsiderate person I have ever seen at a show. If you are going to wait at one stage for 12 HOURS, you better come prepared, but this girl and her friends didn't.
I have seen my fair share of people pushing their way through a thick crowd, and I can't even imagine what they are thinking while doing that. Those people can be so rude and they deserve the vitriol spewed at them. And these are the same idiots who you sometimes hear in a stoned, half intelligible manner, "BONNNNAROOO, PEACE AND LOVE MAAAANN". I've actually heard that once when some people were pushing their way through.
Though the one that took the cake for me was during Gov't Mule at Roo last year, some NIN fan left her front row spot, and I thought, "she better not think she's gonna get her spot back."
But lo and behold, right before The Mars Volta, she comes pushing her way through with a ton of water and food. The most inconsiderate person I have ever seen at a show. If you are going to wait at one stage for 12 HOURS, you better come prepared, but this girl and her friends didn't.
This is soooo true!!! If you get to a spot early enough, stake it, wait through acts and what not to hold said spot, by all means you earned it. But...if you leave, nope you gave up the rights to said spot.
This includes the bathroom imo. Most people get irked with me when I say "if you are coming up front with me, I hope you have an empty bladder."
Providing an outlet and a voice for music lovers to unite under the common theme of music for all. Join The Pondo Army to show your allegiance to musical freedom! Fighting for no censorship of the arts & music education in schools, The Pondo Army will triumph! The Pondo Army Movement
Follow me on twitter@Pondoknowsbest
Post by ShamrockNRoll28 on Feb 23, 2010 13:46:21 GMT -5
I do concert security and I see stuff like this ALL THE TIME. I feel terrible for the people that it happens to, but theres only so much security can do. For example, we can't tell people to sit down, even if they're the only one's standing. I've had people threatening ME because people were standing. What I usually do is tell the standees that other people want them to sit down, but that I'm not telling them to and they don't have to. Often they do, but sometimes they don't.
When I'm in the baricade in front of the stage and I see people pushing to get to the front, in front of people who've been there for hours, I tell them to back the smurf off or I'll eject them (even though I'm not supposed to say anything), because I've been in that situation where I've staked out an awesome spot and some d-bag comes and tries to take it.
I worked the Trey show in NYC last week. I love him and I was looking forward to and loved the show, and it seems like most people agree it was one of, if not THE best show of the tour. For the most part the crowd was great, I met a lot of really cool people, but during the show, I saw a couple guys who were just doing stupid stuff. They were dancing into people around them because of the state they were in and not trying to hide their corn. And I get it's a Trey show and I didn't want to be the heavy and tell them to stop, but at a certain point when your good time is affecting other people's good times, it's time to chill out. I'm not looking to throw people out (and I didn't), but just be mindful of what's going on around you. Usually, they realise that they're in the wrong (and these guys totally got it and calmed down), but every once in a while, people act like your just being an A-hole who wants to ruin everyone's good time. If I had a dollar for everytime I've heard "But everyone else is doing it," I'd be rich. And the thing is, not everyone is doing it. There's a reason I'm talking to you. You're the A-hole.
Jeff Tweedy was right. concerts are an experience that you share not only with the people you came with, but everyone there, including the band.
I've found it's best to just confront a person if they're bothering you. Something along the lines of, "SHUT THE F*** UP DUDE!" usually gets a person's attention. It helps that I have a booming voice, but this works for everybody.
You just have to reach down and find your inner badass, then unleash it.
Post by sweetmelissa on Feb 23, 2010 14:09:11 GMT -5
I have had very similar expreiences as those listed previously.
At the Ryman Mule show, the guy behind us (40ish) got drunk and passed out during the show, but not before dry humping some woman he found in the beer line. We were in the balcony and everyone was seated except ONE dude in front of the husband and me. It is extremely annoying trying to see around one douchbag!
I have even witnessed one of our own commit an act of Music Terrorism. We met in the line to get in for JJ Grey and Mofro and started talking about inforoo and how we are both on here. He seemed nice at that point. We ended up getting spots on the rail. Well the opening band, Earl Greyhound, started playing and the guy stuck his fingers in his ears and repeatedly yelled at the guitar/vocalist saying, "dude you're awesome but your stack is too loud for this room." Even after the show he reiterated his point. RUDE as hell. I couldn't believe what I was seeing/hearing.
Another example of music terrorism: We got to the Mule show in St Louis 2 hours before doors opened so we could get on the rail. As always, extremely drunk people try to push their way to the front. Out of nowhere comes a tornado of arms and hair that rubs, grabs, and grinds upon anything and everything near. She started punching the dude next to me and yelled at him because he asked her to stop and get out of his space. Security finally carried her away. Next, Drunken Sasquach stumbles up behind me and uses my head as and arm rest. Matt went into a drum solo while Warren, Danny and Jorgen stepped off stage. During Matt's entire Drunken Sasquach begins shouting, "Wooooo, Warren, Yaaaaaahhhh," over and over during the course of the solo!
The type of people discussed in this thread have no respect for the preformers and true fans. They do not deserve to be a part of the concert expreience.
Post by patty_d_27 on Feb 23, 2010 15:58:43 GMT -5
just wanted to add another of my 2 cents to this thread..
i'm only 17, 18 in a month, but ive been going to numerous concerts every year since i was 12 (2004). i have seen almost 200 bands and went to my first music festival (bonnaroo) last summer and plan on going to 2-3 more fests this summer, so i know "concert ettiquette" pretty well.
i'm 6'3'' or so, and look older than i am for my age (some people have mistaken me for over 21) and the thing that makes me mad the most at concerts is when i get to a concert 3 hours early to get rail or atleast be close to the front and all i hear is complaints about why the "giant" or "behemoth" has to be up front and block the view for others. now i can see where people are coming from with this, but i want to be just as close to the bands i love as everyone else, if you wanted to get in front of me, show up earlier, i have no problem with that. if someone taller than me is in front of me, ill simply move over slightly, or if there is no room i will just deal with it because the fact is they got here earlier than i did and deserve that spot, it shouldnt make a difference how tall you are.
also, as almost everyone else has mentioned, i CANNOT stand the "fans" that budge their way up front once a show starts or the opening act is over. i have no idea what kind of guarunteed right they have that they think they can just mosey their way up front past the true fans who had the patience to wait to be close to the band.
I have had very similar expreiences as those listed previously.
At the Ryman Mule show, the guy behind us (40ish) got drunk and passed out during the show, but not before dry humping some woman he found in the beer line. We were in the balcony and everyone was seated except ONE dude in front of the husband and me. It is extremely annoying trying to see around one douchbag!
I have even witnessed one of our own commit an act of Music Terrorism. We met in the line to get in for JJ Grey and Mofro and started talking about inforoo and how we are both on here. He seemed nice at that point. We ended up getting spots on the rail. Well the opening band, Earl Greyhound, started playing and the guy stuck his fingers in his ears and repeatedly yelled at the guitar/vocalist saying, "dude you're awesome but your stack is too loud for this room." Even after the show he reiterated his point. RUDE as hell. I couldn't believe what I was seeing/hearing.
Another example of music terrorism: We got to the Mule show in St Louis 2 hours before doors opened so we could get on the rail. As always, extremely drunk people try to push their way to the front. Out of nowhere comes a tornado of arms and hair that rubs, grabs, and grinds upon anything and everything near. She started punching the dude next to me and yelled at him because he asked her to stop and get out of his space. Security finally carried her away. Next, Drunken Sasquach stumbles up behind me and uses my head as and arm rest. Matt went into a drum solo while Warren, Danny and Jorgen stepped off stage. During Matt's entire Drunken Sasquach begins shouting, "Wooooo, Warren, Yaaaaaahhhh," over and over during the course of the solo!
The type of people discussed in this thread have no respect for the preformers and true fans. They do not deserve to be a part of the concert expreience.
I was in the middle of the balcony (by mic stands) and had to stand half the time b/c one guy in front of me was standing.. its no prob.. just kinda weird when everyone else is sitting down.
i'm 6'3'' or so, and look older than i am for my age (some people have mistaken me for over 21) and the thing that makes me mad the most at concerts is when i get to a concert 3 hours early to get rail or atleast be close to the front and all i hear is complaints about why the "giant" or "behemoth" has to be up front and block the view for others. now i can see where people are coming from with this, but i want to be just as close to the bands i love as everyone else, if you wanted to get in front of me, show up earlier, i have no problem with that. if someone taller than me is in front of me, ill simply move over slightly, or if there is no room i will just deal with it because the fact is they got here earlier than i did and deserve that spot, it shouldnt make a difference how tall you are.
My girlfriend is 5 foot nothing and always has a problem seeing unless we're really close. Now, if there are tall people over 6'4" up front before us there's not really a problem. Sometimes she complains that since they can see over the majority of the crowd anyway why don't they move back a lil further but then she also understands that everyone wants to be close to the band. I explain to her, like you said, that everyone paid good money for it. She's really just jealous cuz she's short .
We do always really respect and thank the guys who are tall and up front....but take a second or two to look behind them and see who they're in front of. We've had a few guys who see my girlfriend and let her move up a bit or take a step to the side. It's really a kind thing for them. I don't mind moving side to side looking over people but when a tall person sees a really short person and realize that they can let them in front a bit without obstructing their view they usually do it. And it's really cool.
What I do have a problem with is super tall guys pushing their way to the front right before the band. We were at Cold War Kids a few weeks back and we were a good 20-30 feet from the stage but we could still see pretty well. We got there before the opening act and slowly take steps closer to the stage as space opens up. But we're there for 2 hours before CWK start and right as the lights go down for CWK (following the opening act) these two huge dudes barrel through the crowd and get really close. It also really bothered us because they weren't even paying attention half the time. Too busy talking and standing with their back away from the stage.
Tall dudes are fine. Tall dudes who push their way to the front right before the show bothers me.
i'm 6'3'' or so, and look older than i am for my age (some people have mistaken me for over 21) and the thing that makes me mad the most at concerts is when i get to a concert 3 hours early to get rail or atleast be close to the front and all i hear is complaints about why the "giant" or "behemoth" has to be up front and block the view for others. now i can see where people are coming from with this, but i want to be just as close to the bands i love as everyone else, if you wanted to get in front of me, show up earlier, i have no problem with that. if someone taller than me is in front of me, ill simply move over slightly, or if there is no room i will just deal with it because the fact is they got here earlier than i did and deserve that spot, it shouldnt make a difference how tall you are.
My girlfriend is 5 foot nothing and always has a problem seeing unless we're really close. Now, if there are tall people over 6'4" up front before us there's not really a problem. Sometimes she complains that since they can see over the majority of the crowd anyway why don't they move back a lil further but then she also understands that everyone wants to be close to the band. I explain to her, like you said, that everyone paid good money for it. She's really just jealous cuz she's short .
We do always really respect and thank the guys who are tall and up front....but take a second or two to look behind them and see who they're in front of. We've had a few guys who see my girlfriend and let her move up a bit or take a step to the side. It's really a kind thing for them. I don't mind moving side to side looking over people but when a tall person sees a really short person and realize that they can let them in front a bit without obstructing their view they usually do it. And it's really cool.
Tall dudes are fine. Tall dudes who push their way to the front right before the show bothers me.
ah okay, yeah i have never had that experience before with having someone in back of me who is really short, but as long as they just really wanna see the show and dont plan on barging their way up to the front after they get passed me, i have no problem with that
ah okay, yeah i have never had that experience before with having someone in back of me who is really short, but as long as they just really wanna see the show and dont plan on barging their way up to the front after they get passed me, i have no problem with that
Most of the times that it happened we were like 2 or 3 people back from the rail so it wasn't really a problem. We don't barge through. It's just so annoying. I feel bad when I'm pushing through people just so I can get out/move back just because I feel like i'm bothering them.
Tall people are fine. Do what you got to do. Enjoy the show.
It's just like a double-concert-crime if they barge through and are super tall. That's no good.
I have seen my fair share of people pushing their way through a thick crowd, and I can't even imagine what they are thinking while doing that. Those people can be so rude and they deserve the vitriol spewed at them. And these are the same idiots who you sometimes hear in a stoned, half intelligible manner, "BONNNNAROOO, PEACE AND LOVE MAAAANN". I've actually heard that once when some people were pushing their way through.
Though the one that took the cake for me was during Gov't Mule at Roo last year, some NIN fan left her front row spot, and I thought, "she better not think she's gonna get her spot back."
But lo and behold, right before The Mars Volta, she comes pushing her way through with a ton of water and food. The most inconsiderate person I have ever seen at a show. If you are going to wait at one stage for 12 HOURS, you better come prepared, but this girl and her friends didn't.
Man, if she brought back food and water for the rest of the folks staking out spots on the rail, I sure as hell would let her back in!
It was such an inconsiderate thing to do, I can't imagine standing there all night knowing the whole balcony hates you...that would definitely ruin the show for me, no matter how "cool" I thought I was for standing up! 
How was it?
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