If you’ve followed the concert scene here in Singapore for a while, you’ll likely have heard about the recent incident at the joint concert for award winning bands Suede (UK), and Manic Street Preachers (Wales) at the Star Theatre on 22nd November.
In a nutshell, Suede frontman Brett Anderson admonished audience members in the front row for blocking others’ view by holding up their mobile phones to record the show on video. At one point, Anderson headed towards the barricade at the front of the crowd and tussled with a front-row male audience member, demanding that he put down his device.
He then jumped the barrier and confronted others in the front row pushing down phones. Once he returned to the stage, he said ”It’s so much better if you could possibly put your phone down… If you want to film, go to the back. Don’t take up space out here. These people want to have fun. If you want to stare at your phone, go to the back. Am I right?… It just kills the gig.”
This incident sparks up the debate of recording significant chunks of live concerts, and of concertgoer etiquette in general. Here are some Dos and Don’ts to keep in mind at the next live show you attend:
DON’T:
- Don’t Block the View for people behind you. In that vein, if you’ve got a sign prepped, keep your sign to yourself and be considerate of everyone around and behind you. Hold it at chest level if at all possible and if you wanna raise it high, do so briefly so the folks behind you don’t miss a moment.
If you’re blessed by the powers that be with height, please do not stand directly in front of someone shorter than you if you’re late to the show. The general rule is that if you were there first, you can stand where you want, and anyone who stands behind you has made the conscious decision to do so.
2. Don’t Scream & Shout over the performer/s when they are speaking to the crowd. Unless the performer is specifically asking for audience participation, it’s rude to scream over what they’re saying, and it can be irritating to the people around you who are just trying to listen in… on that note…
3. Don’t Sing (or Scream) Along with the performer while they are singing – again, unless the artist has asked for audience participation, or it’s one of those situations where EVERYONE knows the words and is singing along, then by all means join in, but if it’s a quiet number, singing along softly to yourself or just mouthing the words would be your best bet. Don’t be “that” person, and save your fabulous vocal stylings for the shower or your next karaoke night.
- Don’t Record the Entire Show on your phone, or be texting, or on social media the whole time. We live in the era of 24/7 social media recording, but remember, you’re paying for a live concert, so put your phone away and live in the moment! The artists are there to enjoy your company too.
Of course, recording a short snippet of your favorite song or sending a snapshot to a friend is totally cool, but you’re not a videographer, so don’t record the entire live performance, leave that to the designated (a.k.a. professional) videographers that the artist or venue has probably already hired.
We live in the era of 24/7 social media recording, but remember, you’re paying for a live concert, so put your phone away and live in the moment! The artists are there to enjoy your company too.
- Don’t Invade Others’ Personal Space. Venues can get very crowded, and a little too close for comfort. Feel free to move with the music, and slowly make your way to the front if that’s what you intend, but keep your hands to yourself, mind other people’s feet, and don’t shove!
- Don’t Go TOO Hard. We’re all for enjoying ourselves at a concert, but please do not overdo it and get sloppy and end up spilling your drink on the person next to you, or over-exerting yourself and possibly passing out (remember it can get hot and crowded!) in the middle of the show.
DO:
- Plan your ticket purchase! If you’re going with a group, designate one person to make the purchase to ensure you are all seated together. Ensure everyone knows where to meet up, what to do, merch run strategies, and your exit plan after the show is over.
- Have your tickets ready. Download your e-tickets immediately so you’re not fumbling with your phone or a spotty wireless connection at the venue entrance right before the show. If you’re old-school, have your physical tickets on-hand before you wait in line to get into the venue.
- Have your tickets ready. Download your e-tickets immediately so you’re not fumbling with your phone or a spotty wireless connection at the venue entrance right before the show. If you’re old-school, have your physical tickets on-hand before you wait in line to get into the venue.
- Make sure to read the venue rules beforehand! Different event organisers and venues have different rules and regulations. Go to the event website to find out what they are: bag size allowances, whether cameras are allowed, will they allow water bottles or outside food and drink, etc.. Your safest bet is just to bring the essentials: keys, phone, wallet, cash, and ID in a small bag that’s easy to keep close.
- Protect your ears. Especially if you plan to score front row spots, those massive speakers get very loud, and concerts typically last for 2-3 hours! For context, you can listen to something at 75 decibels for long periods and be fine, but long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.
Concert speaker arrays can easily exceed 105 decibels… from where the audio console is set up. If you’re closer to the stage, it gets even louder. You definitely don’t want your ears to ring for days after the event, or worse, permanently damage your hearing.
A good pair of moulded filter ear plugs will filter the sound, not block it. So you can still rock out to your favourite band while protecting your hearing.
- Be a good neighbor. Offer to take photos for the group next to you so they can commemorate the occasion on Instagram and be friendly and open — the stranger beside you could end up becoming your new concert buddy!
- Clean up after yourself! Please, you’re not a boor. Be civilized and don’t leave your garbage on the ground.
No matter where you’re catching your favorite artist, remember that there are hundreds, if not thousands of other fans just like you in the crowd — it’s not a private show, so remember to be considerate at your next concert!
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