Are You a Toxic Concertgoer? Unspoken Etiquette Rules for 2024 Crowds

We live in a society shaped by rules. Not just the big ones, like forbidding theft or violence, but also subtler, unwritten social norms known as etiquette. Despite the hype about the famed British politeness, concert etiquette often reveals just how fluid and disposable these norms can be.

Take the example from last weekend’s London day festival, All Points East. Young fans arrived early to see headliner Mitski but spent the afternoon lounging at the front barricades, engrossed in Netflix on their phones while lesser-known acts performed. Remarkably, they avoided any consequences, although many would argue they deserved some reproach.

Mitski has previously voiced concerns over concert etiquette violations, from excessive screaming to bizarrely over-familiar shouts like “Mother is mothering!” These issues likely contributed to her deciding to perform for seated audiences during her recent tour.

One could blame these behaviors on Gen Z’s limited social skills, potentially disrupted by the Covid pandemic. However, poor concert etiquette is not confined to one generation. Everywhere you look, audience members are breaking these unwritten rules, turning concertgoing into a lost art.

The nature of these unwritten rules contributes to the problem. Some norms enjoy broad consensus: smoking is acceptable outdoors but not indoors. However, other norms are more ambiguous. For instance, recording videos at concerts was once frowned upon but has now become widely accepted, even if it’s a subject of debate.

The murkiness extends to other behaviors too. Mild talking during support acts is generally tolerated, but continuous, loud chatter near the stage might earn you a stern “shush.” Tall people can stand anywhere, but might face irritation from those behind them; being considerate could go a long way.

Another contentious issue is navigating through the crowd. We’ve all experienced the awkwardness of returning to our spot after a toilet or bar break. It requires careful maneuvering, punctuated with polite “excuse me” utterances. Conversely, those settled comfortably can feel justifiably irritated when someone muscles their way to the front.

The unwritten “right of way” at concerts involves a complex mental calculation, influenced by crowd density, proximity to the stage, and whether the person is carrying items like drinks or accompanied by a group.

Concert etiquette also varies with the genre. An acoustic indie set might demand a quiet, respectful atmosphere, while a heavy metal or punk gig might expect energetic jostling and shouting. In some instances, moshing might even be encouraged.

Enforcing etiquette rules at concerts requires flexibility. Most norms are founded on basic human respect, and concert crowds typically self-police quite well. Ultimately, it boils down to a simple principle: don’t be inconsiderate. If everyone adhered to this, the concert experience would undoubtedly improve for all.

Source: AFP via Getty