So what exactly is gig etiquette we hear you ask? The term houses a series of unwritten laws that apply to all gig goers, they represent common sense, safety and respect and where some of us adopt to these rules quite naturally without even realising it, others are not even aware that they exist, leading us to present you our finest recommended list of do’s and dont’s. If you know somebody that falls into the latter of those two above categories, let’s spread the wisdom and jump right in.
What NOT to do at a gig:
– Please don’t be ‘that guy’ when getting pushed or shoved in a mosh pit.
It’s a mosh pit, not a sit quietly and be gentle with each other pit. You know what you’re getting yourself into so whinging and getting nasty about being pushed and pulled around a little is not permitted. You have no idea how silly you are making yourself look.
– Don’t be a snob. A show is not a fashion statement.
Fashion and sense of style is entirely unique to each person and that is something that we will always respect, however if you’re only coming to a show to prove that you have the smallest skirt, the most outrageous make-up, the most trendy alternative merch from every band, ever and a nasty little attitude to boot, you’re not fooling anybody and we ask you now to please stay at home. Your ticket could have gone to somebody who would have moved heaven and earth to see the band that you couldn’t care less about. Your behaviour here is in no way cool, despite what your clothes, or lack of, are trying to state.
– Don’t swig alcohol in the toilets.
Whether you’re 14 or 64, venues have licensed bars so that they can responsibly dispense drinks to people. Scraping your sorry ass off the floor of the ladies or mens after pouring a cheeky bottle of Tesco’s own vodka into your water, no matter what age you are, is nobody’s idea of fun and you’re ruining more than just your own night, not to mention putting yourselves in all kinds of danger. Just don’t do it.
– Bullying, of any kind is not acceptable.
This one is very self explanatory. We are sick of seeing cliques of people tearing into somebody who may not have the confidence to stand up for his or herself. Pack it in. This is not what music gigs are about.
Now, how about the most important things TO do :
– Treat people how you want to be treated.
First and foremost, we are all here for one reason and one reason only, to support and enjoy the performing artist(s). Treat everybody like you would wanted to be treated yourself.
– Look out for each other.
If somebody goes down in the pit, you pick them right up, if somebody loses the people that they came with, you help them find them. If somebody is hurt, you get them to the medic as quickly and as safely as possible.
– Buy Merchandise!
If you can spare a couple of quid to buy a bands EP or their branded T-shirt, please do so because you are really helping them to lift their name off the ground but do not feel obligated or bullied into doing so, remember it is very much optional.
– Be Yourself and have a good time.
Standard.
– Always make sure you know how you’re getting home
This rule applies to all of you baby rockers out there, as well as everybody else. Nobody wants to see your night ruined because you’ve found yourself stuck in a city that you don’t know. Organisation, organisation, organisation
– Drink plenty! Of water.
This just makes good sense.
Live music gigs are one of the best experiences of your life and you will meet some of the best people in between the crowd. Don’t ruin it by being a pain in the ass. If there any rules that you think that we have crazily missed out, please comment and let us know!
