10 Things NOT To Do At A Concert

Okay, let me start with a little bit of background info here. I’m 5’1″and most of the concerts I have been to were for boy bands or indie artists. Why would you take concert tips from me, right? Let me tell you, I’m absolutely savage at concerts. Ask anyone who’s ever gone with me, I guarantee I didn’t put up with anyone’s crap or let anyone get in front of me those days.

So, take these concert tips from someone who doesn’t put up with anything at a show into consideration before heading to the venue. Some of them might be a little intense, but at concerts you can’t be too passive or you’ll end up in the back missing out on the show.

1. Don’t: Hold your phone up the entire time.

Not only are you ruining your own experience but also you’re blocking someone else’s view. Your phone should remain snuggled in your crossbody bag or safely in a pocket, not in your hand.

2. Don’t: Let people in front of you.

This sounds incredibly obvious but hear me out. When you let someone in front of you you’re also letting them in front of all of the people behind you. It’s a chain reaction of people getting pissed off. Plus, why are you letting people in front of you anyway? If they say their friend is in the front of the line, be doubtful. Most of the time they’re plainly lying. Also be weary of the people pretending to be on a phone while they push to the front.

3. Don’t: Cut in line.

I shouldn’t even have to say this one. Don’t be that ass hole that tries to cut in front of people; that’s how you end up getting into a fight or creating enemies in the crowd. If you want to be in the front, get to the venue really early. More on this is in my Guide To Surviving A General Admission Concert.

4. Don’t: Get dehydrated.

Duh, right? Don’t do what I did at an outdoor GA Ed Sheeran concert and decide not to drink any water that day so you won’t have to use the bathroom and thus lose your spot in the crowd. While I did not leave my spot to use the restroom, I did get lightheaded and leave the concert a song early because I thought I was going to faint. Yay! The plan backfired in its own special way. It’s also not healthy to not drink water. Stay hydrated, please. I have seen a few people faint at concerts and it’s pretty scary.

5. Don’t: Bring signs.

You’re going to have to carry it all night. You might not be allowed to bring it. The people behind you will hate you and probably make you put it down. The artist most likely won’t even look at it. Don’t bother bringing a freakin’ sign.

Also, see 8 Things NEVER To Bring To A Concert. It’s a must-read and has more reasons not to bring a sign.

6. Don’t: Try to record every song.

When I saw Shawn Mendes I made a point to record only two songs and to simply sing and dance to the rest. I had so much more fun than those around me who were recording every song on their phone instead of dancing. Like, they weren’t dancing because they didn’t want their already crappy footage to be shaky. Party pooper.

Think about it–when have you ever re-watched a crappy concert video you’ve taken? The sound is horrible, the video is fuzzy and if you really wanted to you you could watch someone’s HQ video of the show on YouTube.

7. Don’t: Show up five minutes before the concert start time.

If it’s a general admission concert, get there early! If it’s not general admission, you still want to get there early so you can buy merch, find your seats, buy snacks, use the restroom and get settled before the opening act. You don’t want to have to be rushing to buy a T-shirt and a drink while the lights are all going down. You also don’t want to have to hastily decide on your T-shirt so you can make it for the first act.

8. Don’t: Dress to the nines.

If you’re wearing anything with a heel it’s a mistake and your feet will be angry at you all day. No one’s looking at your outfit. Wear something comfortable and don’t bother meticulously styling your hair for a general admission concert. You’re going to get sweaty and your hair will most likely end up being in a bun or ponytail. Contrary to many popular songs, your favorite artist isn’t going to spot you in the crowd and fall in love.

9. Don’t: Try to buy merchandise after the show.

I mean, you can. But you should always buy it before the show or during an opening act you don’t care about. Post-concert time is a madhouse. Everyone’s trying to leave at once and it’s insanity. Also, some items might have sold out or been put away by the time the show is over. Get to the venue early and buy your merch before the show.

10. Don’t: Scream when the artist asks for silence.

Many artists I’ve seen have a few songs where they ask the crowd to be silent. This is the chance for the artist to delight your ears, it’s not your personal soap box. Don’t be that jerk that screams things such as “I love you!” or “Have my babies!” Everyone will get angry at you, the artist will be frustrated and it’s really not worth it.

What’s the first concert you’ve ever been to?