Tangent: Concert 101

So it’s nearing summer (ok its still spring, but it snowed today so I’m dreaming of summer) and summer means heavy concert season. A lot of people go and don’t know what they’re getting into, don’t know what they’re doing. It ends poorly, not just for them but for others too. I’ve been at this for the better part of thirteen years, so I figured I’d give some of the less experienced folks a crash course.

1. If you don’t absolutely need it, don’t bring it. Or check it in the coat check that most indoor venues have. In fact it’s a good general rule that if it doesn’t fit in your pockets or a bag no wider than your hip, leave it at home.
2. Do bring:A cell phone, ID (even if its an all ages show), and money/ credit cards. Poncho if its outdoors. Personally, I like to bring at least $20-40 in case i have to cab it home for some reason
3. Do not bring large bags larger than you are wide or backpacks. This is not only asking to be robbed, but it’s a hazard to anyone near by. Epically in standing room only venues. You’ll end up having to buy people drinks because your huge bag knocks them.
4. Wear sensible clothes/ shoes.Yes, we all go a little nuts at concerts bur bear in mind, you are going to be in a crowd of people dancing, jostling and above all trying to see. Ditch the parka and the heals.
5. Be nice to the openers.Your band was once an opener, and odds are there is someone trying to enjoy them. There are people on a stage, putting themselves out for a crowd that, odds are, are not here to see them. Clap at least. Even if they are bad.
6. Be nice to security. It could save your life.
7. Don’t stand around bored. This is sort of part of five, but bears reiterating. The people who go to shows and stand bored, huffing and puffing until their song/ artist comes on are really rude.
8. Stay hydrated. Yes, water can be over priced at some venues. But 3$ for water, is better than 300$ for an ER visit
9. Don’t be afraid to shove a little, but don’t be a jerk. –It’s a concert, especially if it’s a rock/ metal sort of show, there’s going to be jostling, head banging, probably moshing et.
10. Be careful, but not too careful. You may think you’re ready to be thrown around, thrash danced into etc. But pits can be pretty dangerous if you’re not prepared. I tend to stay toward the middle of the crowd, just behind/ to one side of the proper mosh pit. But you are at a concert; most fans I’ve run into are good to each other, if you really get scared and need to get out odds are you can.

Subsection: Things NOT to bring

1. Water bottles: Most venues will not let them in as they are a safety hazard
   
2. Large bags; Bear in mind a) you’ll be holding it for 2-6 hours b) it will be hitting people.
3. Cameras:some venues are flexible on this, know what you’re getting into.
4. Anything you don’t want getting hurt that isn’t signed there.
5. Young Children. This is a use your own judgment sort of thing, some kids fair well at concerts I saw a 7 year old with at a metal show once having an absolute ball but I’ve also seen crying, unhappy ones.
6. Anything that can’t fit into a small bag.
7. A person who won’t enjoy it: yes it may feel better to bring your friend/SO, but it brings all of us down if someone is not having it.

This may seem like a daunting list. Concerts can be wild, intense, dangerous places. You will sweat, your ears will ring, and your legs might not forgive you the next day. There might even be bruises. Let me tell you right now, it’s worth it. If you’ve never been to a real concert, they are the biggest, loudest rush you can find without completely risking your life. There is nothing quite like the thrum of the base in your chest or the power of an enter crowd knowing the every word to a song.