Wendy’s Guide To Concert Etiquette

Working in radio, I've been to my fair share of concerts. I've been to rock shows, pop shows, country shows, outdoor festivals. You name it, I've been there, and over time I've been able to compile a list of things you should and should not do at a concert.

Now, I've been guilty of a few of these things myself, and things DO happen, but I thought I would share a little bit of my wisdom with you, the Channel 957 listener. Especially in light of all of the concert announcements popping up lately. (Who's excited for Katy Perry in August and Bruno Mars in June?!?) Check out my pointers after the jump.

Tip 1: Shut Up

Now, my friend's kid would immediately look at me after saying that and inform me that, "we don't say shut up or stupid", but I mean it. Shut up. The people around you at the show are there to see music. They are not there to hear you tell your girlfriend all about your day, or complain about work, or talk about the boy you have a crush on, or whatever it is that you may want to talk about. Save the small talk for pre and post concert festivities.

Tip 2. Know Your Limit

I've been guilty of this, and I'm sure you have, too. But, over time, we learn our limit when it comes to imbibing alcoholic beverages, and one of the times we really need to be mindful of that is when attending a concert. You don't want to be so messed up that you don't remember the show, do you? And you really don't want to end up vomiting all over the person in front of you and getting kicked out.

Tip 3. For The Love Of God, Put Your Phone Down (And Your iPad. Seriously?)

Now, I understand that you want to snap a few photos. Maybe get a few good shots of the band, a few good shots of you and your friends, whatever that may be. But, for the rest of the time, put your phone down. Enjoy the concert. I can't imagine that it's much fun to watch an entire live concert through a tiny screen. If you wanted to do that, you could have stayed at home and watched YouTube videos all night. And the iPad thing? Do not, under any circumstances, use your iPad to take pictures at a concert. It's the equivalent of bringing your laptop, holding it up, and using your webcam to snap shots. Stop it.

Tip 4. Shut Up. Again.

I know that you know all of the words to the song. So do I! So do all of the people around you! And you know who we like to hear sing them? The band that's on the stage right now. Not you. So, unless the artist is encouraging singing along during certain songs. Do not sing along.

Tip 5. Stand Up, Sit Down, Fight, Fight, Fight!

This is a tough one. I've been to shows where I felt like it was acceptable to sit through most of the show. I've been to shows where I felt that standing was necessary. If you're on the floor, you generally don't have to worry about this because you either don't have a seat, or can't see anything if you are seated. But, in the stands, you just kind of have to go with the flow. So, as a general rule: if you are the only person standing up, you look like an idiot. If you are standing up and the people behind you are, for whatever reason, unable to stand, you're blocking their view and you are a dick.

These are just a few rules that will help make your (and others') concert viewing experience more enjoyable. Happy concert-going!