Staump.com

Show Etiquette

posted: Tue. May 1st, 2007 @ 04:23 PM

1. If you're at a show, it's pretty much understandable that you enjoy the music by the band that is performing. You don't need to prove this to others by wearing their t-shirt to the show. As Jeremy Piven's character says in the '90s cult classic, PCU, "Don't be that guy."

2. Drinking and live music is an unavoidable combination. I fully support drinking a few beers while watching a band play. What I don't support are the idiots that go to shows specifically to get wasted. What's the point of watching a band if you're so drunk you won't even be able to remember their set the next day? So, all you lushes out there, save the heavy drinking for sporting events, not shows.

3. If you're tall, please do not stand right in front. Enough said.

4. Taking pictures at a show is always fun. Being blinded by camera flashes all night long is not. If you're going to be taking pictures, try and keep the flash use to a minimum. Plus, everyone knows that non-flash pictures always come out better anyways.

5. If I wanted to see moshing and/or crowd-surfing, I'd go to a punk rock show. You're at an indie show, act like it. Acceptable moves include: dancing and the always popular head-nod/arms folded across chest combo.

6. And on that note, dancing does not include rubbing your crotch on the person in front of you. Nor does it include flailing about wildly and bumping into random strangers. I know that the band is playing "YOUR FAVORITE SONG OMGZZ!!11!!1!," but please try and maintain some sense of personal space.

7. If you absolutely feel compelled to sing along to a band's set, try and keep your voice at a lower volume than the band. After all, no one paid $12 to hear you sing, did they?

8. Everyone wants to look good at a show. Things that are not appropriate show-going attire include: heels, flip-flops, massive amounts of hairgel, wearing sunglasses indoors (seriously, this is not cool), and, for girls, any shirt that shows a massive amount of cleavage...this is a show after all, not a frat party.

9. Picture this: you're in high school. You're really excited to be at [insert popular indie rock band]'s show with all your best friends. Please, for the love of everyone that is OVER 18, try and act a little bit more mature. This means no texting on your Sidekick during the band's set, no rambling on about how hot Johnny looks tonight, no bragging loudly about how stoned you are. We've all been there before and you do not sound cool, trust me.

10. As a general rule of thumb, singers in bands are usually very attractive. This does not mean that you should yell out during the quiet part of a song that you want to have their baby. Teenyboppers, please check yourselves at the door.

While there are certainly many more rules to follow, this is just a brief list of my own personal gripes that I've experienced while going to shows over the years. Feel free to comment and add your own. And remember, a little respect at a show goes a long way.

Tim Staump

RE: Show Etiquette

posted: Fri. Jul 20th, 2007 @ 10:37 AM

These are some good rules. I like that you spelled them all out

RE: Show Etiquette

posted: Sun. Aug 12th, 2007 @ 12:22 PM

Hahaha;

Yes.. Screw the Rules If your Are Truely Rockin..

RE: Show Etiquette

posted: Mon. Aug 13th, 2007 @ 06:39 PM

Great Point Apostate!!!

That could be a Forum post its self..

When and when not it's ok to sit in!!