I love concerts.
Nothing beats the feeling of not being able to move unless the entire crowd moves with you, pushing and shoving to stay on your feet, picking people up when they fall and singing along to all of your favorite songs.
No feeling can top that of listening to your favorite band and being able to feel the energy surge through the air. It radiates from everything: the band, the crowd, the speakers.
The sense of utter anarchy in the crowd can be invigorating, but when the houselights dim and the music turns up, a few things remain that can kill the vibe faster than if Ashlee Simpson and Britney Spears showed up.
Like when girls, or guys for that matter, forget to bring along a hair tie. Nothing is more disgusting than having someone’s nasty hair in your face. Please, just put it back before you leave the house.
While we’re on the topic of proper grooming, please remember to shower. I know you’re just going to get drenched in sweat, and it most definitely won’t all be your own, but it’s better to start fresh.
If you’re the tallest, strongest, largest guy in the crowd, it should never be your turn to crowd surf. I’m sorry, I know it’s a sacred concert tradition, but after getting kicked in the head so many times, the idea has lost its luster.
Also, no one is at the show to see you, so once you land on the stage, leave it. Don’t humiliate yourself by sticking around to wave at everyone and do a little dance.
Leave the flip-flops at home. You will lose them. I will trip over them.
Then you see those kids that think it’s cool if they shove everyone between themselves and the stage so they can be front row.
Crowd flow is kind of a scientific law. First, you naturally move closer to the stage. Second, the people on front row aren’t moving, so forget about that prospect.
There’s good push and bad push. If you’re just trying to stay on your feet, by all means, go for it. But if you happen to be one of those pushing people out of your way so you can get closer, be ready for an elbow in the ribs.
Over the summer, I attended a show in which the people in front of me whined every time someone got within three feet of them. You’re at a concert, and it’s general admission. You’re going to get pushed around, and you will be standing shoulder to shoulder to those around you.
If you’re particular about your personal bubble, stay home.
That said, if you have some sort of medical condition like a broken arm or maybe you’re pregnant, you probably should stay home.
When I’m at a show there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Paying $15 every few weeks to hear my favorite songs live is well worth it, and I can’t think of a better way to spend it. Sure, I could go buy the CD and listen to it whenever I want, but it’s not the same when the atmosphere isn’t there, too.
When you go to shows, you should have the time of you’re life. Just don’t be the bad apple who spoils it for everyone else.
