The do's & don'ts of concerts (because yes, there are rules)
The Ziggodome really is my happy place. OK, actually any place you can go to a concert is top notch. Halls full singing along rock hard to your favourite songs; can it get any better? With so many people sharing the same passion, you would think little could go wrong. But alas, not everyone seems to know the unwritten rules of concerts. Those little things that actually make perfect sense, yet suddenly disappear in the heat of the moment. Not to worry, we have listed the do's & don'ts for you. That way you will always be the concert goer everyone secretly envies a little, and no one will have anything to complain about.
Why eating and drinking enough is key
Let's start with the all-important do at a concert: make sure you eat and drink enough. Unfortunately, hardly a gig goes by without a swarm of panicking torchlighters calling security because someone has fainted. And no, it is not necessarily because they see their idol in real life, but often because they have been waiting outside for hours and then stand in that hot venue without eating or drinking properly. And then comes the blow - literally.
Such a moment is no fun for anyone. The artist has to interrupt his song, the flow is gone, and the audience is taken out of the vibe for a while. But most importantly? For yourself, it's just mega annoying. You don't feel good, and your spot you fought so hard for is instantly gone. So, here comes the ultimate tip: make sure you have a full belly and, especially beforehand, keep drinking well. I get it, you want to get to that barricade like crazy, but it's a waste if you can't enjoy it afterwards.
Talking too much at a concert: an absolute no go
Of course, you don't have to go to a concert with tape on your mouth. Singing along is a must, and sharing your enthusiasm only makes the evening more fun. But I am mainly talking about the people who use the concert as a business meeting: a perfect opportunity to chat extensively. It's so distracting when you try to listen to what the artist is saying or singing, and you hear next to you what your neighbour has planned next. What makes it even more dickish? When this happens during the support act. We get it, you are not there for the opening act, but they too have worked hard and are probably extra nervous because they are a bit more unknown. So have some respect and give your attention to that too. Do you really want to discuss something? Then make sure you meet a bit earlier and have something to eat beforehand. That way you'll be completely up to date before you step into the room. And if not, you probably still have a way back home ahead of you, which you can use perfectly for that; and to enjoy afterward, of course.
Respect how others enjoy their concert experience
OK, we need to talk about this one TikTok trend: videos criticising people for the way they enjoy a concert. Not everyone has the need to sing along loudly or jump exuberantly. But that doesn't mean they have less fun. Just quietly letting the moment sink in can be just as profound. Saying that these people shouldn't have ‘won’ the ticket war or that they don't know any of the lyrics is actually pretty dickish, don't you think? So, the next time someone stays seated while you try to tear down the stands with your dance moves, let's just accept this and not film it. Right? And if you really want to capture something, rather film the performer. That's a lot more fun to watch back too.
Singing along is great, but screaming along is really going too far
One of the best things about concerts? Singing along, of course. And believe me, it really doesn't have to be perfect; this fake crow also goes full steam ahead and doesn't worry if my neighbours will reach the notes. So it's an absolute do to go wild. But we need to talk a little about volume. It may really come out of your toes, but going so screechy that it doesn't even look like singing anymore is just a step too far. That's no fun for anyone, especially your vocal cords the next morning. And you also don't want to be the one who ruins other people's concert videos because you try to scream over the artist. Let's just keep it a fake but civilised chorus; more sociable for everyone, right?
Tall people: you don't always have to get ahead of everyone
This is always such a topic for discussion: tall people with standing seats. If I, with my 1.58 metres, stand behind a giant, I know I have to try hard to see anything that night; not necessarily ideal. Still, I agree with the principle that as a tall person, you don't always have to step aside. As a short person, are you standing behind someone taller? Then of course you are free to ask if you can stand in front of them, but don't assume a “yes” and accept the answer, however it is. If you are allowed to be in front, later the whole room will want to be, and the person will still be at the back. Unfair, because you stand in line for a long time for a reason, regardless of your height. If, like me, you actually need a stool, you might want to opt for a seat. Still, do you really want to stand? Then make sure you get there early. And otherwise it's just deal with the spot you have, or put on your heels of course.
Cuen is allowed, but clean up your mess
It seems to be increasingly becoming a trend to queue up well in advance. And I don't mean two hours in advance, but really a day or even two before. Especially with big artists like Taylor Swift or Billie Eilish, you have to take a few days off these days to be assured of your spot at the barricade. And those habits are pretty intense: camping chairs, blankets, and of course the necessary food and drink are brought along. It does create atmosphere, and dedication it certainly is, but the aftermath is another story. When fans are finally inside enjoying their favourite artist, the area outside is still full of rubbish. Not exactly neat, is it? So make sure you clean up stuff on time, in a bin or locker. Let the people around you know that you are going to take something away, so that you can have your spot back afterwards; you have to give each other that, don't you? If you really can't, at least clean up after the concert. The least you can do, right?
Note: there are also people behind you
An indispensable part of a concert evening is, of course, the outfit. Preferably completely in style with the artist or a perfect translation of your favourite song. A hat is sometimes just that one item that really finishes your look, but whether it is so practical, I wonder. Especially if you have standing seats, the people behind you will not be happy with your choice of clothes. Yes, you look great, but they can't see anything at all now. So make sure you take your insta-worthy snaps with your full fit and just take off that hat afterwards. Another such thing: taking someone on your shoulders. We get that you don't want to see the performer through your camera for once, especially if you're smaller, but alas, you're not the only one. The people behind you have to stand on their toes as you watch the show from your concert mate's shoulders; and that hurts quite a bit after a while. Do you really want to film your all-time favourite song properly? Then just lay it out. As long as you continue dancing with both feet on the ground afterwards, there's probably nothing to worry about.
Always follow the official rules
We have now mostly talked about the unwritten rules; the things that are not necessarily black and white, but that we all agree on anyway. These are important, but don't forget that there are also official rules. Think of the lists of venues with items you can or cannot bring. Also, bringing the size of a whole suitcase is not really the way to go; a small bag is more than enough. And about those hats: sometimes certain items of clothing or accessories are not allowed inside either. Handy to check that in advance, so you don't have to throw away your favourite item. Earplugs are not (yet) compulsory, but certainly not a luxury. So always put a set in your bag; you really will still hear the music, and sleeping without beeps is much nicer. Oh, and this might go without saying, but always be respectful to the staff and your fellow fans. That way we'll make it a top night together, and that's obviously what we want.
