#concertcommandment

If you’re this into the band that's playing you better make your way to the front of the crowd.

People generally congregate in specific parts of every venue. A simple rule of thumb is that the more interested/passionate you are the closer to the stage you are. It stands to reason then that the most passionate fans are at the front of the venue, right on the stage. They got to the venue hours early, never leave their position at the front of the stage (no matter how bad they have to pee), and will actually fight you to retain their place. Never try to take someone’s place at the front of the stage unless you are prepared to battle them.

In the middle of the venue there are two types of people. These people are either interested in the band that’s playing, but not interested or energetic enough to get to the front of the stage, or these are the people that are moshing. Both groups of people know their spot in the venue and are comfortable staying in their zone.

In the back of the venue you have casual listeners. These people mostly came to the show to hangout. They know the bands that are playing, and are excited to see them, but they just want to relax and enjoy the show.

This is the set-up I’ve experienced at almost every show I’ve ever seen. Most of the time it works out really well for everyone. People can enjoy the concert in whatever way they want, with people who are just as enthusiastic as they are. Occasionally, there will be a few people who are outliers and are seemingly oblivious to this agreed upon venue layout. It happens most often when I’m in the back of a venue just hanging out and watching a band I like. All of a sudden the person right in front of me will get all hyped up, begin screaming lyrics to their favorite songs, and dance like a drunken toddler. While I’m glad this person is having a good time it kind of ruins my concert experience. I just wanted to chill and the person in front of me, usually surrounded by tons of other people who want to chill, is having a one person rager. I’ve also been at concerts, completely minding my own business and just hanging out, when people will try to start a mosh pit around me. Once again, there is a time and more specifically a place for moshing. That time and place is not at the back of a venue during a relatively chill song. It’s not that I’m annoyed or offended by these people's’ behavior, it’s that behavior like that is completely acceptable and encouraged in a different part of the venue. If you’re really into a band that’s playing then try to get closer to the stage or find your way to the middle of the venue where everyone is moshing. It’s really not that hard.

It can be difficult to find your place in this world, and the same can be said for finding your place at a concert. If you adhere to the venue layout discussed in this post you and everyone around you will have a better time at the concert.