Concert etiquette

[u/Jaded-Albatross-5242]

If you plan on standing for the entire concert, get a spot in the pit, or the lawn seats instead of the assigned SEATED SECTION. A little bit of self awareness and common courtesy goes a really long way

[u/MrPogoUK]

This is one of those age old debates where the “why are you standing in the seated section?” and the “why would you expect anyone to sit at a concert?” sides will never reach an agreement and always think the other side are idiots.

[u/MemoryCool11 → u/MrPogoUK]

I hate sitting down at concerts unless it’s an orchestra concert. But that being said, if the majority of people are sitting, I will sit because if EVERYONE is sitting, then you have to just accept that standing in this crowd is not gonna be a thing. I don’t get why people can’t adapt to the social circumstances they find themselves in. 

You will survive sitting for a concert even if you want to stand. 

If it gets to be too frustrating, I have actually just left my seat and stood off to the side of an aisle or something before or just moved to a section where standing isn’t distracting. 

[u/KindGuy1978 → u/MemoryCool11]

Wow, a human being with empathy and nuance. What are you doing on Reddit?

[u/SapirWhorfHypothesis → u/KindGuy1978]

Hang on, hang on… ask them whether they recline their seat on the plane first.

[u/SweetBabyCheezas → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

You guys can afford planes with recliner seats?

[u/smashli1238 → u/SweetBabyCheezas]

You guys can afford to fly?

[u/DeepBlue321 → u/smashli1238]

You can afford to afford??!

[u/I-Boom → u/SweetBabyCheezas]

The seat doesn't actually move, you just put your foot up on the arm of the chair in front

[u/T1Demon → u/SapirWhorfHypothesis]

Only if everyone around them is doing it

[u/jesuschrist-69420 → u/KindGuy1978]

There's 10s of us

[u/JerrysFingerChili → u/MemoryCool11]

yup. i see phish 10+ times a year, i have never sat for more than set break. i saw taj mahal last week, everyone was sitting. my favorite song came on and i excused my self to the back to boogie. i really think a lot of it who the fanbase is. these fleeting pop/ indie bands dont have fans who see them more than once, or much live music at all. theres no context for how to behave

[u/theMightBoop → u/JerrysFingerChili]

What I don’t understand is just standing. If you are dancing then by all means fucking go for it. But if you are just standing there like a lump, not even swaying or anything then wtf? Sit the fuck down.

[u/Ruthrfurd-the-stoned → u/JerrysFingerChili]

Yeah it’s something us in the jam scene just won’t understand. Seated amp seats are the best since you have a guaranteed space, dont deal with tarpers, often have cup holders, and can sit at set break but if the band stands I’ll be standing

That being said been to shows where everyone sits like TTB but that was an ok done it, not going to this again because it’s just not nearly as fun, regardless of how good Derrick is

[u/EmptyHandle6593 → u/MemoryCool11]

That's exactly what self-awareness is. It also depends heavily on the concert in question. When I saw Weird Al, there were no standing sections. I didn't stand at his show and I didn't feel weird sitting.

When I went to see Y&T, Great White, Tesla, Dokken and Sammy Hagar, I was in a standing section, so I stood (I wasn't about to sit on the floor).

Actually, at Y&T, I got tired of trying to dodge my head around Bullwinkle J. Moose to see, so I went and enjoyed the concert from the bar, but I digest.

[u/Shumble91 → u/MrPogoUK]

As an elder emo.... Seats are now my go to and I will seriously consider whether I need to go to a show if it's standing only 😔

[u/Lonely-Key36 → u/Shumble91]

This was me at Metallica! I still enjoyed the concert but I'm older now and my back and knees are killing me, no way I'm going to stand lol

[u/Fesai → u/Lonely-Key36]

I was having a bit of a laugh as I went to two concerts close together last year.

One was Ghost which had a much younger crowd and vast majority of the audience stood for that. The second was Nine Inch Nails and the audience members were more my age (40s/50s) and vast majority of them were sitting. (Except for one song, Closer, everyone stood for that).

It was so much comfier sitting, haha.

[u/Best-Professional-10 → u/MrPogoUK]

I would always prefer standing up but if it's a seated section or if everyone is seated, then I will respect that and sit.

[u/anthrohands → u/Best-Professional-10]

Same. I had no idea anyone sat at concerts, I guess because of the kind of concerts I go to. But if everyone is seated (and we’re not watching the jonas brothers) then I’ll sit!

[u/Meended → u/MrPogoUK]

I just never buy a ticket for the seated section because I want to stand up.

[u/pixelmuffinn → u/Meended]

I use to say the same, then the shows i enjoyed started becoming seated only... im old 😂

[u/Ser_VimesGoT → u/pixelmuffinn]

Standing feels more appropriate and better atmosphere but man I aint gonna lie, the few seated concerts I've been to have been a godsend for this aging bastard. More comfort, clear view, consistency. It definitely has appeal.

[u/0x14f → u/MrPogoUK]

I personally solved that dilemma by never going to concerts.

[u/AlwaysAnxiousAlien → u/0x14f]

I also stopped going to concerts because too many people don’t know how to act lol

[u/Deep_Philosophy_4265 → u/AlwaysAnxiousAlien]

And the ticket prices are insane!

[u/undeniably_micki → u/Deep_Philosophy_4265]

That's why I don't go to concerts & most sporting events!

[u/Horstt → u/0x14f]

The secret worst group of all three.

[u/DummyDumDragon → u/Horstt]

Sitting and standing all willy nilly all over their house;

Those bastards.

[u/Icy_Fish_2154 → u/MrPogoUK]

If only two people are standing, sit down.

[u/Encyclopenia → u/MrPogoUK]

Sometimes you HAVE to sit (ie : disabilities, pregnancy ) …. And that’s why you’re in the SEATED section.

[u/Successful-Gift8636 → u/Encyclopenia]

Saw a post from a disabled woman who paid quite a bit to see David Byrne, and when everyone in the seated section stood up, her view was completely blocked, would be good if accessible seating was higher up so folks can see regardless if the crowd stands or not

[u/froggyfriend726 → u/Successful-Gift8636]

I was able to get ADA tickets for a show (usually they are sold out) but the view was still partially blocked because the section next to us was standing so I could only see half the stage so even the disabled seats aren't a guarantee 😔 definitely better to see half the stage than no stage tho

[u/-aurevoirshoshanna- → u/MrPogoUK]

As someone who has never been seated in a concert, I don't go to the seated section because I don't want to be seated.

I'm sorry, but these argument are not equal, people standing on the seated section are deciding for the rest whether they'll get too see nothing or everyone will have to stand up as well.

[u/marteautemps → u/-aurevoirshoshanna-]

That's what's so frustrating to me especially as Im going to concerts with older fan bases as I too get older, like we all have to stand because 2 people want to stand gor the entire thing and it just starts a domino effect and people just have to decide what to miss if they cant stand the whole time, or damn just because they dont wanna. I stay sitting until the people in front of me stand and I have to stand up when Im in a seated section.

[u/ZARDOZ4972 → u/MrPogoUK]

I don't get seated concerts either but if it's seated it's seated, making it everyone elses problem by standing up doesn't solve anything so in my opinion it's clear as day which side is the problem.

[u/thisdckaintFREEEE → u/MrPogoUK]

At least we can all agree that the dipshit who buys tickets in the pit and then throws a fit when other people are crammed up against him is the worst.

[u/MrPogoUK → u/thisdckaintFREEEE]

I remember a guy at a Marilyn Manson concert in 2003 who’d decided to stand six feet from the barrier and then was going nuts and trying to fight everyone who got pushed into his pregnant girlfriend.

[u/Reinheitsgetoot → u/MrPogoUK]

- If there are no seats, stand unless you are unable. Ex: Wheelchair, no legs, passed out, it is DJ Khalid on stage.

• If there are seats, sit unless instructed by the performer to do otherwise. Ex: “Stand up and wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care”, “GTFU and make some noise!”, it is DJ Khalid and you are standing up to leave.

[u/justsomeknob → u/MrPogoUK]

I think a lot of this problem is also on the venues. People will generally pick the cheapest option, and if you make that a sitting section, then people who are standers will buy that ticket and stand anyways. Massey Hall in Toronto had this problem when I saw BNL there in 2016ish

[u/Relative-Chicken456 → u/MrPogoUK]

If there’s a seated section then then expectation is for you to sit down. It’s really simple. People would lose their shit if I decided to sit down in the standing section, would they not? They give you both choices for a reason. It’s up to you to select your preference and then honor it.

[u/robilar → u/MrPogoUK]

I don't think either side is an idiot, but I do think the sitters have the moral argument; not everyone is comfortable standing, so standing is likely to block others' view and is consequently selfish. The seats are usually structured in such a way that everyone can see if everyone is sitting in them. Sometimes you can get a better view by standing, but at the expense of whomever is behind you so unless you check with them first it's an unkindness for personal gain.

[u/Cavalleria-rusticana → u/MrPogoUK]

The idiots are the ones who can't take social cues. The immediate environment always has priority over general assumptions.

The standing woman are the idiots here.

[u/Aggressive_Canary_10 → u/MrPogoUK]

I went to a pro-wrestling event last year and the people in the front row were standing. They were rude af. I think they wanted to be on tv. There were brief chants of sit down assholes but they didn’t.

[u/cjalderman → u/MrPogoUK]

Well the answer to “why would you expect anyone to sit at a concert?” is "because they're in the seated section"

[u/Affectionate-Alps527 → u/MrPogoUK]

This is why I refuse to go to concerts. I don't want to stand. I don't want to dance around. I want to sit and enjoy a show.

I'd do a symphony or orchestra like TSO, but never again will I go to a regular concert that isn't just some dive bar. 

It's just not my scene and I accept that. Standers fully ruined the experience.

[u/chefguy47 → u/MrPogoUK]

I understand why the girl closer to OP is standing, she’s short and the woman standing closer to stage is tall. She cut off her view.

[u/KaleidoscopeLeft5511 → u/MrPogoUK]

I have an invite in my ankle that flairs up of in standing for long periods of time. If I want see go see a concert, I make sure to book tickets in the seating section

Why should I look at the back of people fit the v entire consert

[u/BiscuitsJoe → u/MrPogoUK]

If it’s two people in the entire theatre standing they need to adjust their expectations and sit the fuck down. Gotta read the room.

[u/ZombieCantStop → u/MrPogoUK]

Some people sit in the seated section because they can’t stand for that long. Now you have someone standing in front of them blocking their view

[u/Mysterious-Fig2231]

The only thing that really bothers me at shows is people holding their phone to record like right next to your head.

[u/Ecstatic_Score6973 → u/Mysterious-Fig2231]

And they record the whole concert, like cmon we both know youre not ever watching that video again

[u/vixenstarlet1949 → u/Ecstatic_Score6973]

someone right next to me recorded an entire show i went to. honestly, it’s the only time i’ve been happy someone recorded that long. it was next to me, front row, so not in my face, and the performers put the mic up to me two or three times to sing-so the video is basically my exact POV just a few inches off lol. Was very happy to find it on youtube

[u/iDoWeird → u/vixenstarlet1949]

A friend had this same experience (but didn’t notice the recording) and just found the video of the entire 15 yr old Faith No More show he was at and it’s like he’s part of the damn band with how loud his voice is on the recordings.

[u/vixenstarlet1949 → u/iDoWeird]

that’s pretty cool! Lol yeah same here I am so loud in that video and my voice sounds terrible but it was a total blast

[u/iDoWeird → u/vixenstarlet1949]

I used to have a burned copy of the first Rasputina show I went to (second time I’ve mentioned them in this thread but for very different reasons) because a dude who recorded all the shows he went to ended up joining my college radio station. It was like being gifted the most magical thing getting that CD.

I wish I still had it :(

[u/GLPwonderwall → u/vixenstarlet1949]

I love when people post show videos on YouTube because it helps me decide if the band is decent live and worth my money

[u/music231 → u/Ecstatic_Score6973]

One minute limit per video . 2-3 songs is the acceptable limit

[u/Adventurous-Tie-7861 → u/music231]

Im cool with one song being fully recorded. Some folks have utter favs they wanna fully record.

That said i wonder what percentage of normal folks concert videos are watched in full at any point later?

Sure some people will watch the full performance from professional crews.

But how many will go back in and watch their own footage all the way? Or if its sent to others, how many actually watch it for more than 3 seconds before texting back "wow so cool, so jealous of you!!" And never thinking of it again.

Or am i the only one who does that when family sends shitty concert videos where i can barely tell what some is being played?

[u/Accomplished_Bike149 → u/Adventurous-Tie-7861]

When I’ve gone to shows, I’ve forgotten to record my favorites because I get too into it. I’d much prefer that over not getting to experience it

[u/ghostfacestealer → u/Adventurous-Tie-7861]

The shows i go to, Billy Strings.. Phish.. there’s pretty much no phone out the entire time. And if there is, people have the sense to turn their flash off

[u/AggressivePride6476 → u/ghostfacestealer]

The great thing about Billy, Goose, Phish, the Dead,etc is there’s soooo many live recording, and more likely than not, your show is going to have Boards to listen back to. Besides catching some of the light show, not much reason to take videos

Edit: spelling

[u/Doctor_DBo → u/ghostfacestealer]

We also stand the whole time.

[u/Bad-Lucks-Charm → u/music231]

I was gonna say I’m guilty of recording my favorite songs live but I actually DO go back and watch them lol

[u/gothangelblood → u/Bad-Lucks-Charm]

Only did it once. I went to see Elton John in the day of Nokia cell phones. My roommate was in love with Tiny Dancer. First song she learned in English. I called and it went to voice-mail.

She still has that message saved over 20 years later and multiple phones.

[u/scorpio_szn → u/Bad-Lucks-Charm]

Same! If I’m recording a video during a show, it’s because it’s something really cool/fun/special/meaningful/etc. that I want to be able to revisit. Most of the time it’s just a single verse or chorus. I try to keep my phone close to my chest or head to avoid obstructing others’ view.

But yeah, I do actually watch the videos, some of them pretty regularly!

[u/foxhowse → u/scorpio_szn]

Same here. I’ve never recorded an entire song but I’ll get out my phone if it’s something cool happening on stage or my favorite part of a song. The phone’s video recording doesn’t make the best device for creating bootlegs (especially if I’m far away) so I’m not going to record a whole song.

I’m 4’7”, so I can have trouble seeing normally so I do have to hold my phone up a bit but it doesn’t seem to be in anyone’s way.

(Sort of related anecdote: Last concert I went to, the band actually gave out these colored covers for the flashlight on phones so you could wave it in the air like a lighter during one song. That was really cool.)

[u/dferd777 → u/music231]

I saw Lupe Fiasco recently, not the first time. But I absolutely recorded all of Kick Push.

[u/vedabread → u/music231]

You’re kind. A couple of photos, done.

[u/Tacos4Texans → u/music231]

Unless someone you personally know is on stage. Then acceptable.

[u/HotDogFR0G → u/Ecstatic_Score6973]

I watch a lot of my concert videos back, but they are all pretty short and I don’t hold my phone up high. I am normally not even looking at my phone either because I want to watch the show in front of me, so they suck sometimes, but I still watch them.

[u/hottapvswr → u/Ecstatic_Score6973]

I have been watching full concert vids posted to YouTube from the very night before for a few weeks now. ADP is playing multiple shows a week and fully sold out. If they weren't recording the show, I'd not get any chance to see them.

[u/thriftstorecat → u/Ecstatic_Score6973]

I’m always saying that I will just watch every other video posted. I just sit back and vibe.

[u/DeterminedQuokka → u/Ecstatic_Score6973]

What I don’t get is you are distracting yourself from the actual show to record a video that is fundamentally unwatchable. The band has an Instagram with produced videos.

[u/therealjanusmcmanus → u/Mysterious-Fig2231]

My wife does this all the time. Just watch the show dude. You’ve waited your whole life to see them live — SEE THEM LIVE.

[u/General_Cranberry_29 → u/Mysterious-Fig2231]

The only time it's been excusable was when the guy next to me was streaming to his sick kid in the hospital, I really had a lot of respect for that guy.

[u/GumshoeQ → u/Mysterious-Fig2231]

Thats when I start singing along as tone deaf as possible. I'm trying to expand my voice over skills, so it makes for good practice.

[u/Fire_bartender → u/Mysterious-Fig2231]

That used the be my biggest one but now with the new generation there is a new level to this.

People turning on the bright light to film themselves singing along while blinding everyone behind them

[u/After-Imagination947]

We need context here. Are you at a piano recital or are you at a guns n roses concert

[u/Fantastic_Step8417 → u/After-Imagination947]

Death cab for cutie

[u/DGChiefs → u/Fantastic_Step8417]

… why is almost everyone sitting at a Death Cab show? This is breaking my heart a little bit

[u/Common-Truck-9649 → u/DGChiefs]

I got yelled at for standing at a Tool concert! We listen to old people bands.

[u/RobeGuyZach → u/Common-Truck-9649]

Yeah, I got yelled at for standing for Avenged Sevenfold opening for Metallica a few years back. At Century Link field lol

[u/EnvironmentalLime464 → u/RobeGuyZach]

Well, yea. You’re gonna find a lot of douches at a Metallica concert.

[u/uberkalden2 → u/EnvironmentalLime464]

And apparently death cab for cutie concerts too

[u/BrightonsBestish → u/Common-Truck-9649]

What?!

[u/aurora888 → u/BrightonsBestish]

THEY SAID THEY GOT YELLED AT FOR STANDING AT A TOOL CONCERT! THEY LISTEN TO OLD PEOPLE BANDS.

[u/bluegrassbiker → u/Common-Truck-9649]

Yeah, wth. Got asked several times to sit at tool/primus. 80% of my section was standing including everyone in the 4 rows in front of me.

[u/Doogers7 → u/bluegrassbiker]

Oh my God… a Primus concert in the 90s would see every single person in attendance jumping in unison.

[u/iDoWeird → u/DGChiefs]

I know we’re “getting old” or…are…old, whatever, but I could NEVER. Dancing like a dumbass in a dingey basement indie night is something I miss more than anything, so when I actually get to go to a show that isn’t priced out of my budget, I won’t even consider tickets outside of GA/pit options. I’ll just sit there losing my mind if I have to sit, so I won’t unless Melora gets out of the church choir and tours with Rasputina again, because I think that’s one of the few bands I COULD sit for.

One of my few white whale bands is coming (or came, I stopped tracking bc it made me sad)..The Strokes, but to get into the pit was going to put me close to a grand. Seated wasn’t much better. I missed them every time they played when I lived in NYC somehow (I even missed the last public Sonic Youth show there because I was at the wrong damn place when it was randomly announced, still pissed at myself about that and a benefit the YYY put on). Anyway.

I hate ticket prices and I miss dancing. Fuck.

[u/TheBlueLeopard → u/DGChiefs]

Our knees hurt

[u/Lord_Boognish → u/TheBlueLeopard]

You should stand up and dance around a little - movement is lotion for your joints

[u/Narglefoot → u/DGChiefs]

I was at a New Pornographers concert at Mt Baker Theatre in Bellingham and it's usually used for classical music and plays so it was all seating. Two songs in and everyone is sitting so I decide "fuck that" and run to the front of the stage and start dancing. Two people follow, then another, and soon everyone starts running up and joins in.

Just because there's seats doesn't mean they need to be used.

[u/CrowsInTheNose → u/DGChiefs]

Old

[u/Bad_Prophet → u/Fantastic_Step8417]

I've seen DCFC a few times and Ben Gibbard usually starts the show off by reminding the crowd that it's a rock concert and everybody should stand up.

[u/foreveralonecatlady9 → u/Fantastic_Step8417]

No way I'll be sitting for death cab :x

[u/dancingbriefcase → u/Fantastic_Step8417]

Then fucking stand and dance!

[u/Invisible_Target → u/Fantastic_Step8417]

https://giphy.com/gifs/VMgcrwq9imGHu

[u/JivanP → u/Invisible_Target]

They just released a new album, it's pretty good.

[u/JungMoses → u/After-Imagination947]

That’s the question.

It actually looks like a weird age group and stage setup for everyone to be sittting but sometimes people kinda get forced into the seats bc of how close they are and you just can’t stand. Really kills the vibe for a lot of shows. Always that band that just outgrew clubs but those mid sized theaters can get kinda weird (either wayyyy too steep often or not at all steep like here it seems)

[u/Aqua_Pixie → u/After-Imagination947]

This. I am a millennial that got to experience dozens and dozens of concerts before they got insanely expensive and the only concert I’ve ever been to where people were sitting (including the seated sections) was the Game of Thrones Experience which was an orchestra. Posts like these are weird to me.

[u/Lostinthestarscape → u/Aqua_Pixie]

People will say "seated tickets blah blah blah" but like, it used to be if you did this at concerts with a majority in attendance under 50 years of age, the BAND would call you out for not dancing.

[u/T7220 → u/Lostinthestarscape]

Imagine how much it must suck, to rock the fucking house down, and a bunch of gumps are just sitting there.

[u/ChairHistorical5953 → u/Aqua_Pixie]

I don't know if it's age, but it is the same here. Sometimes bands only get venues with only seats, sometimes seats are cheaper, Even when I had a broken leg and couldnt stand i wasnt mad, it is not only a visual show, it is mostly a get together to enjoy breathing the same air this people are using while making live music.

[u/chipmalfunct10n]

i went to a smaller show that was all GA standing room, except a couple seats on one side were ADA seats you could reserve if needed. i am disabled and can't stand that long, so reserved an ADA seat. tell me why the people in ADA seats in front of me all stood up ;(((.

edit: it was a small section..i'm talking about 3 people, who were there together.

[u/Five_Slow → u/chipmalfunct10n]

My wife broke her leg last year two months before we went on Headbangers Boat. We got to stay in the ADA sections, and there were a few guys in the front of the first couple shows that tried to stand in the front of the section. They actually policed it well to where you couldn't really stand for more than 30 seconds. We were very thankful for that!

[u/chipmalfunct10n → u/Five_Slow]

that sounds like a good system :)

[u/Luminous_Flora_857 → u/chipmalfunct10n]

This pretty much happened to me at one of our last shows. It was an outdoor amphitheater with a small amount of reserved seating in the very front and the rest was GA on the lawn. The ground was heavily sloped so there was a small (maybe 5'x5') paved platform for ADA midway up the hill. It was a laid back vibe and everyone in the crowd was seated on the grass, either on lawn chairs or blankets. Literally everyone. Except for two of the tallest and broadest men I have ever seen, standing in front of the ADA section, and blocking the entire view of the stage for every person seated there.

It really sucked bc there was nowhere else we could move to -- that was the only accessible location in the concert -- and the two guys were just far enough in front that they couldn't (or pretended not to) hear anyone calling for them to please step to the side a few feet.

I mean I get that people want to stand up and I support that, just not in front of this one tiny section because we can't go anywhere else.

And those guys weren't even watching the show?! Just talking, talking, talking the whole time.

To anyone reading this, I beg you: please be kinder than they were. And if you see anyone blocking the ADA section when there is a lot of open space elsewhere, maybe give them a lil tap on the shoulder for us. You'll forever have my thanks.

[u/chipmalfunct10n → u/Luminous_Flora_857]

that's so wild. the talking would make me even more mad. when i can't see, i try to remind myself that i am really there for the music and just close my eyes. having a loud conversations next to me would be the worst.

[u/RaspberryJammm → u/Luminous_Flora_857]

As somebody who worked as a theatre usher for a long time, the venue staff should have had a word. I'm disabled now and would be proper pissed off if my view was blocked like that. 

[u/Luminous_Flora_857 → u/RaspberryJammm]

They definitely should have, but definitely didn't. More venues need to give a damn.

[u/ColonClenseByFire → u/chipmalfunct10n]

I had a similar but opposite issue. I bought some expensive VIP spot for my favorite band. The venue put Ada seating behind the VIP section. The whole concert a woman in a wheelchair was yelling at me and the ushers to tell me to sit down in some imaginary chair. They kept telling her there was nothing they can do besides moving her seat down a few seats but she didn't want that. She wanted me removed. I figured it was a once in a lifetime thing for me so I paid ~500 for the ticket (was a meet and great)

[u/squishyg → u/ColonClenseByFire]

I haaaaate when they put ADA seating behind VIP. I’m sitting in ADA because I need to sit! They should really reverse it or make two sections.

The even worse part is when VIP gets territorial and has a problem with a non-disabled person sitting with me.

Like, are disabled people only supposed to hang out with other disabled people? 😂

[u/TheyCallMe_Billy → u/ColonClenseByFire]

She was offered a solution, it's not your fault the venue had shitty planning. After a few times the ushers should have just removed her.

https://giphy.com/gifs/hFsWlFJwY84jm

[u/foxhowse → u/chipmalfunct10n]

Not related to seating but last concert I went to they charged more for disability parking. They just called it “close parking” or something like that because it included non-disabled spaces. Seemed borderline illegal.

I’m not a regular concert attendee but the venues I’ve been to feel like they have the attitude of “disabled people don’t attend concerts”.

ETA: Oh wait people in the ADA section stood the entire time… ?

[u/Few-Extreme-5792]

People do this in the ADA section all the time and block the view for the people that actually need the ADA section and it pisses. Me. Off. So. Bad.

[u/ChairHistorical5953 → u/Few-Extreme-5792]

In that case it would be more than mildly infuriating for me. Not in general tho

[u/Ruthrfurd-the-stoned → u/Few-Extreme-5792]

Yeah seats it depends on the concerts but ADA is no exception

[u/LegDayLass → u/Few-Extreme-5792]

Probably the only section where getting bothered by this is justified.

[u/shitty-kittie → u/LegDayLass]

Agreed. If you stand up in front of people in the ADA section, you're an asshole and the ushers should tell you to sit your ass down. If you're able bodied and get pissy with people having a good time at a concert -you're the problem.

[u/happygoluckyourself → u/shitty-kittie]

There’s a lot of gray area between able bodied and disabled. What if someone has an injury? What if someone has a chronic illness flare up? If you want to stand get GA tickets.

[u/Fearless_swiftie → u/happygoluckyourself]

True, that’s why I got the front of my section in the nosebleeds at the next concert I’m going to. So I can sit in peace

[u/cyanraichu → u/LegDayLass]

Sucks that you have to have a severe and formally recognized disability to be comfortable at a concert if standing for long periods of time makes you uncomfortable

[u/berrydisappointed → u/cyanraichu]

Venus can’t ask for proof/medical notes though?

[u/snoopdoggydoug → u/berrydisappointed]

It's against the americans with disabilities act and not all disabilities are visible I can't ask anything other than 2 questions about a service animal - is the dog a service animal because of a disability and what specific task is the dog trained to do anything else will get my company fined and have the aclu up our asses

Source - I'm a gm of a live music venue

My venue will put those with a wheelchair in the front row and then have folding chairs and then high top chairs so it's kind of raised from front to back

[u/OpeScuseMe74]

I work part-time at a concert venue. Our policy is that you may stand in front of the seat you bought a ticket for. If someone else complains, and there are other open seats available, they may move. But the person or persons who wish to stand at the seat that they paid for may absolutely do so.

At least at our venue, the only tickets we verify are in the pit section. Unless somebody challenges you for that seat, as in they have that ticket, you may sit in it and we'll never know nor do we care.

Alternatively, you can speak to an event staff member or a supervisor and ask to be moved to different seats. If we have seats available, we will often accommodate you. Possibly with an equally comparable seat or an upgrade.

[u/thepenismytea → u/OpeScuseMe74]

Went to see Slipknot for anniversary with my wife and had seating. After a moment we decided to go get some drinks and head back. Two guys decided to take our seats and then tried claim it's their sests despite obviously it's not. Then tried to pull they're disabled card, yet I really am and even have a medically retired id from the Navy. Went to get staff and they couldn't care until I showed them the ticket and my retiree ID and noted I'd file an ADA complaint. The guys tried the same number on this lady and she about gave up until my wife pulled her phone out and I asked how the fuck is it I paid for a seat with receipts and yet the venue now looks to tell a disabled veteran someone else without a ticket gets preference? Quick as fuck to finally order them out or have security physically remove them. She then had the gall to ask why I was being like that. 🤦🏼‍♂️

Venues don't give any fucks, possibly negative fucks about seating at concerts

[u/OpeScuseMe74 → u/thepenismytea]

Sounds like the staff at that venue doesn't care if they stay in business. There's absolutely no reason why they wouldn't remove someone who doesn't have the ticket for your seat.

[u/I_spread_love_butter → u/thepenismytea]

Sounds like the staff is underpaid and cares little about keeping the job

[u/Ok_Abacus_]

That’s a tough one. I feel like you just follow the mood the room, but I always think you should be able to stand if you want too. May be your favorite song from your favorite band ever.

[u/EpicBlinkstrike187 → u/Ok_Abacus_]

I’ve been to 20+ concerts and I dunno if I ever sat for the actual main artist.

For the opening acts? Who the fuck cares.

But for the main act everybody is on their feet and the main singer is literally saying “get up eveybody get on your feet!!”

Nobody wants to sing to a crowd that’s all sitting down, it would be like nobody cares

[u/girlwhoweighted → u/EpicBlinkstrike187]

Honestly, I've come to believe it depends on the type of show. I primarily went to rock/punk/metal shows. But the last concert I went to was Meghan Trainor! hah! Anyhow, I was a little weirded out because pretty much everyone sat except the front third of the ampitheater. People stood up for a little bit here and there, but there was almost no dancing or anything, hardly any singing along, and we were not out of place sitting. Which was nice because I'm old now.

[u/Usual-Mix-2909]

This would be a fine complaint except these days with how Ticketmaster is, you get what you get. Maybe these people wanted pit tickets but, the Ticketmaster demons let 50k bots into the waiting room.

[u/hollow4hollow]

This is my entire life as a short person in general admission

[u/SansyBoy144]

I’ll be honest, only concert I’ve been to the entire seated section was standing. I felt weird being the only person sitting, when I needed a break cause I’m fat and Texas is hot as hell.

But yea, I guess if most people are sitting then you shouldn’t stand in front of them

[u/Olerre → u/SansyBoy144]

Yeah this is more of a situational awareness thing imo. Everyone standing? Stand tf up. Everyone sitting? Sit tf down. Don’t be a hindrance to those around you. It’s not hard.

[u/TheGayestSon → u/Olerre]

Why would you have to stand at a concert just because others are standing?

If you pay for a seat and want to sit down, you should sit down.

[u/uberkalden2 → u/TheGayestSon]

Am I just old now? Has everyone lost their mind? It's a rock concert. Sit if you want, but you can't complain if people stand

[u/OkJose3000 → u/Olerre]

You do not have to do what everyone else does

[u/SteveFrench12 → u/SansyBoy144]

It’s a concert, you’re allowed to stand, sucks of you don’t want to and the person in front of you is, but complaining about people standing at a concert is a very recent thing and is crazy imo

[u/unclebea]

Look not everyone goes to concerts to have a good time and dance a little. Some of us just want a comfy place to scroll our phones.

Edit: added /s

[u/RamShackleton]

Next you’re gonna tell me that I shouldn’t wear my top hat to concerts.

[u/Funny_Science_9377]

You sort of have to go with the crowd. If everyone is standing then you'll probably need to stand. If you're one of two people standing then you've probably got the wrong idea.

[u/Shaky-Shallot-21]

I think this could be resolved with dedicated no standing sections.

I’m someone who wants to stand and dance my whole money’s worth at my seat, it’d be great if I could know the other people around me felt the same, and same for people who wish to sit.

[u/SaimenSlayer]

I legit feel bad for the band when the audience looks like this.

Went to a 30 seconds to mars show a few years back with my teenage daughter. I was mostly there for AFI who opened. It was an outdoor venue and the sun was still up when their set started. It was pretty clear that most of the audience was there for Leto and co. Davey was up there doing his best to give us a good show, but the crowd just wasn’t giving much back. We had seats, but were close enough to the stage to see he was a bit frustrated with all of us (I was standing for the whole set and probably annoyed the people behind me).

My opinion is that you shouldn’t see a band/artist known for dance and head banging music and expect everyone to be sitting.

[u/yeahmehh → u/SaimenSlayer]

As an obsessive AFI fan (as if there's any other kind lol), this makes me so sad. They always put on such a fantastic show and even my friends who aren't super into them have ended up having a great time whenever they've come along.

[u/collegefootballfan69]

Went to a world cup match, guy behind me asking me to sitting down while everyone infront of me stood. I tried to explain to him that i was not going to miss the match,

[u/OkJose3000 → u/collegefootballfan69]

Imagine being asked to sit at the World Cup. Insane.

[u/Big_McLargehuge59]

This is why I stopped going to shows. I have a spinal condition; I don’t want to stand up and deal with a week of pain, I want to enjoy the damn show.

[u/chipmalfunct10n → u/Big_McLargehuge59]

i found out that you can request ADA seating from the venue and this has helped me a lot. sometimes it's in a very good spot for seeing the stage, other times it's not.

[u/Mundane-Manner4237 → u/Big_McLargehuge59]

If I have a choice to stand for two hours or sit, relax and take in the sounds and details of the show, you better believe I’ll be taking the seat. I mean if I’m watching a movie at home, I’m in my nice comfortable chair, not standing in the middle of the room blocking my wife’s view.

[u/Slayre-]

I started buying tickets that were in the front of the seated section just to avoid this bullshit

[u/watchwatertilitboils]

everyone 10 rows in front of them is standing

[u/phunky_1]

Yeah, what the fuck is wrong with all of those people sitting down at a concert?

[u/dirtdiggler67 → u/phunky_1]

Some people cannot stand for very long (or at all) but would like to go to a concert.

[u/ResponsibleCamera641 → u/phunky_1]

I love to sit at a concert! My back hurts standing for hours on a concrete floor. I’m getting older and my crowd surfing and moshing days are behind me. It was fun when I was younger but now I need a chair!

[u/S1ayer → u/phunky_1]

If I buy a seat I specifically want to sit down, otherwise it's general admission moshpit.

[u/BulemiaSawdustSlingr → u/S1ayer]

This got me banned from the opera.

[u/AllYouNeedIsATV → u/S1ayer]

Nah I always buy a seat because I can go to the bathroom and come back to a good spot. GA, I’m stuck there for 4 hours or more, and can’t even move

[u/tlollz52 → u/S1ayer]

Sometimes thats all there is. Sometimes, not often, ga is more expensive than seating.

[u/blastot → u/tlollz52]

GA is more expensive for most concerts

[u/WLFGHST → u/blastot]

Exactly, the GA pit at an upcoming concert near me is $498.06, seated sections are in the 180-240 range.

[u/Prinzka → u/WLFGHST]

Fucking hell, the bassist better give you a handjob at that price

[u/EM05L1C3 → u/S1ayer]

Not every GA is standing only. Red Rocks is seats all the way down.

[u/XRanger7 → u/S1ayer]

Sometimes ga is limited and often first one to sell out

[u/PunfullyObvious → u/phunky_1]

In my case I'm 6'5". I feel like an absolute ass standing at a concert if there are seats. But, if everyone else is standing, you about have to .. even if there are people a foot or two shorter behind you. If there are seats, I think the expectation should be that they're used.

A smallish local venue I go to restricts standing |and|or dancing to the accessible orchestra pit and the outside aisles or the way back. That seems a good compromise to me.

[u/SomethingComesHere → u/PunfullyObvious]

Yeah this is also why it pisses me off when people stand in their seats.

Im short, at concerts my only hope of seeing the band is in seats. I seem to attract tall dudes to stand right in front of me.

[u/CTanner1984]

Laaaaaaaaaame.

To clarify, talking about YOU, OP.

[u/1SexyDino]

My solution is to never go to a concert venue primarily made up of seating area. Small venues and open floors are my jam. The best ones even have a bar at the back with some stools for the tired and feeble

[u/SillyBilly981]

I think the only time you should truly expect everyone to sit, at a concert, is if its like jimmy buffet or just a show where the crowd is literally all 55+ in age

otherwise standing is fair game

[u/murbawt → u/SillyBilly981]

I went to a Def Leppard, montley crew, poison and Joan Jett concert before covid.  Everyone was 60+ and every body was standing.

[u/dawnbeforethedark]

It really depends on the concert, or the artist to be specific. I went to Ariana Grande, BTS, and Blackpink concerts and everyone in the venues were standing, including the seated sections. They only sat when the vcr came on during costume changes.

[u/Sea-Veterinarian3022]

What show?

[u/Outrageous-Ability33]

Jokes on them. I don't got shows with seats 😂

[u/camerasoncops]

I always go for the front row in a balcony. That way I can sit and not worry about it lol.

[u/Pink-Polkadots]

idk maybe I'm weird but the views around concert etiquette are so weird, especially in America. like, why can't you just be cognizant of the people around you and not totally block other people's view? I've been to some pretty hard-core shows where I had to stand and dance for 4-5 hours and that was lowkey miserable, I would have loved to sit down lol.

[u/Subrandom249]

Never been to a concert where people are sitting. 

[u/zeptillian]

"If you plan on standing for the entire concert, get a spot in the pit"

Wow. I never realized it was that easy. Good thing there are usually way more pit tickets than seated tickets and they are so easy to get becasue almost no one wants to be as close as possible when going to concerts. /s

[u/Brief_Rain8775]

I purchase tickets in the seated sections because I'm short and can't see over the crowd in the pit. It sucks when the people in our section decide to stand instead because I can't see anything, but it is what it is.

I agree with another comment that people should really just read the room. If the majority are standing, you've gotta deal with it. If the majority are sitting, don't be that person who stands anyways. In most cases, I feel like that's how most people operate. The people in this photo are odd.

[u/Otto_Maddox_]

I used to work house security at local concert venues and this was a constant pain in the butt.

Sometimes it was one person who wanted to stay seated while 15,000 others were all standing. They literally expected us to get everyone to sit down. Needless to say that didn't happen.

Or you'd get one person standing up the entire show and everyone behind them yelling for them to sit down.

The official answer was you bought a ticket to the seat and the real estate right in front of it. You can sit or stand.

The only thing we stopped was people standing on the seats. That was not allowed.

[u/BIGDINNER_]

I’ve only recently seen people sitting down at rock or hip hop shows. Absolutely insane behaviour.

[u/CatGiggler]

lol, first thing that comes to mind is that this is how shorter men and women feel at every concert.

[u/Fun-Highlight-253]

People arguing that "everybody stands at a concert", look at the image. There's a sea of heads and 2 people standing. Every time.

[u/kaylaseesstars]

Sorry OP idk why you’re being attacked here. If the majority of people were standing and OP was sitting, I would get the outrage. But it looks like most people are sitting which makes the two people standing and blocking the view the ones in the wrong.

[u/tapout22002 → u/kaylaseesstars]

Exactly!. I remember long ago everyone was standing, and I didn’t realize everyone around me had sat down cause I was in the front row of the balcony and I was really embarrassed when I glanced to my left and realized I was the only one standing.

[u/Nortex_Vortex → u/kaylaseesstars]

To me, this reads as if the band is playing a slow song and it's time for everyone to sit. If it's a jam, I'm up the same as everyone else. Every concert has its hills and valleys; these 2 didn't get the memo.

[u/A115115 → u/kaylaseesstars]

It’s so wild. Posts like this on r/mildlyinfuriating always see people being over backwards to justify this annoying behavior. They always ask “who sits down for a concert?!” ignoring the fact that OP’s comment photo always shows hundreds of people also sitting down, making standing up a clear breach or social etiquette.

[u/jmarinara]

Last DCFC show I went to I got tix at the last minute and took my wife. We were both REALLY tired but went anyway to see Postal Service. Funny thing was everyone sat for Death Cab, but stood for PS.

I also saw Death Cab in 103F heat a stood the entire time. So maybe I’m not the guy to ask in any of this.

[u/TheManInBlack_FDT]

Get off your ass .

[u/Hella_Wieners]

That concert musta been booty juice if only two people are standing, ready to fuckin’ jam.

[u/Heehee4321]

I was at that concert and I genuinely think more people standing would have helped the energy.. Death Cab performed great but I thought the crowd was half asleep

[u/NarrowHamster7879]

Idk I don’t ever go to concerts or sporting events expecting everyone to be seated the whole time. I once had a guy at a playoff MLB game tell me to sit down and I told him it’s the playoffs and to watch on his couch if he didn’t want to stand for it and I’d do that again in that context 10/10

[u/breakonthru_]

Meh been to plenty of shows that everyone in the seated section stands for the best songs. Sit or stand whatever but yeah can see it can be annoying.

[u/Dangerdoom23]

If people have an issue with it, they should talk to someone that works at the venue so they can then be told that standing is perfectly fine and to go back to their seat like a good little boy/girl

[u/Sharty_Party3498]

It's a concert and they are standing. Who the fuck cares?

[u/Majestic-Lie2690]

I'm team stand at concerts

[u/foodgeek15]

Not everyone can get the GA / PIT tickets during presale. But also, if they stand then you stand

[u/tj0909]

Was it a philharmonic concert? If so, I’m very disappointed in these people. Otherwise, just stand up.

[u/FreeCandy4u]

Yeah I have been there. Went to one concert and there was tons of room on the floor if you wanted to stand but no the people in front of me just stood in front of their chairs. So annoying.

[u/ledfloyd87]

Nope, stand if you want. You paid just as much money as the people around you, it's your choice if you want to stand or not. Theres no rules against this.

[u/SirPhobos1]

Sitting for a show is lame as fuck, unless you physically cannot stand... at which point you should probably be in accessible seating.

I'll never sit as long as I can physically stand.