With numerous tours once again being announced for the year, some fans need a little reminder on etiquette when attending these shows. 

Don’t Be Violent

While this may seem like common sense, unfortunately this is still a present issue. Some of these concerts may be standing room only, or in the bigger venues they may have a general admission pit on the floor. These can be fun, but only when fans act right. We know we all want to be up close and see our idols right in front of us, but when fans start pushing and shoving to get to the barricades, that only causes problems. It’s important to remember even while they perform, these idols can still see you, and many have shown concern in the past when they notice any fans showing discomfort. The last thing any fan needs is to pass out, get sick, or get hurt when they’re only trying to enjoy a concert. Be courteous to those around you. 

Don’t Block Anyone’s View

Whether it’s by holding up a sign, swinging your lightstick, or capturing photos and videos on your phone, be aware of your surroundings when holding them up. Holding a sign above your head, especially if you’re on the floor rather than upper seating, will only block the views of fans around you. The fans around you are there to see the same show as you, and they don’t want to spend the entire night watching the back of a piece of poster board. Hold it up to your chest, if anything. With your phone or lightstick, it’s very easy to hold it to just your shoulder or chin, but the second you stick your arm in the air, it can still block someone’s view enough to be annoying. If you don’t want your own view blocked, think about the fans behind you who don’t want their view obstructed either.

It’s Okay to Put Your Phone Down 

This one is all based on personal preference, but while you may love to have the memory of your favorite songs recorded on video, it’s also perfectly okay for you to put your phone away and live in the moment. Many idols likely interact with you more if you are having fun, singing and dancing along with them. Sure, you can still take pictures, and if you happen to get noticed while holding your phone, that’s great. But it’s okay to put it down even for a few minutes to enjoy the feeling of being at the show. This advice also ties back to blocking others’ views. If you’re too busy trying to get noticed by your idols in a video, it only blocks other fans from seeing the stage. This is becoming more of an issue now, where fans try to get idols to complete hand hearts and get it on a video to say an idol noticed them. All that does is get in the way of other fans.

Concerts are not held to fulfill your fanfiction moment of getting noticed. Enjoy the show, and stop worrying about being seen. Attending concerts is always fun, but remember to be safe, courteous, and aware.

Edited by Erin Rupprecht