Recently I have found myself having the same conversation over and over, whether with my husband or my friends the discussion of gigs and shows has taken a turn that makes me quite sad. Going to a gig has always been a highlight, the basis of many great memories and something I have been looking forward to getting back into again, post pandemic and now my son is older. However, with recent news and the constant flow of TikTok videos, it’s getting clearer that something has changed amongst the world of music fans.
Now it’s no secret that rock and metal shows are a little more energetic than most, with mosh pits typically at the centre of them. But the recent behaviour being quite common amongst any genre show at the moment, is simply strange aggression. From Bebe Rexha to Harry Styles, Bad Omens and even Adele shows; fans are either fighting each other, harassing others or launching things quite dangerously at artists. Now I know that some artists like Drake have an understanding with their fans for things like bras, flowers or with Harry Styles assisting those coming out with their personal flags. However, with phones being launched at Nick Jonas, urns with human ashes being thrown at Pink and Cardi B having a drink thrown in her face, there is something that has definitely created a shift in this universe.
Now for me, someone in their late 20’s creeping into their 30’s it would be easy to put this down to it being a generational thing, to blame the younger generation for being reckless and crazy super fans. But truthfully I don’t believe that, I can’t help but think that there are etiquettes not being understood, unsaid rules not being known and expectations of people being too high leading to annoyance and even ignorance being present. But is there something else making tensions rise causing these outbursts?
It’s no secret the world feels like an impossible place to live in with the cost of living crisis, random attacks, ridiculous laws having to be fought against or laws begged for that make no sense to not already exist. And that’s just England! So is this impossible feeling of doom causing outbursts in places we feel most safe?
To be completely real with you, I don’t know the answer to these questions or even the issue itself. I don’t know why some fans find it impossible to not launch something at an artist, or why they can’t remember to be mindful of the artist’s personal space and privacy. I don’t know what it is that causes mosh pits to become brawls, or for older fans to harass younger fans who are just enjoying themselves. What I do know, however, is that no matter what you call it or why you have gone, going to see an artist or band perform live should feel like a safe place for you and everyone else.
Whether you’re a fan who has recently discovered Metallica because of Stranger Things, or you are a die hard Swiftie from the very moment you heard Tim McGraw; we should all be able to enjoy ourselves, respect each other (including the artists) and feel safe.
If you’re new to being near mosh pits the rules are simple; don’t want to be there move to a safe location for you, if someone falls down you pick them up, elbowing in the face shouldn’t happen but if it does apologises or check if you were caught by a crowd surfer. If you’re new to going to a gig, if you feel unsafe at any point find a security guard or person you can trust. Always put your safety to your number one priority!
If you’re going to a show like Adele’s Vegas shows, a lot of artists/bands encourage their fans to stand and dance even in the sitting area. If that’s not for you that’s okay, just remember it’s not just you there and everyone enjoys things differently. A good tip is to check the seating options before buying tickets, if you can select your seats go for ones where you’re in the first row or that section! It could reduce your view being obstructed by your peers dancing or standing.
And finally in the words of Rolling Stone, hey idiots stop throwing things at the stage!! As soon as an artist or band member feels unsafe their show is over, they may not return to that location or even cancel the whole tour if they get seriously injured. It’s not cute, funny or sick, it’s rude and dangerous!
Music n What Not 