the 10 commandments of attending a rock show
the smashing pumpkins and marilyn manson ‘the end times’ tour show at pnc was incredible. the people in attendance…. beyond rude. everywhere i turned i witnessed blatant disregard for the bands as well as fellow concertgoers. i came home and feverishly compiled the following set of rock and roll etiquette guidelines.
the 10 commandments of attending a rock show
- Thou shall shut the fuck up. Keep your thoughts on the presidential race, the bitch from your office, and that new reality series with Kimberly Stewart, to yourself. We came to hear the music.
- Thou shall not wear the band or tour tshirt to the show. Exceptions can and will be made for dope vintage tshirts of tours preceding 1999.
- Keep your ash to yourself. Cigarettes are not ribbon dancer wands.
- Remember Black Sabbath and keep them unholy.
- Thou shall show the band respect by putting electronic devices away. Stop scrolling through your instagram feed. If you need to capture the moment, snag one quick shot between sets. Keep your phones, cameras, and tablets in the car or in your bag. Have some damn respect for the artist.
- Thou shall remember to puff, puff, PASS. Sharing is caring. Spread the love.
- Thou shall try your best to make it to a bathroom or trashcan if you feel green.
- Thou shall keep making out to a minimum. Music has a way of bringing all the feels to the surface. Music is love. I know. But please… save the smooches for the back seat of your uber ride home.
- Thou shall let the shorties stand in front. If you are tall you better truly love the band if you rock out front and center.
- Honor your fellow concertgoers. Leave space for funky dance moves. Pick up your trash. Share your water with a neighbor who imbibed too much. Don’t shove. Say “excuse me.” Sing along with the people next to you. We are a community. Let’s take care of each other.