Remember how concerts work?

Personally speaking, I cannot wait to finally hear and experience live music again, whether it be at a festival, an indoor event, or just the next-best pub. I don’t know how long it has been for you out there, but I am currently on 486 days of only relying on my speakers and headphones (an end is in sight though, less than two more weeks to go for me).

As I keep pondering how amazing it will probably be to once again be in a crowd of music enthusiasts, I wonder how people will behave now that most of us were on such an extended event break. Do we remember how to dance, sing, and enjoy a live show? And can we maybe use this fresh start to get rid of some bad pre-pandemic habits? Let's recap for everyone who feels a bit rusty!

Getting to the venue

First things first, don't forget to grab your ticket before leaving the house! In case you only have a digital version on your phone, do make sure that the device is charged before you head to the venue.

Do think about the best way to get to a show in advance. Staying sober? Then look for good parking spots beforehand. Plan on boozing? Then do yourself a favour and study the public transport schedule. I mean, nothing worse than being hyped up after a concert, only to then miss out on the last ride home. At Rockhal, for instance, there is a station right behind the building, and usually a train goes back to the capital after every live event.

Once you're at the desired location, do make sure to store away all your valuable items safely. Don't underestimate how easily your car keys can fly out of your pockets while you are busy dancing without a care in the world.

Finding a good spot

When it comes to finding your spot in the crowd, try to decide early on where you want to be. Don't stand around at the sides only to push your way towards the front once the main act starts. Respect that some people got there very early to get a good spot. And to those lucky individuals, don't be angry at people dancing and jumping around you. I know you want to focus on what’s happening on stage, but being in a moving crowd is part of the live experience!

Another bonus of getting to the front early on is that you get a better impression of the warm-up act. They often tour alongside the main performers and have been chosen by them for a reason, which should tell you that there is probably something interesting to them. So, do give them a chance. Who knows, you may even discover your new favourite band.

"And now a song from our new album..."

Surprisingly, one of the most dreaded sentences at a concert. I always found it puzzling how fans can be willing to go to a performer's live show, but insist on only hearing songs they already know. This definitely falls into the same category as the warm-up acts. Don't fall into the habit of only sticking to what you know (and that is coming from someone who spent almost five years only listening to one single band)!

Next time you hear this dreaded sentence at an event, stand out of the crowd and be that one person who cheers like it's the best news ever. If nothing else, the artist might appreciate it and give you a shout-out…

Using your phone at a concert

Don't. Just don't. Simple as that.

Okay, one exception maybe, and that would be your phone's song-recognition software. Usually great at delivering results, and also works from inside your pocket. No need to hold a distracting screen above everyone's head, so works perfectly fine.

Dancing and singing

Pretty much anything goes when it comes to dancing, as long as it is within the reasonable spatial boundaries. It is clear that you cannot avoid touching other people altogether, but maybe don't lean into others more than is appropriate in the given situation. In case the setting is rougher and something like, oh I don't know, a WALL OF DEATH takes place, do be considerate when people fall to the ground and help them up. Every genre has its customs, and even within the greatest chaos, the basic rules of decency still apply.

When it comes to singing, that is more of a slippery slope. I know it's tough, but do hold back a little, the person next to you probably wants to have the actual singer in focus, not your well-intended support. So, maybe don't scream out your lungs throughout the entire show. Nevertheless, do be ready to jump in at any given moment, you never know when the singer might turn the mic and request your immediate support for back-up vocals! After all, that is the right moment to shine.

Getting home

Last but not least, the dreaded ride home. The biggest don't out there is of course drink driving. Luckily, you already got that out of the way by getting to the venue by public transport. I mean, you did that, right? No? Your car is here and you're super hammered?

Well, only one way to get out of this one safely: call a cab and don't even think about using your keys. If not for the threat you might pose in the street, consider that the police are likely to organise large-scale checks after big concerts. Again, do yourself and others a favour by leaving the car where it is and getting it back at a later stage. After all, you don't want to associate that amazing concert you just experienced with a night of drink driving that ended with you in a ditch…