Rock Show Etiquette?
-
I don't know if this has been discussed before, but is there a code of honor regarding behavior at Paul's concerts? I know he isn't a "strictly by the books" kind of person, so I wouldn't expect him to ask people to sit down and enjoy the concert, but still ... We loved everything about our experience except for the Hollywood B Listers in front of us in row 2 who were having their own party, even trying to talk over Paul when he was introducing the song he wrote for John. I yelled SHUT UP (not normally a term I use, but they were beyond rude and I wanted to get their attention). When they continued their loud conversation, ignoring what was happening on stage, I then yelled ARROGANT JERKS! They all, immediately, sat the f down and shut their mouths for two minutes while Paul finished that song. Success, albeit a tiny one. My neck was stiff and hurting from looking through them the whole time. They just never sat down except for those two minutes. Well, thank God for small favors. More importantly, I determined nothing they could do would ruin my experience. What does anyone else think about complete disregard for those around them? Maybe they got their seats for FREE. I don't know. They certainly weren't exhibiting any care and concern for anyone else and didn't seem to want to listen to the music many times. I'm thinking next time the best seats might be first row tier up on the sides so I don't have to deal with people like this. I paid a LOT of money for 3rd row seats which apparently is just pocket change to the people in front of us who used Sir Paul's performance as background music for their party. Opinions anyone?
-
Fan4-45years:
I don't know if this has been discussed before, but is there a code of honor regarding behavior at Paul's concerts? I know he isn't a "strictly by the books" kind of person, so I wouldn't expect him to ask people to sit down and enjoy the concert, but still ... We loved everything about our experience except for the Hollywood B Listers in front of us in row 2 who were having their own party, even trying to talk over Paul when he was introducing the song he wrote for John. I yelled SHUT UP (not normally a term I use, but they were beyond rude and I wanted to get their attention). When they continued their loud conversation, ignoring what was happening on stage, I then yelled ARROGANT JERKS! They all, immediately, sat the f down and shut their mouths for two minutes while Paul finished that song. Success, albeit a tiny one. My neck was stiff and hurting from looking through them the whole time. They just never sat down except for those two minutes. Well, thank God for small favors. More importantly, I determined nothing they could do would ruin my experience. What does anyone else think about complete disregard for those around them? Maybe they got their seats for FREE. I don't know. They certainly weren't exhibiting any care and concern for anyone else and didn't seem to want to listen to the music many times. I'm thinking next time the best seats might be first row tier up on the sides so I don't have to deal with people like this. I paid a LOT of money for 3rd row seats which apparently is just pocket change to the people in front of us who used Sir Paul's performance as background music for their party. Opinions anyone?
As we all know, who we end up sitting / standing next to at a concert is "luck of the draw". Sometimes we win...other times we don't. As far as fans standing for the entire show, I do when I'm on the floor, and personally I think it adds to the feedback that the performer looks for. You are absolutely right about the "B Listers" that are oblivious to the show. I can't understand why anyone would go to a show like that and not "get into it"! Some people are just plain rude. Your idea about the side section seats may be the answer.
-
Fan4-45years:
I don't know if this has been discussed before, but is there a code of honor regarding behavior at Paul's concerts? I know he isn't a "strictly by the books" kind of person, so I wouldn't expect him to ask people to sit down and enjoy the concert, but still ... We loved everything about our experience except for the Hollywood B Listers in front of us in row 2 who were having their own party, even trying to talk over Paul when he was introducing the song he wrote for John. I yelled SHUT UP (not normally a term I use, but they were beyond rude and I wanted to get their attention). When they continued their loud conversation, ignoring what was happening on stage, I then yelled ARROGANT JERKS! They all, immediately, sat the f down and shut their mouths for two minutes while Paul finished that song. Success, albeit a tiny one. My neck was stiff and hurting from looking through them the whole time. They just never sat down except for those two minutes. Well, thank God for small favors. More importantly, I determined nothing they could do would ruin my experience. What does anyone else think about complete disregard for those around them? Maybe they got their seats for FREE. I don't know. They certainly weren't exhibiting any care and concern for anyone else and didn't seem to want to listen to the music many times. I'm thinking next time the best seats might be first row tier up on the sides so I don't have to deal with people like this. I paid a LOT of money for 3rd row seats which apparently is just pocket change to the people in front of us who used Sir Paul's performance as background music for their party. Opinions anyone?
You have to remember that there will always be people at shows or sporting events who are there just because it is the "in" place to be that night and unfortunately they have the money to get really good seats. As for standing, most concerts I have been to the people in the first couple of rows basically stand/dance the whole night with few exceptions (slow song like "Yesterday" or "Here Today")
-
Don't plan on sitting if you get floor seats. It just isn't done at a McCartney concert. If you want or need to sit, get seats higher up. As for "arrogant jerks", or people who won't get off their damn cell phones or shut up, it seems that's just the way it is at concerts anymore. And it's only getting worse. You can only hope the seat you got has some polite people around you. But don't count on it.
-
Exactly. Everyone knows Paul's intro to "Here Today" is at least a respectful moment to one of Rock's greatest songwriter/musicians and an irreplaceably dear friend to Paul. I don't mind people standing at their seats. What made it difficult to see was when they kept putting their heads together to talk to each other, which they did quite a lot.
-
I agree with everything you say ! My biggest pet peeve the last few years is this....The free seats & the upgraded seats are better seats than us fans that have paid the big dollars for. I am not one of those fans that can go to several shows...I can only afford to go to 1 show - with the help that charge card I can make payments on ! In the last 3 summers,2 of the shows I attended were ruined by the so called fans in front of me in the second row. Last summer was the worst,Paul didn't make a stop in my state so I had to travel....so extra expenses...The four in front of us arrived in their seats already drunk,the 2 directly in front of me were on their phones most of the concert.As Paul was coming out,the chick was yelling into her phone trying to be heard,then complains to her boyfriend ,she couldn't hear what her friend said.All 4 took turns all night to get more drinks. My 2 ,when they weren't trying to talk (yell ) to each other, were taking selfies of themselves..so they kept putting their phone in my way..& they knew it too. It was just so funny to them. Ughh I don't understand why the free seats & upgrades aren't to the sides a bit. We all know most fans that pay for front row are usually on the side & these young ones get upgraded to the middle of the front.There have been a few exceptions,but for the most part this is what they do. I don't mind people standing up,I think it's expected to do that on the main floor. It's the obnoxious behavior of these non fans with the great seats that bother me. I'm pretty sure the 2 in front of me had no clue who Paul was...It was a night to get drunk & annoy everyone around them Thank God in Chicago last month,the row 2 people in front of me were Paul fans & over the moon at winning their seats ! They were fans of his for 50 years & they were having a blast with us....without being drunk !!
-
bentleysmama:
I agree with everything you say ! My biggest pet peeve the last few years is this....The free seats & the upgraded seats are better seats than us fans that have paid the big dollars for. I am not one of those fans that can go to several shows...I can only afford to go to 1 show - with the help that charge card I can make payments on ! In the last 3 summers,2 of the shows I attended were ruined by the so called fans in front of me in the second row. Last summer was the worst,Paul didn't make a stop in my state so I had to travel....so extra expenses...The four in front of us arrived in their seats already drunk,the 2 directly in front of me were on their phones most of the concert.As Paul was coming out,the chick was yelling into her phone trying to be heard,then complains to her boyfriend ,she couldn't hear what her friend said.All 4 took turns all night to get more drinks. My 2 ,when they weren't trying to talk (yell ) to each other, were taking selfies of themselves..so they kept putting their phone in my way..& they knew it too. It was just so funny to them. Ughh I don't understand why the free seats & upgrades aren't to the sides a bit. We all know most fans that pay for front row are usually on the side & these young ones get upgraded to the middle of the front.There have been a few exceptions,but for the most part this is what they do. I don't mind people standing up,I think it's expected to do that on the main floor. It's the obnoxious behavior of these non fans with the great seats that bother me. I'm pretty sure the 2 in front of me had no clue who Paul was...It was a night to get drunk & annoy everyone around them Thank God in Chicago last month,the row 2 people in front of me were Paul fans & over the moon at winning their seats ! They were fans of his for 50 years & they were having a blast with us....without being drunk !!
Right. I am happy for you that you were able to sit behind good people. The B Listers in front of us were smoking pot, but it didn't mellow them out. The one to the front and one-over right of me was drinking all night. He kept trying to dry hump his girlfriend. My husband and I wanted to tell them to get a room. The female kept moving to the front row to talk to friends and did not appear to enjoy his "affections." I don't know if I'll go to another of Paul's concerts. We had to fly out there and the whole trip wasn't cheap. But, I wanted good seats ONE time in my life and got them, so I am forever grateful.
-
I had a similar experience during a Paul concert in Anaheim a few years ago. We were on the floor, probably 15th row. The row behind us was occupied by employees of some finance/banking company, and they had all been comped. They were all in their 20s, wasted, and didn't seem that into the show. I really didn't notice them until Paul was playing "I Will", which is a quieter song. The audience was quiet except for these chattering idiots. I held my tonque for about a minute, then I turned around and just went off on them, telling them to shut the F up. That escalated into a confrontation that lasted about a minute and almost resulted in a full on fight. Needless to say, I was shook up for a little bit after that. But they DID quiet down for the rest of the concert. As far as advice goes, remember, as a last resort (or even a first one) you can always complain to an usher. That's part of their job, and you, as a paying customer (and a high paying one at that!) have the right to enjoy yourself without annoying distractions. If you complain to the ushers, and point out the rude folks, they WILL get a visit from the usher for sure. If you want to be really effective, tell the ushers that the rude people are drunk or unruly. You might be doing a huge favor for everyone around you.
-
Had the same experience re: drunk people, back in 2005 in SF. 2 guys brought their girlfriends, and the 2 girls talked and laughed at each other the entire night, oblivious to what was going on onstage, and getting drunker and louder all night. I was afraid they were going to puke right in front of me. Standing is acceptable on the field/floor. One friendly piece of advice....please try to refrain from smoking. I have nothing against pot (having done more than my share many years ago), but I really object to having the smoke drift directly in my face during a concert. I know that some people use it to "enhance" their experience, which is their choice, but please remember there are others around you that may not want the smoke affecting them, and may have breathing problems like asthma, etc. so it actually may be detrimental to them. There was a guy at the 2005 SF concert a couple rows in front of us that fired up a big ol' Bob Marley type doobie and the smoke it created looked like there was a bonfire.
-
~lady*madonna~:
Had the same experience re: drunk people, back in 2005 in SF. 2 guys brought their girlfriends, and the 2 girls talked and laughed at each other the entire night, oblivious to what was going on onstage, and getting drunker and louder all night. I was afraid they were going to puke right in front of me. Standing is acceptable on the field/floor. One friendly piece of advice....please try to refrain from smoking. I have nothing against pot (having done more than my share many years ago), but I really object to having the smoke drift directly in my face during a concert. I know that some people use it to "enhance" their experience, which is their choice, but please remember there are others around you that may not want the smoke affecting them, and may have breathing problems like asthma, etc. so it actually may be detrimental to them. There was a guy at the 2005 SF concert a couple rows in front of us that fired up a big ol' Bob Marley type doobie and the smoke it created looked like there was a bonfire.
Thank you for bringing up the smoking at a concert! People have the right to smoke, I don't have an issue with that. What I have an issue with is people who light up a cigarette in places where it is not allowed without caring about others around them. I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke and I don't want somebody who can't follow the rules of no smoking and can't go without smoking for 3 hours to ruin a very fun nightt for me!
-
DrivinFan:
Fan4-45years:
I don't know if this has been discussed before, but is there a code of honor regarding behavior at Paul's concerts? I know he isn't a "strictly by the books" kind of person, so I wouldn't expect him to ask people to sit down and enjoy the concert, but still ... We loved everything about our experience except for the Hollywood B Listers in front of us in row 2 who were having their own party, even trying to talk over Paul when he was introducing the song he wrote for John. I yelled SHUT UP (not normally a term I use, but they were beyond rude and I wanted to get their attention). When they continued their loud conversation, ignoring what was happening on stage, I then yelled ARROGANT JERKS! They all, immediately, sat the f down and shut their mouths for two minutes while Paul finished that song. Success, albeit a tiny one. My neck was stiff and hurting from looking through them the whole time. They just never sat down except for those two minutes. Well, thank God for small favors. More importantly, I determined nothing they could do would ruin my experience. What does anyone else think about complete disregard for those around them? Maybe they got their seats for FREE. I don't know. They certainly weren't exhibiting any care and concern for anyone else and didn't seem to want to listen to the music many times. I'm thinking next time the best seats might be first row tier up on the sides so I don't have to deal with people like this. I paid a LOT of money for 3rd row seats which apparently is just pocket change to the people in front of us who used Sir Paul's performance as background music for their party. Opinions anyone?
As we all know, who we end up sitting / standing next to at a concert is "luck of the draw". Sometimes we win...other times we don't. As far as fans standing for the entire show, I do when I'm on the floor, and personally I think it adds to the feedback that the performer looks for. You are absolutely right about the "B Listers" that are oblivious to the show. I can't understand why anyone would go to a show like that and not "get into it"! Some people are just plain rude. Your idea about the side section seats may be the answer.
Paul and the band feed off the audience on the floor - they really love it! don't buy floor seats if you ain't gonna participate...... and have fun,.... and let go!!!!!
-
We had a few people at the Chicago concert. One right in front of my friend apparently was a hockey family. Before the show they took turns laying on the floor by a wall where "someone" took a spill. (hockey game stuff) Then during the show...the WHOLE show the father & one of the daughters, who was maybe 10ish, kept doing this thing like barking at eachother...right in the other's face. I don't know if that is a hockey thing but OMG...they both looked ridiculous. Then there was a couple a few row behind me that were seriously making out. The reason I saw was because one of Paul's camera guys was filming them! I turned to see what he was so focused on.
: The girl had jumped up on the guy & they were standing in the aisle making out. Then when they came up for air & saw they were being filmed & that the camera guy called them over to see...OMG! They were watching the video for awhile...NOT the show. How stupid! A guy had come up the aisle to just stand there...I asked him if he needed to get in my row & he replied no. So I pointed to him when a security guy was looking & they told him to go sit down. Another person brought 2 little kids up on my side & they also told them to go sit down. What makes people think they can just stroll down to the front row? -
harleyblues:
DrivinFan:
Fan4-45years:
I don't know if this has been discussed before, but is there a code of honor regarding behavior at Paul's concerts? I know he isn't a "strictly by the books" kind of person, so I wouldn't expect him to ask people to sit down and enjoy the concert, but still ... We loved everything about our experience except for the Hollywood B Listers in front of us in row 2 who were having their own party, even trying to talk over Paul when he was introducing the song he wrote for John. I yelled SHUT UP (not normally a term I use, but they were beyond rude and I wanted to get their attention). When they continued their loud conversation, ignoring what was happening on stage, I then yelled ARROGANT JERKS! They all, immediately, sat the f down and shut their mouths for two minutes while Paul finished that song. Success, albeit a tiny one. My neck was stiff and hurting from looking through them the whole time. They just never sat down except for those two minutes. Well, thank God for small favors. More importantly, I determined nothing they could do would ruin my experience. What does anyone else think about complete disregard for those around them? Maybe they got their seats for FREE. I don't know. They certainly weren't exhibiting any care and concern for anyone else and didn't seem to want to listen to the music many times. I'm thinking next time the best seats might be first row tier up on the sides so I don't have to deal with people like this. I paid a LOT of money for 3rd row seats which apparently is just pocket change to the people in front of us who used Sir Paul's performance as background music for their party. Opinions anyone?
As we all know, who we end up sitting / standing next to at a concert is "luck of the draw". Sometimes we win...other times we don't. As far as fans standing for the entire show, I do when I'm on the floor, and personally I think it adds to the feedback that the performer looks for. You are absolutely right about the "B Listers" that are oblivious to the show. I can't understand why anyone would go to a show like that and not "get into it"! Some people are just plain rude. Your idea about the side section seats may be the answer.
Paul and the band feed off the audience on the floor - they really love it! don't buy floor seats if you ain't gonna participate...... and have fun,.... and let go!!!!!
You must not have read why their insider party was a distraction. THEY weren't participating, just feeding off each other and the pot and booze, and when Paul tried introducing his song for John, they tried to talk OVER him, completely ignoring what he was saying or the mood he intended to set.
-
Paul and the band feed off the audience on the floor - they really love it! don't buy floor seats if you ain't gonna participate...... and have fun,.... and let go!!!!!
[/quote Wow, Buying a floor seat doesn't give you the right to act crazy at the expense of others enjoying the show! If you have to sit down, it should be ok! I was at one show...STANDING & the girl next to me kept throwing her arms all over & kept hitting me...even in the face! She kept saying she was sorry but she can't control herself around Paul. ..I spent that show trying to see thru her...& she was next to me!...I guess I should have gone stand in the corner & let her be her crazy self...No Way!!!!! -
I've never been that close to Paul; my best experience for him was definitely just off the floor on the side. I would definitely concur that standing there talking to each other and ignoring the man onstage is not acceptable. And I just don't get the people who can't go two or three hours without drinks and snacks; isn't Paul "nourishing" enough?
I would say that standing the whole time is not that much to ask when you're that close, and it's probably what Paul wants so his cameras can capture the excitement. Judging by his concert videos, he does like lots of pretty young women to be seen! As a contrasting experience, I was in the third row for Elton John several months ago. Yes, there were lots of young people ahead of us (who probably didn't pay), but most of them were young gay men, and they were pretty attentive the whole time, though a few went for drinks. I don't remember any mindless chatter, and everyone did sit down occasionally. Toward the end of the show, everyone was standing up all the time, but again everyone was paying attention. I took a few photos and a few very brief videos, but only when everyone else was standing up, and I was mindful that I didn't want to block people behind me. I don't remember being unreasonably blocked (and I'm about 5' 6"). At the point where Elton came to the edge of the stage to sign memorabilia, there was a mad rush of people to the stage (not us), and then everyone was REALLY into it through the end of the encores. Very positive experience. Hearing these stories about Paul's concerts, I would definitely now think twice before sitting that close for him. -
" Omg
Ppl should releazie it's gonna be a wild party on the floor period, you get squished, ur dancing around, your seat mates usually understand, coz they're doin the same If ppl can't handle the craziness n wildness, explosive energy on the floor, in the front rows don't buy tix there,... it's a rock concert,....... some are better off watchin DVDs at home,..... Have fun,.... let ppl be unless they physically assault you than do something, I had to do that once. I just contacted security.....' Note: chronic talkining wouldn't be cool I'd say something too -
You can party without being an ANIMAL. And this is a Paul McCartney concert not some mosh pit.
although if Paul did some body surfing I bet no one would mind! -
favoritething:
I've never been that close to Paul; my best experience for him was definitely just off the floor on the side. I would definitely concur that standing there talking to each other and ignoring the man onstage is not acceptable. And I just don't get the people who can't go two or three hours without drinks and snacks; isn't Paul "nourishing" enough?
I would say that standing the whole time is not that much to ask when you're that close, and it's probably what Paul wants so his cameras can capture the excitement. Judging by his concert videos, he does like lots of pretty young women to be seen! As a contrasting experience, I was in the third row for Elton John several months ago. Yes, there were lots of young people ahead of us (who probably didn't pay), but most of them were young gay men, and they were pretty attentive the whole time, though a few went for drinks. I don't remember any mindless chatter, and everyone did sit down occasionally. Toward the end of the show, everyone was standing up all the time, but again everyone was paying attention. I took a few photos and a few very brief videos, but only when everyone else was standing up, and I was mindful that I didn't want to block people behind me. I don't remember being unreasonably blocked (and I'm about 5' 6"). At the point where Elton came to the edge of the stage to sign memorabilia, there was a mad rush of people to the stage (not us), and then everyone was REALLY into it through the end of the encores. Very positive experience. Hearing these stories about Paul's concerts, I would definitely now think twice before sitting that close for him.Thank you Favoritething. You nailed it. The person it's most disrespectful to is the entertainer. Then, to the people who sit around them.
-
oobu24:
You can party without being an ANIMAL. And this is a Paul McCartney concert not some mosh pit.
although if Paul did some body surfing I bet no one would mind!Can't you just picture that? Yes, by all means, have fun and go crazy, just watch the show is all we ask!
-
favoritething:
oobu24:
You can party without being an ANIMAL. And this is a Paul McCartney concert not some mosh pit.
although if Paul did some body surfing I bet no one would mind!Can't you just picture that? Yes, by all means, have fun and go crazy, just watch the show is all we ask!
EXACTLY
