Concert Etiquette

Tips to prepare for the crowd experience at Ferris Fest next weekend

Ferris Fest is right around the corner, and you can feel the excitement buzzing in the air on campus as the weather warms up.

However, you can’t just go to a show. There is a general consensus amongst respectable show goers on how to act appropriately while still having a blast.

With most concerts come the undying urge to mosh your punk little heart out.   While moshing is good and great, you can’t just run around flailing your fists everywhere. There is somewhat of a structure.

Most importantly, if someone falls to the ground during a mosh, help them up. Don’t be rude as hell and just let them get trampled. What if that were you?

Moshing doesn’t exist because we all hate each other. It’s just a way to get all of that excitement and adrenaline out of our bodies.

That being said, don’t be the asshole that is shoving people to the ground either. I understand you’re all hyped, but have some respect.

One of the most important aspects of the concert atmosphere that more people need to master is the art of crowd surfing.

Crowd surfing sounds like a great time, but you have to be mindful of the people beneath you.

Don’t start climbing on random strangers because you desperately want to get in the air and be carried closer to the artist. That’s annoying as hell.

Get a couple strong dudes, and ask their permission to hoist you up. When you do get up there, try to pick your feet up as much as you can so you aren’t kicking innocent people in the head. That shit hurts.

Between songs, there is usually a few minutes delay where people start moving around to go get drinks or food or run to the bathroom. This is also a perfect time to go have a smoke.

Seriously, if you smoke, whether cigarettes or weed, go away from the crowd to do it. There are regulations that force people to smoke tobacco at least 25 feet away from a building so as not to disturb those around you, and the same should apply for marijuana. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone around you wants a contact buzz.

During this lull between songs, I’ve also found that people like to throw their beer everywhere. I don’t know what it is, but the concert culture has gotten ridiculously out of control or I’m getting old. Have a little respect for each other.

I get it. We’re having a great time, we’re all pumped as hell, but that doesn’t mean we’re all as trashed as you are and want to smell like warm beer for the rest of the night.

That’s just disrespectful, throwing your drink all over random strangers around you. Don’t act like a complete animal.

Honestly, the central lesson around concert etiquette is just to have some respect. Everyone is there to have a great time, so don’t ruin it for those around you by not having control of yourself.

Trust me, shows are a lot more fun when the whole crowd is just feeling the feels and taking in the experience together.