Concert Etiquette: A Guide for First-Time Live Music Goers

Your first concert can be overwhelming. The crowds, the volume, the energy—it's a lot to take in. As someone who's attended hundreds of shows across every genre, here's my guide to being a great audience member.

Before the Show

Arrive early: Opening acts deserve respect, and you'll get a better spot. Plus, you might discover your new favorite band.

Dress appropriately: Check the venue and genre. A metal show calls for different attire than a jazz club. Comfortable shoes are always a good idea—you'll be standing for hours.

Eat beforehand: Concert food is expensive and lines are long. Have a proper meal before you arrive.

During the Performance

Put your phone away (mostly): A few photos or a short video clip is fine. Recording entire songs or watching the show through your screen is not. You're missing the experience, and your phone is blocking others' views.

Be aware of your surroundings: If you're tall, don't push to the front. If you're in the pit, expect to get bumped. If someone falls, help them up.

Don't talk during quiet moments: Save conversations for between songs. The people around you paid to hear the music, not your commentary.

Respect personal space: Concerts are crowded, but that doesn't mean you should push, shove, or invade others' space unnecessarily.

Genre-Specific Notes

Rock/Metal shows: Moshing is expected in certain areas. If you don't want to participate, stay toward the edges. If you do participate, don't throw punches—it's about energy, not violence.

Jazz/Classical: Applause typically comes at the end of pieces, not between movements. When in doubt, wait for others to clap first.

Electronic/Dance: The crowd is part of the show. Dance, move, and enjoy the collective energy.

After the Show

Don't rush the exit: Thousands of people are trying to leave at once. Be patient.

Support the artist: Buy merchandise if you can. It's often how musicians actually make money.

Protect your hearing: If your ears are ringing, you've done damage. Consider earplugs for future shows—they make ones specifically for concerts that reduce volume without killing sound quality.

The Golden Rule

Remember that everyone around you is there for the same reason: to enjoy live music. Be the kind of audience member you'd want standing next to you.

See you at the show!