Articles
Gig Etiquette
by Jen on 11 March 2004. Read 394 times.
[Note from Dan: Sorry it took so long to go up, it was meant for other things..]
It’s a frosty, bleak Friday afternoon in London, with a chill in the air I attempt to keep warm by writing. I’ve just been reading the most recent Rancid News, an all girl issue featuring the likes of Pretty Girls Make Graves, Walls of Jericho, F Minus, Tsunami Bomb and The Mingers. Before we get started, I’d like to state a few things – firstly, I’m not a writer. This is my first ever column. Secondly – it’s not a feminist piece either. But having read the all girl issue of Rancid News, a reoccurring theme kept coming to me of equality and respect, two things that I value highly in my run of the mill life.
Anyone who knows me will know that I’m a big fan of manners. I’m a firm believer in politeness to people who work thankless jobs. Manners and politeness are two things that have been drummed into me by my Irish Catholic upbringing and despite having possibly the foulest mouth going for a girl, you can bet I’ll always say please, thank you and excuse me.
Ah! Now there’s a word you don’t hear very often now days – Excuse me. It seems
Barging past people is a perfectly acceptable way to behave. It happens everywhere from the busy streets of London to some of my favourite venues.
Which leads me to write about a major pet peeve of mine: a lack of respect and regard for other people at shows. I don’t mean to piss on anyone’s parade. By all means, have a good time but respect other people.
The immortal line Treat others how you wish to be treated has to be uttered, and dam my catholic upbringing for making me say it.
I know Buddyhead.com has a list of ways to behave at shows. And rightly so, if anyone reading this would like to check them out – not only will you learn something you might have a laugh too.
But in the interests of giving this column a point, I’ll give you my opinion. That is, of course, the whole point behind me writing this.
1.
I may have mentioned it before whilst I’ve been ranting but if you want to get past someone in a venue, you do not barge past, you say excuse me. 2 words that don’t hurt anyone and leave the mouth with the greatest of ease. But with some people today, you’d think those words were an infectious disease!
2.
Look out for each other! I really cannot stress that enough. If someone falls down, pick them up, they won’t bite. Don’t worry about how you look, because believe me no ones looking at you and you’re precious “oh so underground” band t-shirt – they’re all watching the band.
3.
Sort of ties into the last one, but if you do insist on “crowd surfing” watch what you’re doing. No one appreciates a kick in the head. Incase you hadn’t noticed – everyone’s facing forward, and can’t see what’s coming from behind – you’re going to take them by surprise and probably end up hurting someone. If it can be avoided, don’t do it at all. But if you are going to do it – once or twice is acceptable, 4 or 5 is a tad excessive.
4.
Don’t take some “punker then thou” attitude. Just because you “look the part” with your piercings, tattoos, studs and DMs doesn’t give you some sort of status. Everyone is there for the same reasons so don’t act like you’re above anyone else because plainly and simply, you’re not.
5.
Please don’t wear the t-shirt of the band you’re seeing to the show. I really do hate that.
6.
If you see someone selling merch outside the venue for a few quid cheaper then the official stuff is – do not buy it. The band have worked long and hard to get where they are, far too long and hard to be ripped off by the likes of you.
There’s just a few things I had to get off my chest – there’s probably more but I don’t want to have my first column making me sound like some preachy bitch. Because I’m not, I’ve just got a big mouth and I’m a bit too opinionated.
But I do have to say this, because it’s been grating on me for some time when I go to shows and see “scenesters” dressed up
Fuck your fashions, fuck being fashionXcore, fuck your precious hair and converse – everyone has them you’re not being individual.
When the fuck did the “scene” become about a points system? Last time I checked – the “scene” was about seeing and supporting the bands, putting shows on, reading zines – but obviously I’m pretty behind the times. fuck the cliques
Fuck the over sized shows and the fucking promoters who are in it for the money, fuck booking fees, - I don’t want to sound like an elitist – But keep it underground for fuck sakes! That way everyones a winner – the only people who should be making money from the band – ARE THE BAND MEMBERS! Sometimes they travel hundreds of miles to play a show – to get their music out there for the people who want to hear it but end up being ripped off – and it’s not fucking fair.
Fuck Kerrang and NME for trying to jump on a bandwagon – People should be out there reading smaller Zines – Artcore, Everything Falls Apart, Rancid News, 12 o 5, Water Into Beer, In It On It, Slug and Lettuce, Pandamonium, Playdead.
I’ll probably rant some more later on…
Jen, fantabulous_hullaballoo@hotmail.com