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How Not To Be A Jerk At A Concert

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 2, 2013 7:00PM

Here we are at the cusp of another massive concert and we're reminded of the many things that bother us about going to concerts. There's the heat, the dirt, the smell, but mostly it's the people. Seriously, people can just ruin everything. Every one has their own way of enjoying a concert. Some people dance, some sing along, some stand still and nod their head while trying to appear super cool. We're not saying those are the wrong things to do. We're just saying, there is a way to be a bit more considerate to your fellow music lovers. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're rocking out this weekend.

I think it goes without saying that recording the entire show on your phone ergo forcing whoever is standing behind you to watch the whole thing through the screen of your iPhone is a general annoyance. Quick pics are fine but once it surpasses Instagram video length, it's time to shut it down. —Katie Karpowicz

On the subject of photos: turn off the flash, especially on smartphones, and don't use a digital zoom. They don't help. In fact, they make your photos look worse with a washed out area near where the flash is located and a ghost blur you hope looks like Patti Smith. If you're going to take photos, get near the front of the stage, be polite and be patient and you'll get the shot you want. Unless you're at a Prince concert; then you put the phone away. —Chuck Sudo

If you want an encore, cheer for it. You don't have to tear down the house, but some applause at least is warranted, instead of standing with your arms crossed like you're waiting for a bus. The encore has become way too perfunctory. —Chris Bentley

If you're gonna make out at the show, do it in a dark corner or something, not while bumping/rubbing on the people next to you in the crowd. —Michelle Meywes

Not to be all killjoy, I think there's only so far and wide you can dance in a tight crowd, i.e. not very. And you shouldn't dance with your elbows flailing all stripper-style and nearly poke my eye out. —Melissa Wiley

I have a big issue with hula hoops in tight spaces. —Samantha Abernethy

I've found that at standing-room only venues bigger a couple hundred capacity, say anything larger than Lincoln Hall, folks are generally much more comfortable being rude/inconsiderate (shoving for a better spot/view, general shit talking, etc). Crowds at seated venues like the Vic or Chicago Theatre have been less likely to exhibit this sort of behavior, since you're more or less stuck with the folks immediately surrounding you. Long story short, people at bigger shows are more likely to be shit heads. —Matt Byrne

I'm a tall dude so I always feel bad that I might be blocking someone's view. But hey, I want to see the show too. However a tall dude that pushes to the front of the crowd and decides to block everyone's view is just being a jerk. Tall people, we can see from vantage points others can't so keep that in mind next time you stand in fron the of Manic Pixie Dream Girl that's been standing at the front of the stage since the venue doors opened. —Jim Kopeny / Tankboy

Crowdsurfers who start from the back - you're doing it wrong. —Aaron Cynic

I've noticed more and more that people at outdoor concerts insist on trying to talk over the band playing. It's cool if you're clearly standing away from the stage and not concerned with the band but why try to get in the thick of the crowd if you're just going to talk through the entire show? —Katie Karpowicz

Shut the fuck up. I didn't come here to listen to you talk about your boyfriend or whatever. —Kevin Robinson