Don't Be a Dick, Rock Politely
By Julene McCoy in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 8, 2006 3:53PM
The long, cold winter is over and that means more people out and about enjoying the many street fairs, concerts, and birthday parties that Chicago has to offer. We’ve been known to enjoy ourselves at these events, but we also know that we are NOT the only people out there trying to have fun.
Recently, Thax reminded us that what some believe to be their right to do whatever they want can actually hurt others. Now, every situation is different (think CSO vs. Clusterfest), but good manners never hurt anyone. (We are aware that our readers at Chicagoist are not the ones who are causing these problems, because you, dear readers, are perfect! So pass this along to that jerk in the next cubicle.)
Arriving on time for a show actually alleviates any unnecessary pushing and shoving to get to the front of the stage, which is one of the biggest irritations cited by concert goers. Remember that “excuse me” and “thank you” go a long way when trying to navigate a crowd. If it’s impossible to avoid being late, enjoy the show from a distance. It is about the music, not how close one can get to the performer. If the show has assigned seating, sit in the correct seat.
Which brings us to another faux pas – being overserved. It can cause one to talk loudly through a show, pass out on the stairs, spill drinks on people, run into others, and generally be an ass. Overindulgence applies to other chemicals, too. The goal of any concert is not to forget what happened, but to experience the event.
More on drinking at venues, throw away empty containers in the proper receptacles. There is nothing funny about breaking an ankle on a loose beer bottle or stepping in the dregs of beer that spill out of a cup tossed to the ground. This applies doubly to outdoor festivals – no one wants to look across Chicago’s beautiful parks and see an ocean of litter.
With the smoking ban now in effect across Chicago, inadvertent cigarette burning has become less of a problem, but at Clusterfest be sure to be observant of others and step away from the crowds to have a cancer stick. Nothing stops fun like burning flesh.
Chatting it up at a show, if it has to happen, should occur away from the crowd or between bands. This includes calling up friends who aren’t there to let them know that they are missing the best show ever, dude. They don’t care or else they would have come along.
Taking pictures should be kept to a minimum, because the flash is distracting to both the performers and those watching. Learn how to use cameras without the flash since it’s less disturbing. Here are a couple places that give tips on concert photography.
Each gender has some actions that can be infuriating at concerts. Gentlemen, we know it can get hot, but please keep the shirts on when in the pit. There is nothing grosser than being slimed by a sweaty man. And, ladies, get in and get out of the bathroom! It is not a place to redo the makeup and hair, hang out, have sex, or do drugs. It’s a place to relieve the bladder. We wait in long enough lines for that place already.
Everyone has differing needs for their personal space and a little respect for that space goes a long, long way. It goes without saying that groping people or ripping their clothes off ala Woodstock ’99 is completely unnecessary, rude, and illegal – so don’t do it, people.
It’s all about having fun, and if you’re acting like an asshole that cutie next to you will NEVER answer that Craigslist Missed Connection. There are many more tips on how to be courteous, but these are just a few as a reminder. Oh yeah, don’t yell out “Freebird”, please.