Since live music’s grand return, concert etiquette has become a hot topic of debate. It seems that an unfortunate portion of the newest generation of concert-goers have no idea how to act, and show no intention of learning. Instead, a sort of sick, individualistic, TikTok-fueled “main character syndrome” energy has been instilled, with people behaving with little to no regard for others around them — which is a huge shame. The beauty of live music comes from its connective power — the fact that for a couple of hours a diverse and traveled crowd can come together, forget their outside issues and enter a musical world specially crafted by the performing artist.

As Boston’s students settle back into the city and much-loved artists like boygenius, TV Girl and Playboi Carti make their stops, be sure to keep these tips in mind so that you and your fellow fans can have the best possible time.

DO:

  • Watch out for other people: General admission pits can get pretty brutal — especially for those who lined up extra early for their close spot and are now fighting to get any fresh air while being crushed against the barricade. So if you see someone faint in the pit, or just seem like they need help, do your best to get either the venue security or even the performer’s attention.
  • Support the openers! It doesn’t matter if you’re unfamiliar with their music, singing on stage in front of thousands of people is a vulnerable act, so the least you can do is stand and engage with their performance.
  • Put that phone away! In this modern age, it’s unavoidable that when you see your favorite artist, one of your first thoughts might be to record it, for both memories and your Instagram story’s sake. But are you really at the gig if you’re watching the entire show through your phone camera? Of course you can record your favorite song and snippets to remember the night, but for the most part try to remember to live in the moment.
  • Stay hydrated: You’re going to get thirsty, whether you lined up before the doors opened, or you’ve just been singing and dancing along to the music. Make sure to stop by the bar for a can of Liquid Death, then go right back to having a great time.

DON’T:

  • Bring large signs: Of course it’s an exciting thought that the performer might notice and call out your sign during the show, but not at the expense of blocking the view of the people behind you. Keep your sign to a small to medium size and only hold it up for brief snippets of time. 
  • Throw things at the artist: There’s been an uptick in this happening to various artists — from Bebe Rexha to Harry Styles — with the unfortunate consequence of them getting hit in the face. Performers deserve to feel respected and safe while on stage, not like a zoo animal on display. If you really loved the artist, you wouldn’t want to harm them. 
  • Be rude to security: It’s just common sense to not be rude to people who are trying to do their job.
  • Film other concert-goers: Perhaps this is purely a TikTok-created consequence, but the number of viral videos simply shaming others for singing loudly, sitting down, or even their outfits is just downright rude and embarrassing. Concerts are a sacred environment, and people have different ways of enjoying them. Everyone with a ticket has the same right to be there as you, so for the most part just mind your own business and have fun.