Concert etiquette

Since the global pandemic has subsided, we are witnessing a resurgence of live performances in stadiums and arenas. Our country is frequently considered a stop for international artists. Attending concerts offers a unique experience, allowing fans to be in the same room with performers they have previously only seen on television or online. These performances unfold right before our eyes, accompanied by fellow fans who share a passion for the same artist.

However, concert etiquette seems to be slipping. At a recent concert I attended in Cebu, I found myself tiptoeing for almost two hours just to catch a glimpse of LANY's frontman, Paul Klein, as he sang his hits. I felt like a giraffe, craning my neck to see him perform. My frustration stemmed not from the sheer volume of people attending but from the incessant habit of raising cellphones to record videos. Those in front of me seemed determined to document every moment of the concert, which made me feel as though they were missing out on the experience --singing and dancing along to the music.

In an instant, everyone transformed into a content creator, eager to capture the memory of that rare night featuring an international artist. There were more phones raised in the air than hands ready to engage with the performance. When the artist played a dance track, he commented on how the crowd failed to move to the rhythm. Most attendees had their heads bent down, focusing on their phones, aiming to document the performance rather than enjoying it.

While capturing memories is certainly valuable, especially those that cannot be repeated for years, there should be a certain etiquette when attending events like these. The concert experience can become overshadowed by issues such as scalping, where individuals resell tickets at inflated prices. These scalpers often buy as many tickets as possible, only to resell them to desperate fans. I found myself in this situation when I had to purchase a ticket for my husband; I ended up paying an extra thousand pesos above the original price.

Artists create memories and songs that often heal our souls. We groove to their music because it resonates with us during both our low points and our highs. The least we can do is respect their craft by being considerate of fellow attendees who have also invested significant amounts to be there. Some fans even travel from distant areas just to see their favorite artists perform live. It is disheartening to witness individuals taking advantage of such devoted fans.

Moreover, concert organizers have a responsibility to regulate ticket sales to ensure that only those whose names appear on the tickets can attend. They should also enforce proper decorum to provide everyone with a memorable experience. During my visit, we were nearly caught in a stampede due to their failure to organize the queue properly. I sincerely hope that artists continue to visit our country and that we can collectively improve the concert-going experience. By fostering a culture of respect and enjoyment, we can ensure that both fans and artists have the memorable experiences they deserve.