Concert etiquette 101: The do's and dont's of being a good concertgoer

While Barangan has already apologized, she is just one of the many attendees who did this during Rodrigo's much-awaited show, sparking heated discussions online on the proper etiquette that one should follow during concerts.

PhilSTAR L!fe spoke with concert organizers and attendees alike on some do's and don'ts that one should keep in mind when attending these kinds of events to help you avoid becoming a nuisance to other audience members.

The Do's

Do record a show, but be mindful

The use of gadgets during concerts is something that's probably never going to go away, as fans need to have a keepsake of the moment through pictures and videos.

Kevin Pableo, the founder of Manila Concert Scene, highlighted that while you can use your gadgets to capture memories, you must not record the whole show.

"Make sure na to shoot or record a clip in eye level only, hindi 'yung sobrang taas ng kamay tapos sa kabilang kamay naman, lightstick," noted Pableo, who has has watched 910 shows since 2006.

Do set your expectations

Another thing to keep in mind according to Pableo is to be at the venue early to avoid the trouble of having to go through long lines.

For Thea Magueriano, who is an avid fan of K-pop and concerts, you must check social media sites before the concert for updates within the fandom.

"Sometimes they give some freebies and do small projects during the concert," she said.

Another thing to do is to read what's on the free banner they give out during concerts, if they have, as there are fan project instructions at the back. "Oftentimes people end up forgetting about it," Magueriano said.

Do enjoy, but be conscious

At the end of the day, concerts are there to put a smile on your face, which is why you shouldn't hesitate to enjoy every second of it.

"Do everything that you can to enjoy the concert: dance, groove, sing-along. Attending concerts is a way to forget about life’s demands so enjoy to your heart’s content," concertgoers Mheryll Alforte, who attended shows of the likes of BIGBANG and GOT7, said.

Nevertheless, you should try not to let loose too much as Pableo noted the importance of respecting other fans and being friendly with them.

Magueriano echoed the same in that you must be "conscious or aware of how people around you might feel about your actions."

The Don't's

Don't block the view

There's nothing more irritating than not having to enjoy watching your idols slay on the stage because your view is obstructed by the person in front, especially since concert tickets don't just fall from the sky.

Pableo warned against bringing huge signages as well as standing on your chair as these can block other audience members' views.

Magueriano also pointed out how putting your items on the railings if you're seated in front of them can also block the view.

Don't stand in seated sections

Concerts are generally divided into standing and seated sections. If you're in the seated section, try to avoid standing for most of the show.

"We get that people can get too excited during concerts, but some people purchased a seated spot for a reason. They don't want the hassle of standing at the VIP section, so why bring them something they tried to avoid?" Magueriano said.

"Sure, it’s a concert and it can make you groovy and bust a move, but you and many others chose the seating section for a reason: for comfort and convenience," Alforte echoed. "Standing up in the seating section would make the other attendees behind you have a less enjoyable experience"

However, Carat Land Philippines, a local fanbase of volunteers for SEVENTEEN, noted in a 2022 reminder that artists sometimes request audience members, including those in the seated section, to stand. This is the time when it's okay to do this.

Don't use flash on your phones

As much as we'd like our photos and videos to clearly capture our favorite moments during the concert, using the flash feature can also affect those nearby you in an unpleasant way.

"Excessive use of camera flash in concerts, even as the photographer of the show, is not allowed in concerts. I think that's the unwritten rule talaga and it’s also included in some house rules in every show," Pableo emphasized.

Alforte reasoned that since concert venues are dimly-lit, any form of flash is "like a spotlight" and it can be really distracting not only the performers but also the people around you.

Magueriano warned, "Some people have astigmatism or photophobia and experience irritations when it comes to light exposure."

Don't be unruly

While concerts are safe places to belt your lungs out to all your favorite songs, there is such a thing as being rowdy to the point that you are being a bother to others.

Pableo spoke up against being talkative during the show and being unruly which can cause trouble.

Importance of proper etiquette

Concerts are a collective experience, which is why every attendee is expected to practice proper etiquette. In Pableo's words, "It's just a matter of consideration with other fans and respect."

Alforte highlighted that doing this "enhances the enjoyment for all attendees, leading to a shared experience. By being mindful of your behavior, other fans or concertgoers can help create a joyful atmosphere that allows everyone to make lasting memories."

"As a fan attending a concert with a community who loves the same artists, we also want others to have their 'concert to remember.' The concert tickets might cost a lot but being mindful's free. I just hope all concertgoers would get a hold of that," Magueriano said.