I am addicted to live music.
Concerts: A smoke filled room crowded with people of all ages gathered to support their favorite bands, lights dimmed and colored to accentuate the mood, some random background music playing while the opening band has another beer. Friends pontificating about the meaning of the latest in trendy concept albums such as The Flaming Lips’ Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, dirty converse low tops squeaking to the sticky cigarette stained floor, and finally, the lights black out, the crowd cheers, and the music begins.
Clearly, music is only one of many features that venues have to offer with concerts. The crowd, the ambience, the opener, these are the things that make concerts great. Maybe I’m a concert snob, but it’s the truth.
After living in New York City my entire life, frequenting the local clubs, taking trips around the eastern seaboard when shows in the city sold out, and scalping tickets on E-bay because if it isn’t the floor it isn’t the act, I consider myself experienced when it comes to shows. From Bob Dylan playing the solo of “Like a Rolling Stone” right in front of me, to witnessing no name bands beginning their rise to power at a hole-in-the-wall bar in SoHo, I’ve seen it all.
Since arriving in Madison, I’ve seen a few shows, mostly cover bands playing at MU during welcome week. And if I can, I’d like to offer some tips on how to rock out.
A band is only as good as the crowd. So if you are at the show already, have a good time. Get into the music and dance. It makes a big difference to the performers if the crowd is moving and not just standing bobbing their heads or pumping their arms in the air. Get your groove on or get a seat.
It’s a concert, not a fashion show. Don’t come with six-inch heels or sporting whatever clothing is associated with that band. Generally, wearing the same clothing that you wore during the day to class is what you should wear to a show.
Be comfortable and try not to fit a profile — I can’t stand it when I go to Emo shows and see every guy dressed like Rivers Cuomo and every girl looking like they haven’t showered in a week. And wearing the band’s shirt is about as cool as a boner in sweatpants. Everyone knows you like the band; you’re at their freaking show.
If it isn’t metal, don’t mosh. I was at a Mighty Mighty Bosstones show, and because all these pseudo-punks think you can mosh to just about anything, even pretty mellow ska, I ended up on the floor with a concussion.
If you do mosh, it’s about community, not kicking the crap out of the person next to you. If someone goes down in the pit, pick him up and then continue doing your thing, but really, try taking care of each other.
To quote Billy Corgan, “When it’s [moshing] on the new Offspring video and Miller Light commercials, it isn’t cool.”
Be cool. This generally involves not giving flak to people who are smoking, not arguing with people about whether Clapton or Page is a better guitarist, and not spilling your beer all over someone.
Help people enjoy the show. Make jokes, talk, and work your swerve. Everyone will have a much better time and you’ll make me a little less homesick.
