heymisterk Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hey All, Last night, I was lucky enough to catch Wilco in Akron. (I know there are Wilco haters out there, but it was really a great show.) Anyway, I saw a fight nearly break out over tension I have seen in the past at concerts: If a person wants to stand during a good rock concert, is that rude if the person or people behind him wants to SIT during the show, thus blocking the view? I am sure many of you have seen this scenario play out before: A person or group of people are standing and watching the concert; people behind them ask them to sit down; people in front refuse; you pick the ending... I have seen this scenario play out at just about every venue with seating that isn't - obviously - standing room only or general admission. I personally think that if you can't stand and support a good band, you probably shouldn't be at the concert, or at least understand that people may want to stand up! Curious to hear your thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmis Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 When i was young i loved to stand as close to the stage as possible, dance and wave with the lighter Now, not so much, i prefere to sit down and listen, of course i´m old as hell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPguitarman Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I personnally, being short, wish everyone would sit down and enjoy the show. I've been to several shows at our local Amphitheater and it has very gradual sloping seats (not what I would call stadium seating). The people would stand for the entire show. What really irked me is most of the other people in front of them and on the other side of the theater were sitting, they had no real reason to stand. They just felt they had to stand, and of course they were tall. Me and my two sons were standing on our tip-toes to see RUSH the entire show. We tried to go further down and stand in the aisle, but the attendants wouldn't allow that. I even asked one of the attendants to ask people to sit down and she refused. I paid just as much for my tickets as other people, but that didn't matter. I support my favorite bands, and I will stand when in floor seating because the excitement level warrants it, and the floor seating chairs are usually a waste of space anyway, but to stand and block views behind you, when it is not needed, is RUDE. SIT DOWN AND ENJOY THE SHOW. I did recently go to the same venue and saw ZZ-TOP with Jeff Beck. This was a very different story, but I believe it is because the average audience age was older in general. That was a very enjoyable concert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 All decent shows in Nashville are at the Ryman. My wife has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. There is not one single wheelchair seat in the Ryman that does not have a regular seats in front of it. So when my wife and I go to see shows she gets to spend the entire time looking at someones ***. I was very nearly arrested at an acoustic Alice in Chains show there years ago when I asked a guy to sit down for just a few song so the people in wheelchairs behind him could see the show too. His response "Faq them! They got in for free! I paid $60 for this seat and I can stand if I want too!" Why morons think wheelchair seats are free I have no idea. I asked security to do something about it and they just shrugged. So I went back and and stood nose to nose with him grabbed him by the shoulders and forces him into his seat. This makes me the bad guy... Security was on me like a cop on a black kid. I will not pay to see another live show because of people standing for the entire show at the Ryman. I am disinclined to pay to see any shows at all these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Most Rock shows in the U.K are standing only, It's only the better halls that have seating, and then, in my experience the seats are cramped, uncomfortable and with very little leg room. I don't think people in the States would put up with paying £60 - £120 for the privilege of it. The last thing you need is some D**k Head standing up, waving their arms around and singing. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heymisterk Posted September 5, 2014 Author Share Posted September 5, 2014 Wow, I am surprised by the responses here! Interesting. I guess I thought of it this way: If I were the one playing the show, I would want people to be standing (if able)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I go to quite a few shows, to me I guess it depends. I prefer general admission because you can choose where you stand. When I saw John Fogerty or Bryan Adams at the Ryman I for the life of me could not understand why people need to stand especially based on the demographics. Makes just as much sense as those poeple that dance at blues gigs. One thing I do know if that show attendees are like aggressive drivers, they are regular folks otherwise but when they go to shows or are behind the wheel they feel empowered, adrenaline and testosterone pump through their veins and they feel they have rights and can do whatever the **** they want. I went to a show where a dude was whislting at ridiculous decibels and lucky for me he parked his hipster a$$ right behind me, I asked him kinldy to take it easy but he continued to do it but this time he would laugh afterwards every time, I think this is all this guy has going for him in his life, a strong whistle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy2 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 In a seated theater, take your cue from the crowd. If the majority of folks are seated then stay seated. I would not hesitate to get venue management to intervene. Either someone would be removed or I would have a refund. Now if we could only get the "singers" in the audience to put a sock in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdgm Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Most Rock shows in the U.K are standing only, It's only the better halls that have seating, and then, in my experience the seats are cramped, uncomfortable and with very little leg room. I don't think people in the States would put up with paying £60 - £120 for the privilege of it. The last thing you need is some D**k Head standing up, waving their arms around and singing. Ian Totally agree - too right! And unfortunately these days it doesn't matter if you get there early and get a place standing near the front of the stage as 2 minutes before the start you will be pushed out of the way or have your view totally obscured by some $$!!*&£! who knows that they will 9/10 times get away with throwing their weight about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
79cb750f Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I SIT!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karloff Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I like to sit. thats why I try to get balcony seats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Farnsbarns Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I'm sorry if this describes anyone here but.... Standing ovation, calling for an encore or a numb arse aside, if your standing up in a seated concert or a seated area at a concert with people behind you you're ignorant or inconsiderate, continue after being asked and you're an A hole. Buy standing tickets or go to a standing venue. If you can't get tix to those events or they don't exist accept your misfortune and either stay at home or sit the F down. It's bloody obvious some people will have chosen to sit and since that is clearly the intent of the venue those people should be able to assume they will be able to see the concert while sitting. They don't want to see your arse or smell your sweaty crotch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPguitarman Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I'm sorry if this describes anyone here but.... Standing ovation, calling for an encore or a numb arse aside, if your standing up in a seated concert or a seated area at a concert with people behind you you're ignorant or inconsiderate, continue after being asked and you're an A hole. Buy standing tickets or go to a standing venue. If you can't get tix to those events or they don't exist accept your misfortune and either stay at home or sit the F down. It's bloody obvious some people will have chosen to sit and since that is clearly the intent of the venue those people should be able to assume they will be able to see the concert while sitting. They don't want to see your arse or smell your sweaty crotch. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quapman Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I say you gotta sit your a$$ down. Unless it's standing room obviously,, but if there are chairs the intent is to sit in them and have some damn respect for the other people who also paid the admission. That said... I'm old. I like to sit. I have been to many concerts over the years. The show kinda dictates what is going to happen. If it's a predominately young crowd with a rowdy band good luck getting anyone to sit down and shame on for expecting any different from that type of show. You kinda gotta know what you're getting into when you go. But for the most part,, if there are seats, they should all have an a$$ in them. I have no problem telling those arrogant d!cks to sit down. Usually you have the backing of 10 other people around you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I was very nearly arrested at an acoustic Alice in Chains show there years ago when I asked a guy to sit down for just a few song so the people in wheelchairs behind him could see the show too. His response "Faq them! They got in for free! I paid $60 for this seat and I can stand if I want too!" Why morons think wheelchair seats are free I have no idea. I asked security to do something about it and they just shrugged. So I went back and and stood nose to nose with him grabbed him by the shoulders and forces him into his seat. This makes me the bad guy... Security was on me like a cop on a black kid. I will not pay to see another live show because of people standing for the entire show at the Ryman. I am disinclined to pay to see any shows at all these days. Welldone and Wellsaid Searcy !!! Mrs.B. & I both have medical issues that prevent us from standing for a 3 hr show....... I say shove the closest "seat stander" (that's what we've dealt with) and watch them fall like dominoes !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starpeve Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 All decent shows in Nashville are at the Ryman. My wife has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. There is not one single wheelchair seat in the Ryman that does not have a regular seats in front of it. So when my wife and I go to see shows she gets to spend the entire time looking at someones ***. I was very nearly arrested at an acoustic Alice in Chains show there years ago when I asked a guy to sit down for just a few song so the people in wheelchairs behind him could see the show too. His response "Faq them! They got in for free! I paid $60 for this seat and I can stand if I want too!" Why morons think wheelchair seats are free I have no idea. I asked security to do something about it and they just shrugged. So I went back and and stood nose to nose with him grabbed him by the shoulders and forces him into his seat. This makes me the bad guy... Security was on me like a cop on a black kid. I will not pay to see another live show because of people standing for the entire show at the Ryman. I am disinclined to pay to see any shows at all these days. Searcy, the world is full of pricks like that. I for one would have been standing right beside you when you dealt with that one . Sometimes you have no options other than your response. Good on you. Sorry that live shows have been ruined for you, I hope that changes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 It always depends on who I'm seeing and the circumstances at the venue. Also depends on how much alcohol I've drank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heymisterk Posted September 6, 2014 Author Share Posted September 6, 2014 I am going to disagree with most of you. Obviously there are exceptions for venue, seating, special circumstances, etc. But honestly, if I am at a good rock show and it's a great song, and I am standing, and the person behind me asks me to sit down, I am likely to tell him to stand up. A good concert should be ripe with energy, admiration, and - yes - a bit of standing up and swinging with the music. A couple of years ago, I went to two Pearl Jam shows two consecutive nights in two different cities. The first night, everyone was on their feet and really into it. And Pearl Jam played great. The second night, I was a bit embarrassed for the audience: With the exception of the front section which was standing room, PJ may as well have been playing to a funeral home. They were good, but there was not nearly the audience interaction as the night before. And one less encore as well. Get up, stand up... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Don't get me wrong, I've stood through many shows. Some have been sit down kind-of-shows. Nothing wrong with the music, performance, performer, or audience. I'll explain a littler later. Right now my son's telling me to get my *** to the ping-pong table for a game. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimi Mac Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 I think it's rude to stand in front of people who are sitting in the seats they paid their tickets for... When I was young the local Civic Center was the stadium of choice for larger shows. When I saw The Kinks there in'82 the floor (basketball court/hockey rink) was where the general admission ticket holders went to stand and dance to their hearts content and that didn't interfere with those that wanted to sit in the stadium seating in the arena whatsoever. But I would never stand up in a seating area at a concert, to me that is evidence of possession of an extra chromosome. It's just wrong unless the entire section is standing for some reason... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 I'm pushing 60, I'll be 59 in a week and a half… Now I prefer to sit at a concert. I go to hear the music, not dance to it. I do that at home in my under ware…. That doesn't mean I won't stand if at some point the crowd gets all worked up and stands or during an oncour... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Oh, geez, I didn't see anything. The guy kept standing up and the next thing you know he had a bunch of footprints on his back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingfrets Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 September of '87, the wife, one of my assistant managers, his wife & I got 4th row center tickets for Clapton at the Philadelphia Spectrum. He was on the "Crossroads" tour with Mark Knopfler so we were expecting a great show. Yeah, I get folks want to stand and I can live with that to a point...and as long as it isn't the whole damned show. Making matters worse that night was the fact that a...uhh...rather LARGE man seated immediately in front of us decided that standing wasn't enough - he had to stand on his chair. I asked him several times to please either sit or at least get off the chair. I reminded him that we'd paid for our seats too and wanted to see the show. He barked back, "yeah well that's tough because so did I" or something to that effect. My co-worker finally told him, "Look a$$hole, he ASKED you to sit. I'm TELLING you. GET OFF THE CHAIR." The belligerent S.O.B. flipped us off and kept shaking his butt in our faces. About 10 minutes later, my buddy got waaaay down in his seat, took aim and kicked the bastard square in the pants. Of course he went down and took 3 or 4 others with him. Security came down and wanted to know what happened. We told him the guy was clearly drunk (true) and had been jumping on his chair (slight exaggeration) and as far as we could tell, the chair just gave out (they were just folding chairs on the main floor). That seemed to satisfy them and he was escorted to the medical facilities. Don't know what became of him. He wasn't seriously hurt, but we didn't see him again. The show was incredible after that. Been to plenty of SRO shows over the years, but you know what you're getting into when you buy the tickets. That's why I haven't done so in at least 20 years. If I pay for a SEAT, I want to be able to use it without causing a riot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances50 Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 September of '87, the wife, one of my assistant managers, his wife & I got 4th row center tickets for Clapton at the Philadelphia Spectrum. He was on the "Crossroads" tour with Mark Knopfler so we were expecting a great show. Yeah, I get folks want to stand and I can live with that to a point...and as long as it isn't the whole damned show. Making matters worse that night was the fact that a...uhh...rather LARGE man seated immediately in front of us decided that standing wasn't enough - he had to stand on his chair. I asked him several times to please either sit or at least get off the chair. I reminded him that we'd paid for our seats too and wanted to see the show. He barked back, "yeah well that's tough because so did I" or something to that effect. My co-worker finally told him, "Look a$hole, he ASKED you to sit. I'm TELLING you. GET OFF THE CHAIR." The belligerent S.O.B. flipped us off and kept shaking his butt in our faces. About 10 minutes later, my buddy got waaaay down in his seat, took aim and kicked the bastard square in the pants. Of course he went down and took 3 or 4 others with him. Security came down and wanted to know what happened. We told him the guy was clearly drunk (true) and had been jumping on his chair (slight exaggeration) and as far as we could tell, the chair just gave out (they were just folding chairs on the main floor). That seemed to satisfy them and he was escorted to the medical facilities. Don't know what became of him. He wasn't seriously hurt, but we didn't see him again. The show was incredible after that. Been to plenty of SRO shows over the years, but you know what you're getting into when you buy the tickets. That's why I haven't done so in at least 20 years. If I pay for a SEAT, I want to be able to use it without causing a riot. That is one of the funniest stories I have ever heard. I laughed so hard. Wonderful story to start my Saturday off. Bravo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 That is one of the funniest stories I have ever heard. I laughed so hard. Wonderful story to start my Saturday off. Bravo! I go to a loy of concerts and have watched this happen time and time again..I too think it is rude to stand and block the people behind you, I mean they paid as much as you in most cases..my rule of thumb is I will not stand unless the people in front of me stand , When they sit I do as well. The exception is after certain songs or at times when they are getting a standing ovation I will stand briefly. I think you see more of the selfishness now days, people really do not consider the feelings of others as much...too bad. Also I will add that there are times when people want to stand the whole show and I just can not do it anymore due to age and health problems so there are times when I see nothing of what is going on...One of my biggest pet-peeves is people who go just to say they went because it is the happening of the night..Those people go and talk/yelling over the music the whole concert..really ticks me off because I go to hear the music if you want to socialize go somewhere else why ruin it for everyone around you, once again selfishness..Just my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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