Audience Etiquette: What You Need to Know Before the Show Starts

When you go to a concert, a live music event where performers and fans share energy in real time. Also known as a live music performance, it’s not just about the songs—it’s about the shared moment. But that moment only works if everyone follows the same basic rules. Audience etiquette, the unspoken code of conduct for concertgoers isn’t about being stiff or silent. It’s about respecting the artist, the people around you, and the space you’re all in.

Think about it: you paid for a ticket to feel something real—the roar of a crowd, the raw voice of a singer, the bass shaking your chest. Now imagine someone in front of you filming the whole thing on their phone, blocking your view. Or someone yelling for a song the band hasn’t played in 15 years. Or a group of people dancing so hard they knock over the person behind them. These aren’t just annoyances—they break the connection that makes live music special. Concert behavior, how fans act during a live show affects everyone’s experience, including the performers. Artists notice when a crowd is loud but respectful. They notice when people sing along, when they put their phones away, when they help someone who fell. That energy comes back to them—and it comes back to you.

It’s not rocket science. Keep your phone in your pocket unless you’re taking a quick photo during a quiet moment. Don’t stand up in front of someone shorter unless you’re in a festival pit. Don’t shout requests unless it’s a well-known tradition at that venue. Don’t push, shove, or crowd others. If you’re drunk, be extra careful—you’re not the center of the show. And if you see someone getting overwhelmed, help them. Live music manners, the simple acts of consideration that make concerts enjoyable for all are about awareness, not perfection.

You’ll find posts here that dig into what happens when these rules break down—like when fans livestream without permission, or when VIP ticket holders forget they’re still part of the crowd. Some stories are funny, some are frustrating, but they all point to one truth: concerts aren’t just performances. They’re shared spaces. And the best ones happen when everyone plays their part. Whether you’re at a tiny club or a stadium, the same rules apply. You’re here to feel something. Don’t let bad habits steal that from you—or from someone else.