Etiquette expert reveals dos and don’ts at gigs
- last year
An etiquette expert has revealed the dos and don’ts of gigs - and said sitting on a pal's shoulders is "just rude" and says you should never sing too loudly.
Jackie Vernon-Thompson, 52, has been an etiquette expert since 2000, and says there are rules people should “always” follow at live shows.
She believes people should be as early as they can, look up the venue well in advance - and “absolutely no loud singing”.
Jackie, a realtor from Sunrise, Florida, US, says: “The most important thing is to be cognisant - enjoy yourself and have the best time, but be mindful of others around you.
“Before attending the concert, make sure you look at the layout of the venue first.
"Get organised and be in the know, so you’re not scrabbling around and looking for your seat on the day.
“With that in mind - make sure you’re early, even if you’re in an assigned seat. This will help you to avoid pushing other people and squeezing to get past.”
One of Jackie’s biggest rules is to totally avoid getting on a pal's shoulders during a concert.
She said: “People are standing behind you - don’t block their view by getting on someone’s shoulders, wearing large or tall hats!
“It is just rude.”
Being considerate of the fact that people have paid for tickets makes a big difference, according to Jackie.
“Don’t start singing over the artist, or band - the people around you have paid to be there, sometimes a lot of money.
“It’s okay to sing along, but when you’re drowning out the artist, it could spark conflict.
“Someone could ask you to calm down, and the last thing you want is an argument.
“In the same vein, don’t start having conversations across each other - loud or lengthy conversations while an artist is playing wouldn’t be fair to the others around you.”
The etiquette expert says that people should be mindful of what their own body is doing during a show - including kicking other people, shoving and singing in someone’s face.
Jackie added: “Keep your feet on the floor. Don’t, under any circumstances, rest them on the seat in front of you - not on the headrest, not on the armrest, not on the back of the chair.
“Don’t push all the way to the front - it’s not that serious. Just remain exactly where you are and have a good time!
“Hygiene is incredibly important, too. Make sure you’re showering, applying deodorant, brushing your teeth and chewing gum before going to watch a concert.
“You’re going to be in close proximity to people - sometimes singing, or cheering in someone’s face is unavoidable. You’ll also be raising your arms a lot.
“Make sure you’re making it a pleasant experience for everyone else. Keep clean.”
Jackie Vernon-Thompson, 52, has been an etiquette expert since 2000, and says there are rules people should “always” follow at live shows.
She believes people should be as early as they can, look up the venue well in advance - and “absolutely no loud singing”.
Jackie, a realtor from Sunrise, Florida, US, says: “The most important thing is to be cognisant - enjoy yourself and have the best time, but be mindful of others around you.
“Before attending the concert, make sure you look at the layout of the venue first.
"Get organised and be in the know, so you’re not scrabbling around and looking for your seat on the day.
“With that in mind - make sure you’re early, even if you’re in an assigned seat. This will help you to avoid pushing other people and squeezing to get past.”
One of Jackie’s biggest rules is to totally avoid getting on a pal's shoulders during a concert.
She said: “People are standing behind you - don’t block their view by getting on someone’s shoulders, wearing large or tall hats!
“It is just rude.”
Being considerate of the fact that people have paid for tickets makes a big difference, according to Jackie.
“Don’t start singing over the artist, or band - the people around you have paid to be there, sometimes a lot of money.
“It’s okay to sing along, but when you’re drowning out the artist, it could spark conflict.
“Someone could ask you to calm down, and the last thing you want is an argument.
“In the same vein, don’t start having conversations across each other - loud or lengthy conversations while an artist is playing wouldn’t be fair to the others around you.”
The etiquette expert says that people should be mindful of what their own body is doing during a show - including kicking other people, shoving and singing in someone’s face.
Jackie added: “Keep your feet on the floor. Don’t, under any circumstances, rest them on the seat in front of you - not on the headrest, not on the armrest, not on the back of the chair.
“Don’t push all the way to the front - it’s not that serious. Just remain exactly where you are and have a good time!
“Hygiene is incredibly important, too. Make sure you’re showering, applying deodorant, brushing your teeth and chewing gum before going to watch a concert.
“You’re going to be in close proximity to people - sometimes singing, or cheering in someone’s face is unavoidable. You’ll also be raising your arms a lot.
“Make sure you’re making it a pleasant experience for everyone else. Keep clean.”