Guide 06 Independent notes
Gig etiquette: how to enjoy a live show
Going to a small show is easier than it looks, and the unwritten rules are mostly about being kind to the people around you and the people on stage. Here is a plain guide for first-timers and for anyone who needs a refresher.
Before you go
Check the doors time, which is when the venue opens, and the start time, which is when the first band plays. They are often different. Read the venue's page for age limits, bag rules and ticket details. In Australia the legal age for alcohol is 18, and venues with a licence often check ID, so take it with you.
What to wear
Wear what you can stand in for several hours. Closed shoes are a good idea for crowded floors, and a layer is useful because rooms can be hot inside and cold outside. For a pub gig or a small club you do not need to dress up. Leave large bags at home, because many venues restrict them.
Arrive for the first band
Support acts are part of the night, and often the best bit if you like finding new bands. Arriving for the first set also means a calmer entry and an easier time at the bar. Clap, cheer and tell the band if you liked them.
Where to stand
Do not push to the front at the last minute if you have just arrived, and do not stand in the doorway. If you are tall, think about the people behind you. Taller or larger groups are better placed to the sides or the back. Leave a clear path to the toilets and the bar.
Phones, talking and singing
Take a photo or a short clip if you want, then put the phone away. Holding a screen up for a whole song blocks the view and spoils the moment for the people behind you. If you want to talk, use the bar or the foyer, because quiet songs are easy to ruin. Singing along is part of the fun, as long as you are with the band rather than over them.
Mosh pits and crowd safety
If the music is rough, a pit may open. Join in only if you want to, look after the people around you, pick up anyone who falls and keep elbows low. If you do not want to be in it, stay towards the edges. If something goes wrong, tell venue staff straight away.
Protect your hearing
Live music can be loud enough to damage hearing over time. Foam or musician earplugs let you keep the sound while lowering the volume, and a few minutes away from the speakers during the night helps.
Support the people who make the night
Buy merchandise or music directly from the band, thank the sound engineer and bar staff, drink water, and plan your trip home before the last song. Good gig-going is mostly about leaving the room better than you found it.