[thebends]

I don't chat much during a show and have never really been bothered by people talking aoround us. Granted, it can be distracting during the quiter numbers. But imo not much different than singing, whooos and yielps of approval. I can see how it would annoy tapers in close quters but its never been much of an issue for me.

[rocketsan22]

Etiquette. Right. Like that's going to happen.

Here's a general guideline: shut the f**k up. If you want to have a conversation with your friend/girlfriend for the entire show (with the exception of singles), stay the f**k home. I'm here to listen to music, not you.

Quick fix:

[chris]

I don't chat much during a show and have never really been bothered by people talking aoround us. Granted, it can be distracting during the quiter numbers. But imo not much different than singing, whooos and yielps of approval. I can see how it would annoy tapers in close quters but its never been much of an issue for me.

For me it's got nothing to do with taping. It's the people who are dead silent during the songs that they like, and then decide that since they don't know/like a song they should talk during it... with no regard for the fact that the person next to them might actually like the song, and wants to enjoy it instead of listening to you tell your girlfriend about the great tapas place you found.

[screw_ball]

This is the way I see it... The front is for those who want it the most, but NOT the first few rows. First like 3-4 rows are for the people who got there early, ESPECIALLY the first two. Aside from that... It's all about how much you want it. Last time I saw the Hip I had people literally grabbing me and DRAGGING me up front because I was rocking out so hard and I dunno, I guess I just believe that the more you're into it the closer you deserve to be. Still, the front-front should be reserved for those who sat their asses out in front of the venue for hours. I don't get "courtesy" at concerts. Despite feeling entitled to the front at times for various reasons, I still need to fight for my spot. I saw Black Francis at this racetrack last year and my friend and I waited for five hours in the hot sun, alone, and I still had to fight off the drunk people pushing their way to the divider. I held onto that bar and I shoved them away if they tried to squeeze in. I love GA shows because they're so... visceral. So primal but not exactly lawless. I got there to FEEL more than I possibly can in my everyday life. I got there to feel the animal inside me go wild and dance like an African tribesman on some kind of shamanistic mushroom tea. If you like your spot, PROTECT IT AT ALL COSTS. I guess I always end up at the front because that's where people dance and if I don't make my way myself people will FORCE me to the front because I am running into them or they just want to stand around like they're listening to the record at home or watching the show on TV. Now, everyone paid the same amount of money as me at a GA show so they have as much of a right to enjoy themselves as they wish, no matter how much it differs from the way I am but... If a band (especially one like The Hip) is giving their all and trying their best to play a 25 song set for me, I'm sorry but I am gonna rock the fuck out. I can't help it and most people understand that, which is why they either let or force me to the front.

As far as the rest goes... ?#1 all depends on the size of the party and ?#3... I am sorry but if you leave your spot it is free game. If you don't want to force your way back up, tough luck, though it's convenient if you go to shows with big and/or shifty characters and girls, who are like an automatic ticket to getting closer to the stage.

[BIGVDOGG]

grab a flag and a beer and giv r.

[andy42g]

Intersting thread. I love standing crowds for that mental, just on the right side of out of control feeling which sometimes happens - when everyone around you is jumping up and down in unison, smiling and shouting out the lyrics. It's like a mass group hug and that feeling is amazing.
Trouble is though in such a melee you'll sometimes encounter some drunk meathead out to trample and generally incite violence; or there's be someone in there who insists on you not jumping up and down and invading their personal space who insists on jabbing you with their elbows or trying to push you over.
But when it works and everyones up for a great time being in amongst it is an incredible experience.

it's also good being is less crowded standing spots where you can dance along and sing to your heart's content without getting squished. And yes, incessant talking/shouting in ears is a fucking pain.

[The Horrible Esthete]

Etiquette. Right. Like that's going to happen.

Here's a general guideline: shut the f**k up. If you want to have a conversation with your friend/girlfriend for the entire show (with the exception of singles), stay the f**k home. I'm here to listen to music, not you.

The incessant chatter that so many seem to partake in at every show drives me fuckin' nuts.

Thank. You.

If there's one "standard of etiquette", it should be: close your frickin yap.

I was flabbergasted in Detroit when there was a constant, highly-distracting level of chatter throughout the ENTIRE rendition of Fiddler's Green. FIDDLER'S F*CKING GREEN, idiots. If that was the first time in FIFTY SHOWS I had the opportunity to hear that, then I'm guessing that about 2,000 other people in attendance hadn't ever heard it either. So what the f**k could possibly be more important than soaking up that rare performance?? Of course there is going to be a huge buzz once they began that number, as people share their excitement with companions. But that buzz should have vanished before Gord ever uttered the words "September seventeen".

It's one thing to occasionally exaltedly blurt out a "hell yea!" when they begin to play one of your personal favorites, or to give a hearty cheer after Bobby finishes ripping off a killer lead, but it's another thing completely to blather on in conversation during a significant portion of any given number. Not only does that drive those around you nuts, but I'm guessing that 4 out of 5 times, the person whose ear you're screaming into wants you to shut the f*ck up. too.

:rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo: :rambo:

[thebends]

This reminds me of a Joseph Arthur show at Lee's Palace in Toronto a few years ago. Lee's is a small venue and a good portion of Joe's catalogue is done on solo acoustic guitar. The combination of the chatter and "bar noise" was driving Joe crazy to the point where he walked off stage, down the club stairs and into his bus which was parked directly in front of the venue. His soundman told a few of us Joe would be back a little later when the drunks had left and sure enough 45 minutes later he was back on stage. This must bother any artist, and I'm sure the Hip also hear this chatter noise on the quieter numbers but I've nver heard them complain or say anything about it.

[ianmac]

A HIP concert is not the time to talk or scream at your friend about whats happened in your life since you last saw each other. Go sit at Starbucks or Hortons. in general be mindful of the people around you and don't disturb everyone around you as they are at a music concert.
I was with two ladies at a show on the weekend, the shortest being under 5'2" (spouse) We got there early and got great standing seats. Im' 6'2" I looked around and everyone behind me appeared to be able to see. Then I noticed a lady smaller then my wife behind me and I let her into my spot for the second set. She brought another along another lady and disturbed the whole surrounding group with an arms flaling bouncing from side to side bitch. When I looked behind and to the side everyone had their arms up trying to shield themselves and their drinks when she slammed into them.

The person I gave the spot to even moved away because of the action, I moved back into the spot forcing the bouncing bitch as she became to be known and peace was now restored and everyone went back to enjoying the music.