Concerts are some of the major events that people look forward to going to each year. Whether it be a band someone has loved all their life, an artist one has just recently discovered or somewhere in between, concerts are a way for people to escape their lives for a while and simply enjoy some good music. But an event like a concert draws in a crowd, and with a crowd comes a multitude of personalities and different ways of life which can become problematic. I believe that everyone is set up to have a good time if they follow these three simple rules. These rules often go “unwritten,” but I think that they are extremely important.

• Recording and phone usage should be kept to a healthy minimum 

The whole point of a concert is to enjoy live music without the presence of technology. Not only does someone having their phone out the whole time defeat this purpose, but it may also be annoying to the people around them if the person has their phone blocking another person’s view. My rule of thumb is if I am not absolutely positive I will go back and look at the photo/video I take, I keep my phone in my pocket. Recording and taking pictures is great, but one also needs to have an awareness of what is going on around them.

• Let’s keep it civilized, no pushing or shoving

There is no reason that someone should be shoving another person in order to get ahead of them in a line or in order to get where they need to go quicker. Experiencing live music is a super cool experience, but if someone were to be pushing or shoving another person the whole time, it would definitely dampen the fun both people would be having. Especially at festivals when someone is in the mosh pit, getting physical like this is incredibly common even though many can get hurt. So, just don’t do it.

• No constant shouting or screaming

This one might be a hot take, but unless there are moments that shouting/screaming is called for, someone absolutely should not be screaming at a concert. Singing along is great, but if someone is yelling it will most likely annoy the people around them. In my personal experience at concerts, the one person that is yelling at all times is often given weird looks and isn’t the type of person people want to be around. And, while I don’t condone judging others, it is often in everybody’s best interest to be cognizant of how loud they’re being and what the appropriate time to scream is.

Overall, these rules aren’t required and they don’t absolutely need to be followed, but in my opinion following sets everyone up to have a good experience at a concert and want to come back for more. Considering that others also spent money to experience something at a concert can help people to be respectful and follow basic etiquette.