Immediately following the swarm of hit albums and an overwhelming number of newly recognized artists, there are tours following many of them, including ones that you might not want to miss.
In case you are unaware of the tours stopping by in Chicago soon, here are several to look out for:
Remi Wolf – Sept. 19 at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
KAYTRANADA – Sept. 20 at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Julien Baker – Sept. 23, 24 and 25 at Thalia Hall
Gracie Abrams – Sept. 27 at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Charli XCX & Troye Sivan – Sept. 30 at the United Center
Twenty One Pilots – Oct. 1 and 2 at the United Center
Jelly Roll – Oct. 11 at the United Center
Sabrina Carpenter – Oct. 13 at the United Center
Clairo – Oct. 16 and 17 at The Salt Shed
SEVENTEEN – Oct. 22 and 23 at the Allstate Arena
Justin Timberlake – Oct. 27 at the United Center
Latto – Nov. 12 at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Billie Eilish – Nov. 13 and 14 at the United Center
Don Toliver – Nov. 17 at the Credit Union 1 Arena at University of Illinois Chicago
As exciting as these upcoming concerts may be, it is important to remember that respect for the artist, venue and people around you comes before enthusiasm. Yes, you paid for a ticket, but the people around you did too. Here is a simple guide to not being a complete menace at concert venues.
Follow the venues’ guidelines
Though it may go without saying, the venues in which concerts occur have rules and regulations. Any venue website you view will have not only a rule list but a frequently asked section as well. If you are confused about anything, check one of those two spots. Additionally, it is important to note that many bigger venues have different levels of seats; not only are there rows, but there are also sections. For a standard valued ticket, the least expensive seats are typically in the highest-up sections and have worse views (i.e. facing one side of the stage or obstructed views). There may be sections where seats aren’t sold, but it isn’t an opening to take that seat. If the seating was a free for all, they would have noted that on the ticket. Enjoy the experience you paid for… from your seat.
Physically respect others’ boundaries
You should feel safe with the people around you in a concert venue, but don’t get too comfortable! Yes, it is absolutely exhilarating and sometimes a once-in-a-lifetime thing to experience a barricade spot, but if you didn’t earn that spot, don’t try and push your way up. There are serious safety hazards that come with pushing against the metal railing, getting trampled when moshing or running to the barricade and not respecting others’ tiny personal bubbles that they are still entitled to at concerts. On the other hand, even if you got there earlier than the person behind you, be respectful of their field of vision. Everyone in your section likely paid roughly the same amount for a ticket, and it would be incredibly unfortunate if someone’s view was blocked because of a sign that the artist probably won’t even see.
Sing or scream?
Singing along to all the lyrics of your favorite artist’s favorite artists music is an ideal way of experiencing a concert; however, your seat neighbors are entitled to listen to the artist too. Most listeners and concert goers aren’t classically trained singers and probably won’t ever be, so screeching at the top of your lungs isn’t just an innocent way to jam out, it’s an active act of being rude.
Respect the artist’s wishes
If the artist is speaking, you should be listening! It’s natural to want to verbally support those that you are proud of, but remember to save it for the end of songs and not their speeches. You may end up finding value and inspiration in their words much like you do in their music.
From safety hazards to singing melodically, always consider your surroundings, and don’t let your enthusiasm trump your ability to be spatially aware. Stay safe and enjoy some groovy tunes!
