Rushing to the front at concerts.....

Its something that happens, you just have to deal with it but at the end of the day having front row seats mean you can be 1st to jump to your feet and enjoy the concert how it should be right at the front and not like your at the cinema???

Thanks for replying

I wouldn't want it to be a cinema experience - I'll be on my feet as soon as I can (without blocking the view of the people behind me!!)

What I don't want to happen is to have people rushing in front of me and blocking my view...

I've been at the back so many times and this one time I'm not...

Don't worry just be prepared. You're in prime position so as soon as you see someone move to the front go yourself. You'll be leaning on the barrier and within feet of the boys. Enjoy.

Crowley

Remembering from one of your previous posts I think we've got the seats next to each other (along with my two friends). We can stand strong together and ensure we all keep our view. My friends and I are definitely up for standing up throughout the concert and showing Crowded House that we're enjoying ourselves.

I'm also looking forward to seeing Duke Special having bought his album recently and am really enjoying it.

I'm planning to wear my Frenz of the Enz badge so should be easy to spot. I can't wait (although I am lucky enough to also be going to Birmingham tomorrow, although that time I'll be in the 12th row).

Dawn

quote:

Originally posted by Dawn S:
Crowley

Remembering from one of your previous posts I think we've got the seats next to each other (along with my two friends). We can stand strong together and ensure we all keep our view. My friends and I are definitely up for standing up throughout the concert and showing Crowded House that we're enjoying ourselves.

I'm also looking forward to seeing Duke Special having bought his album recently and am really enjoying it.

I'm planning to wear my Frenz of the Enz badge so should be easy to spot. I can't wait (although I am lucky enough to also be going to Birmingham tomorrow, although that time I'll be in the 12th row).

Dawn

Oh thats so lovely! Thank you. I'll prob be in a pineapple head teeshirt I'm so jealous you get to go to Brum as well!

Duke Special was amazing in Nottingham, my DS fan friend went and said it was the best he'd ever seen him.

See you Tuesday!

I'm not sure what t-shirt I'll be wearing yet as I'm wearing the album cover one I got at Hyde Park to Birmingham but am planning to buy another and then wear it to Cardiff.

See you Tuesday.

I agree that its fine rushing to the front but I do think its a bit cheecky to stand in front of other people who had previously been enjoying a good view. I have to say that a few fans did spoil it for me and my sister as we had great seats and a great view and even when people rushed to the front it was still great but then some blokes stood in front of us as we were at the front of the second block. They totally got in our way. They were very inconsiderate as we were much shorter and smaller than them and I hope they read this message and feel ashamed of themselves. I still really enjoyed the concert its just that all the time i really wanted to tap these blokes on the shoulder and say "shift it!". But I didn't as I did not want it to spoil my night getting into a slanging match with some "lads".

We've had both experiences on this tour. At Manchester, we were seated in the lower tier and I was pleased when folks on the floor finally did head towards the stage. Neil and the boys always seem to love having some people on their feet.

At Nottingham, we had floor tickets and were off to the stage early. I'm on the short side, so the very tall man sitting in front of me effectively blocked my seated view anyway - particularly when he was up and down to the bar every other song (which, for me, is a lot more irritating than people who want to have a bit of a dance!) It's just how it goes - we each enjoy in our own way. But I've never known any kind of Finn audience stay fully seated.

Having been to a few CH gigs in my time i was expecting this mad rush and was dreading it. when it came i just got up and reached out for the barrier. it kinda peed me off a bit cos we had great seats right under Nick then all of a sudden i was having beer spilt all over me my some mad person! Crowley, try not to stress too much - my advice is run to the front. If you try and be polite and worry about other peoples views - someone else will grab your place. i know this sounds awfully rude but you never know you may end up having a conversation with Neil!!

We found that people were really polite and did not crowd in, there was space to move and dance and see well when we were standing, we did not get against the barrier but perhaps two back and to the side, but I would much rather be dancing than sitting and itching to get up! Don't worry it wasn't like a teenage mosh or anything it was a wonderful atmosphere where I was standing.

You cant sit through a crowded house gig!

Stand up! Shake and Celebrate!

We never thought this would ever happen! Its our beatles reunion! enjoy it while you can!

J xxx

I was second row at Nottingham just in front of Mark and I was expecting a rush to the front. I dont mind people doing this but then you end up with a dilemma: do you stay seated so that those behind can see or do you stand and spoil the view of those behind in the same way that those in front have spoilt your view?

I feveryone just stood up right from the off everything would be fine wouldn't it?

I would add that, because the stage is quite high, anyone near the front will still be able to see the band even if there are those in front. I'm not the tallest and had no problem. It certainly lifted the atmos but, as I said, it always makes me feel guilty for having to stand up too.

The impression I get is it's alright to run down to the front and block the view of the people who were so keen to get the good seats that they were booking them as soon as they went on sale, but it's not okay if you're a bloke who happens to be, let's say, over six foot. Then you're inconsiderate.

A lot of this would be solved if they made the gigs standing, rather than seated, on the main floor. That way you can manoeuvre yourself to somewhere that suits you. As Neil is so keen to get people up off their seats why doesn't he put a word in and get them standing only at these venues.

Might I also add I was front row on Saturday and gently moved to the front barrier once the rush had subsided (I'm six foot, sixteen stone, but cuddly). However, I looked over my shoulder and could see I was blocking the view of the people in the lower tier at the side so I made sure I moved out of their view. Once I'd done that a big guy came and stood in the same spot and put his young daughter on his shoulders ! Doh !! You just can't win but at over £30 for a ticket you'd expect to be able to see the stage from a seated position if you bought a seated ticket.

quote:

Originally posted by nocarrots:
I agree that its fine rushing to the front but I do think its a bit cheecky to stand in front of other people who had previously been enjoying a good view. I have to say that a few fans did spoil it for me and my sister as we had great seats and a great view and even when people rushed to the front it was still great but then some blokes stood in front of us as we were at the front of the second block. They totally got in our way. They were very inconsiderate as we were much shorter and smaller than them and I hope they read this message and feel ashamed of themselves. I still really enjoyed the concert its just that all the time i really wanted to tap these blokes on the shoulder and say "shift it!". But I didn't as I did not want it to spoil my night getting into a slanging match with some "lads".

I was at a festival once, in a tent, about 2 rows back, but could see over the shoulders of those in front of me. Then one of the tallest people in the world came and decided to stand right in front of me - as happens at every gig, regardless of where i stand - my then bloke tapped him on the shoulder and said short people whilst pointing at me and some other girls who were stood near us.

I've never seen anyone move so fast, I think he thought the bloke would start on him, but he was making a sarcastic point but wasn't going to do anymore. The tall bloke vanished and my view returned.

I've tried a similar thing recently and most cases they move (often to be replaced by a different tall person! ARGH! GO AWAY!). In the few cases they don't, I make it an uncomfortable experience for them using elbows, knees and spilt drinks... (this is also a handy deterrent if you're being blighted by snogging couples).

I'm about 5'5/5'6, and in my experience, it doesn't matter where you stand, if you're short, the tallest person in the room will seek you out and stand right in front of you. If you're lucky enough to get away from that one, the second tallest person in the room will replace them. I don't know why this is.... But literally the only time I've avoided the curse of the Tallest People In The Room, has been when i've been shoved up against the barriers unable to move. Which isn't ideal.

Of course, there is this sad deluded opinion that if it's a seated gig you should respect that and stay seated. I'm sure I've been able to sing, clap, heckle (nicely) whilst sitting...

But then I'm biased: I'm short.

Maybe all future gigs should be held in The Temple Of Low Men !

Hmmm! it's a bit of a dilemma this one as I much prefer standing gigs anyday as i just want to dance when I hear the music. IMHO I think that if it's a seated venue, unless you can dance where you're not blocking someone's view, then you should stay seated - at least till the call to dance comes and the majority are getting up

Also i'm tall (5'10") but not so tall that I haven't had my view blocked from time to time so i do try to be understanding, but then should I always be made to stand way at the back so those smaller than me can get the best views from closer to the stage, I mean unless I stand right at the back then there will always be someone behind me!, I supppose I'm a bit survival of the fittest in this but I certainly don't mean by being pushy or downright rude (A'la thekla blonde woman ).

Get up, get to a good spot without drawing blood or breaking bones and if you can shuffle to the side a bit to give someone a better view then do so.

However I think this is one discussion that will never be fully resolved as long as there are gigs to go to and people of different sizes

Solution = floor of all gigs standing.

Off to Brighton on Friday (3rd row stalls) so will be interesting to see what happens and when!

Last Finn Bros tour at Ipswich no-one rushed the stage until the penultimate song. Much rather have an early rush and the atmosphere that goes with it, seat or no seat.....so long as I can see!

quote:

Get up, get to a good spot without drawing blood or breaking bones and if you can shuffle to the side a bit to give someone a better view then do so.

Best advice I've heard all year. You should be The Head Of Security (breaks into song )

This is why I bought standing tickets.

quote:

Originally posted by BART:
Solution = floor of all gigs standing.

Off to Brighton on Friday (3rd row stalls) so will be interesting to see what happens and when!

Last Finn Bros tour at Ipswich no-one rushed the stage until the penultimate song. Much rather have an early rush and the atmosphere that goes with it, seat or no seat.....so long as I can see!

Maybe we should start the rush by standing up first. Whereabout are you seated? (I mean, central, left or right?). I have tickets for seats 15 and 16, row A.

Please just spare a thought for those of us that can't join in ... since booking my tickets for Wembley (Row 12 stalls on the left hand side), I've injured my knee, and I'm on crutches. I probably wouldn't have joined the rush to the front anyway, but I'm going to have to stay seated during the slower songs to save myself for the ones I really have to get up for! So I think I'm going to be spending a good part of the evening staring at the backside of the person in the row in front of me!!

I like it when we can stand at concerts too, but what works best for me (being short)is if there is a foot or two of empty space between me and the person in front of me - that way I can still see over the shoulders of someone quite a bit taller than me. So no problems if we're all standing instead of sitting at our assigned seats. The problem happens when there's a mad rush to the front or at general admittance shows - I can't stand a foot behind someone without someone else elbowing in between.

The solution? Get rid of that gap between the front row and the stage. Then the front row people retain their view - isn't that the point of front row seats, anyway?

As it is now, I prefer second row seats over first row because I'm guaranteed to have a protected gap in front of me when everyone's standing up. Of course, this is assuming I have the luxury of choosing between such great seats!

quote:

Originally posted by Alice:
I like it when we can stand at concerts too, but what works best for me (being short)is if there is a foot or two of empty space between me and the person in front of me - that way I can still see over the shoulders of someone quite a bit taller than me. So no problems if we're all standing instead of sitting at our assigned seats. !

I agree. I thought it was perfect in Brussels, because the flat stalls actually sloped upwards a little. So when I was standing ( I was sitting on row 14), I had a perfect view of the stage and didn't block the view of the people behind me either. And because of the seats, there was some space between the people so you're not squashed together. I actually prefer it this way over general admission because I hate the push for the front at general admission gigs, how you have to be really early and you still have annoying people trying to push their way through because they claim their BF/GF is standing at the front.

Time - sorry just seen your post above.

We were Row C right behind you.

Well done on starting the surge; we stayed put, but the atmosphere improved 300% after the crowd stood up. As for the singing - think we were trying to outdo each other on the harmonies!

I was in the Brighton surge and at 5'8 did okay with being able to see but did anyone else get shoved around by some football-fan types - three guys with arms round each other which meant I got an elbow in my chest every other beat of every song. I did politely ask them to stop which they did for all of 2 minutes...its hardly a mosh pit...I felt like I was at a bloody Oasis concert.

Also to say if you put the front row nearer the stage then its too much of an angle to look up if you do stay seated...and bringing the barrier back and doing the same means an aching chasm between band and audience which most bands hate. Hence the gap and the placement of the barrier.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
Of course, there is this sad deluded opinion that if it's a seated gig you should respect that and stay seated. I'm sure I've been able to sing, clap, heckle (nicely) whilst sitting...

But then I'm biased: I'm short.

Could you apply the same to singing along. I can hear it now...."I went to see CH sing/perform not a bunch of fans singing and dancing".....mmmmmmmmmmm

Not getting up and shaking your bum off at a CH concert is like trying not to lick the sugar off your lips whilst eating a jam doughnut. Impossible! (and no fun )

can't we just respect that different people have different opinions, and approach gigs in different ways? i went to 3 gigs on the uk tour, was near the front for one and in the tiers for the other 2, and i enjoyed all 3 equally; i was actually glad to be in the circle for the RAH gig as it meant i could take the whole thing in, a great pleasure as the venue was so unique

obviously, therefore, the ideal situation is a standing floor and seating all around, so people have a choice - and they do have a choice, please respect that - they don't have to conform to anyone else's view; i and many other people take as much if not more pleasure from sitting back and enjoying great live music in a relaxed way, as i do from jumping and dancing around at the front...

meanwhile, your jam doughnut analogy has made me hungry...

Nothing like a bit of groovy atmosphere. I look forward to those moments when people stand up and get into it. When it comes down to it, that's what concerts seem to be about. You have to give something back to the band(singing, dancing., paper aeroplanes etc) to show them you're really into it. Then of course, they love it more by giving even more of their effort back. It's a false economy to sit there and 'appreciate' it. (At least that's what I justify to myself lol). The only thing about standing up is I'm very tall and so have to crouch down for people behind to see. I don't mind doing this so long as they're kind about it behind me and accept I'M trying to be smaller, you know what I mean people?

Don't get me wrong, I like standing at gigs - improves the atmos and, like you say, gives something back to the band - shows we love the music we're hearing.

But it's a double-edged sword for me cos I'm short. If I were 5'10" I'd be well happy.

Paul-that makes complete sense to me. Always a way around these things if people are considerate. 'See the tallest man alive..'

i'm 5'9, my 2 other concert buddies - one is 5'2 and the other on crutches...concerts are enjoyable enough for me but can be a nitemare for them!!seating is always the best option for us but i know excactly what everyone means about standing up and dancing!!

I think that there are two things to consider here:

1. Not everyone wants to stand up, dance, scream, jig, boogie etc. Some people really do want to just sit and take it all in. I guess they deserve to have their way of enjoying a concert respected.

2. Some bands (and venues) naturally suit a standing or sitting audience. For example I cannot imagine watching someone like Elvis Costello (who I have seen numerous times) sitting down. On the other hand when I saw Steely Dan at Hammersmith the whole audience (or 99% anyway) sat through the whole show but it was still one of the best and most enjoyable concerts I have ever been to.

I guess that if you buy tickets at the front for a seated performance for someone like Crowded House you just have to accept that at some point during the performance people are going to rush to the front.

Andrew

quote:

Originally posted by Andy L:
Don't worry just be prepared. You're in prime position so as soon as you see someone move to the front go yourself. You'll be leaning on the barrier and within feet of the boys. Enjoy.

thats the only thing i was also lucky to be second row from front and i was on hot bricks to see if people rushed forward and as two stepped up i was like whooooooooooooosh LOL and got to the front and stuck there till the end

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
Don't get me wrong, I like standing at gigs - improves the atmos and, like you say, gives something back to the band - shows we love the music we're hearing.

But it's a double-edged sword for me cos I'm short. If I were 5'10" I'd be well happy.

lol iam five foot four if that and have a dodgy back if i stand too long but i dont wanna miss out i too thinks its the double edge sword

The thing with the Albert Hall is that the tiers seats or boxes would be the best option for non-jiggers etc.
I know that's quite unfair if you want to get close to the front and all that jazz; but this IS Crowded House and as has been said, sometimes you can't keep your feet still and your voicebox shut.
I know that when I saw the fluffy ears and the sticks(from a distance alas) I thought that these people are really getting into it. Good for them!

What does annoy me is when there is a choice between buying a standing or seated ticket and people who buy seated ones then stand throughout the whole gig!

Don't get me wrong even in the seating areas standing and having a dance is expected but if you are intending to stand through the entire concert it seems more sensible and considerate to others who want to sit for some of the time to buy a standing ticket in the first place.

I must admit I was surprised when I saw the CH shows were fully seated, there are always going to be some who want to sit and some who prefer standing.

I was lucky enough to have a seat on the front row of the arena for the RAH gig and when everyone rushed to the front...



It was so good to be amongst you all...

quote:

Originally posted by fallatmyfeet:
What does annoy me is when there is a choice between buying a standing or seated ticket and people who buy seated ones then stand throughout the whole gig!

Don't get me wrong even in the seating areas standing and having a dance is expected but if you are intending to stand through the entire concert it seems more sensible and considerate to others who want to sit for some of the time to buy a standing ticket in the first place.

That's fair enough, but bear in mind that's not always possible to get hold of the type of tickets you want these days in the age of internet ticket-buying; sometimes you just don't get a standing ticket in time.

quote:

I must admit I was surprised when I saw the CH shows were fully seated, there are always going to be some who want to sit and some who prefer standing.

Agreed, I think it was a ridiculous decision, and obviously not one that the band themselves really wanted to be the case; so one has to ask, who actually makes these decisions, and on what basis? Is it Crowded House's reputation outside its fanbase that made arena organisers think 'oh, they're a bit twee, no-one could possibly want to stand up, let's have it all seated'?