spunky-naz

For all out there who have never been to a concert, I shall teach you now what I have learnt from personal experience. It's basically a "what I've done" than a "101 manual" but experience helps I believe.

Ok. As of 4 days ago, I've been to 3 different types of concerts. Acoustic Evening, Emo (aka MCR) and Alternative (Incubus). So what have I learnt?

1. The "No cameras" sign is just a bluff.
Yep, the first concert I went to discouraged bringing your camera along. And me being a new-bie, followed the rules to the book. But once I entered, I saw people taking pictures of the stage instantly. So I guess taking pictures with "flashes" is a no-no. Because let's face it, you wouldn't wanna perform and get blinded suddenly! The photographer might get sued here!!

2. Concerts reflect the spectators.
Yep, I was quite happy for seeing Incubus and Dave Matthews. BUT MCR was a major DRAG!!! Why you ask? Because of the little girls in black and thick white make-up who think suicide is the next best thing!! I can't imagine me being in this crowd (even though I have friends who are EMO). But really, white deathly make-up? Black attire? It was a relief none of them are neo-Nazi's which can also be described by the typical Black attire. I was afraid Incubus would attract guys with eye-liners or colourful hairs. Thankfully, Incubus fans are normal (like me, LoL!!)

3. Wear comfortable clothes
Dave Matthews was in the Winter. So obviously I wore my jacket. That was okay because it wasn't really tightly packed and I could just hold it for the whole 3-hour long show. However, these acoustic evenings do NOT have Mosh Pits!! MCR and Incubus is where attire really counts. Make sure the pants or shorts are of button-up types (no zips, just buttons). The T-shirts or shirts are durable. Why do I say button-ups? because I lost the button of my shorts!!! Embarrassing as it seems, no one will notice unless your pants fall off. Which didn't happen to me!! LoL
Then the T-Shirt part. During Mosh Pits, the crazy fans aren't there just to enjoy the music. But also have dangerous fun. And yes when you stand in the middle, that happens basically throughout the whole show. My T-shirt was ok, but I saw some of the fans having torn sleeves.


3.Wear multi-purpose BOOTS!!
These boots are not constructor boots or designer boots. These boots can be used anytime. They have rubber soles and thick covers (Think Timberland). Boots are the best shoes to wear because of the Mosh Pit. The stomping and pushing makes you dis-oriented and be thankful that the area is full with fans because you might fall down any time and the guy standing next to you is gonna help you up. That's probably an unwritten rule. So what did I wear? The worst kind you would choose to wear at a concert! Sandals!!! Here's a photo of post-concert feet. I think the picture explains itself.


4.Eat and Drink and go pee-pee an hour before you actually line-up
Yep I did that. It is because when you're alone, no one is gonna keep your place up front. During Incubus I was standing 3 lines behind the stage. In visual terms, I could read the name of the Acoustic guitar used (which is Guild). And nutrition is important because to get to such a great standing position, standing in line must be an hour and half beforehand. Then you have to wait another hour and half till the place is full. So you might feel thirsty and hungry. Buying food and/or drinks is blood-sucking at a concert. $3.60 for a 200ml Cola!! You must be kidding me!! Even a Pretzel costs $2.00 (at a Bakery it would cost 50cents). Keep sensible. A concert ticket is not cheap in the first place. Even though this one is, it's better to eat something satiable beforehand than eating a Pretzel.

5. The first song is the most dangerous.
When you stand in the first 3 lines that would mean the fans there are basically hardcore. So when the opening act leaves and the main act enters. Just be really ready because now is when the Mosh Pit begins!! I've never been in one before that was a constant threat to me and my feet. The first song is normally an adrenaline-surging song, so when a particular verse was sang, keep your head up, centre of gravity low and follow the mosh pit.

6. Sing along to ALL the songs you know!!
That's the most essential part of going to a concert. You don't just stand there and look at them. You are there to have fun as well. The band wouldn't even know you were there. So have fun!! I was a bit worried though because the Ticket said "Live Grenades" which was the new album. Frankly, I only know one song from the new album. So it would be a bummer when I can't sing along. BUT they played mostly the old songs from their previous albums!! Excellent!!

7. Always be of constant watch of the fan being carried to the front.
I got kicked in the head a number of times and nearly got crushed for not helping to lift the girl over to the front. And no it doesn't happen 3 or 4 times. It happens throughout the whole show!! And it's usually the same girl (because you'll notice her top after seeing her 4 or 5 times).

Alrightie then, I think I've described a lot of things to be weary of. Overall for me, the best was Dave Matthews of course because I don't really look the crazy hardcore fan. I might scream my head off but I am no mosh pit participant!! LoL. MCR was the worst. I am not going to any EMO concerts any more. Incubus is also very memorable because they performed here in BONN!!
Look at that guitar~~~ Hint Hint