The concert experience, once defined by a shared reverence for the music and the artist, is undergoing a noticeable shift. Reports from across Canada, and echoed in broader industry conversations, suggest a growing trend of disruptive and, at times, outright disrespectful behavior from concertgoers. From thrown objects to incessant filming and a general disregard for fellow attendees, the etiquette of live music events appears to be eroding.
Recent incidents have garnered significant attention. As reported by Le Journal de Montréal, and further detailed by 98.5 Montréal, audiences are moving beyond simple concert faux pas – like talking during quiet moments – to more alarming actions. These include throwing objects onto the stage, sometimes resulting in injury to performers, as was the case with singer Bebe Rexha who was struck in the head by a phone last July. The incidents aren’t limited to projectiles; one concertgoer reportedly threw their mother’s ashes onstage during a Pink performance.
The problem extends beyond potentially harmful acts. Radio-Canada highlights a rise in incivility, with reports of excessive shoving in pit areas and a constant stream of attendees obstructing views by filming performances on their phones. This behavior isn’t isolated to larger venues; even smaller, more intimate shows are experiencing disruptions.
This shift in concert etiquette isn’t happening in a vacuum. Several factors appear to be contributing to the change. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a prolonged hiatus in live music, may have created a sense of pent-up energy and a diminished understanding of traditional concert norms. As 98.5 Montréal points out, the return to live events has been accompanied by a noticeable decline in “savoir-vivre” – a sense of proper social conduct.
The influence of social media is also being cited as a key driver. The desire to capture “shareable” moments for platforms like TikTok, as noted in reporting from The Aggie, appears to be overriding consideration for the experience of others. Fans are increasingly focused on creating content *about* the concert, rather than simply experiencing the concert itself. This pursuit of online validation can lead to disruptive behavior, as attendees prioritize filming and documenting over respectful engagement with the performance.
The dynamic isn’t solely generational. While younger audiences are often identified as the primary culprits, reports suggest that issues are arising across all age groups. Medium highlights a general decline in concert etiquette, with increased reports of rude encounters and a breakdown in traditional norms. Even the simple act of deciding whether to sit or stand, as discussed in The Boston Globe, is now a source of conflict among aging fanbases.
The consequences of this evolving concert culture are multifaceted. Beyond the obvious safety concerns posed by thrown objects, the disruptive behavior detracts from the overall experience for all attendees. Artists, too, are feeling the impact, forced to address disrespectful behavior mid-performance and, in some cases, even facing physical harm. The question now is whether the industry, and concertgoers themselves, will take steps to restore a sense of shared respect and consideration within the live music space.
