Lexa Gates I am Tour 2025 at The Promontory The Xavierite
Last Wednesday I attended a show for artist Lexa Gates and was disappointed with the crowd’s concert etiquette. Everyone should take the effort in learning concert etiquette to make a show more enjoyable for themselves and those around them.
I’ve attended very few festivals and concerts throughout my life, but have seen the noticeable differences between the crowd’s actions and behavior. In larger crowds pushing and shoving feels more inevitable, but shouldn’t be impossible.
You’d think smaller shows have an easier control of the crowd’s actions too. However, no matter the size, we shouldn’t have to be babysat. It should be common sense to walk and carry manners amongst any space.
That’s why I was shocked to notice that my experience at this previous show was not what I expected. I know cell phone use is common, as well as the usages of substances or loud discussion amongst groups.
All of these things can be done in a respectful manner and done in a way that’s mindful of others. Recording your favorite song or taking pictures isn’t evil, but having a phone out the whole show is my personal pet peeve.
I bought tickets to see the show, not to see the artist through your phone. This was something I had especially struggled with at the Lexa Gates show.. Everyone kept their phones out, flashes on, making it hard to see the artist.
I’m also someone that likes to get a little nice video, but I put my phone away right after. I know I’m probably obstructing somebody’s view and wouldn’t want them to miss the show. I’m someone who’d rather have no phone policy, just to save everyone .
We are much better off enjoying a concert with our own eyes, no distraction from social media or the worries of getting the whole concert on video. We can connect with our friends, the music, the crowd, and be in the moment.
Instead of holding our phones, let’s hold our friends and sing the lyrics with them. Plus, it would save us storage. I don’t remember the last time I rewatched my entire video recordings of the last concert I went to.
It’s common for artists to have their shows open up with another artist, which we may or may not know. No matter who it is, respect should be on the table for them. It is a good chance to find new music or let someone have their debut.
No one should be loudly talking over these openers, “booing” at them, or yelling at them to bring the main show onto the stage. They are trying their best to perform knowing the audience is eager to see their favorite artist, that’s brave of them.
I felt bad watching the Lexa Gates opener, Yakiyn, try his hardest to hype the audience throughout his set with a low energy crowd. He was trying to open up about his life experiences, dancing with us, and giving his all during his set list.
Well into his performance, people started to cheer for Lexa to come onto stage and I could tell he was trying to be nice with the crowd, but it’s rude to hear that while you’re singing.
Back in 2022 at the Rolling Loud Miami music festival, there was an incident involving artist Kid Cudi getting booed off stage. Audience members threw trash at him and booed because he had been the replacement for Kanye’s set.
After only 15 minutes, Cudi got off stage and didn’t return back. There should never be an excuse to be blatantly disrespectful to any artist that’s showing forward an effort to be present.
Disrespectful behavior like this ruins the show for everyone, the artist, and disencourages them from wanting future shows.
It’s also become quite normal for there to be drinking or smoking amongst the audience for a multitude of reasons. It might enhance their experience or make them feel out the music more.
Whatever it may be, it shouldn’t bother the enjoyment of others. I personally don’t enjoy constant clouds of smoke in my face or the fear that the drunk person next to me looks like they might puke on me.
Substance usage should be considered in moderation or with an ounce of self control to avoid that awkward feeling and save yourself from becoming blackout drunk. You’d miss the show you’ve probably been looking forward to!
Concert etiquette is common courtesy we all need to have, to save ourselves from an insufferable show. It can take away from a potential breathtaking performance by an artist or missing out on making a great memory.