Concert Etiquette: Shut Up or Sing Along? About This Page:

[Rusty Alexander]

After watching some clips from live concerts on YouTube, I realized how annoying it is when so many people are singing along that you can barely even hear the actual singer of the band. I mean, you did pay to go hear the band play live, not to listen to a bunch of strangers singing out of tune. I've been to a few concerts where this has happened to some extent, and it really annoys me. I paid to hear the band play, so I actually want to hear them play. If people want to sing along, they can do that back at home.

On the other hand, I can see the other point of view. How often do you get a chance to sing along with one of your favorite bands live?

What are your thoughts on this? Should people shut up or sing along?

[Carousel96]

I'd say in general shut up. You don't recite Hamlet along with the actors at the theater, do you? Or go to the movies and read the screenplay along with the film. Most performers have numbers, choruses, something where they encourage the crowd to sing along, and it's okay then.

[Disney_Scarlett]

I kind of go with what the crowd is doing. Sometimes I'm just dancing along, listening to the music and sometimes I'll be screaming out lyrics with everyone else.

[Lemap760]

I'd say sing along if the musicians are urging people to. Otherwise shut up. I was witness to a near fight at a Billy Joel concert because the couple next to me told the drunk young men in front of us to stop singing because "we didn't pay to hear you sing".

[Shadowfax]

Originally Posted by Carousel96

You don't recite Hamlet along with the actors at the theater, do you?

Umm, yes, actually, I do...but I do it very quietly! I'm an English teacher and I teach Hamlet every year...so I do have most of it memorized.

[Happymommy]

Sing along. I annoyed people at Live 8 when Rob Thomas came on, but didn't care so much. I've been to many many concerts--- and I can't recall any where everyone around me wasn't singing too (except Live 8--- because I don't think many people knew Rob's song except for his true fans). then again, if everyone isn't singing along--- I don't think I'm loud enough to bother anyone--- I get louder if the crowd is loud--- you know what I mean--- sometimes you can tell the artist wants you to be loud and sing along, and then sometimes it's more quiet. I'm always very loud with Rob/Matchbox Twenty, but (with the exception of Live 8) we're always in the fanclub section (usually the first 6 rows)--- and everyone there is very loud--- I'm definitely not standing out there. Other concerts I'm probably quieter.

[scottjs]

With the high price of concert tickets these days I will dance on the stage if I feel like it. Sing along? Yes!!!

[bonphil]

I generally go with the crowd, if their singing so am I.

[eeyore8484]

I sing along! Def Leppard is the only band I ever go see and because they have been my favorite band for many, many years, I definitely sing along. Besides, that's what they want you to do. The band wants to hear the fans singing their songs.

[LilMarcieMouse]

Originally Posted by eeyore8484

I sing along! Def Leppard is the only band I ever go see and because they have been my favorite band for many, many years, I definitely sing along. Besides, that's what they want you to do. The band wants to hear the fans singing their songs.

Yes I agree. Bands want to hear you sing. I know for Def Leppard a good night is the crowd singing with them and once when they had to cancell a show last min, some fans were treated to an itimate show were they were told to sing so lead singer Joe Elliott didn't have to.

[Figmentlvr427]

I usaually keep my mouth shut. I don't mind a whole lot if people are singing....what I mind are all the drunks. Last time we were at a concert (Brad Paisley in Orlando) there were these 4 people in the row behind us that were drinking and spilling their beers on us and the guys next to us. They even started shoving each other. Why can't people go and enjoy themselves without drinking? And then they probably drive home!!! I just don't understand.

[CinderAbby]

I don't mind a whole lot if people are singing....what I mind are all the drunks.

I actually think that's part of the fun too. Where else can you sing where you're probably not going to be told you sing off key?

[DopeyGirl]

The types of concerts I go to, if you don't sing, you are the odd one out. And it's usually because you don't know the words.

[libbyonthelabel]

Something like Wicked(I know not a band)....you keep it shut, something like The Police, sing it loud. Actually, I have been to so many concerts where it is so loud I can't even imagine people able to hear other people.

[Angileyze1]

I've read so many band and singer profiles where they say that its very gratifing to hear thousands of people singing YOUR songs. I would be completely flattered as a band member if I went to to show and thousands liked my music enough to know all the words and sing! Anway thats just what I've read. So, I sing along.