Newcastle Live contributor, Mick Murrell, hates it when he goes to a concert and the people in front of him stand up, blocking his view. Incensed by the practice, Mick has submitted the following article in an effort to stamp out the practice. Where do you stand (pun intended) on the issue, are you with Mick, or against him?
Ever planned for months to see your favourite band or performer, got in early to get great seats and looked forward to the night like nothing ever before.
You plan the night: transport, parking, food, drinks, and accommodation.
As the night gets closer, you play all their records and CDs, reminding you of all the great songs and the unforgettable memories.
The night comes, you dress to the nines, there’s a twinkle in your eye and an excitement in your belly you haven’t felt in years. You get to the venue, through all the parking hassles and queues. You get to your seat, it’s perfect, great view of the stage – it’s going to be amazing! You watch the assembled crowd and your skin prickles with anticipation. The lights dim, the show starts, your heart beats faster, you are there, you can’t believe it, the sound, the lights, the songs, it’s everything you imagined and more.
The show is amazing, and you are into it! Then the artist launches into their classic number one song, one of your all-time favourites, and suddenly the person in front of you stands up and blocks your view! WTF!
Thoughts race – at firs,t it is disbelief – how can someone be so inconsiderate?
Then the reality hits – they are being that inconsiderate! You try to see around them but that doesn’t work – frustration begins to seep its way through your body. You tense up and look around for an attendant – no one to be seen.
Then the anger sets in. You’ve paid good money for these seats so you can watch the concert in comfort. You decide to ask them nicely to sit down. They ignore you at first but you persist. It seems inconceivable that these people can not only be so inconsiderate but then they rudely respond to your increasingly desperate pleas for them to sit down?
What is wrong with these people?
If you are one of these ignorant people who place your own ephemeral fun ahead of others’, here are a few tips . . .
If you want to dance, don’t buy a seat! They are called seats because people SIT in them. Buy a ticket to the mosh-pit or up the back where there is room to stand.
Try to understand that there are other people besides you in the world.
Know that karma will eventually get you. One day, somewhere, somehow, you too will have something important; a dream, a goal, an experience – and it will be screwed up because some selfish little arsehole, just like you, is going to give you a bitter dose of your own medicine.
Okay, there may be some exceptions based on the venue or the genre. For example, if you go to a festival, standing up is to be expected; if you’re heading to a heavy metal gig, chances are a comfortable seat is not at the top of your priority list.
But, if you are at a theatre, entertainment centre, club or any similar venue that allows space for both seated and standing patrons, and you find yourself standing in front of your seat – and in front of other patrons who have just as much right to enjoy the night as you do – move somewhere else so you’re not ruining everyone else’s good time.
Even at outdoor events such as those at Bimbadgen and Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley, there are many people who just won’t attend any more concerts at these venues because of the rude and often alcohol-induced, ignorant behaviour of the moronic few. These doyens of the chronically dumb and thoughtless have forgotten to grow up.
For those who agree, I can only say sorry. I wish the world was full of better people. Being considerate to others is the first sign of being a good person.
For those who don’t agree and I expect there will be those who respond indignantly to this – you are the ignorant ones – have a good look at yourselves in the mirror and accept one piece of advice – SIT THE F**K DOWN.
Mick Murrell is a contributor to Newcastle Live. If you would like to submit an article to be published on our site please email rockon@newcastlelive.com.au
