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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Standing at gigs - finally some sense!

355 replies

StacksOfSnacks · 26/04/2026 14:49

I love live music and frequently attend concerts and have been utterly baffled in recent years that people behave as they would in the cinema - plonked on their backside, mutely watching. For me it’s all about the immersive experience - dancing, screaming, swaying, singing, waving my arms… But not only are more people staying seated, but I’m actually seeing discourse where people such as myself are being criticised for acting exactly like a typical concert goer - singing and standing.

I went to a show last night and noticed this little note on my e-ticket “People around you may stand!” though I think it should go without saying, finally some sense is prevailing and those whingers can keep schtum now (which they advocate for at gigs anyway 😂).

Disclaimer: I know people will pile on saying that not everyone can stand, and no they can’t and I understand that. I’d support if they wanted to have a section where people stay seated if there’s demand for it. However, I have observed a change in behaviour that is out of proportion even when considering that.

Standing at gigs - finally some sense!
OP posts:
Pedallleur · 02/05/2026 09:56

jumpingjohnny · 02/05/2026 09:47

Unless it's a tiny town hall, unknown band, promo type gig, how do you see them on stage from the seated section? They're tiny from the seats! You see better on the screens.

So if you're not there for the atmosphere, you might as well watch them on TV and save the money 🤷‍♀️

depends where you are seated and the venue size

NotMajorTom · 02/05/2026 11:20

Can this whole thread be summed up as

”people who don’t do what I want to do are boring/annoying”

jumpingjohnny · 02/05/2026 14:28

Pedallleur · 02/05/2026 09:56

depends where you are seated and the venue size

Well, yes... Hence my first phrase specifying as much.

Firefly1987 · 02/05/2026 19:27

jumpingjohnny · 02/05/2026 09:47

Unless it's a tiny town hall, unknown band, promo type gig, how do you see them on stage from the seated section? They're tiny from the seats! You see better on the screens.

So if you're not there for the atmosphere, you might as well watch them on TV and save the money 🤷‍♀️

Because I make sure I get a good seat (which often means I have to go by myself as those are the only good seats left) because it's important to me. If you only care about atmosphere then that's great for you, but others have different priorities like shock actually seeing the band or singer? This isn't a crazy notion!

Why don't the atmosphere lovers just get standing tickets instead of saying one group should miss out completely.

GellerYeller · 09/05/2026 12:55

Firefly1987 · 02/05/2026 19:27

Because I make sure I get a good seat (which often means I have to go by myself as those are the only good seats left) because it's important to me. If you only care about atmosphere then that's great for you, but others have different priorities like shock actually seeing the band or singer? This isn't a crazy notion!

Why don't the atmosphere lovers just get standing tickets instead of saying one group should miss out completely.

I wholeheartedly agree. As for ‘May as well watch at home’, no matter where you’re seated/standing, you can’t beat the collective joy of thousands of people experiencing their favourite act dropping their biggest hit or a rarity.
Also lots of arena or stadium bands do a b stage closer to the back so everyone gets a closer look. Or amazing lights and effects that work from every viewing angle. You can’t replicate that experience at home either.
We were at a show this week in the pricier seats. Some stood, some sat, no arguing.

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