Some of you shouldn't be in GA!!!!

Zidane

Just got back from Philly and still... I just don't understand why some people have poor judgment, or how selfish they can be... not understanding the privilege it is to be in the general admission section...

Night 1, I was in the Ten Club reserved seats at the back. Not complaining, I was still able to see the stage. Great show, great energy and all.

Night 2, that's when I was excited: for the first time, I was going to be able to experience a Pearl Jam show in a general admission section!!! After all those years, at my 20th show, I was going to be surrounded by people without the damn chairs bolted to the floor, sharing this moment with Ten Club members (and their guests). I was definitely looking forward to it, like I usually do, but, even more this time!!! I was expecting a great frenzy, with people dancing and jumping up and down...

Well... some of you should go back to some reserved seats around the stage and let the people who wants to have fun... having fun!!! Some of the people around me were jumping, dancing, singing... but we were definitely a minority, an extinguished species... One guy, a Ten Club member, actually got mad at me for being a bit too excited while the band was playing "Satan's Bed"!!! He didn't like the fact that I was jumping up and down, like any excited fan would do when there's a song being played on some rare occasions!! Why? Because the guy almost spilled both of his beers?!!! Yeah, too busy drinking beers than having fun while Pearl Jam are on fire on stage, playing SATAN'S BED!!!

Beside me, a couple was standing... just starring at the stage... looking... no singing, no head movements... NOTHING!!! Just starring at the stage... watching some species on stage I guess...

Others around me? More busy texting their life away, probably writing about how cool it was to be at the show, in general admission, on how the band was amazing and that they were enjoying themselves... Although... you're more busy typing your crap than actually feeling the moment, the music, knowing how lucky you are to be there!!!!

And I could go on...

One thing: if you ask for GA tickets, please, oh please... ENJOY THIS LUCKY BREAK THAT YOU ARE GETTING!!!

I'm not saying we need to have a mosh pit, pushing each other, crowd surfing, and all, and all... But for the love of God, show some emotions out there, do something... or take reserved seats, or go sit with the "casual fans" up there... or just stay home!!!

Anyway...

P.S. Everyone living in Philly and the surroundings, love you guys, great place you guys have. I was there for the last two shows at the Spectrum and it's always fun to hang out in the parking lot before the show and talk to everyone! Cheers!

gotsome420

Well said, there was a lot of this in buffalo, fans telling others not to enjoy themselves too much... Go to the back if you aren't ready to rock.

ruffo34

I thought Philly 2 show had a ton of non pearl jam fans there. The vibe was totally different than Philly 1. There were a ton of meatheads and young people who were just getting hammered and could care less about the music. Philly 1 was definatly the concert that had most pj fans

DeLukin

While I agree in principle, having GA tickets doesn't give you a license to be an asshole. And beer is expensive. Rock out, but for god's sake understand that you're not the only one in the building.

MichaelMcKevin

Who's to say you weren't jumping up and down and invading the personal space of the people around you? The texting/social media stuff, I agree with. I was in GA both nights in Philly and it was tightly packed unless you stood way in the back. I was happy to see not everyone around me was jumping around because it gave me more space to focus on the show, rather than getting elbowed and having my feet stepped on all night (it's distracting).

Also, some people like to experience shows differently. Not everyone jumps up and down with excitement… it doesn't mean they aren't having a good time. I, on the other hand, dance non-stop to just about every song. I just make sure to do it within my own personal space.

Leezestarr313

I, for one, was dancing, screaming and jumping and kind of happy that it wasn't as rough as last year in Berlin ... I still had a fantastic time, but maybe I was just in a good spot.
I think people do perceive shows in a different way. Some might be as excited as you, but they are just no jumpers, screamers, dancers. Who knows.
I thought it was way more annoying to watch Mike through cell phone screens whenever he came closer to where we were... Put the damn phones down, people! I want my face to be melted directly, not through a fucking screen :evil:

Zidane

MichaelMcKevin wrote:

Who's to say you weren't jumping up and down and invading the personal space of the people around you? The texting/social media stuff, I agree with. I was in GA both nights in Philly and it was tightly packed unless you stood way in the back. I was happy to see not everyone around me was jumping around because it gave me more space to focus on the show, rather than getting elbowed and having my feet stepped on all night (it's distracting).

Also, some people like to experience shows differently. Not everyone jumps up and down with excitement… it doesn't mean they aren't having a good time. I, on the other hand, dance non-stop to just about every song. I just make sure to do it within my own personal space.

I agree that we still need to be civilized, and I made sure to say that I wasn't looking to start a mosh pit, or anything like that.

Invading the personal space of the people around me? Far from it. I was jumping up and down in my own space. Did I make a false movement and maybe touched him a bit? Maybe... Although, I don't see why the guy would give me the bad look, and having my friend behind me asking him to calm down, or I think he was going to retaliate. I've been many times in general admission and that's the first thing I'm expecting: that people around me "might move", and maybe tipping my glass of beer... and I'm fine with that, because I know what to expect!

shawndyer

Everyone for the most part pays the same amount for their tickets, right? I'll never understand why everyone feels the need to tell other people how to act. If people want to text, sit there, or rock what does that have to do with you? Theres 2 sides to every story.

kid canada

Yeah, how dare you people not enjoy a concert in the same way that I enjoy it!

I haven't been in GA this year - didn't win lottery tickets. I've seen 33 shows. But I'm also 33 years old, I'm 5'9" and I weigh 160 pounds. I don't jump and dance like a lunatic at shows anymore. I just don't. I move, I sing, I cheer, I'm happy...am I not wild enough to have "pit" privileges?

cfbd68

Leezestarr313 wrote:

I, for one, was dancing, screaming and jumping and kind of happy that it wasn't as rough as last year in Berlin ... I still had a fantastic time, but maybe I was just in a good spot.
I think people do perceive shows in a different way. Some might be as excited as you, but they are just no jumpers, screamers, dancers. Who knows.
I thought it was way more annoying to watch Mike through cell phone screens whenever he came closer to where we were... Put the damn phones down, people! I want my face to be melted directly, not through a fucking screen :evil:

The people around me were very cool . Brooklyn 2 & Philly 2 pit, both times I had someone 6'5" RIGHT in front of me. Good thing I'm 6'2" & was able to see fine over their shoulders. Plus me being a " bit" :shifty: over 250 :shifty: , being behind them gives me plenty of room to shake it . After all who the hell wants to be behind someone 6'5 & 6'2

JimmyV

Every time this discussion comes up we see two problems. One, that many people don't care at all how their behavior is impacting those around them and, two, that many people are much too concerned with what others around them are doing.

No one has any right to crash into the people around them and dump their beverages. If you are going to Pearl Jam to mosh you are at the wrong show. Rock out all you want, the more the better, but don't make a nuisance of yourself. If you are repeatedly bumping into people you might be part of the problem.

At the same time, the guy next to you has just as much right to enjoy the show as you do. If they are bouncing around too much for your liking and you are in GA, either find a way to deal with it or move to another spot. That is part of the GA experience. You have the freedom to move.

I really hope to never have GA tickets. It sounds like more trouble than it is worth. The lines, the fight for the rail, the sardine conditions...not for me. Give me seats that I won't sit in any day.

Leezestarr313

JimmyV wrote:

I really hope to never have GA tickets. It sounds like more trouble than it is worth. The lines, the fight for the rail, the sardine conditions...not for me. Give me seats that I won't sit in any day.

It is really not that bad. We never lined up, but ended up in something like 8th row in night 1 and 6-7th in night 2. It wasn't really sardine conditions either. A little packed in the beginning maybe, but it stretched out nicely throughout the show. I, for one, would love to be in GA for every show from now on, especially in these tame US crowds 8th row in Berlin GA was more of a fight, leaving me super exhausted and drenched in sweat after the show (which was 2:30 hours long compared to almost 3 in Philly...) It is awesome to be able to move around freely, and the sound isn't too shabby either in the pit

I think the experience depends a lot on the people around you ( hi cfbd68 :wave: ). If they are asshats, they fire you up. If they are cool, you can relax and have a great time. In Pitt, we had a woman behind us who screamed like crazy the whole first set, but not in a good way. Did I tell her to stop - nope. But man, I wished I could just move spots ...

sk8nshoot1

JimmyV wrote:

Every time this discussion comes up we see two problems. One, that many people don't care at all how their behavior is impacting those around them and, two, that many people are much too concerned with what others around them are doing.

No one has any right to crash into the people around them and dump their beverages. If you are going to Pearl Jam to mosh you are at the wrong show. Rock out all you want, the more the better, but don't make a nuisance of yourself. If you are repeatedly bumping into people you might be part of the problem.

At the same time, the guy next to you has just as much right to enjoy the show as you do. If they are bouncing around too much for your liking and you are in GA, either find a way to deal with it or move to another spot. That is part of the GA experience. You have the freedom to move.

I really hope to never have GA tickets. It sounds like more trouble than it is worth. The lines, the fight for the rail, the sardine conditions...not for me. Give me seats that I won't sit in any day.

Everybody enjoys a show in their own way. (this has been addressed numerous times on this board) Live and let live as long as that guy doesn't get too crazy and start interferring with other peeps enjoyment.

I will say that the PJ GA crowd was indeed far different from the metal GA crowds I've been to recently. There really was no cycling around. I've gone to the past 3 Mayhem fests and wound up moving slowly forward and ended up on the rail, or second to it, anyway, and then would cycle out and slide over and then back, etc.

PJ Worcester 2, about 15 or 20 people back and not a shot in hell at moving forward without really pissing people off and getting all kinds of dirty looks and evil eyes... While the crowd was "rocking out" and enjoying the show it really wasn't a "fun pit". I guess that happens when poeple are way into the music? It was just weird. And it wasn't like it was sardine city, there was room, but it was like: :nono: Nope don't try that here...

We'll see what Hartford GA brings...

Boxes&Books

No Mosh Pits at a Rock Concert??? That's not cool?

If you can't handle a little jumping or bumping then you're better off standing on the sides or taking a seat. That's just bullshit! I'm not indorsing elbows being swung or trying to hurt people, but C'mon this is a rock concert! And if you're to old for it or don't want your beer dropped then your better off in a safe zone because this is a concert with a lot of energy!
Unless there are signs or rules that prohibit that type of behavior, then respect the rules, otherwise as the band once said, "They didn't say anything about any slam dancing, if there were a particular song, anyways hope you have fun" (paraphrasing here)

Wilds

Who made you the authority on having fun. If someone wants to stand like a statue and listen intently from close who are you to say he is wrong.

That isn't for me, but if that works for him, then great.

Do what you want and let others do as they wish.

sk8nshoot1

tonifig8 wrote:

No Mosh Pits at a Rock Concert??? That's not cool?

If you can't handle a little jumping or bumping then you're better off standing on the sides or taking a seat. That's just bullshit! I'm not indorsing elbows being swung or trying to hurt people, but C'mon this is a rock concert! And if you're to old for it or don't want your beer dropped then your better off in a safe zone because this is a concert with a lot of energy!
Unless there are signs or rules that prohibit that type of behavior, then respect the rules, otherwise as the band once said, "They didn't say anything about any slam dancing, if there were a particular song, anyways hope you have fun" (paraphrasing here)

I remember Hartford 96, at the meadows. The seats in the ampitheater are screwed into the ground and the crowd had packed up against the stage and was ignoring the seats and there were crowd surfers and Ed said, (paraphrasing) 'Be cool with that because those seats are like a coral reef...'

Cosmo

The only thing I object to in a GenAdm floor... the guys that use the excuse of 'Going apeshit' to justify their climbing over or through people in order to accomplish their true goal... to reach the front of the stage.
Other than that... i don't care what others do. Even the people who text their bullshit or watch the entire show through the lens of their iPhone.. i'm cool with. They way I see it.. it is their loss, not mine.
...
Now, that i think of it... the constant yappers. The ones who are talking about their drama with their friends or co-workers. Go to the lobby where you can hear each other. No one else cares about your mundane problems with the IT guy at work.

Electro_UK

I am going to side with the guy who made the first post and those who support the mosh pits. There's such a thing as taking it too far, but you can easily have active parts of the crowd that don't get in the way of those who want to take it slow. Normally if I'm not feeling like jumping around I'll stand between the pit and the crowd just so the jumpy people don't have some grumpy chap having a go at them.

It's a hard thing to balance and every show is different. When Soundgarden toured the UK this year I had the time of my life in Birmingham where everyone was into it and thrashing about. Two nights in Brixton and a totally different atmosphere, though I was happy to just stand and belt my heart out singing.

I suggest if anyone's getting pissed off by a mosh pit or something they take themselves away from it, to one side or so. It's much better to separate yourself from it than try and ruin the fun others are having. Even then you get guys in pits that are just out to hurt people and don't even know the songs etc. Swings and roundabouts. Everyone in Manchester last year knew when and how to mosh and look after people that weren't into it. The show at the Isle of Wight two days later... and my brother broke his arm during Biffy Clyro because of people on LSD in mud etc.

mca47

That's probably why PJ started allowing GA again. Too many lame-ass 10c senior members who've seen PJ 30 times from the front two rows.
I'm not saying you need to go nuts, because I certainly don't want that around me...but a little energy never hurt anyone.

Yefa

I was in GA for Worcester 2...about 10 people back from the rail in front of Jeff. I had cool people around me. We rocked out but didn't mosh into anyone and didn't flail our arms around (thereby endangering others' beers). I really haven't seen any mosh pits in the GA sections of this tour. I go to my share of metal shows and I know what they look like...this is not them.

iamrockmusic

shawndyer wrote:

Everyone for the most part pays the same amount for their tickets, right? I'll never understand why everyone feels the need to tell other people how to act. If people want to text, sit there, or rock what does that have to do with you? Theres 2 sides to every story.

You are correct, sir...

EddieVeddersSweater

I had a trashy couple next to me in Philly night 2. The entire show they were grinding and making out, which is what it is, but the guy kept grinding on me. I kept gently pushing him forward and we exchanged words. They left for a while and came back and he got in my face because "I touched his girl", which honestly, I wouldn't have touched her with your penis. The whole night they were drinking beer and whatever from their flasks. They spilled about 3.5 beers and had their hands flailing around the whole night.

I respect everyone's right to have a great fucking time at a concert, but when you start to completely impede on my experience I'll get pissed. Jump, make out, hell have sex, but I don't want to have another mans ass rubbing against my crotch. If you can't handle booze, stop drinking, no one cares how much you drink at a show...nor cares that you are actually there.

chain

Worcester 1 2013 was'nt Barrie '98...

GA Pit was cool, smooth... not me and my buddy Alex dough... We were jumping, singing... but the 10clubbers around us respected that... Lots of them were twitting, facebooking and all... just dancing with their eyes... thats them and i'm fine with it...

Respect other people and it will come back to you!

Pearl Jam gave us the opportunity to come back GA this year... lets all take a deep breath and hope it will stay like this ...

And for all the 10 clubbers in the GA section that were not jumping around... good for you too... better standing in a crowd in GA than being squished in front of a plastic chair... tossed by elbows all around in section 205 sideways with a neck problem the next day... just don't forget that there are people like the original poster and me that wants to rock our asses off Pearl Jam by jumping and all...

Respect both ways... thats the key!!!

South of Seattle

I don't think this is PJ only issue. I see this behavior at almost all GA shows now. People are wussies.

comebackgirl

Leezestarr313 wrote:

I, for one, was dancing, screaming and jumping and kind of happy that it wasn't as rough as last year in Berlin ... I still had a fantastic time, but maybe I was just in a good spot.
I think people do perceive shows in a different way. Some might be as excited as you, but they are just no jumpers, screamers, dancers. Who knows.
I thought it was way more annoying to watch Mike through cell phone screens whenever he came closer to where we were... Put the damn phones down, people! I want my face to be melted directly, not through a fucking screen :evil:

I agree about the cell phones. I do appreciate the youtube videos of the shows, but I really don't appreciate having an arm in front of my face all night. I'm short enough as it is :fp: And some of those arms did not have deodorant under them :nono: I don't care if people dance, jump, sing or not. I like to do all of the above, but it's not the way everyone enjoys a show, so that's cool.

Electro_UK

Thing is, when Eddie does this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dOv07EVJJg

You kinda want to do it too

Windermere11

Just start throwing up.... It's amazing how quick people start respecting your "personal space"...

dimitrispearljam

GA is for people who like sex with strangers..
you sweating,hanging ,jumping with people you never met before...

Spiritual_Chaos

Dancing, Jumping, singing = part of the GA at a Pearl Jam show.
Bumping into others, moshing, being a drunk dick = not part of the GA at a Pearl Jam show.

Standing still and taking it all in being quiet = part of the GA at a Pearl Jam show.
Holding a bunch of beers and being angry at people around them dancing, jumping, singing = not part of the GA at a Pearl jam show.

TigaSefi

Find me in GA Portland and Spokane and I will jump all night with you!! it's freaking awesome being in GA!

Paradajzar

Exactly this!!!!!! At shows I even feel bad jumping, because I am just waiting someone will start screaming at me!! We are at the F...ing rock concert!! If you want to watch, go see PJ20 screenings! During Porch, a guy infront of me was on fb?!?! wtf?? I am sure, as you said, he was texting to his colleagues, how freaking energetic the show was...loool!

I miss the days when you went to a rock concert, and you knew everyone is here for the same purpose...to enjoy the band and let it go....not just being there to be able to says I was at PJ concert GA, how cool is that!!!

However, crowd in Brooklyn was really into it, congrats:))

Zidane wrote:

Just got back from Philly and still... I just don't understand why some people have poor judgment, or how selfish they can be... not understanding the privilege it is to be in the general admission section...

Night 1, I was in the Ten Club reserved seats at the back. Not complaining, I was still able to see the stage. Great show, great energy and all.

Night 2, that's when I was excited: for the first time, I was going to be able to experience a Pearl Jam show in a general admission section!!! After all those years, at my 20th show, I was going to be surrounded by people without the damn chairs bolted to the floor, sharing this moment with Ten Club members (and their guests). I was definitely looking forward to it, like I usually do, but, even more this time!!! I was expecting a great frenzy, with people dancing and jumping up and down...

Well... some of you should go back to some reserved seats around the stage and let the people who wants to have fun... having fun!!! Some of the people around me were jumping, dancing, singing... but we were definitely a minority, an extinguished species... One guy, a Ten Club member, actually got mad at me for being a bit too excited while the band was playing "Satan's Bed"!!! He didn't like the fact that I was jumping up and down, like any excited fan would do when there's a song being played on some rare occasions!! Why? Because the guy almost spilled both of his beers?!!! Yeah, too busy drinking beers than having fun while Pearl Jam are on fire on stage, playing SATAN'S BED!!!

Beside me, a couple was standing... just starring at the stage... looking... no singing, no head movements... NOTHING!!! Just starring at the stage... watching some species on stage I guess...

Others around me? More busy texting their life away, probably writing about how cool it was to be at the show, in general admission, on how the band was amazing and that they were enjoying themselves... Although... you're more busy typing your crap than actually feeling the moment, the music, knowing how lucky you are to be there!!!!

And I could go on...

One thing: if you ask for GA tickets, please, oh please... ENJOY THIS LUCKY BREAK THAT YOU ARE GETTING!!!

I'm not saying we need to have a mosh pit, pushing each other, crowd surfing, and all, and all... But for the love of God, show some emotions out there, do something... or take reserved seats, or go sit with the "casual fans" up there... or just stay home!!!

Anyway...

P.S. Everyone living in Philly and the surroundings, love you guys, great place you guys have. I was there for the last two shows at the Spectrum and it's always fun to hang out in the parking lot before the show and talk to everyone! Cheers!