Is it really that bad to try to get closer to the stage?

mjd327

Heard that somebody got thrown out of GA at LA 1 because they were trying to get closer to the stage.

I dunno is that really considered that bad?

I've only been to big concerts and never have been on the floor, besides some small indy rap show my friend took me to (in exchange for coming with me to PJ at Brooklyn.) I dunno, at that everybody was standing and when they came out we tried to get closer to the stage. Not pushing or shoving anybody but just fitting through the cracks we could find to get closer up to the artists on stage. Of course that was a much smaller show than a PJ show...so maybe it's different for something like that? I dunno

Is that really considered such a big deal? I dunno I would think if you're somehow able to get close enough (minus hurting anybody else) by creeping your way forward then that should be victory for you. I dunno.

WavelandAve

I think the issue the other night was that they were doing it and pushing/shoving people.

In general though I think it just depends on the people in the pit. In San Diego, I, and plenty of other people, were in line for several hours in the rain so that we could get a good spot. If anyone had tried to get in front of me or obstruct my view, I would not have been pleased to say the least.

But I think if you can get to the front and do so in a polite and safe manner I dont think its a problem.

smanchac1

mjd327 wrote:

Heard that somebody got thrown out of GA at LA 1 because they were trying to get closer to the stage.

I dunno is that really considered that bad?

I've only been to big concerts and never have been on the floor, besides some small indy rap show my friend took me to (in exchange for coming with me to PJ at Brooklyn.) I dunno, at that everybody was standing and when they came out we tried to get closer to the stage. Not pushing or shoving anybody but just fitting through the cracks we could find to get closer up to the artists on stage. Of course that was a much smaller show than a PJ show...so maybe it's different for something like that? I dunno

Is that really considered such a big deal? I dunno I would think if you're somehow able to get close enough (minus hurting anybody else) by creeping your way forward then that should be victory for you. I dunno.

I dunno.

mjd327

Haha, guess I overused that. That's the awkwardness when you feel like there's not so much wrong with something that will make people hate you for doing <_<

smanchac1

mjd327 wrote:

Haha, guess I overused that. That's the awkwardness when you feel like there's not so much wrong with something that will make people hate you for doing <_<

No sweat. Just a little good old fashioned ribbing.

Hendi

People have died at PJ gigs. So it could be very bad
BUT I've jumped 25foot onto the stage and the security weren't happy. When I explained I wasn't sitting at the back after queing up overnight for tix they very nicely let me in the front. (Blood 03/17/1995 Melb)
That was a venue for10,000 but last time they played to 100,000. Fuck using binoculars.

SCMike10

For the Worcester I show my wife and I stood in line for an hour to use our GA tickets. We managed to get about 6 people/rows from the rail in front of Mike. We then stood there for 90 minutes waiting for the show to start. In NO WAY am I complaining, I am stating what we did to get good (almost) front row. At SEVERAL times, people attended to "cut" in front of us, or elbow their way around us. The worst was when a severely drunk women attempted to crawl on her hands and knees through my wife's legs! My wife explained that this person needed to move back to her spot, she tried to fight her! So to answer your question- yes, if you are going to be an asshole, it really is that bad! :nono:

LloydXmas

SCMike10 wrote:

For the Worcester I show my wife and I stood in line for an hour to use our GA tickets. We managed to get about 6 people/rows from the rail in front of Mike. We then stood there for 90 minutes waiting for the show to start. In NO WAY am I complaining, I am stating what we did to get good (almost) front row. At SEVERAL times, people attended to "cut" in front of us, or elbow their way around us. The worst was when a severely drunk women attempted to crawl on her hands and knees through my wife's legs! My wife explained that this person needed to move back to her spot, she tried to fight her! So to answer your question- yes, if you are going to be an asshole, it really is that bad! :nono:

That girl probably needed to get a selfie in front of mike.

BinFrog

I don't have a problem with people moving around in GA, but I find that almost all of the time if a person is trying hard to get closer...they are generally bothering people. Take Worcester 1 for example: There was a drunk pain in the ASS girl who was pushing and shoving people to try and get closer. She was obviously hammered but that is no excuse. She was ranting about how she wanted to hear Crazy Mary because "it's my song!!!". So she ended up wedging her way in between me and my buddy (there was no room to wedge into), and then when Crazy Mary started a few mins later she started shrieking and screaming "wooo!". She then sang the ENTIRE song horribly, horribly out of key. Like...really bad. Think "college party-girl-voice in a club after 3 hours of yelling" kind of bad.

When the song ended she got the hint from pretty much everyone around her that she wasn't welcome, so she moved on. Thank god.

dmbolp

There's only so much room on the rail, or 10 feet from the rail, and by the time the show starts that area is PACKED. Everyone can't try to get closer to the stage...at that point NO ONE can get closer to the stage. And for every "well it's just me trying to get closer" there are 50 others doing the same, at the same show, this goes against the laws of physics, thousands of people can't fit into that space. You want to be in that space??? Get there early and hope you're early enough.

Once the show starts, stop trying to advance, only up/down jumping is allowed :P

dmbolp

Here's one of my favorite pit crasher stories. A show at the Gorge, a girl tries to push her way to the front rail. No one letting her through so she starts pushing. I'm one behind the rail, so I try to reason with her. After pushing me and telling me she's the bigger fan, I tell her "sure, stand in front of me". And then when she does, I ask her if I can stand in front of her...she goes crazy like it was a crazy request. :fp:

After yelling at a few more people, she tells us she's a bigger fan because she's got a tramp stamp of the band. She proceeds to show us, and then another girl pours a beer down her crack. The crasher swings at the beer-pourer, who rips off the crasher's top with one hand, and then this happens:

http://youtu.be/3x-N5N2vApQ

As soon as the video stops she takes a swing at the security guard, who then pulls her over the rail in a fraction of a second, never to be seen again.

JT86018

Unfortunately, yes. It pains me to say it, but most Pearl Jam fans are soft. Yes, times have changed and this certainly isn't 1993, but fans seem to have forgotten the essence of rock and roll and they certainly don't feed off the fire of the band onstage, unless the "hits" are playing. I was in the GA floor area last night in LA, about ten or 15 feet from the railing, between Ed and Mike, and I could count about three other people who were consistently "dancing". Everyone else was content to stand in place and seemed more concerned about getting that perfect picture or video shot on their mobile phones. Back in the heyday, every one tried to get to the front and was passionate about the music while always observing the unofficial mosh pit code of conduct. As with anything else, there were always a few a-holes, but that can't be helped.

So people stand in line for hours, brave the elements in some cases, just to enjoy Betterman, Eflow, Alive,etc. but very little else? This is a rough generalization, but next time you're at a show, take a look at the people on the GA floor. The MAJORITY will prove my point.

My issue is the band condones this starting with Ed and Stone. But this is exactly the reason why an AMERICAN crowd will never come close to a South American audience. Go to YouTube and watch videos of Pearl Jam playing in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. Look at the crowd on the floor. See the difference. When Ed likes an American audience, he'll say, "This is the best AMERICAN crowd we've played for in a while...". An American crowd will NEVER rival these audiences as long as these policies continue to exist. Heaven forbid an audience member gets his/her shoes dirty.

BinFrog

JT86018 wrote:

So people stand in line for hours, brave the elements in some cases, just to enjoy Betterman, Eflow, Alive,etc. but very little else? This is a rough generalization, but next time you're at a show, take a look at the people on the GA floor. The MAJORITY will prove my point.

Not really.

High Fidelity 2000

I think it's pretty douchey to sneak up like you're going back up to your spot, and then you just stop right in front of me. That kinda shit pisses me off. Just stay in the back, you know?

scratched vinyl

mjd327 wrote:

Heard that somebody got thrown out of GA at LA 1 because they were trying to get closer to the stage.

I dunno is that really considered that bad?

I've only been to big concerts and never have been on the floor, besides some small indy rap show my friend took me to (in exchange for coming with me to PJ at Brooklyn.) I dunno, at that everybody was standing and when they came out we tried to get closer to the stage. Not pushing or shoving anybody but just fitting through the cracks we could find to get closer up to the artists on stage. Of course that was a much smaller show than a PJ show...so maybe it's different for something like that? I dunno

Is that really considered such a big deal? I dunno I would think if you're somehow able to get close enough (minus hurting anybody else) by creeping your way forward then that should be victory for you. I dunno.

When I saw PJ in 96 and 98 GA moshing was still alive and well, and obviously it was a complete non issue to move around. But since they added seats to the floor for over a decade and now removed them again, it's become an issue.

For most new bands, or other bands from PJ's era who still have GA, Tool and NIN shows for instance, you can still get way with it. But if you're GA at a PJ show you're not going to make any friends by pushing your way through to the front.

Cosmo

mjd327 wrote:

Heard that somebody got thrown out of GA at LA 1 because they were trying to get closer to the stage.

I dunno is that really considered that bad?

I've only been to big concerts and never have been on the floor, besides some small indy rap show my friend took me to (in exchange for coming with me to PJ at Brooklyn.) I dunno, at that everybody was standing and when they came out we tried to get closer to the stage. Not pushing or shoving anybody but just fitting through the cracks we could find to get closer up to the artists on stage. Of course that was a much smaller show than a PJ show...so maybe it's different for something like that? I dunno

Is that really considered such a big deal? I dunno I would think if you're somehow able to get close enough (minus hurting anybody else) by creeping your way forward then that should be victory for you. I dunno.

...
It's a douche move.
If I believed it is my right, just because i purchased a ticket, to get ANY spot on the floor... including the front... by displacing people (including girls)... I would probably carry that belief into the rest of the world of reality. Fuck anyone else. It is all about me and feeding my wants and desires... it is all about me.
That's the basic definition of 'Douche Bag' (other than he one that's inside the 'Summer's Eve' box at the local Albertsons).
There are ways to get to the front... invest the time/effort for the reward. Very simple.

smanchac1

SCMike10 wrote:

The worst was when a severely drunk women attempted to crawl on her hands and knees through my wife's legs! My wife explained that this person needed to move back to her spot, she tried to fight her!

Wow. People are fucking pathetic.

cbh1011

From my view in the Pit LA1, the issue with Ed getting upset was that there were two girls, one of which seemed to pretend she was feint so they could get help with moving forward. Then, when close to the rail, all was fine and neither her or the older woman were going to move. To the original question of this post -- this is more than a douche move. It plays on the general 'safety first' concern all in the Pit should be mindful of -- there were by my count at least 2 legitimate people passed out from the heat and waiting for the show. One lady early... who ended being ok after clearing the rail and moving out. And another guy just to my right with a USC hat, smoked a bit, and about two songs later said he needed to move back, then turned to the rail to exit more quickly and then went out cold and had to be lifted out. Worried about his status.

Back to the original question here - if you want to be close, get in line early. trying to push your way to the front is NOT cool anymore. This isn't '93, as much as some may like it to be that way. Don't bash the 'line police' in GA - it's a way to orderly manage the GA process. It's a way to have a more safe and enjoyable show.

I've been to many GA shows now and the problem is always the same - drunk idiots that feel they can push forward like they are entitled to do so 'because it's GA'. Goes for men and for women - in fact, there were more issues I think with women in San Diego and LA than the guys. Look, I love to have a few beers myself, I'm dancing during all the songs (not just the 'hits'), but if you have a little respect for the room of others and help create your 'circle of trust' around you, it's fine.

So if you get to GA late, enjoy the show from where you are without pushing forward.

The better argument IMHO is all the freaking video and photo taking during the show. I get a snap or two, but when holding up your phone for minutes at a time, that just sucks.

Cosmo

cbh1011 wrote:

From my view in the Pit LA1, the issue with Ed getting upset was that there were two girls, one of which seemed to pretend she was feint so they could get help with moving forward. Then, when close to the rail, all was fine and neither her or the older woman were going to move. To the original question of this post -- this is more than a douche move. It plays on the general 'safety first' concern all in the Pit should be mindful of -- there were by my count at least 2 legitimate people passed out from the heat and waiting for the show. One lady early... who ended being ok after clearing the rail and moving out. And another guy just to my right with a USC hat, smoked a bit, and about two songs later said he needed to move back, then turned to the rail to exit more quickly and then went out cold and had to be lifted out. Worried about his status.

Back to the original question here - if you want to be close, get in line early. trying to push your way to the front is NOT cool anymore. This isn't '93, as much as we'd like it to be that way. Don't bash the 'line police' in GA - it's a way to orderly manage the GA process. It's a way to have a more safe and enjoyable show.

I've been to many GA shows now and the problem is always the same - drunk idiots that feel they can push forward like they are entitled to do so 'because it's GA'. Goes for men and for women - in fact, there were more issues I think with women in San Diego and LA than the guys. Look, I love to have a few beers myself, I'm dancing during all the songs (not just the 'hits'), but if you have a little respect for the room of others and help create your 'circle of trust' around you, it's fine.

So if you get to GA late, enjoy the show from where you are without pushing forward.

The better argument IMHO is all the freaking video and photo taking during the show. I get a snap or two, but when holding up your phone for minutes at a time, that just sucks.

...
Thank you for that.
We need to understand... you have choices to make.
A. You can wait in line all day and get to the rail...
B. You can go to the parties and hang back towards the back of the floor and enjoy the show from there...
C. You can wait in line all day and hang back towards the back of the floor and enjoy the show from there...
...
The one that is NOT an option is going to the parties and expecting that the hundreds of fans who waited in line all day aren't going to mind letting you in front of them just because you tell them what a 'Big Fan' of the band you are.
You can try... but, don't expect that to work.

Cosmo

cbh1011 wrote:

From my view in the Pit LA1, the issue with Ed getting upset was that there were two girls, one of which seemed to pretend she was feint so they could get help with moving forward. Then, when close to the rail, all was fine and neither her or the older woman were going to move.

...
Some fucking little guy with a vagina tried that bullshit on us on night one... he pretendedd that he was sick and going to pass out, so people helped him to the front. When he got there, he said, "I'm all right now... i'm feeling better"... but, we said, Nope... you got to the barricade, you got to get pulled over it. Hope you feel better in the fresh air in the open spaces at the back of the General Admission floor.

cbh1011

Cosmo wrote:

cbh1011 wrote:

From my view in the Pit LA1, the issue with Ed getting upset was....

...
Thank you for that.
We need to understand... you have choices to make.
A. You can wait in line all day and get to the rail...
B. You can go to the parties and hang back towards the back of the floor and enjoy the show from there...
C. You can wait in line all day and hang back towards the back of the floor and enjoy the show from there...
...
The one that is NOT an option is going to the parties and expecting that the hundreds of fans who waited in line all day aren't going to mind letting you in front of them just because you tell them what a 'Big Fan' of the band you are.
You can try... but, don't expect that to work.

Totally agreed! Life's all about choices. Except this: don't be an asshole! :nono:

Loulou

BinFrog wrote:

I don't have a problem with people moving around in GA, but I find that almost all of the time if a person is trying hard to get closer...they are generally bothering people. Take Worcester 1 for example: There was a drunk pain in the ASS girl who was pushing and shoving people to try and get closer. She was obviously hammered but that is no excuse. She was ranting about how she wanted to hear Crazy Mary because "it's my song!!!". So she ended up wedging her way in between me and my buddy (there was no room to wedge into), and then when Crazy Mary started a few mins later she started shrieking and screaming "wooo!". She then sang the ENTIRE song horribly, horribly out of key. Like...really bad. Think "college party-girl-voice in a club after 3 hours of yelling" kind of bad.

When the song ended she got the hint from pretty much everyone around her that she wasn't welcome, so she moved on. Thank god.

Maybe you just found Crazy Mary!

JohnD.

I went to all manner of GA shows back in the 90's and it seemed to me that people really didn't give shit about being on the rail. You could be up there if you wanted to basically no matter when you arrived.

However, we're all 20 years older now. We're all paying much more money. The rules of etiquette in this setting have changed. You either have to accept it or don't go to a show. Pushing your way to the front is an asshole move. If you think it's ok to do it at a PJ show you're an asshole. If you didn't realize it before, you do now.

Honestly, I think next do they should do away with GA for the next tour. It causes too many bad vibes before and during the show. Brings out the worst in some people.

MayDay10

dmbolp wrote:

There's only so much room on the rail, or 10 feet from the rail, and by the time the show starts that area is PACKED. Everyone can't try to get closer to the stage...at that point NO ONE can get closer to the stage. And for every "well it's just me trying to get closer" there are 50 others doing the same, at the same show, this goes against the laws of physics, thousands of people can't fit into that space. You want to be in that space??? Get there early and hope you're early enough.

This x1,000,000.
Its much different now that people arent "moshing" and moving about frantically. Back in the day, you would be all over the place, suddenly find your way 15 feet back and figure "what the hell". Then flop around to the music more and end up closer (without really intending). Voids opened, and the crowd was much more fluid.

Now we are all older and dont really do/cant do that shit anymore. Much more stationary/static. It is a hazard and annoyance. People wait in line all day. Get a spot, forego pissing and partying beforehand, etc. Then you have people showing up late trying to move in an already overpacked zone. I was at a Primus show, got a great spot for the 1st set. 2nd set hits, and so many people were in my 'area', my arms were pinned to my sides and my body was actually getting hoisted off the ground and my ribs getting crushed. I had to excuse myself and go to the back as I was getting a panic attack.

IMO the USA cannot handle GA at this point for these shows. People are way too self absorbed and entitled. I have done GA elsewhere and it is much more of a communal thing. Here it is just a constant rat race of being on offense and defense to get as close as possible.

JohnDalton wrote:

Honestly, I think next do they should do away with GA for the next tour. It causes too many bad vibes before and during the show. Brings out the worst in some people.

agreed

SVRDhand13

Some really drunk girl was trying to push through the crowd at Hartford. I missed all of Crazy Mary because I was scared she was going to puke on me :x.

toridanioth

GA and waiting all day is the only way I will ever get close to the stage. my number not so good. So that's what i did and had a great time.

This "fake fainting" crap to get to the front is so deplorable it makes me feel sick! I saw both people up close really faint LA1 and it was scary. To think someone was manipulating the people around them by faking it- ya you need to go.

I am happy to say that I respected the "no cameras" policy clearly printed on the ticket. In fact LA2 both my sister and I left our phones locked in the car! I just hope that more official photos get released or maybe video bootlegs so I can have another little piece of the show to keep.

cbh1011

It does seem to bring out the worst, but at the same time, it also gives many who are willing to put in the extra effort a chance to get so close and create those lifetime memories. Now that I'm older (ugh), I too dred waiting in line for so long and then getting to your spot near the front and then.... standing again for another 2 hours for the show. With no opening band - we could all have just sat and enjoyed face to face conversation -- which would have been so much more enjoyable for everyone. I laugh at how old I sound but really... that's what I was thinking the whole time I stood shoulder to shoulder with the people around me :roll:

Here's something else I realize. First, I'm 6'3". Ive typically always enjoyed a decent view. At LA1, somehow as the hours moved along I found myself behind a 6'5" dude, who was behind a guy on the rail that had to be 6'9". This gave me much greater appreciation for the less vertically blessed around me. Every time the CA Sequoias would raise their hand to video and photograph the night's event was a pisser for me. They earned it by getting there earlier, but if I must look at the back of your arm all night, I'd much rather do it because they're stretched out towards the sun as you're dancing blissfully... than taking the 40th picture of Mike doing his thing (which he does masterfully, BTW).

I learned to dance and jump in place, keep my line of sight to where I needed it, and had a great time in the Pit. It's possible. (But if you put a Glorified G to my head, I'd still prefer reserved seating.)

smanchac1

I guess people forgot that in the past, people just used to crowd surf to the front.

Lets hope we never see a pj concert like the again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Sy_mSZ_hU

mjd327

So what if we're in our early 20s and not older then is it ok since you guys did the same when you were our age? <_<

BinFrog

SVRDhand13 wrote:

Some really drunk girl was trying to push through the crowd at Hartford. I missed all of Crazy Mary because I was scared she was going to puke on me :x.

Check out my post on page 1. I would guarantee it's the same person!

JH6056

mjd327 wrote:

So what if we're in our early 20s and not older then is it ok since you guys did the same when you were our age? <_<

No, it's not ok. It's not about how old the person trying to get up front it, it's that times have changed and there's a process for getting up front at PJ shows. Buck the process and try to just force your way or wiggle your way after everyone who waited all day is in place, and you'll get a ton of flak.

C'mon, if you're in your early 20s, you're young and can wait in line all day without getting a back ache! What's your excuse for not getting there early to earn your space?