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

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?

pb185817

JT86018 wrote:

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.

i,m with you on that one i was at la in ga & started jumping up & down trying to get closer the front just before ed told that girl to get out & was escorted to the side i was a little bit shocked at that i came from the uk crowds are certainly a lot wilder everyone's trying to get closer we definetly feed off the band's energy on stage to the point they reguarly ask the crowd to take 3 steps back but there is never any real trouble

pb185817

JT86018 wrote:

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.

i,m with you on that one i was at la in ga & started jumping up & down trying to get closer the front just before ed told that girl to get out & was escorted to the side i was a little bit shocked at that i came from the uk crowds are certainly a lot wilder everyone's trying to get closer we definetly feed off the band's energy on stage to the point they reguarly ask the crowd to take 3 steps back but there is never any real trouble