Fan Behavior

given2fly23 · April 25

I just need to vent here for a minute while I should be working away on the Florida off-day so I can pay for these shows. My credentials: 10C member since 1994 and last night was my 107th PJ show. But man, every tour the fans attending PJ/EV shows seems to be growing more and more obnoxious and inconsiderate. Last night (4/24) we were in primo seats (112, Row C). While I am happy to just be in the building for these 2 shows, these seats were killer. During every song, I could distinctly hear 4 different conversations happening around me at full volume. The only time there was a lull in the conversation was when one of the talkers made another booze/bathroom run. At one point, I asked the Boston guy next to me "could you just keep the conversation down a little bit?" His response: "Probably not." He later apologized, but too late. People don't understand or care that many fans would kill for those seats (in this case, any seat) and that when they are talking, screaming or even singing at full volume, that is all their neighbors can hear. I may be more sensitive to it since I wear earplugs and can hear details more clearly, but damn. Is there no consideration of our neighbors left? As the fanbase has grown older and has money to spend, I feel like the behavior has gotten so much worse, especially in the expensive sections of venues. OK, I'm done. Hopefully a better experience tomorrow.

I'll probably get scorched for this, but I needed to get it off my chest. Be safe, everyone.

HailHailVitalogy · April 25

I was in 117 last night with probably a lot of premium or casino rewards buyers and it was awful.

given2fly23 · April 25

HailHailVitalogy said:

I was in 117 last night with probably a lot of premium or casino rewards buyers and it was awful.

All I could think of was all the fans on here who were dying for tickets. Such a waste.

steven87 · April 25

It’s funny that you posted this when you did. Maybe an hour ago, I posted in last night’s setlist thread about a similar experience I had during Camden ‘22- drunken boorish bros next to me constantly spilling beer everywhere, crashing into my wife and I, and talking loudly the whole show. Ruined what would have otherwise been a great show. For better or worse, your experience is shaped to large extent by those in your immediate vicinity.

Hope you have a better experience (and neighbors) during N2!

DE4173 · April 25

107 shows is incredible! It really sucks when people aren't considerate of others.

given2fly23 · April 25

steven87 said:

It’s funny that you posted this when you did. Maybe an hour ago, I posted in last night’s setlist thread about a similar experience I had during Camden ‘22- drunken boorish bros next to me constantly spilling beer everywhere, crashing into my wife and I, and talking loudly the whole show. Ruined what would have otherwise been a great show. For better or worse, your experience is shaped to large extent by those in your immediate vicinity.

Hope you have a better experience (and neighbors) during N2!

I just read your post too. Honestly, when I am in that situation, it makes me think that it should be harder/more expensive to these shows, but that screws real fans too. I just don't get why people bother to attend shows they aren't passionate about, but the problem is that I know the answer: to say they were there, get likes and claim it was the greatest show ever.

given2fly23 · April 25

As a thank you for reading, I just posted my full video of I Won't Back Down on my Instagram @mbhatia10 if anyone is interested. It was one of the decent moments since most of my neighbors were still on their encore break.

DE4173 · April 25

You handled it well asking at least. Sometimes people may be unaware (no really) and will apologize and stfu. And other cases (maybe this one) they are embarrassed/take quick offense and are a smartass.

You never know, though... maybe you've saved others at future shows dealing with them as hopefully these people understand what you meant and are more respectful going forward. ✌️

given2fly23 · April 25

DE4173 said:

You handled it well asking at least. Sometimes people may be unaware (no really) and will apologize and stfu. And other cases (maybe this one) they are embarrassed/take quick offense and are a smartass.

You never know, though... maybe you've saved others at future shows dealing with them as hopefully these people understand what you meant and are more respectful going forward. ✌️

Thanks. Yeah, I've had it go both ways, for sure.

Chrrie · April 25

This is why I initially started lining up early in GA. Never have to hear other people’s conversations in the first couple rows or worry about a mass exodus to the bathrooms or concessions during less popular songs 🙂

nicknyr15 · April 25

People in general. I significantly cut down on concerts and the number one reason is peoples behavior. The ridiculous amount of drinking and the loud conversations throughout a show are an epidemic. I can’t do it anymore.

given2fly23 · April 25

nicknyr15 said:

People in general. I significantly cut down on concerts and the number one reason is peoples behavior. The ridiculous amount of drinking and the loud conversations throughout a show are an epidemic. I can’t do it anymore.

Oof, I have done the same (yeah, still hitting 4 on this tour). If it wasn't for them, I'd probably hit all these PJ shows. Who knows how many tours we have left. But the people have ruined almost all my shows, especially post-COVID.

given2fly23 · April 25

Chrrie said:

This is why I initially started lining up early in GA. Never have to hear other people’s conversations in the first couple rows or worry about a mass exodus to the bathrooms or concessions during less popular songs 🙂

Makes sense. In over 100 PJ shows, I have never taken a bathroom break during the show and I don't drink at shows because (a) I don't need it, a PJ show is already max-stoke, and (b) I don't want to have to use the bathroom.

nicknyr15 · April 25

given2fly23 said:

nicknyr15 said:

People in general. I significantly cut down on concerts and the number one reason is peoples behavior. The ridiculous amount of drinking and the loud conversations throughout a show are an epidemic. I can’t do it anymore.

Oof, I have done the same (yeah, still hitting 4 on this tour). If it wasn't for them, I'd probably hit all these PJ shows. Who knows how many tours we have left. But the people have ruined almost all my shows, especially post-COVID.

I really thought after COVID crowds would become better and more appreciative after what we all went through. Boy was I WRONG.

YAKIMATSU · April 25

Singing loudly and badly is a big part of my PJ concert experience. Sorry if I am ever near you.

Shaindli1 · April 25

I had an unpleasant experience coming back on the train from Fenway to Worcester last fall. It was the last train that pulls into Worcester around 1am. It was full of drunk obnoxious loud men. I was by myself. One of them peed in a bottle just across the aisle from me.
Vile.

given2fly23 · April 25

YAKIMATSU said:

Singing loudly and badly is a big part of my PJ concert experience. Sorry if I am ever near you.

You don't wear earplugs? The show sounds much MUCH better, but I have also noticed that your own singing drowns out the band when you are wearing earplugs. Highly recommend.

Shaindli1 · April 25

given2fly23 said:

YAKIMATSU said:

Singing loudly and badly is a big part of my PJ concert experience. Sorry if I am ever near you.

You don't wear earplugs? The show sounds much MUCH better, but I have also noticed that your own singing drowns out the band when you are wearing earplugs. Highly recommend.

I'm too embarrassed to sing in public.

given2fly23 · April 25

Shaindli1 said:

given2fly23 said:

YAKIMATSU said:

Singing loudly and badly is a big part of my PJ concert experience. Sorry if I am ever near you.

You don't wear earplugs? The show sounds much MUCH better, but I have also noticed that your own singing drowns out the band when you are wearing earplugs. Highly recommend.

I'm too embarrassed to sing in public.

Haha, self-awareness is key!

nicknyr15 · April 25

YAKIMATSU said:

Singing loudly and badly is a big part of my PJ concert experience. Sorry if I am ever near you.

Don’t be sorry for that.

YAKIMATSU · April 25

given2fly23 said:

YAKIMATSU said:

Singing loudly and badly is a big part of my PJ concert experience. Sorry if I am ever near you.

You don't wear earplugs? The show sounds much MUCH better, but I have also noticed that your own singing drowns out the band when you are wearing earplugs. Highly recommend.

Definitely do the earplugs. I don't hear my bad singing except for some songs when I'm the only one in the area singing. I really really can't help it. It just takes over. In the car, in the shower and even in public Pearl Jam must come out of me.
Kinda sad, I know. Anyone know a support group. It wouldn't be so bad, but I have an extremely bad singing voice.

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