Since there is no proper etiquette for a general admission show, I’m going to cover some ground rules and tips for surviving the floor while trying to enjoy the show.
Be sure to eat before the show and have some water. When you’re on the floor you may not get a chance to use the bathroom, so don’t drink too much. Leave a water bottle in your car for after the gig, you’ll be parched.
Never wear baggy clothing. Wear a couple of shirts instead for warmth, not a heavy coat. Baggy clothes can be caught in the piercings of other concert goers. Once on the floor, be ready to move when the lights go out, make sure your shoes are tied.
Do not have your hands in your pockets. When everything starts: have one arm up to catch crowd surfers, slap five or wave and the other hand in front to move people, keep balance and check your pockets.
Move with the crowd, do not think like a salmon. You might have been dead center earlier, but when you hit the guard rail you’ll be happy.
DO NOT: be one of those guys that hovers over his girlfriend all night. Get seats, and cuddle somewhere else.
You may want to sing along all night. Try to ration your oxygen; you could be out of breath quickly from moving.
Remember: the guards are there to help you and the fastest way off the floor is always over the front rail.
After the show stick around to try and grab drumsticks, picks, set lists, etc. Meet up with your friends, and head toward your car where your water bottle awaits.
Keep these things in mind and your next gig could be a lot more enjoyable. If you have seats, disregard this message.
