To the person who grabbed me by the hair at Wembley Arena, London 1st November 2009

[Stick]

To the person who I accidently hit on the teeth with my fist during the Düsseldorf, Germany show on January 19th, 2005: 

It made my finger bleed, you cunt!

[Wretched & Divine]

I am completely against the attitude of it being every person for themselves because that can so easily become very dangerous. I had an anxiety attack so severe that I collapsed when I was at a show by myself, and I was beyond having the capacity to speak or think clearly about anything. If there had been this whole "every man for himself" mindset at that show, I would have been left to likely be trampled and seriously injured. Thankfully the people surrounding me actually gave a shit and lifted me out.

Sure, you expect some pushing and shoving at shows, but I can't grasp the fact anyone would defend the action of violence and utter disregard for the people around them. People like that shouldn't be in the pit in the first place.

[Teenage Lush]

i've had my fair share of traumatic experiences at green day shows and it sucks, but you can't blame the band for it. 

although it is really frustrating when you hear billie screaming "let's go fucking crazy!" when you already feel like you're being crushed to death  

[Hermione]

I mean, I've started every GD show in a decent spot but have sometimes had to try and move forwards or sideways just to see (or breathe) because bigger/taller people have pushed in front of me. Also some people are ridiculous and expect to be able to stay in the exact same position with no one touching them for 2 hours when they're in the middle of an energetic crowd. "Pushing in front" can be a grey area, moving around is going to happen and it's often not even your choice to move when there's also people pushing you.

Of course being a dick about it isn't okay but people do have to accept that their position isn't guaranteed to stay the same for the whole show. Everyone needs to try to be as considerate to each other as possible but that includes not getting extremely pissed off because you were jostled to a worse position or simply touched by another person when the people directly around you might not even have any choice but to move. I remember when my sister and I had to get back into the crowd after she'd fainted and then recovered and literally no one at the side would move to let us in (not in front of them but beside them/behind them). The security was annoyed because we were standing on the steps instead of stepping down into the crowd but it was like, no one will make space for us. That kind of thing can be almost as annoying as people pushing in front.

[sara_gd]

1 hour ago, Hermione said:

I mean, I've started every GD show in a decent spot but have sometimes had to try and move forwards or sideways just to see (or breathe) because bigger/taller people have pushed in front of me. Also some people are ridiculous and expect to be able to stay in the exact same position with no one touching them for 2 hours when they're in the middle of an energetic crowd. "Pushing in front" can be a grey area, moving around is going to happen and it's often not even your choice to move when there's also people pushing you.

Of course being a dick about it isn't okay but people do have to accept that their position isn't guaranteed to stay the same for the whole show. Everyone needs to try to be as considerate to each other as possible but that includes not getting extremely pissed off because you were jostled to a worse position or simply touched by another person when the people directly around you might not even have any choice but to move. I remember when my sister and I had to get back into the crowd after she'd fainted and then recovered and literally no one at the side would move to let us in (not in front of them but beside them/behind them). The security was annoyed because we were standing on the steps instead of stepping down into the crowd but it was like, no one will make space for us. That kind of thing can be almost as annoying as people pushing in front.

But that's the difference. Moving around enjoying the concert isn't the same as pushing to get to the front, at all. And at a show you can spot perfectly who is doing what.

Trying to move here or there to see better isn't a crime, or using the movement in your own benefit, but when you push deliberately to try to get to the front, ignoring that people have been there before you, that's the problem. I accept not being able to keep my spot after an entire night of rain over me to get that spot if people are moving a lot and I can't handle it, or if it's in benefit of someone else's integrity, or if something exceptional happens and I am told about it, but not if someone gets there by pushing and tries to get in front of me because they want to "see better". I really don't think anyone expects not to be touched for 2 hours if they go to a rock concert. It's a different problem.

[Hermione]

10 minutes ago, sara_gd said:

But that's the difference. Moving around enjoying the concert isn't the same as pushing to get to the front, at all. And at a show you can spot perfectly who is doing what.

Trying to move here or there to see better isn't a crime, or using the movement in your own benefit, but when you push deliberately to try to get to the front, ignoring that people have been there before you, that's the problem. I accept not being able to keep my spot after an entire night of rain over me to get that spot if people are moving a lot and I can't handle it, or if it's in benefit of someone else's integrity, or if something exceptional happens and I am told about it, but not if someone gets there by pushing and tries to get in front of me because they want to "see better". I really don't think anyone expects not to be touched for 2 hours if they go to a rock concert. It's a different problem.

You're right. The conversation just reminded me of getting death stares from people for being pushed against them . Sometimes there are chances to move to be further forward/see better that don't involve pushing past people/making someone else's position worse. But yeah pushing through to get to the front when you started off further back isn't right (although still doesn't deserve hair pulling obviously - happens at literally every show so have to learn to deal with it to some extent). 

[Billie Hoe]

1 minute ago, Hermione said:

Sometimes there are chances to move to be further forward/see better that don't involve pushing past people/making someone else's position worse. But yeah pushing through to get to the front when you started off further back isn't right (although still doesn't deserve hair pulling obviously - happens at literally every show so have to learn to deal with it to some extent). 

Absolutely. I used mosh pits for example to get closer to the stage. When I saw a mosh pit, I participated for a bit, moved forwards and stayed in the front  I didn't get to the barrier but I managed to move up a couple of rows.

[greendepent]

And this is why I hate shows in larger venues. It's such a pain to stand those fuckers

[Clockwise]

At the New Jersey show this year I got aggressively bashed in the stomach repeatedly, totally unprovoked. It hurt for weeks afterwards to the point where I thought my spleen was ruptured or something. That's literally the only bad experience out of a decade of show going, so I'm not too upset about it. You get assholes sometimes, but most people are awesome so it shouldn't discourage you from going to gigs. And Green Day are the very last band that would ever encourage violence like that.

[solongfromthestars]

Sorry this happened to you, people at gigs really suck sometimes. Maybe I've been unlucky but from my experience it's reasonably common. I had some aggressive Spanish guy next to me at Shepherd's Bush, who eventually started bringing his elbow down in my face because I was being pushed into him. Got strangled in Costa Rica and Montreux and a lot of smaller incidents at other shows. I mean, it sucks and I don't personally go in with an "every man for himself" attitude, but I absolutely expect it from others.

As for pushing being acceptable, pushing to get somewhat closer to the front (like the kind the OP described) isn't a huge deal, no one should end up hurt from that. It becomes an issue when the crowd is tightly packed and people start to resist because they've been there way longer, or if the person pushing is aggressive. Like, if someone tries to wrench me off the barrier or gets violent in trying to get past me when I clearly don't want them to, sorry but I'm going to elbow them in the face. If you don't want that to happen, don't be a dick and try to steal a spot someone else lined up for

[Strychnine.]

Green Day shows are tough and most of the crowds are pretty shitty. 

[AmyxLongview]

Honestly this is why I prefer seats. I don't have to get there super early, nobody blocks my view, nobody touches or pushes me, no claustrophobia.

A lot of people drink at Green Day concerts and that doesn't help either. I wish people weren't so violent.

[pasties]

I cant stand standing in huge arenas getting pushed around and too many selfish people about  i much prefer to sit at huge venues.

However smaller venues are cool had one of my best gig experiences at the roxy in LA, well it was great apart from the barman not understanding my accent when i asked for a Newcastle Brown ale.They had signs all over for Brown ale i was pointing at it but he still did not understand me irony is im from Newcastle, guess my geordie accent was too strong. 

[St. Jonny]

I'm usually a get in the pit type of guy at shows but it's better when it's a metal show in a bar or club or theatre. There are so many rules in large venues and at a Green Day show you get so many different crowds, a lot of which are not down to be moshed during Burnout or bumped into. You should always be ready for war at rock and roll shows, that is part of the fun. Security are typically just a big pain at big shows and I have found it easier to get messed up and really enjoy myself in seats nowadays. Club shows are a way different story of course, but you can't be upset at people for moving in front of you and what not, it is probably their favorite band too so everybody has lost all control of their mind and emotion!

[I don't care]

In your own experience, would you recommend seats or standing on Green Day concerts? I've been very stressed out because me and my friend are going to the Stockholm concert and we have seats which has made me feel like I'll regret it if I don't choose standing and being close to my favourite band, it's my first Green Day concert after being a fan for my whole life. At the same time, we are both fairly short 16-year-olds and I don't want to be crushed to death. Is the crowd usually aggressive or not? What are your thoughts?

[PaleStardust]

Green Day concerts have been pretty chill for me, so I'm really sorry that happened to you. -hugs-
A similar thing happened to me at The Pretty Reckless at the Scala this year, a couple of Italian girls thought it would be okay to punch me in the back, pull my hair and try to wiggle under my legs to try and get my spot. I think it depends on the fans. 

[Strychnine.]

1 minute ago, I don't care said:

In your own experience, would you recommend seats or standing on Green Day concerts? I've been very stressed out because me and my friend are going to the Stockholm concert and we have seats which has made me feel like I'll regret it if I don't choose standing and being close to my favorite band, it's my first Green Day concert after being a fan for my whole life. At the same time, we are both fairly short 16-year-olds and I don't want to be crushed to death. Is the crowd usually aggressive or not? What are your thoughts?

The aggressiveness of the crowd really depends on how close to the stage you are. (FYI my two Green Day experiences were both club shows) My first Green Day concert was when I was 16 and I was able to get on the barricade way off to the side which is pretty much smooth sailing. Barricade, even more towards the center/catwalk, is always going to be the chillest place just because you're on something solid that can't be budged. So you really won't be shoved around too much. Even second row can get too crazy really really fast, especially the more center of the stage that you are. At the Palladium show I was second row between Mike and Billie and by the second song I had fallen back to the 5th row. It gets crazy, the smaller you are really doesn't give you an advantage. 

In my experience, go ahead and keep the seats. You'll have a great time without all the stress of dealing with a PIT. If you want to be close to the band, I'm assuming 5th row and up, It's gonna be a tough time. At least it was for me, I know the crowd was really rough there for the first few songs; but, by the 4th song I had managed to work my way to the barricade by asking to get pulled out so the rest of the show improved tenfold for me. You might not get that lucky though, so better to play it safe and enjoy the show from a comfy seat.

[solongfromthestars]

16 minutes ago, I don't care said:

In your own experience, would you recommend seats or standing on Green Day concerts? I've been very stressed out because me and my friend are going to the Stockholm concert and we have seats which has made me feel like I'll regret it if I don't choose standing and being close to my favourite band, it's my first Green Day concert after being a fan for my whole life. At the same time, we are both fairly short 16-year-olds and I don't want to be crushed to death. Is the crowd usually aggressive or not? What are your thoughts?

Seats for Green Day are really ok, because they're the kind of band who are great wherever you are in the venue and everyone usually stands up. I had seats for my first few shows when I was younger and I'm glad, because my unfit 14 year-old self might not have enjoyed the shows so much in the pit. The shows were still totally amazing.

But then there's nothing quite like front row and now I'm older and totally able to stand my ground, I always try to get standing. It depends where you stand, really. If you know how to lock your arms over the barrier it's very difficult for someone to move you and it's something to hang on to, which is good. But if the crowd is aggressive the crush can be nasty. Directly in front of Billie and 2-5 rows back is nearly always bad, but if you're at the edge of the front row you should be totally fine, even a few rows back.

I think if I were you I'd stick with the seated tickets and maybe go for standing at the next show! Because hopefully they'll be back soon  

[Brooklyn Baby]

16 minutes ago, I don't care said:

In your own experience, would you recommend seats or standing on Green Day concerts? I've been very stressed out because me and my friend are going to the Stockholm concert and we have seats which has made me feel like I'll regret it if I don't choose standing and being close to my favourite band, it's my first Green Day concert after being a fan for my whole life. At the same time, we are both fairly short 16-year-olds and I don't want to be crushed to death. Is the crowd usually aggressive or not? What are your thoughts?

I had seats for my first GD show and I had a fantastic time. Honestly, it was one of my most favorite GD experiences. 

If you're going to be in the pit, I do recommend being in the pit at a huge venue rather than a small. All of my pit experiences in large venues have been much more relaxed than in the small, probably because there's more space and places to bail out if things do get nasty. 

[Strychnine.]

Just now, Maria Gloria said:

But then there's nothing quite like front row.

This! As much hell as it is to get front row, and as awful as the pit can be, I've only ever seen Green Day front row and I don't think I could be happy with anything less.  

[I don't care]

Thank you, everyone. I think we'll stick to our seats. As much as I would like to see them front row my size isn't exactly to my benefit in these situations. Maybe next time I can give the pit a try? 

[Strychnine.]

6 minutes ago, I don't care said:

Thank you, everyone. I think we'll stick to our seats. As much as I would like to see them front row my size isn't exactly to my benefit in these situations. Maybe next time I can give the pit a try? 

I'd say go to a couple club shows for other bands you like that might not be as big as Green Day. It'll help you get a feel for the crowds and what it's like to lineup for shows so you can be ready when Green Day comes around. Every time I camp out for a show I learn something that I later apply to my future shows.

[The Grohl]

1 hour ago, AmyxLongview said:

Honestly this is why I prefer seats. I don't have to get there super early, nobody blocks my view, nobody touches or pushes me, no claustrophobia.

A lot of people drink at Green Day concerts and that doesn't help either. I wish people weren't so violent.

 

Same here. I mean GA shows are cool, but half the time I don't want to get there early and stand for hours. I'd rather show up whenever I want and get to my seat with no trouble.

[The Grohl]

Thanks to a bad concert experience, I learned for me it's not worth trying to be near the stage. I'm not the type that wants to fight for a spot all night. I just want to enjoy the show. And I used to get mad when people rubbed up against me at shows, but after a few shows I got over it. 

But still, that's really shitty that someone just grabbed you by the hair like that. I would've talked to security because that's not cool at all.

[sara_gd]

4 hours ago, I don't care said:

In your own experience, would you recommend seats or standing on Green Day concerts? I've been very stressed out because me and my friend are going to the Stockholm concert and we have seats which has made me feel like I'll regret it if I don't choose standing and being close to my favourite band, it's my first Green Day concert after being a fan for my whole life. At the same time, we are both fairly short 16-year-olds and I don't want to be crushed to death. Is the crowd usually aggressive or not? What are your thoughts?

If you're not going to go early enough to get front row and you're scared of the pit maybe stick with the seats yeah. For my first show I was in the pit and I had a bad time (I was 14). I've never seen Green Day in seats so I don't know how that is, but the pushing is much much much less in front row than in the middle of the pit. It's difficult to move you and unless the crowd is really rough and you get crushed into the barrier, the worst that could happen is finding a few bruises on you the day after If you don't want to go for that, if you don't mind seats and you're worried about getting hurt... seats all the way. But if you can do front row do front row