Concert-Going 101: Tips from an Usher
June 10th, 2010
1One of the great things about our team is that there’s a healthy mix of backgrounds. Some of us are music and entertainment fans, while others are social media or programming enthusiasts. We all have different hobbies and I love learning about them. One thing we all share is a love for the city we work in. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite parts in the past, but today we’re showcasing another side. Today’s post is for music fans and concert-goers.
The first job I ever had in Los Angeles was an usher position at a concert venue—(I won’t say which one, but it’s a popular 2,000 seater). It’s been a great job that has allowed me to get paid to work tons of shows that I would have ended up paying to see otherwise. During my time there, I have met lots of genuinely cool people that enjoy good music and make a positive impact on the live music experience. At the same time though, I have also dealt with a whole heap of annoying crowd behavior from people that are acting like real jerks.
I would like to take this opportunity to share a few things that you can do to enhance your concert-going experience. In no way am I promising you an entrance to exclusive areas or pit access that is first come, first served. What I am trying to do is to clear up a few misconceptions and offer some pointers on how you can make the most of the $25 you spent on your ticket and the extra $15 that you ended up blowing on fees.
Backstage access:
Hate to break it to you, but in most cases, nothing really happens back there! The majority of backstage passes end up giving people access to an area that is populated with people just like them; and features a couple of tables set up with premade cold-cut sandwiches, burnt coffee, and red vines.
The headliner will most likely be in a completely different area— never to be seen by the likes of these backstage pass holders. In many cases, the band will be on their bus and won’t even enter the building until minutes before they go on.
Ridiculous rules:
“What do you mean I can’t stand in the aisle!?”
Shows get packed; there’s no way around it. Your girlfriend can’t see. Some sweaty drunk guy is gyrating a little too hastily in your vicinity. Someone stole your spot. Unfortunately, the aisle is not your safe-haven.
“But my foot is only 8 inches over the line, you can’t be serious!”
The reason you have to get out of the aisle is because of a fire code; a law. The fire marshal has to shut shows down if the aisles are jammed up—I’ve actually seen them do it before.
The lesson to take away is this: There’s just no reason to try to argue logic in these situations. All ushers know that they’re upholding a rule that is extremely unpopular, but the show being shut down is an alternative that just can’t be risked. Instead of arguing in the aisle, ask the usher if they have any suggestions on where to stand. Night after night I see lightly filled sections that are less obvious, pretty close to the stage, have good acoustics and are much less crowded. I urge you to politely ask an usher for their advice on where to go—it can make your night!
Getting access to preferred areas:
At General Admission shows, some viewing areas are closer and better to be in than others. Some have pit areas that are first come, first served and only allow the first 200 or 300 people into the area for the whole night. The way to get into these places is not by asking condescending questions, playing dumb, or trying to grease palms. Instead, be cool. Be friendly. Show your love for the band. A lot of times after people settle in, the venue will get the okay to allow more people in these preferred sections. When that happens, ushers remember those that were cool and look for them first. They also try to pick out the people that are the most into the show.
Next time you go to a show, keep these things in mind when you’re being bothered by the sweaty guy with the gyrating hips. No, don’t dream about how much better life would be if you were backstage with a cold-cut sandwich in hand. Find an usher and be friendly; they’ll be able to point you in the right direction at least.
Tagged with: Los Angeles, Culture, Music
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Phil Hitzeroth
Phil is our Business Operations Coordinator. He loves the metro, but has come to the cold realization that the metro will never love him back.
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Agreed. I worked concert security one summer, and…(insert horror stories here)…I just have to totally agree.
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