MENTAL!

As in let’s go f*cking… I went to see Jape and Friendly Fires tonight in 53 Degrees, “the North West’s premier live music, club and comedy venue.” It was my first gig there, and while I was very impressed by both acts, I spent much of the gig thinking about what bugs me when I go to gigs. The following gripes came to mind during and after the show.

When people barge to the front and don’t apologise - we’re all here for the same thing, so be nice.
When people spend the soundcheck bellowing football chants (as above).
When people spend the whole gig chatting to their mate(s) (although I can be guilty of that sometimes).
When people thrust one hand in the air and sing along to throwaway lyrics like “come oooon” as if they’re the most meaningful lyrics since Sam Cooke wrote A Change Is Gonna Come.
When people scream for the band’s biggest song, which will probably be their encore anyway.
When people scream for songs during quiet parts of a song.
When people think it’s appropriate to mosh to upbeat indie-dance-pop.
When people scream during breakdowns
When crowds sing so loud you can’t hear the band.
Crowd surfing (I’m sorry, I really think this is utterly pointless).
When band-members get into the crowd and adoring fan-girls start stroking said band-members hair.

I realise while writing this that I may come across like Otto in the U2 episode of The Simpsons - “Sit down, you’re ruining it for everyone!” - but I’m 90% certain these, among others, are gripes shared by others. Feel free to add your own…