Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Want to stand up at a concert? Go for it

I’ve got a possibly controversial opinion about standing up at concerts.

Last night, I went to see Metallica. Incredible show - way better than I gave them credit for yesterday.

But here’s what happened.

We were in the stands, seated tickets. A few rows ahead, there was this guy who, the second Metallica hit the stage, jumped to his feet. Everyone else stayed seated, but not him. Hands in the air, devil horns flying, head-banging, air guitar, singing every lyric. He was having the best night of his life - and honestly, watching him made the rest of us enjoy it more.

Not everyone agreed. People behind him started throwing cans. They hit him in the back; he ignored it. Then a couple of women clambered over seats, smacked him on the back, told him to sit down. He ignored that too. Eventually, a guy from way back stormed down, leaned across rows, got into a shouting match, even tried to physically drag him into his seat. After a few minutes, the head-banger gave in and sat down.

But he couldn’t help himself. Every time a new song started, he popped back up - horns up, air guitar blazing -before remembering he was “supposed” to sit. This went on until he finally squeezed into the stairwell so he could thrash without blocking anyone’s view. You could tell it wasn’t the same; cramped space, less freedom.

Here’s my take:

If you’re at a concert, you should be able to stand up and have the best time of your life - even if you bought a seated ticket. If someone in front of you stands, sorry, you’re going to have to stand too. It’s not okay to demand someone sit for the whole show. It’s music, not a movie. And it’s Metallica, not the Symphony Orchestra.

I’m with the metal-head from last night. He paid good money to enjoy himself. If that means horns up, air guitar, and head-banging - let him do it.

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