Last week was quite a busy one, with 3 scheduled shows that I took in. I was in musical bliss to be honest. However I was at a show, and an idea came to mind that I thought you would enjoy. Concert pet peeves. Take into consideration that these are my pet peeves (except for one, that I cannot take credit for, but do agree with) and I am hoping to read yours in the comments. Let’s get it started shall we?

1. People talking louder than the host on stage: I have been to many a show where the host is on the mic and the patrons are conversing so loud, that you cannot hear anything the host is saying! And yes, the mic volume is being used. It is just obnoxious and rude, that’s what it is. How about thinking of the other people who actually paid money to see the show? We didn’t pay money to arrive at the venue to hear the buzz of all the conversations meshed into one. I know I didn’t! There is nothing worse than being shushed by the host or people around you. Have a bit of consideration and keep it shut until the show is done, please and thank you!

2. Standing at concerts: This one is a bit touchy. In Montreal, when the spirit moves us at a show, we stand and dance. There are no if’s, and’s or but’s about it. However, when I moved to Toronto, I was firmly put in my place by someone when I was told "Could you please sit down!" Now mind you, obviously I didn’t because I was not asked, I was told. There is a way to address people appropriately and that my friends, was not it. I am not one to sit in my chair and squirm, I like to get up and enjoy the festivities. Unless I am standing in front of someone infirmed or I am asked properly, best believe that I will not be sitting down if Beyonce is sanging, "Get Me Bodied." Do you not have any blood circulating in your veins? You have to dance!

3. Drunk Patrons: This one gets under my skin more than Kanye West’s constant rants. Again, if you are paying money to see an artist and happen to pay more in liquor than the price of the ticket and you get intoxicated enough to forget the headliner on the bill – I don’t know what to tell you. There is nothing more senseless than getting drunk during a concert, or a baseball game, football game, basketball game…you get my point. Have a few, but like at any other function you attend, please know your limit.

4. Medleys & Ad libs: When I go to a show, I like to enjoy a song sung in its entirety. I went to see Jaguar Wright the other night and there is nothing wrong with scatting, however when it replaces every single word on your track, that is a problem for me. It becomes a disappointing experience, especially if it is the first concert you have experienced by the particular artist. Yes I do understand that it is their song and they will do to it as they please. Nonetheless, I do believe that the fans have to be thought of, for we are the ones who paid the money to see them. And I agree with my friend about the medleys. If you are going to ferociously attack a song, do it wholeheartedly. Don’t give me fifty seconds of it and proceed into another. I understand you have a large library of music, but chopping and screwing the jam is not an option.

And those are a few of my intolerable things. There are so many more I am sure, but I will wait for a few more shows to gather them. Stay tuned for a Show Etiquette 101 Part II. Until then…share your thoughts!