Concert Breakdown

Did I happen to mention I went to a concert last night?  Yep, CRUSH, Seas and Centuries, and others opening for Come Home Geoffrey. It was a good time.  Anyway, so I wouldn't call myself an expert (I'm probably a long way from it), but with last night being my second concert at the Knitting Factory, I would say I have at least some experience as a concert goer.  And from my observations, I'm going to provide you with a nice little list of the labels and types of characters usually found at these events.  


The Musicians
At every concert you're going to see some musician types: people from other bands, local artists, etc.  For example, last night not only did I see a few band members milling about, but I as well saw some people from other neat local music stuff like open mic nights and such.  The Musicians can usually be recognized by their style and attitude- their style changes depending on the genre of music they are, (see indie or garage band) and you will note that the attitude of Musicians while at another concert is cool and collected, getting pumped when necessary but overall just observing.  Trust me, they have a fun time, but they shield their emotions with a mask of chill- they rock concerts for a living, so it's not a huge deal for them.  Overall the Musicians fall into two categories- super nice and cool or egotistic jerks.  Either way they can make great friends, as long as they're not too obnoxious.

The Scene Kids
These people can be found at nearly every type of music event, although more often at hardcore shows.  Notorious for their ridiculously layered, neon coloured, and side swept hair, numerous piercings, heavy use of eyeliner, and accompaniment by the scent of cigarettes, all I can say about these people is that they are true to their label.  They want to make a scene!  Dramatic and moody, most of them dress up this way to "make a statement", although what that statement is they're pretty vague about.  At most concerts you can find the scene kids lurking in dark corners, too cool to dance or smile.  I have found in my travels that most scene kids only care about getting wasted and trying to seem cool, however sometimes you can find some super neat and quirky scene-sters to chill with.

Straight Edge 
Like the scene kids, those who call themselves "straight edge" are typically found at hardcore shows and love to start mosh pits (see mosh pit monsters)  Straight edge kids are pretty much exclusively under the age of 21, and can be identified by Xs tattooed or inked on the back of their hands.  What do the Xs mean?  No drugs, no alcohol, and no sex.  Sounds like a great idea, except most in the straight edge cult take this philosophy to the extreme and take it upon themselves to beat the crap out of anyone not abstaining from the three things aforementioned.  Why are they mostly all 21 and under?  Because once people turn 21, suddenly they can legally drink alcohol and "what? straight edge? what's that?" POOF.  All philosophy gone.  Clad in bro tanks and cutoffs, I usually try to stay away from anyone who looks too angry when I'm at a concert.  Mosh pits are scary!

Stoners/ Drunk People
No matter where you are, what venue, what music event, there are sure to be these people here.  It's inevitable.  I grouped stoners and drunks together because honestly, I can't tell the difference between them, so I'll leave that part up to you guys.  For the most part, just keep your eye out for anyone who seems out of it or mentally insane- at a concert, they're probably under the influence of something.  Now personally, I follow straight edge morals minus the fighting, so stoners and drunk people gross me out.  However I will admit that sometimes, when they're not zonked out they can be cool people.  Sometimes.  Does not mean I approve!    

Teenage Music Lovers/Band Groupies

Before I go further, yes, there is a difference.  Music lovers are typically chill, young tune addicts who love to dance it up to loud music.  Band groupies are the same except they religiously follow a bands every movement, attempting to get closer to the band and look "cool".  Both are excellent types of characters and can include any of the other types of people in this list, however band groupies do have a tendency to get annoying with their endless rants of how amazing or spectacular a band is, whereas music lovers tend to merely appreciate or quietly love, and only band crush slightly.  

Garage Band Style

Indie love

This is a quick followup to the style of Musicians!  Any guy musician who falls into this style plays up their hottness with ripped jeans, regular old tshirts and the classic garage band style!  Girls are edgy cool with skinny jeans and leather jackets.

Indie Style

Indie band members are quirky and thrifty, and look similar to hipsters- just rolled out of an old time movie.  Guys in skinny jeans, vests, tweed jackets and glasses, and girls in cute dresses with tall socks and bright colours.  

Mosh Pit Monsters

The way I see it, there are two types of people who jump into mosh pits: psycho chicks who want to prove how badass they are, and guys who want to release their pent up energy.  Basically it's just a contest to see who can flail their limbs around the most, and it's an excuse to punch random strangers in the face without receiving too much punishment.    Personally, I stay away from the mosh because even if you're doing nothing more than standing on the edge watching, there is a chance you will either get pushed in or someone will get pushed into you.  But that doesn't mean they couldn't be fun!  Despite my disliking of them, a concert isn't really complete without one, and I can see how the craziness appeals to some people.  Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to keep one eye on them and make sure they don't get too out of control and become a major kickfest.  

Lots of love my concert friends, and make sure if you ever go to a concert you help people not fall down (because no one wants to be trampled to death), you dance your life away, and you have a fun time!
-Sierra