Humour

10 Annoying Things People Keep Doing At Concerts That Need To End For Everyone’s Sanity

Concert etiquette you need to know


It’s already October, but the 2025 concert lineup isn’t slowing down just yet – we’ve still got big names like Twice, bbno$, and Doja Cat hitting our shores before the exciting lineup of shows in 2026. And while everyone is hyped for bangers and fan chants, there’s also the other side of concerts: the annoying people who clearly skipped the memo on concert etiquette. Imagine having monthly concerts to look forward to like clockwork, but not knowing how to behave.

That’s why we’ve gathered the top pet peeves of fellow concertgoers, so you don’t end up public enemy #1.


1. Screaming songs



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @eng.ngee via Instagram

Singing along to your favourite songs is like live karaoke, but some fans need to stop screaming songs. If you’re trying to get your favourite artist’s attention, spoiler alert – they can’t hear you. But I will, when I’m rewatching my shaky fancam at 2am. Also, nobody nails the high notes when they’re screaming. So keep the unwarranted loud singing in the showers, and let the rest of us actually hear the people we paid hundreds to see.


2. Talking during concerts



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Jay Wennington via Unsplash

The occasional “I love this song” or “can you pass me my bottle” is acceptable, but keep the talks during concerts to a minimum, please. Every concertgoer paid to hear the artist sing, not to sit through your impromptu TED Talk. So if I can hear you explaining the backstory of why Taylor Swift wrote Marjorie, you’re speaking too loudly. Have a post-concert discussion with your friends instead.


3. Standing even though you bought a seated ticket



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @yixuansitu via Instagram

Standing when you bought a seated ticket is what we’d call a “grey area” in concert etiquette. Some think you should be sitting, while others believe that you’re entitled to stand up and dance. A simple rule of thumb: read the room, or in this case, your section. If you’re attending an orchestra concert at the Esplanade, maybe don’t be the only one grooving in the aisle, but if you’re at a rock concert, don’t be mad if the person beside you stands up and starts headbanging.


4. Blocking others with your fan boards



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @sinji211 via Instagram

Fan boards are the best way to show your appreciation to the performer and, hopefully, get their attention. But don’t be the fan who holds up the board for the entire concert and blocks other concertgoers, unless you want to get into an argument with the person behind you. Do note that if you’re attending a show at the National or Indoor Stadium, your fan boards can’t be larger than an A3 board.


5. Not being spatially aware



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @eng.ngee via Instagram

If you bought standing pen tickets and can’t wait to dance, remember to be mindful of concert etiquette and spare a thought for the people around you by being spatially aware. No one wants their toes turned into a human speed bump or their face politely elbowed during Sorry, Sorry by Super Junior next year. While accidents can happen, don’t forget to apologise and make sure they’re okay before enjoying the rest of the concert.


6. Shouting random stuff during fanchants



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Jihao Tan via Unsplash

Fanchants are engaging call-and-response interactions that get the whole audience hyped at K-pop concerts. If it’s your first time and you don’t know the chants, no worries – just sit back and enjoy the show. But please, don’t be the one shouting random stuff during fanchants while everyone else is perfectly in sync. You’ll just end up being the human equivalent of a wrong note in a perfectly rehearsed song, and nobody wants that.


7. Getting caught cheating on your partner



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Frank Huang via Unsplash

You shouldn’t even be cheating on your significant other in the first place, but if you are, for the love of music, don’t get caught at a concert. Singapore is small, so don’t be surprised if news spreads quickly and you find yourself trending on TikTok and news sites. On the bright side, at least it will be a concert experience you’ll never forget.


8. Not dressing up


Dressing up for a concert is half the fun – TBH, it beats wearing your usual Uniqlo Airism t-shirts any other day. To slay in Singapore’s humid weather, focus on comfort – breathable outfits and comfy shoes are good options, especially if you’re planning to stand for the entire show. And skip the big ball gowns if you’re stuck sitting all the way at the back of section CAT 10.


9. Not wearing perfume or deodorant



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Tijs van Leur via Unsplash

Not every outfit is made to survive the Singapore heat, and if you sweat easily, your section might get a whiff of something extra. The moment you throw your hands in the air, the stinky sour stench will reach the noses of the people around you. It can definitely be avoided, so for the love of everyone around you, wear perfume or deodorant.


10. Recording the entire show



Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Lobar Qudratovna via Unsplash

While we’re all for living in the moment, if you’re going to film the concert, keep it short and sweet – quickly film a video during your favourite song and put the phone away. Because what’s the point of recording the entire show and watching the concert through your phone when you’ve paid good money to be there? Enjoy the live vibes, scream with fellow fans, and soak it all in IRL.


Take note of concert etiquette for a fun experience

We’re lucky enough to be getting a ton of concerts in Singapore, so whether you paid $89 or $599 to watch your favourite artists perform, don’t be the one to ruin the experience for others.

For more concert reads:


Cover image adapted from: Lobar Qudratovna via Unsplash, @sinji211 via Instagram

Nathan Koh