If you’re current on country music culture, you’ve probably noticed a growing issue with inappropriate audience behavior at concerts. What started with a few rowdy fans hurling various objects on stage has become a serious issue for touring musicians. Even when an artist doesn’t promote these reckless antics in the slightest, simply by playing a show, they put themselves at risk of damaged equipment and bodily harm. Without really inciting dangerous behavior, a lack of structure and enforcement can invite serious consequences. While no single artist or band is solely to blame, acts like Treaty Oak Revival, Gavin Adcock, and Braxton Keith have found themselves at the center of this conversation, with many of their performances serving as some of the most widely viewed examples of crowd pandemonium. While many may argue that the answer is as simple as stopping the show, other factors could be improved to keep things under control.
Enforcement of Security
The Problem
It’s probably a lot of pressure to be the guy who is supposed to stop fights and defuse the mayhem of a relentless crowd of beer-slinging hooligans. Nonetheless, signing up to work as a security guard always comes with high responsibility. It’s likely a difficult task to squeeze through a room packed wall-to-wall with fans to de-escalate a situation before it gets out of hand, but if security isn’t enforcing the rules of the show, what are they there for?
Potential solution:
Hiring more personnel is the answer. It’s no mystery that thousands of country music fans would likely be thrilled to stand among the crowd as paid security, especially if it means making these shows a safer, smoother experience for everyone. When it comes down to it, security could always be more hands-on.
Venue coordination
The problem:
In the viral videos circulating from these out-of-control concerts, the alcohol problem is always immediately obvious. Many passionate fans seem unable to resist the urge to launch their beer directly toward the stage or, worse, straight up into the air, which inevitably means it will land on another audience member. The tricky part about concerts and alcohol is that venue bars bring in a huge portion of the profit for each show. Along with ticket sales, alcohol sales help cover costs, like paying staff and compensating performers and their teams.
Potential solution:
If any changes were to be made regarding alcohol consumption, it might not mean eliminating it entirely, but rather creating clear guidelines for crowd behavior. One potential solution could be a strictly enforced fine for audience members who engage in dangerous activity. Another avenue could be the introduction of designated dry sections where alcohol isn’t permitted. If things don’t continue to get worse, venues could implement a one to two-drink limit for shows that expect a chaotic atmosphere. While this wouldn’t make everyone happy, it’s one way to keep shows safe, leaving drunken shenanigans at the door.
The Influence of The Performer
The problem:
The loudest voice in the room at a concert is always the person with the microphone. Not only do they have the full sound system behind them, but they’re also the reason the fans showed up in the first place, giving them major influence over the crowd. While it’s mind-boggling that any creator of art has to deal with the risk of these worst-case scenarios in the first place, when it comes to fan safety, their role is just as important as that of the venue and event staff. One strong indicator of a concert’s environment is the performer’s reputation. The audience often mirrors the energy and behavior of the artist they came to see.
Potential solution:
You can usually understand what atmosphere to expect from their live shows with a quick internet search. However, while it might be easy to guess which artists will likely attract rowdier crowds, things could go sideways at any show, so it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings when attending a concert. For the same reason, it’s just as important for on-stage talent to know the crowd and their responsibility to set the tone for their live events. Openers and closing acts alike wield the power to walk off the stage and end their set in the event of a hostile situation.
No country music fan wants to be clocked in the back of the head with a full can of beer. No artist wants to replace their favorite instrument, and no venue wants to clean up a Bud Light Slip ’N Slide. It’s easier said than done when trying to find a quick fix for the chaos at these concerts. Between increased security, controlled access to alcohol, and a lowered tolerance for reckless concertgoers from the performers, there is surely a way to improve these problems, creating a more desirable experience for every true fan.
