Have you ever attended a live performance and, mid-show, found yourself wondering if the crowd missed the memo? The artist is pouring their heart out on stage, giving every note, every word, every moment, and in return, there’s scattered chatter, minimal applause, and people more engaged with their phones than the person standing in front of them.
I have.
As someone who makes it a point to attend live performances at least once a week, I’ve been in rooms where the energy feels… absent. Not because the performance wasn’t good, but because the audience wasn’t present. People talking through songs, moving in and out, or simply not responding at all. And when that happens, you can feel it, not just as a viewer, but almost as a participant in a conversation that’s only going one way.
@twobrokechicks_ @ everyone who ruins a concert experience for others 🙃 #twobrokechicks #podcast #lifelessons #concert #etiquette #livemusic ♬ original sound - Sal & Al ✰ TWO BROKE CHICKS
At its core, attending a live performance is an exchange. The artist gives energy, and the audience reflects it back. When that balance is missing, the room feels it. But when the audience is present, responsive, and engaged, the performance becomes something more—something alive, mutual, and memorable.
So what does it actually mean to be a good audience member?
Arrive with intention
If you can, arrive on time and settle in before the performance begins. This allows you to get your drinks, find your seat, and avoid disrupting the flow once the show starts.
Handle the basics beforehand
Use the bathroom before the event and take care of anything that will have you getting up repeatedly. Constant movement breaks the atmosphere for both the artist and those around you.
Put your phone in its place
Phones on silent is non-negotiable. Recording moments is fine—but don’t experience the entire performance through a screen. A few clips for memory is enough. After that, phone down and be present.
Show appreciation
Applause is not optional, it’s communication. It tells the artist that you see them, hear them, and value what they’re offering. Even a simple clap at the right moments can shift the entire energy of the room.
Engage with the performance
If you know the song, sing along. If you don’t, listen. Nod your head, feel the rhythm, take it in. Live performances often repeat choruses - there’s always a moment to catch on and connect.
Respect the space
Talking during a performance may feel harmless, but it’s distracting and, frankly, disrespectful. A live show is a shared environment. When one person disengages loudly, it affects everyone’s experience, including the artist’s.
And finally....dance dance dance
If the moment calls for it, move. Dance, sway, feel the music in your body. You don’t need to be the best dancer in the room, just an engaged one. Dancing is one of the most honest ways to meet an artist halfway and respond to the energy they’re giving. It transforms the experience from passive watching into active participation.
Artists are not background noise. They are people who dedicate time, energy, rehearsal, and vulnerability to their craft. Whether you paid for the experience or not, showing up properly is part of honouring that exchange.
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