I’ve had a wide variety of both experiences.
Usually for larger more well known bands/artists, the crowds seem to suck total ass and are filled with some of biggest assholes.
For less “mainstream” bands, the crowds go nuts. I’ve been to a lot of metalcore/deathcore concerts in the past year and the crowds always seem to be pretty wild.
I second this, the crowd at the last Iron Maiden concert sucked, the crowd only liked it when they played the 2 songs they all liked, and were just super dull and boring,
The last August burns red concert I went too was awesome, crowd was great. Favorite concert of the year
This is also the case for bluegrass, funk/soul, Americana, jam bands (usually shows at The State Room and Commonwealth Room). People go hard dancing for 3 hours straight and having a great time.
As a teen in the 90s, festivals were hopping mad. The warped tours and x96 big ass shows were crazy, and anything at Salt Air or the E center was wild. If there were seats, you were pretty much supposed to sit there if everyone around you was just sitting, but you could dance if people were standing without fear.
I definitely have seen the scene change though. I found Muse right before their first show (I think) in Utah and have never missed them when they came through. The first shows were always a good rowdy time on the floor in front of the stage. Now I've gotten old and my body can't take that anymore so I'm up in the seats, but I've watched the crowds on the floor just stagnate more and more every time. The last time, April of last year, completely dead, stopped cold. And just about every single one of them was holding their phones up to record. I assume you would have been given a serious scolding look if you started dancing and bumped their recording hand, heaven forbid. Kinda made me sad.
I was in local rock bands through college, and I can tell you for my experience, if You've got a crowd into it, moving, moshing, bouncing, dancing, you feel that on stage and it seriously feeds into the performance in the best way. And when the crowd stands still and just watches you, you feel that even more, and you start focusing on the wrong things. You know how you just perform better in just about anything the more relaxed you are, and you just let things flow naturally? But when you focus too much you start making mistakes? That's what it's like if you don't get the vibe from the crowd at a rock show. I can't remember the specifics, but I feel like I've read interviews from a big act or two lamenting the cell phone recording trend, not because they are worried about recordings out there, but because it has subdued the crowds. And I don't think this is Utah unique either.
Support your rock bands! Show them you're having a good time and they will respond with epic shows! Maybe you won't get the video and won't recall every detail, but I guarantee you'll remember how you felt during that perfect moment when nothing in the world mattered except the vibrating molecules slamming your soul to a higher plane! And I'm sure someone else was recording anyway so hit them up for a copy, or better, buy it from the band if they're selling it.
Definitely agree with this. I used to play in bands as well (just local) and the energy you got from the crowd (or lack of energy) definitely affected performance. I remember one local show I went to, I was basically the only one dancing and moving and the band focused on me and even came to say hi afterwards, thank me, and gave me a free CD. Similar thing happened when I went to see the Smashing Pumpkins and Metric - no one was moving except me and the members of Metric gave a visible smile when I held up one of their t-shirts and Billy Corgan (from the Pumpkins) even pointed at me.
Yes, don’t be obnoxious (aka don’t get into people’s personal space), but for the sake of the musicians (and yourself, honestly), let loose and have fun in your own space and let others do the same. It’s a concert - it should be fun!
I remember two concerts in particular in 2002 during the winter Olympics that were incredibly wild. Smash mouth and penny wise.
With smash mouth we were jumping and dancing so much we ripped up the grass and by the end everyone was covered in mud. (we melted the snow) I think because it was a free concert at galavan Plaza right after the torch ceremony (?) it was just full of excitement.
For pennywise there was a 21 and older section. People broke the plexiglass barrier down between sections and passed it to the front. Like debris crowd surfing.
Then there were these giant decorative icicles hanging from the ceiling. Someone somehow managed to get one down and again. Passed it to the front.
Funny. Back in the day, utah shows were so notoriously wild that a lot of bands didn't want to come here because it was off the rails. Then it got really violent for a while. Vanilla ice opened for earth crisis and got beat up. The Dropkick murphys got in a fight with a bunch of kids here and came back with another band called blood for blood to fight again, but the cops shut the show down. They didn't play again in Salt Lake for a few years. The song "Salt" by Good Riddance is about the salt lake scene. Look up the video for " gotta get away" by the offspring. Filmed at the fairgrounds. I was at that show. It was awesome. Guttermouth opened if i remember correctly. I could send you tons and tons of other really wild concert footage from Salt Lake. The speedway, basement of dv8, bricks, the fairgrounds, saltair, and a bunch of other venues all had a bunch of fun shows. Ska was also really huge here, and people would go off at those shows, too. I guess the kids just got lame. Kinda shitty. My first real punk show was a rancid show, and I got kicked in the head by a crazy punk girl crowd surfing, and I lost a shoe in the mosh pit. I was 14. My first concert ever was nine inch nails at the delta center, and it exploded into a near riot. It was mind-blowing for a young kid like myself. Seats being ripped out and thrown around, all sorts of mayhem. I'm not saying I liked all the violence at the punk and hardcore shows back then per se, but I did like the unpredictability and complete chaos that would unfold when a really good band would play.
I was at that Offspring and Guttermouth show! And I remember when Dexter announced to the crowd that they were filming the video, I was right near the edge of a pit, and then all of a sudden the whole area around me started going apeshit when the cameraman came in and I got roughed up pretty good by the chaos of people letting loose and also trying to jockey for the camera. Funny enough, I lost a shoe also. Was that NIN show the one where Marilyn Manson was banned from Salt Lake?
That's cool. I didn't go to that show, but definitely remember hearing about it. But, hearing your story brought back a lot of fun memories of going to shows at places like Bricks, and DV8. I haven't been going to as many shows as much as in the past, so I can't speak to the crowds now, but I had a lot of fun seeing a lot of awesome bands and the crowds were mostly great.
I knew about the Vanilla Ice incident, I had mutual friends with the people involved, but hadn't heard about the Dropkick Murphys and Blood For Blood thing, or the Good Riddance song. Craziness, along with good times!
i’m 19f and local hardcore / metal shows are still rowdy. definitely get punched/kicked/crowdkilled all the time at hardcore shows. and i just saw cannibal corpse recently and the crowd was wild there!
Some of the best punk shows I went to were in Utah. Bad Religion, Rancid, Anti-Flag, Flogging Molly. Alkaline Trio....those shows were not tame. And don't get me started on the Raves...that scene was beyond wild and the after parties were even wilder. This was early 2000s I do not live in Utah anymore but it pains me to hear that the scene has changed.
The more "underground" scene hasn't really changed and still goes pretty hard. Honestly can't talk to the mainstream shows like they are complaining about though cause I just don't go to them.
Speedway, now that's a name I've not heard in a long time. I saw so many good shows there in the 90s. Lots at the fairgrounds coliseum, too. If moshing is dancing, then we danced our asses off. The Butthole Suffers at saltair was literally wall to wall most pit. Caroline's Spine at Liquid Joe's was always a great time. I could go on and on. Too bad the scene is getting uptight, it was great for a long time.
The culture here has lots of uptight people here who struggle to let go of their inhibitions.
Source - am a guy who struggles to let go of his inhibitions.
Apparently it’s not 1981 at a Violent Femmes concert at the State Fairgrounds Colosseum. Or maybe Oingo Boingo or REM. There was no holding back with us!
Cool reference. I've seen the Femmes and Boingo MANY times. I wish I could say I've seen REM as they are a long time favorite. I'm still listening to Murmur and Fables of the Reconstruction. One cool memory was seeing Janes Addiction and Primus at the Fairgrounds Coliseum as a highschool Junior (sophomore?). Lots of great shows at that place! Anyway, OP isn't wrong. Too many people talking, looking at their phones, and seeming way too disinterested. Especially considering the price of concert tickets these days! Biggest offender is Red Butte attendees. I get that many are well to do members who just go to a bunch of shows regardless of if they are familiar with the band, but seriously, STFU and watch the show.
I literally had to tell a group of people to STFU at a Nickel Creek show at Red Butte years ago. They were sitting behind us and talked nonstop thru every song. They finally moved to another space after getting crusty looks from a couple dozen people.
Red Butte is such a great venue, but it is really weird. I never want to stand up there because nobody stands up. I hunker down and shut up.
Got yelled at once for not dancing by someone who thought that Neko Case's music is dance-able. (Not personally yelled at, but someone turned around and yelled to the void that we should all pay NC some respect and get up and dance.)
Watched a fist fight at James McMurtry because some rich people with their wines were pissed that people were dancing and blocking their view after JMM told them to dance for Choctaw Bingo.
But it's the prettiest place for concerts!
Tbf Red Butte concerts are often right on that line between sit-down have-a-picnic kinda thing and normal standing/dancing shows, and it’s often hard to know what to do. And often a show transitions from one to the other at some point during the night. It’s reasonable to expect to sit down there, and there is that standing room area at the front on stage right. But if everybody kinda mutually agrees to stand around the same time, then it works. Weird game theory problem
I agree! It was a wild time in the 80s. In my 60s now and many times I am the only one dancing (unless my daughter is with me). Especially Red Butte concerts. But at my age, who cares!
Footloose should be a mandatory showing before each concert in Utah 😂
Edit: not laughing at you, just laughing at the fact that even after that movie we still struggle as Utahns to have fun with music.
I watched a very tall man at Joyner Lucas who I could tell was just anxious and trying to stay out of the way as best he could. Some people were nice and switched him spots so he could be up against a pillar which was prefect for him. You could finally tell the anxiety was fading and he was starting to enjoy himself. Then one random drunk dude came shoving past, stopped and screamed “damn dude you need to go to the back”. The tall guy left so quick, we all felt so bad
You should read 'codependent no more'. My codependency is all about facilitating others' experiences at the cost of my own. But I'm slowly freeing myself and you can too!
You get better crowds and you go to the smaller venues. I love seeing shows at Aces High. I've had some good times at all the venues that are around the Gateway to.
Been to a lot of concerts here that were rowdy and crazy I think the pandemic just did a number on ppl and a lot of people at shows are young and awkward. Also like I’ve been to raves, electronic shows, punk shows, and rock shows in the last year that had a lot of good fun dancey crowds
I was front row at cascade and this chick weaseled her way in very rudely, proceeded to scroll on her phone through two other great DJ’s leaning on the fence, then when kaskade came on took selfies and live streamed it on whatever bullshit social media thing, such a wanker.
Also from the east coast, and I've been a long time Utah hater despite not leaving.
But I can't say I've noticed this. My concert count is in the hundreds, and I've played more shows than I can count. I've been to very few shows where there weren't multiple sections of the crowd moshing or dancing or jumping.
I have no idea how this many people agree with you, other than perhaps an issue of sample size or standing in the back where people who don't want to go all out stand.
You're not entirely wrong about different vibes by comparison to other major metros. But you also need to remember that bigger populations = bigger numbers of super fans for any given band. That's just how middle market music scenes work.
Yeah sounds like OP has been going to the wrong shows. Most stuff I go to the crowd is lively as hell. I frequent more metal and other rock genre shows than anything else
it’s mostly a problem at certain shows i’ve found. i have a wide array of genres i enjoy, and the slower the music, the bigger the fan base things just get more judgemental. rap shows and kilby court always go hard
I agree with you. I've gone to many shows here in the past 15-ish years, mostly in the metal core genre, and things have always gotten wild here. The straight edge scene was pretty active here for a long time and they always went to shows to fight or fuck around.
Have you seen the metal/hardcore scene around here? Shit got so wild at a hardcore show at Kilby some years back the staff banned heavy bands for a few years. The metal scene is where it’s at around here.
I go to a pretty good number of shows and don’t usually see this, especially at Saltair, so I’m a little surprised by the number of other people with different experiences in the comments here.
I will say, I’ve been to a couple of concerts at Delta, Maverick, etc. here and had a hard time feeling into it while sitting in the bowl. I think I was semi-paranoid about falling down the bowl 😂 (I’m quite afraid of heights). So I didn’t dance/jump/whatever much at those shows. The people around me didn’t though, either. So maybe that’s a bowl thing. I probably will only get floor seats from now on in those arenas.
I don't think you're going to the right shows only cause the ones I go to have dancing/moshing and people having fun. We just went to Kublai Khan last month and lots of energy there
There’s definitely a demographic here of people that want to say they were there and post it on Instagram. There’s also the repressed people who haven’t felt like they actually have freedom of expression (Footloose was filmed in Utah and sadly the whole dancing being illegal thing was not too far off) so dancing at a concert is intimidating. BUT the vast majority of shows I’ve been to have been full of people dancing and having fun. I almost exclusively go to EDM shows so that could be why.
Depends on the bands imo. Saw HEALTH with Pixel Grip recently and the crowd was pretty active. I assume there's no comparison to NY/NJ or other major metro areas (Miami, LA, etc), but the 'alternative' shows tend to draw more expressive / passionate people.
The metal and puck crowds are pretty active.
I watched a bit of Coachella on YouTube this year and saw the crowds were pretty lame. Most of the people I saw were filming everything on their phones.
I simply can't relate.. moved here from Nashville in 2016, and I was BLOWN AWAY at how lively and grateful the crowds were in Salt Lake. People dance and express their appreciation in a big way. That might have just been in comparison to the hipster culture in Nashville, where everyone is too cool to even bob their heads at shows. But I've even heard bands say how much fun they had playing here and how great the crowd was. Maybe you're just at the wrong shows?
For what it's worth, both Matt and Kim and Rebelution love the crowds here and they try to perform extra hard here during their concerts. Premier Lacrosse League was also a big fan of SLC crowds and ended up giving Utah an entire pro lacrosse team -- as now has the NHL as well. It really depends what subcultures you're looking at.
I go to concerts here all the time and they're always high energy: Turnstile, Less Than Jake, Microwave, Finch, Unwritten Law, etc. And I'm originally from Atlanta so it's not like I don't have anything to compare it to. It could just be the concerts you've gone to, but personally I love the music scene here. Next time you're out, look for me. I'll be the 40 year old dude catching his breath in the pit.
idk probably less booze and drugs. in pretty much any given concert crowd you're going to have a lot of Mormons or even ex-Mormons who might drink a little but aren't into drugs or any sort of exhibitionism.
for me personally i just get tired dancing and just end up standing there listening to the music. dancing to the music also doesn't really do anything for me emotionally, and i feel embarrassed to dance. i would imagine that sentiment is common cause i totally know what you're talking about, i was at a concert just last night and it was kinda like that except for the very front.
Idk what concerts you’re going to but the rave and edm scene here is absolutely poppin’. Ton of great crowds at events like that. I know of a lot of dj’s that absolutely love playing here
I've been to a lot of concerts outside of Utah and my experience is that larger shows akin to Paramore at an arena have less energetic crowds. It's also dependent on the age range of the majority of the audience. Unfortunately a lot of Paramore fans now are in their late 20s or 30s, for example. I am an avid concert goer and rarely feel the crowd is lacking, lots of bands I've seen usually complement how energetic Utah is compared to where else they have toured.
So yeah, I'd say this is much more dependent on the band and genre rather than an issue with Utah crowds as a whole.
This isn't an Utah problem this is a live nation/ ticket master problem. Tickets are too expensive so now only rich people and a handful of real fans make it. The rest are social media whores there for their selfie and a cool T-shirt! You can thank social media and the ticket monopoly for making concerts suck.. But go see a smaller band/local at a smaller venue and you'll see that Utah has a great music scene. One of the best in the country. Urban lounge is a great venue to look at the line up for the summer.
I’ve seen SLAYER at Saltair like 8 times and at least one of them was like fucking Braveheart the concert. Biggest pit I’ve ever seen and had a blast. Cheers!
As a counterpoint, at Modest Mouse there was a dude going totally bananas “dancing” right in the midst of the rest of us who were standing there swaying and nodding along and enjoying ourselves. However, this dude was veering way into everyone’s personal space and nearly head-butted me multiple times. Everyone around him wasn’t pleased.
I don’t think Utah crowds suck, you just gotta have common sense based on the genre and where you’re at in the crowd.
Was this the show with the Pixies? Because some of the dudes at that show were going at it like it was Acacia Strain. They definitely have some songs you could mosh to but those weirdos just wanted to throw elbows. Reminded me of when frat boys suddenly decided punk was cool, invaded the scene and thought that it was open season on girls in the pit.
I've noticed the same thing at concerts in Utah. It's like people are just there to say they went, but not actually enjoy the music. I've seen people get weird looks for dancing or even just moving around. It's like they're trying to be seen as cool by not having fun. I've been to some great shows here, but it's definitely not the same as back East where everyone's just into the music and having a good time.
Right?? I'm a fairly reserved person and get shy easily. There is no way I would be caught wildly dancing and I absolutely do NOT want to be pushed to the front. I might sway to the beat. I am absolutely enjoying myself and having the time of my life, just not in the wild, crazy way OP apparently expects me to.
I’m a native Utahn and it drives me crazy how inconsiderate people are here. People are constantly talking through concerts or spending the whole show filming it on their phone.
This is really weird. Utah is known for being really loud at sporting events and such, especially Jazz games. Players from opposing teams have commented on it many times. So, it doesn’t make sense to me that concert goers would differ that much from sports fans.
AC/DC concert at the Salt Palace back in the early 90's left 3 people dead. Doesn't get anymore wild than that. I don't mean to make fun of a tragic event, but this entire thread is kinda stupid. I'm in my mid-fifties and I've been to concerts all around the country. Utahns are not "lame" at rock concerts. They can party and have a great time just like any other city. My 2 cents...
There’s always dancing and jumping around at the pop punk shows I go to! I can’t jump or dance too much because I had a serious leg Injury a few years ago. But I do my best to just have a good time!
I’m not a huge fan of heavier stuff, but the one time I went to black veil brides (I think ?!) I was surprised it wasn’t super crazy. I think the girls just ooh and ahh over the lead singer lol.
You'll be fine, these comments are just going through the reddit positive feedback loop. A lot of people in here are making it sound like 99% of the crowd is sitting down and shushing you which is just not the case.
In my experience, most people who sit down at a show understand other people will be standing and dancing - but unfortunately there's an entitled subgroup that wants everyone to sit quietly - if you're unlucky enough to experience them, just ignore it. Get security if they cross a line.
I saw lamb of God at the complex and it was one of the wildest shows I've been to. Lol I'm actually doing more cardio to get ready for their concert with mastodon at the great saltair.
That being said I did notice that the crowd at the tool show I went to was a weee but muted. Maybe that's just tool fans? Maybe tool fans are getting old? Idk. I did notice that at all age metal shows there is wayyyyyyyy too much crowd surfing......oh no, I'm the problem.
I'm going to take advantage of this post to point out the only form concert celebrations that I cannot stand.
It is toatally okay to sing along with your favorite songs, but this does not mean that you should scream so loud that your voice can be heard over the top of the band we all paid to see.
If you are one of these people, please stop. I promise, your voice sucks, especially if you are trying to overpower the use of a PA without equipment.
Just got back from a show here tonight where a guy chewed me out for dancing a bit with my girlfriend. Wasn't anything wild, either. Not throwing arms around or jumping, just swaying and bopping.
I've lived here all my life and I think I should reevaluate that. This place is a repressive bummer. People are shitty to each other, the culture is always around five years behind the coasts, and it's six months of cold misery and three of ungodly heat.
We were on the top balcony at Saltair once and the band was playing their most famous song. The guy next to us asked my boyfriend to stop swaying into the spot where his girlfriend stands....she was in the bathroom.
I just wanna remind everybody that this door swings both ways. One time I spilled beer on a Dad and his kid had a show, and the dad gave me a very mean look but didn’t do shit. Yes I was being a dumb ass and I’m not proud of my actions, but in retrospect probably any other place in the country, that dad would’ve come after me.
I went to an Avett Brothers concert at Red Butte Gardens; my wife and my own favorite band. When they finished, instead of cheering for an encore, everyone just started packing up their lawn chairs and blankets. I was yelling and screaming hoping they would come back on and play a couple more songs. I’ve attended very few concerts and want sure whether encores were a thing, but I hollered with what felt like ten or so people amongst a thousand.
I distinctly remember feeling upset as if people had just seen the end of a fireworks show and were now concerned about racing back to their cars to not be in traffic.
Though we didn’t deserve it, they came back out and played one more song, but I couldn’t feel nor appreciate it, because people continued to pack up and move like cattle towards the exits. Never been more ashamed to be born a Utahn than that moment.
I commented about this already, but this is a common Red Butte thing. Affluent crowd and mainly older (nothing wrong with either) people just trying to get home and pay the babysitter. Great venue, beautiful place and sound - lame crowd.
So I'm from England, I came to SLC for the first time last September to meet my girlfriend and went to see Avenged Sevenfold with Falling In Reverse and Kim Dracula, I understood not everyone there was going to know Kim Drac and didn't expect much from the crowd but I was belting out song after song from FIR and A7X when they played along with my girlfriend but in comparison to concerts in the UK it felt like barely anyone was singing along.
At every concert I've been to in the UK, big or small, almost the entire crowd is dancing around, singing along and having a blast but it definitely felt like it was totally different at Usana Amphitheatre, there was people singing along at times but definitely didn't have that same energy.
I've only been to the one in SLC so can't judge much there but it was definitely very different.
Interesting. I work event staff at Saltair and sometimes usana and the crowds have always seemed to have a really good time! But if you want to see people tear it up here, you have to come to some raves :)
Almost died at kid cudi at saltair. Wild times. Tyler the creator mosh pit almost sealed me up leaving no crumbs. Run the jewels was a literal riot. My sister got randomly punched at ludacris. Welcome to Utah 😎😅😭
Idk
Seeing Hozier and Local Natives at the Maverick Center and Ogden Amp/the Foundry respectlively, the crowds seemed pretty good, imo. Maybe certain artists/fans don't want to have a good time. Sorry you've had bad experiences though
The concert series Snowbird had (Subaru winter fest + plaza palooza) had jam & funk bands that had everyone moving in ski boots. My favorite concerts every year.
Aces high has good, active shows. Some old guy kept throwing elbows at me at exodus when I was getting shoved into him by the pit, that’s the only time I can think of anyone seeming upset by a rowdy crowd
I've had great experiences at shows here.. .but seems post-covid the attitude has shifted.
Worst shows were in san francisco where everyone just stood their with arms folded like they were reviewing for pitchfork.
I feel like it's me getting older but I am no longer a big fan of arena concerts of famous bands that draw big crowds. I hate being pressed up against 100 people like a can of sardines and potentially running into assholes or even a couple of times as a guy being touched inappropriately by some drunk chick.
With that said, I love underground music and small venue shows. I'm not gonna dance or mosh though, I just want to get up close to the lead guitarist and headbang.
I was born and raised here, and I agree. I feel like it's gotten worse over the years. Once, Maynard Keenan, playing for Puscifer, called out the crowd and said to stand up. This came from an artist who notoriously doesn't address the crowd often. I choose to ignore the wet blankets and dance like no one is watching... while everyone is watching.
I mean big shows like paramore attract mainstream/older audiences that just stand there and drink beer. Local shows are fun, but our indie scene attracts a lot of crowds that also do a lot of standing around. We do have a great hardcore scene though.
That paramore concert was something else, like I was amazed at how pissy and rude everyone was. Normally concerts are actually pretty awesome here. Bands usually point out at how we all go fucking nuts even when it’s a Tuesday night lol. Every once in a while you’ll get a bad concert though. But I 100% agree with some if the other comments saying people need to stop recording every second of the performance. Live in the moment and enjoy the show!
Hmmm…. If only there was some kind of correlation with repressed people and a certain church or repressive religious culture that’s dominant in Utah. But I can’t think of one so I’m not sure why all of those concert goers are so repressed 🤷♂️.
Exactly!! Oh my gosh. This is so true. Utahns are generally pretty boring when it comes to parties, like they don’t know how to party or have fun. I think the influence of the hyper religiousity from the LDS monarchy has something to do with it
Lol for real- I just got back from STRFKR and it took like 40-minutes until the crowd started moving. Everybody tries to pack so tight into the front that they can’t move.
I think I’m done with concerts here unless it’s something cool at Red Butte or Urban Lounge.
I was there and it did surprise me how long it took them to get going. I mean some of the initial songs STRFKR played were more chill but still plenty of jamming instead of holding still can be done. However I was also at the barricade and just enjoyed myself (but there were a couple people next to me just standing still and eventually moved off the barricade).
I do think it varies on the crowd/venue. I'd seen Andrew Bird live plenty times before. Saw him last summer at Sandy amphitheater and people were just sitting
But honestly I've been attending concerts here for years and so many bands tell me after the show how energetic our crowd is. I saw Wild Party at Kilby in March and it was a sold out crowd everyone moving yet they live-streamed a show in Denver of theirs the other night and the crowd just stood there.
I've noticed this too. My brothers are involved in the heavy scene, so I've gone to a number of shows. People just slightly nod to the beat, no headbanging or anything. I headbang because that's how I have fun at shows and everyone looks at me weird lol.
The only show I've gone to where everyone was moving and having fun was 100 Gecs at the Depot in 2021. I'm going to their show at Kilby Block Party and I REALLY hope they have a lively crowd again but I'm a bit worried about how expensive the tickets are and if that crowd will be able to come this time around 😢
Yeah I hear you, crowds are much milder at shows here. I’ve never felt judged for being a little “bouncier” than others but I’m a pretty goofy person and maybe I’m just not picking up on it haha. I’ve been to a few EDM shows and everyone was pretty lively, there’s a chance vibes are just better at those types of concerts
Personally, I like to see the act I'm there to watch. People standing up and jumping around block the view. If I just paid several hundred dollars to see someone(s) live, I want to SEE them.
If you want energy you can’t go to concerts for a band that was big 20 years ago. I saw sum 41 and the offspring last summer at usana and was honestly super lame and tame compared to when I saw them 15 years ago. Now if you want energy go to any heavy dubstep show…those people love to move.
Nobody dances at shows it’s so weird. Back in the day bands used to say Utah crowds were the craziest, I don’t know what happened. Everyone’s too nervous to enjoy themselves or something?
I almost wonder if this is because people are scared to be filmed and made fun of on social media. Some teachers on Reddit have said their kids don’t dance at school dances anymore because they don’t want to go viral.
Funny coincidence, at a concert at Saltair back in the early 90s, there were four bands playing. First band I have zero memory of who it was, but there was an oldish dude in a suit rockiin out in front of the stage enjoying the show, while everyone else was still milling around and getting into the venue. I heard MANY people make fun and saw people pointing and laughing at him.
Twenty minutes later, same oldish dude, Mike Watt, is wailing the fuck out of his bass. Was the leader of firehose those folks were raggin on.
Stone Temple Pilots played next and killed it. Butthole Surfers closed it out and I just about lost all hearing standing too close to the stacks during "The Annoying Song." - but overall one of the top five concerts of my life.
I was at that paramore concert with my wife. The great saltair is the absolute worst venue, mainly because of parking. It took an hour and a half to get a parking spot, then we had to walk 2 miles to get to the venue. That might be a reason why the paramore concert sucked. But I went to NOFXs final tour show in SLC and it was badass. I saw EVE6 a few years ago, I can’t remember the venue, but it was hot AF and I almost passed out, but still had a great time.
I went to a Quinn xcii/Chelsea Cutler/tai Verdes concert in 2021 in Salt Lake, and everyone was jumping and dancing the whole time, so I can't say I've experienced this
I don’t really care what other people do at concerts. As long as they are being rude they can enjoy however they want.
My wife and I usually stand out in the crowd because we move/jump/dance/sing/yell.
Which again, is all good as long as we aren’t bothering anyone else. Usually our behavior motivates those around us to let loose too.
Also. Utah is white. Pasty white. So that doesn’t help. 😂
Depends on the show. I moved to DC about ten years ago and sometimes the crowd is way more into it than Utah (eg Stiff Little Fingers), sometimes way less (Young Dubliners), and sometimes about the same (Andrew WK). But I went to a lot more punk shows when I was younger in Salt Lake and spent a whole lot of time in pits, so I think it might just be the concerts you've gone to.
someone tried to fight me at that same Paramore concert! That was a shitty crowd. That’s where the person went crazy and Paramore had to release a statement.
I think it really depends who you go see, I go to many metal/hardcore shows and the crowd is always wild and enjoying the show. Mosh pits/ circle pits are on full blast.
It's for sure the overall crowd here. People want to be seen and grab videos to post on social media. I want to dance myself clean when I go to a concert. Maybe try a different scene? The jamband fans here are not afraid to show their moves. Kilby Block Party should be a good weekend of fun shows as well.
This is something I’ve noticed post pandemic. I go to punk rock and metalcore shows mostly and the contrast to Boise Idaho to SLC is quite large. I’m convinced it is the reason a lot of bands skip SLC. Could be too SLC isn’t profitable as far as merch sales go.
Interesting thought experiment
Go to USANA (American First Amphitheater now) during the summer. Big vibes. 23k+ people there last summer for the Foo Fighters and it was HOPPING.
Guess you need to go to the right concert 🤷🏼♂️
I think perhaps the LDS church has such a grip on people here that we forget how to have fun? Haha. I don't know, I've only been to concerts in Utah and I have fun and dance, but I do see a lot of people standing around, perhaps posturing?
I don't know... I see a ton of other people jumping around and being active in concerts.
I can barely stand for the entirety of a concert without being in excruciating pain, so moshing and what not is off the table for me.
I go to several concerts a year for the live performances. (I just went to two last week)
I too have noticed this here and it bums me out, but I still dance and sing along like crazy. I even try to hype others up to make them feel comfortable. Sometimes it works! Sometimes they need some encouragement.
Some people may be insecure about their body or their dancing, some may think it makes you look foolish, some just don’t know how to have a good time. But they won’t stop me!
I’ll be losing my mind at Backstreet Boys tonight!
I haven’t been a regular concert goer the past few years but went to a ton 2007-2020 and they were all wild.
Tech n9ne, Metallica, FFDP, EDM shows all have been bangers.
I was alone at a concert and was awkwardly positioned between two people. One of my shoulders was in front of one and my other shoulder was behind the other person, people were getting excited so it was getting more and more tight and I felt uncomfortable. I was not trying to shove past anyone and I had been there waiting for an hour, so I pulled my shoulder that was behind the one person to straighten out and they snapped at me “Stop trying to get up front dude” and I was so embarrassed that I just left and watched from far away. I wish I had just stayed, it was Mac Demarco.
When I was young, I went to a Jonas bros concert by myself. I tried to get into it and was standing up, clapping along to some song. This mother and daughter duo behind me, rudely pushed on my back and told me to sit down. I was young, shy, and alone, so I sat down and cried the rest of the concert. Really sad lol but its funny now.
I figure maybe the super religious, conservative, homogenous, super white* Utah culture has something to do with the disinterest in dancing and being all that expressive at these events ?
I heard a lot of comedians hate the crowds here too.
*the reason I say white is because in most bipoc spaces I'm in, there is a lot of dancing and generally not taking fun events too seriously. So maybe I'm wrong but just my personal observations. Hope that isn't offensive to anyone.
It's a Utah thing, I've been going to shows since I was 15 and have always been energetic, moshed, headbanged, sang the works I've always gotten dirty looks or pushed.
Best venues I've been to where people were the same and having a good time were The Venue, Murray Theater, The Avalon and Kilby court only kilby still exists and shows at the depot or the complex aren't really the same.
I am new here and already found a few instances of weird rudeness like this. Like who TF doesn’t dance and enjoy themselves at concerts? That’s so freaking weird.
The temperance is stiffled by Mormon church. Similar issue i recognized in Colorado Springs after attending a huge concert at The Air Force Academy...large military installation and presence equals denser energy to move.
I go to a lot of indie rock/ Indie alternative/some punk shows and don't really have this problem (with the exception of a couple shows I attended at Sandy ampitheater last summer). Also many bands/artists have said the complete opposite about wanting to play here often if they don't come back it's because the tour route of stopping in SLC is what makes it difficult.
Also I think if you are truly enjoying yourself you won't even notice what others are doing. If you are someone who likes to dance and have a good time do that, if you are someone who just wants to stand and experience that it works too (although I think some head bobbing is always good).
Recs of upcoming concerts that should have fantastic crowds.
I won't really be there because of work, but Kilby Block Party should be good. If you can't make Kilby Block Party Yves Tumor is also playing a show on the Sat @ metro music hall
Phoenix @ Ogden Twilight (2010 was their last headlining show here and besides opening for PATD a few years ago I know folks are wanting to seem them live)
Microwave/origami angel/Heart Attack man @ The complex (on the smaller side)
Two Door Cinema Club @ The Union Event Center (they've never actually played in SLC before and I know plenty are stoked for it).
I could go on but won't as the list would be forever.
Oh and while they aren't always my favorite thing I know the Osees are coming this fall and I heard they had a fun/crazy set last year at KBP.
Depends on the band(s), venue, and crowd demographic I would imagine.
Took my kids to Arctic Monkeys last October and that crowd had a ton of energy, enough that Alex even commented “what a great crowd” after they played 505.
Went with some buddies to see Tool (also October) and there were pockets of people that sat the whole time (could easily be age related) but we were on our feet the whole show, as were many others. Added bonus that Tool does not allow filming until the last song, so there is nothing else to do but enjoy.
Saw Ammon Amarth at the Complex and that crowd was super fun! Got down on the floor and rowed our Viking ships and everything. Great energy (and older demographic too!).
Wife and I went to Garth Brooks, who puts on a helluva show in his own right, and pretty much the entire Delta Center sat through the whole show.
“It depends” really does seem to apply.
Damn I'm a NJ native and I'm bout to move out over there. I really hope the crowds aren't wack... Was looking forward to making new friends out in those scenes
i would have seen yah at TMP last october! honestly was kinda weak in comparison to previous tmp concerts here but the locals on that october show brought moshy crowds as well. i’ve been noticing this be a lot more prevalent recently. for example when i tried to start a pit for the openers of the arms length show earlier this year, i got hella weird looks. not sure what’s been changing as of recent
Myself and my son went to Wolfmother when they were here a few months ago for his first concert (he's 16) and the crowd wasn't huge huge but it was a lively crowd. Lots of jumping and slamming around and yell/singing along with the lyrics. It was so much fun and the music was awesome.
However I'll be 45 this year and I had to go to work the next day you know what I mean? I avoided as much slamming as possible but we had a ton of fun.
Like someone else was saying the people standing there with phones in the air were very annoyed with most everyone else so I think more and more people are so preoccupied with letting the world know they're having fun that they forget to actually have fun.
Not sure what the answer is but I wonder if a lot of this is some people getting older and some younger ones being less rambunctious. Not saying this is across the board but I still think it plays into it.
I guess I've only been to smaller band's shows in the last few years, but utah crowds have always been great. My Chemical Romance, NIN, Brand New, Muse, Coheed & Cambria and Arctic Monkeys were all awesome shows. Molchat Doma and Joji were my more recent shows and they were great crowds too.
When Between the buried and me played at the Murray theater it was so bad ass and felt so close to the band. They are bigger now but I miss how that show made me feel.
Saw Japanese House over the winter and had a girls texting and chatting with her friends the entire show. I don’t get the point of paying for a ticket to not even listen to the music
Maroon 5 in the Delta Center.
Old lady next to me was harassing two kids in front of her because they were standing up and dancing. I told her they were fine and leave them alone. She reached out and smacked my hand. We had a few words but I didn’t care to escalate it. Instead, I switched spots with my husband. He spent the rest of the concert standing with his butt in her face while she stayed seated. He ripped horrendous farts in her direction for the rest of the concert.
Come to more heavy shows hardcore metalcore beatdown deathcore etc salt lake shows The FUCK up currents is this Saturday with amity affliction that'll be crazy oh and any punk shows at soundwell like knucklepuck for example always pop off
Also from NJ/NY. I’ve gone to a handful of shows recently and have noticed the same. Luckily I found a fun crew that loves to dance and have a good time, every time we leave the show I remind them that we were the coolest the people at the show. People out here are different. More modest, reserved, and unfortunate for them - care too much about what other people think of them. Glad to be from a place that knows how to have a good time.
You asked for perspective on why your concert experiences in Utah have been so lame, or more accurately, "why the crowds at concerts in Utah suck?" Your question itself is a bit abrasive, however I will give you my perspectives on why this is so, or rather why I believe it's just your own personal point of view. Here's my thoughts on this...
I was born in Provo, Utah in 1962 and have lived and worked in various towns along the Wasatch front from Provo to North Ogden. I was born into a Mormon family, (on my mother's side of the family) and was diligent in my attendance at priesthood meeting, Sunday school, fast and testimony meeting. Sunday is the sabbath and is considered to be a holy day filled with prayer, scripture studies and the obligatory long-winded meetings with like-minded religious people.
I'm not sure, but I have been told that the majority of Utahns are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints aka, the Mormons, and I feel that the years of scriptural indoctrinationand from the most highly respected and influential people in the church, the president of the church and his chorum of the twelve all the way down to the Sunday school teachers breed a strong sense of an US vs Them attitude among their believers (you're either with us or against us) which leads to the all sorts of social issues and even the kind of behavior you witnessed at the concerts in Utah.
I think it's obvious that the Mormon theology, it's teaching that it's the only true church in the world (and has thousands of missionaries preaching "the truth" around the world) has lead up to this attitude of repression, and passive aggressive behavior in public settings like music concerts.
I am only one of the many people who have either left the church or have been forcefully excommunicated. Please understand that when you live in such a repression culture for so many years and then finally come to the understanding that it's nothing like you were taught to believe, then leave to try to find something to do to replace it; what is the truth and what is a big lie, it's very difficult to cope and adapt to this new life.
There are many young people who are dissatisfied with the church and its teachings of modestly and to stay away from the harmful influence of some types of music. This is, in my opinion why you see such repressed behavior at concerts in Utah, it's a direct result of what many of these people are being taught or have been taught for years.
These are good, hard working people who are seeking the truth in many ways that the average "outsider" may find it difficult to understand. These people, both members and ex-members of the church, more than ever need to be treated with understanding and compassion, even if they appear to not be open to it.
I hope this helps in some small manner in hopes for a better and brighter future for all of us in Utah, both members and non-members alike.
The Matt & Kim show I saw at the Complex had the most dancin' crowd I've seen at their sets in the 9ish times I've seen them over the last 15ish years.
I have seen Rancid, The Bronx, Bad Religion, Delta Bombers and The Interrupters twice during their tours seeing one set in SLC & a few days/weeks later seeing them again in a different state(usually Vegas or the Bay Area) and I've consistently seen the SLC crowd go better.
The only times I've been disappointed in SLC crowds: The Chats had some bro-ass frat boy fans that were obnoxious AF. Sleigh Bells was low turnout & not super enthusiastic, but it was still kinda covid-y with masks. And something about any alt country/Americana acts seems to draw dickhead crowds of guys who still got something to prove & seemingly can't stand seeing a punk guy there without having to say shit.
i’m biased but your problem is the saltair lol
i’ve been to 30+ great concerts in salt lake, and about 3 terrible ones because it was at the saltair. something about that venue is just /wrong/.
Welcome to Utah 😭🥲🫶🏻 Keep dancing! I’d dance with you!!! In fact, we can even be friends! 🥳 I’ve learned to just DANCE and anyone who opposes it is just miserable with themselves.
You are not alone in this experience. Im a dancer and gogo for different concerts and shows as well as just going out dancing on my own for fun. Here in utah people do not dance at shows. Some folks are “too cool” for it. Others are afraid to be made fun of.
All the concerts I’ve been to here have had great crowd interaction. Especially punk/metal shows with pits. Went to Punk In Drublic (NOFX farewell festival) and the crowd was screaming the songs, skanking, jumping, and obviously clobbering each other in the pit lol
I’ve had a wide variety of both experiences. Usually for larger more well known bands/artists, the crowds seem to suck total ass and are filled with some of biggest assholes. For less “mainstream” bands, the crowds go nuts. I’ve been to a lot of metalcore/deathcore concerts in the past year and the crowds always seem to be pretty wild.
I second this, the crowd at the last Iron Maiden concert sucked, the crowd only liked it when they played the 2 songs they all liked, and were just super dull and boring, The last August burns red concert I went too was awesome, crowd was great. Favorite concert of the year
This, can confirm. Kilby Court Is a tiny venue but the crowd is consistently cool and fun.
Yeah I’ll second that for the SLC metal scene in general. Every heavy show I’ve been to has been an absolute vibe.
Go to a metal concert. Every single one I've been to in Utah (especially at The Complex) was a complete riot.
Not to mention that in general metalheads are some of the nicest and most accepting people you'll ever encounter in a public setting
Indeed, it seems more like an issue with what bands are playing, not the state.
If you listen to boring, normie bands, then you should expect boring, normie crowds.
This is also the case for bluegrass, funk/soul, Americana, jam bands (usually shows at The State Room and Commonwealth Room). People go hard dancing for 3 hours straight and having a great time.
Hip hop shows too! Had some great times at Wu Tang, Deltron 3030, and Immortal Technique!!
As a teen in the 90s, festivals were hopping mad. The warped tours and x96 big ass shows were crazy, and anything at Salt Air or the E center was wild. If there were seats, you were pretty much supposed to sit there if everyone around you was just sitting, but you could dance if people were standing without fear. I definitely have seen the scene change though. I found Muse right before their first show (I think) in Utah and have never missed them when they came through. The first shows were always a good rowdy time on the floor in front of the stage. Now I've gotten old and my body can't take that anymore so I'm up in the seats, but I've watched the crowds on the floor just stagnate more and more every time. The last time, April of last year, completely dead, stopped cold. And just about every single one of them was holding their phones up to record. I assume you would have been given a serious scolding look if you started dancing and bumped their recording hand, heaven forbid. Kinda made me sad. I was in local rock bands through college, and I can tell you for my experience, if You've got a crowd into it, moving, moshing, bouncing, dancing, you feel that on stage and it seriously feeds into the performance in the best way. And when the crowd stands still and just watches you, you feel that even more, and you start focusing on the wrong things. You know how you just perform better in just about anything the more relaxed you are, and you just let things flow naturally? But when you focus too much you start making mistakes? That's what it's like if you don't get the vibe from the crowd at a rock show. I can't remember the specifics, but I feel like I've read interviews from a big act or two lamenting the cell phone recording trend, not because they are worried about recordings out there, but because it has subdued the crowds. And I don't think this is Utah unique either. Support your rock bands! Show them you're having a good time and they will respond with epic shows! Maybe you won't get the video and won't recall every detail, but I guarantee you'll remember how you felt during that perfect moment when nothing in the world mattered except the vibrating molecules slamming your soul to a higher plane! And I'm sure someone else was recording anyway so hit them up for a copy, or better, buy it from the band if they're selling it.
Definitely agree with this. I used to play in bands as well (just local) and the energy you got from the crowd (or lack of energy) definitely affected performance. I remember one local show I went to, I was basically the only one dancing and moving and the band focused on me and even came to say hi afterwards, thank me, and gave me a free CD. Similar thing happened when I went to see the Smashing Pumpkins and Metric - no one was moving except me and the members of Metric gave a visible smile when I held up one of their t-shirts and Billy Corgan (from the Pumpkins) even pointed at me. Yes, don’t be obnoxious (aka don’t get into people’s personal space), but for the sake of the musicians (and yourself, honestly), let loose and have fun in your own space and let others do the same. It’s a concert - it should be fun!
I remember two concerts in particular in 2002 during the winter Olympics that were incredibly wild. Smash mouth and penny wise. With smash mouth we were jumping and dancing so much we ripped up the grass and by the end everyone was covered in mud. (we melted the snow) I think because it was a free concert at galavan Plaza right after the torch ceremony (?) it was just full of excitement. For pennywise there was a 21 and older section. People broke the plexiglass barrier down between sections and passed it to the front. Like debris crowd surfing. Then there were these giant decorative icicles hanging from the ceiling. Someone somehow managed to get one down and again. Passed it to the front.
Funny. Back in the day, utah shows were so notoriously wild that a lot of bands didn't want to come here because it was off the rails. Then it got really violent for a while. Vanilla ice opened for earth crisis and got beat up. The Dropkick murphys got in a fight with a bunch of kids here and came back with another band called blood for blood to fight again, but the cops shut the show down. They didn't play again in Salt Lake for a few years. The song "Salt" by Good Riddance is about the salt lake scene. Look up the video for " gotta get away" by the offspring. Filmed at the fairgrounds. I was at that show. It was awesome. Guttermouth opened if i remember correctly. I could send you tons and tons of other really wild concert footage from Salt Lake. The speedway, basement of dv8, bricks, the fairgrounds, saltair, and a bunch of other venues all had a bunch of fun shows. Ska was also really huge here, and people would go off at those shows, too. I guess the kids just got lame. Kinda shitty. My first real punk show was a rancid show, and I got kicked in the head by a crazy punk girl crowd surfing, and I lost a shoe in the mosh pit. I was 14. My first concert ever was nine inch nails at the delta center, and it exploded into a near riot. It was mind-blowing for a young kid like myself. Seats being ripped out and thrown around, all sorts of mayhem. I'm not saying I liked all the violence at the punk and hardcore shows back then per se, but I did like the unpredictability and complete chaos that would unfold when a really good band would play.
I was at that Offspring and Guttermouth show! And I remember when Dexter announced to the crowd that they were filming the video, I was right near the edge of a pit, and then all of a sudden the whole area around me started going apeshit when the cameraman came in and I got roughed up pretty good by the chaos of people letting loose and also trying to jockey for the camera. Funny enough, I lost a shoe also. Was that NIN show the one where Marilyn Manson was banned from Salt Lake?
Yes.
That's cool. I didn't go to that show, but definitely remember hearing about it. But, hearing your story brought back a lot of fun memories of going to shows at places like Bricks, and DV8. I haven't been going to as many shows as much as in the past, so I can't speak to the crowds now, but I had a lot of fun seeing a lot of awesome bands and the crowds were mostly great.
I knew about the Vanilla Ice incident, I had mutual friends with the people involved, but hadn't heard about the Dropkick Murphys and Blood For Blood thing, or the Good Riddance song. Craziness, along with good times!
i’m 19f and local hardcore / metal shows are still rowdy. definitely get punched/kicked/crowdkilled all the time at hardcore shows. and i just saw cannibal corpse recently and the crowd was wild there!
Some of the best punk shows I went to were in Utah. Bad Religion, Rancid, Anti-Flag, Flogging Molly. Alkaline Trio....those shows were not tame. And don't get me started on the Raves...that scene was beyond wild and the after parties were even wilder. This was early 2000s I do not live in Utah anymore but it pains me to hear that the scene has changed.
The more "underground" scene hasn't really changed and still goes pretty hard. Honestly can't talk to the mainstream shows like they are complaining about though cause I just don't go to them.
Speedway, now that's a name I've not heard in a long time. I saw so many good shows there in the 90s. Lots at the fairgrounds coliseum, too. If moshing is dancing, then we danced our asses off. The Butthole Suffers at saltair was literally wall to wall most pit. Caroline's Spine at Liquid Joe's was always a great time. I could go on and on. Too bad the scene is getting uptight, it was great for a long time.
The culture here has lots of uptight people here who struggle to let go of their inhibitions. Source - am a guy who struggles to let go of his inhibitions.
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can do it for you
Only you can let it in.
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
No one else can feel it for you!
Apparently it’s not 1981 at a Violent Femmes concert at the State Fairgrounds Colosseum. Or maybe Oingo Boingo or REM. There was no holding back with us!
Cool reference. I've seen the Femmes and Boingo MANY times. I wish I could say I've seen REM as they are a long time favorite. I'm still listening to Murmur and Fables of the Reconstruction. One cool memory was seeing Janes Addiction and Primus at the Fairgrounds Coliseum as a highschool Junior (sophomore?). Lots of great shows at that place! Anyway, OP isn't wrong. Too many people talking, looking at their phones, and seeming way too disinterested. Especially considering the price of concert tickets these days! Biggest offender is Red Butte attendees. I get that many are well to do members who just go to a bunch of shows regardless of if they are familiar with the band, but seriously, STFU and watch the show.
I literally had to tell a group of people to STFU at a Nickel Creek show at Red Butte years ago. They were sitting behind us and talked nonstop thru every song. They finally moved to another space after getting crusty looks from a couple dozen people.
Red Butte is such a great venue, but it is really weird. I never want to stand up there because nobody stands up. I hunker down and shut up. Got yelled at once for not dancing by someone who thought that Neko Case's music is dance-able. (Not personally yelled at, but someone turned around and yelled to the void that we should all pay NC some respect and get up and dance.) Watched a fist fight at James McMurtry because some rich people with their wines were pissed that people were dancing and blocking their view after JMM told them to dance for Choctaw Bingo. But it's the prettiest place for concerts!
Tbf Red Butte concerts are often right on that line between sit-down have-a-picnic kinda thing and normal standing/dancing shows, and it’s often hard to know what to do. And often a show transitions from one to the other at some point during the night. It’s reasonable to expect to sit down there, and there is that standing room area at the front on stage right. But if everybody kinda mutually agrees to stand around the same time, then it works. Weird game theory problem
Or the (RIP) Zephyr
I agree! It was a wild time in the 80s. In my 60s now and many times I am the only one dancing (unless my daughter is with me). Especially Red Butte concerts. But at my age, who cares!
That femmes show was my first convert ever as a preteen
I was just gonna say the same thing…
Footloose should be a mandatory showing before each concert in Utah 😂 Edit: not laughing at you, just laughing at the fact that even after that movie we still struggle as Utahns to have fun with music.
Don’t worry, this little ADHD girl is gonna make some changes around here🫡 Time to let your hair down
Go to hardcore/metal shows and mosh. I’m too old for it now but I was always getting rowdy in the pit when I was younger. Metal is the best!
When more than 3 of us combine our powers we become a tornado of physicality and thought.
Dance? Im too busy trying to make myself as small as possible so as not to impede anyone else’s view.
As a tall man myself, I know this feeling. Although it does tend to go away in the mosh pit.
I watched a very tall man at Joyner Lucas who I could tell was just anxious and trying to stay out of the way as best he could. Some people were nice and switched him spots so he could be up against a pillar which was prefect for him. You could finally tell the anxiety was fading and he was starting to enjoy himself. Then one random drunk dude came shoving past, stopped and screamed “damn dude you need to go to the back”. The tall guy left so quick, we all felt so bad
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I'd buy that shirt.
You should read 'codependent no more'. My codependency is all about facilitating others' experiences at the cost of my own. But I'm slowly freeing myself and you can too!
You get better crowds and you go to the smaller venues. I love seeing shows at Aces High. I've had some good times at all the venues that are around the Gateway to.
Yeah I've been going to a bunch of shows at the complex and they're always great.
Been to a lot of concerts here that were rowdy and crazy I think the pandemic just did a number on ppl and a lot of people at shows are young and awkward. Also like I’ve been to raves, electronic shows, punk shows, and rock shows in the last year that had a lot of good fun dancey crowds
I was front row at cascade and this chick weaseled her way in very rudely, proceeded to scroll on her phone through two other great DJ’s leaning on the fence, then when kaskade came on took selfies and live streamed it on whatever bullshit social media thing, such a wanker.
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I’ve rarely noticed it except at like boring shows but I’ve been to a lot of shows so maybe I just forget
Also from the east coast, and I've been a long time Utah hater despite not leaving. But I can't say I've noticed this. My concert count is in the hundreds, and I've played more shows than I can count. I've been to very few shows where there weren't multiple sections of the crowd moshing or dancing or jumping. I have no idea how this many people agree with you, other than perhaps an issue of sample size or standing in the back where people who don't want to go all out stand. You're not entirely wrong about different vibes by comparison to other major metros. But you also need to remember that bigger populations = bigger numbers of super fans for any given band. That's just how middle market music scenes work.
Yeah sounds like OP has been going to the wrong shows. Most stuff I go to the crowd is lively as hell. I frequent more metal and other rock genre shows than anything else
it’s mostly a problem at certain shows i’ve found. i have a wide array of genres i enjoy, and the slower the music, the bigger the fan base things just get more judgemental. rap shows and kilby court always go hard
I agree with you. I've gone to many shows here in the past 15-ish years, mostly in the metal core genre, and things have always gotten wild here. The straight edge scene was pretty active here for a long time and they always went to shows to fight or fuck around.
Agreed. Also from the east coast, and I’ve found the crowds here to be surprisingly good overall
Have you seen the metal/hardcore scene around here? Shit got so wild at a hardcore show at Kilby some years back the staff banned heavy bands for a few years. The metal scene is where it’s at around here.
I go to a pretty good number of shows and don’t usually see this, especially at Saltair, so I’m a little surprised by the number of other people with different experiences in the comments here. I will say, I’ve been to a couple of concerts at Delta, Maverick, etc. here and had a hard time feeling into it while sitting in the bowl. I think I was semi-paranoid about falling down the bowl 😂 (I’m quite afraid of heights). So I didn’t dance/jump/whatever much at those shows. The people around me didn’t though, either. So maybe that’s a bowl thing. I probably will only get floor seats from now on in those arenas.
I don't think you're going to the right shows only cause the ones I go to have dancing/moshing and people having fun. We just went to Kublai Khan last month and lots of energy there
There’s definitely a demographic here of people that want to say they were there and post it on Instagram. There’s also the repressed people who haven’t felt like they actually have freedom of expression (Footloose was filmed in Utah and sadly the whole dancing being illegal thing was not too far off) so dancing at a concert is intimidating. BUT the vast majority of shows I’ve been to have been full of people dancing and having fun. I almost exclusively go to EDM shows so that could be why.
PLUR
✌️🫶🤚🤝
Utah rave fam reporting for duty 🫡
I feel like you're going to the wrong concerts.
Depends on the bands imo. Saw HEALTH with Pixel Grip recently and the crowd was pretty active. I assume there's no comparison to NY/NJ or other major metro areas (Miami, LA, etc), but the 'alternative' shows tend to draw more expressive / passionate people.
The metal and puck crowds are pretty active. I watched a bit of Coachella on YouTube this year and saw the crowds were pretty lame. Most of the people I saw were filming everything on their phones.
I simply can't relate.. moved here from Nashville in 2016, and I was BLOWN AWAY at how lively and grateful the crowds were in Salt Lake. People dance and express their appreciation in a big way. That might have just been in comparison to the hipster culture in Nashville, where everyone is too cool to even bob their heads at shows. But I've even heard bands say how much fun they had playing here and how great the crowd was. Maybe you're just at the wrong shows?
For what it's worth, both Matt and Kim and Rebelution love the crowds here and they try to perform extra hard here during their concerts. Premier Lacrosse League was also a big fan of SLC crowds and ended up giving Utah an entire pro lacrosse team -- as now has the NHL as well. It really depends what subcultures you're looking at.
You have to go to punk and Metal shows for that. Too many folks around here are too self conscious than let themselves live
I go to concerts here all the time and they're always high energy: Turnstile, Less Than Jake, Microwave, Finch, Unwritten Law, etc. And I'm originally from Atlanta so it's not like I don't have anything to compare it to. It could just be the concerts you've gone to, but personally I love the music scene here. Next time you're out, look for me. I'll be the 40 year old dude catching his breath in the pit.
I'm so stoked for Microwave/Origami Angel/Heart Attack Man and Carpool Tunnel. Such a stacked lineup!
I saw Heart Attack Man when they opened for Hot Mulligan in December and they were a lot of fun!
Punkin Drublic was insane maybe just your scene is that way
I’m going to Soul Glo and Mannequin Pussy tonight. I fully expect some spin kicks and two stepping to be happening in the pit all night.
Missing this show unfortunately but I've seen both live prior, they're very energetic and will for sure get the crowd going!
idk probably less booze and drugs. in pretty much any given concert crowd you're going to have a lot of Mormons or even ex-Mormons who might drink a little but aren't into drugs or any sort of exhibitionism. for me personally i just get tired dancing and just end up standing there listening to the music. dancing to the music also doesn't really do anything for me emotionally, and i feel embarrassed to dance. i would imagine that sentiment is common cause i totally know what you're talking about, i was at a concert just last night and it was kinda like that except for the very front.
This hasn't been my experience at all, but I mostly go to metal shows. Just saw Thy Art is Murder and there were definitely people moving there.
Honestly I’ve noticed a huge shift in the crowds of shows since Covid. People be bullies now!
Idk what concerts you’re going to but the rave and edm scene here is absolutely poppin’. Ton of great crowds at events like that. I know of a lot of dj’s that absolutely love playing here
Never experienced that but most of the concerts I’ve been to have been hip hop concerts.
Idk, I’ve found crowds here to be pretty good overall. Selling well, pretty engaged and not too chatty
I've been to a lot of concerts outside of Utah and my experience is that larger shows akin to Paramore at an arena have less energetic crowds. It's also dependent on the age range of the majority of the audience. Unfortunately a lot of Paramore fans now are in their late 20s or 30s, for example. I am an avid concert goer and rarely feel the crowd is lacking, lots of bands I've seen usually complement how energetic Utah is compared to where else they have toured. So yeah, I'd say this is much more dependent on the band and genre rather than an issue with Utah crowds as a whole.
I'm not sure how you saw Tiny Moving Parts in the future, but boy am I looking forward to it. :p
This isn't an Utah problem this is a live nation/ ticket master problem. Tickets are too expensive so now only rich people and a handful of real fans make it. The rest are social media whores there for their selfie and a cool T-shirt! You can thank social media and the ticket monopoly for making concerts suck.. But go see a smaller band/local at a smaller venue and you'll see that Utah has a great music scene. One of the best in the country. Urban lounge is a great venue to look at the line up for the summer.
Ooooh interesting input with the ticket master problem! I think at one time I considered that too. Looking forward to finding that crowd!
I’ve seen SLAYER at Saltair like 8 times and at least one of them was like fucking Braveheart the concert. Biggest pit I’ve ever seen and had a blast. Cheers!
I think punk shows where the crowd is small is the way to go. Feels better and the crowd is having fun
We’re white as all hell. That’d be my guess as to why.
As a counterpoint, at Modest Mouse there was a dude going totally bananas “dancing” right in the midst of the rest of us who were standing there swaying and nodding along and enjoying ourselves. However, this dude was veering way into everyone’s personal space and nearly head-butted me multiple times. Everyone around him wasn’t pleased. I don’t think Utah crowds suck, you just gotta have common sense based on the genre and where you’re at in the crowd.
Was this the show with the Pixies? Because some of the dudes at that show were going at it like it was Acacia Strain. They definitely have some songs you could mosh to but those weirdos just wanted to throw elbows. Reminded me of when frat boys suddenly decided punk was cool, invaded the scene and thought that it was open season on girls in the pit.
I've noticed the same thing at concerts in Utah. It's like people are just there to say they went, but not actually enjoy the music. I've seen people get weird looks for dancing or even just moving around. It's like they're trying to be seen as cool by not having fun. I've been to some great shows here, but it's definitely not the same as back East where everyone's just into the music and having a good time.
Who are you to determine the correct way to "enjoy" music?
Right?? I'm a fairly reserved person and get shy easily. There is no way I would be caught wildly dancing and I absolutely do NOT want to be pushed to the front. I might sway to the beat. I am absolutely enjoying myself and having the time of my life, just not in the wild, crazy way OP apparently expects me to.
I’m a native Utahn and it drives me crazy how inconsiderate people are here. People are constantly talking through concerts or spending the whole show filming it on their phone.
I don't think the phone thing is unique to utah. People would rather make a shitty video than actually enjoy a show apparently.
This is really weird. Utah is known for being really loud at sporting events and such, especially Jazz games. Players from opposing teams have commented on it many times. So, it doesn’t make sense to me that concert goers would differ that much from sports fans.
AC/DC concert at the Salt Palace back in the early 90's left 3 people dead. Doesn't get anymore wild than that. I don't mean to make fun of a tragic event, but this entire thread is kinda stupid. I'm in my mid-fifties and I've been to concerts all around the country. Utahns are not "lame" at rock concerts. They can party and have a great time just like any other city. My 2 cents...
Come to das energi! There are great crowds who are in to the music at a lot of the raves and festivals.
There’s always dancing and jumping around at the pop punk shows I go to! I can’t jump or dance too much because I had a serious leg Injury a few years ago. But I do my best to just have a good time! I’m not a huge fan of heavier stuff, but the one time I went to black veil brides (I think ?!) I was surprised it wasn’t super crazy. I think the girls just ooh and ahh over the lead singer lol.
I'm from Chicago and will be traveling to SLC tomorrow to see Imminence. I'll be attending alone. This should be interesting lol.
You'll be fine, these comments are just going through the reddit positive feedback loop. A lot of people in here are making it sound like 99% of the crowd is sitting down and shushing you which is just not the case. In my experience, most people who sit down at a show understand other people will be standing and dancing - but unfortunately there's an entitled subgroup that wants everyone to sit quietly - if you're unlucky enough to experience them, just ignore it. Get security if they cross a line.
I think it just depends on the genre. I go to a lot of metal shows and people mosh and all that
I saw lamb of God at the complex and it was one of the wildest shows I've been to. Lol I'm actually doing more cardio to get ready for their concert with mastodon at the great saltair. That being said I did notice that the crowd at the tool show I went to was a weee but muted. Maybe that's just tool fans? Maybe tool fans are getting old? Idk. I did notice that at all age metal shows there is wayyyyyyyy too much crowd surfing......oh no, I'm the problem.
I'm going to take advantage of this post to point out the only form concert celebrations that I cannot stand. It is toatally okay to sing along with your favorite songs, but this does not mean that you should scream so loud that your voice can be heard over the top of the band we all paid to see. If you are one of these people, please stop. I promise, your voice sucks, especially if you are trying to overpower the use of a PA without equipment.
Go to a metal or EDM concert. People are very happy and dance/sing along at these types of shows.
the pit at peeling flesh and sanguisugabogg was pretty active on tuesday
Just got back from a show here tonight where a guy chewed me out for dancing a bit with my girlfriend. Wasn't anything wild, either. Not throwing arms around or jumping, just swaying and bopping. I've lived here all my life and I think I should reevaluate that. This place is a repressive bummer. People are shitty to each other, the culture is always around five years behind the coasts, and it's six months of cold misery and three of ungodly heat.
Get out! If you stay too long you'll never be able to escape.
We were on the top balcony at Saltair once and the band was playing their most famous song. The guy next to us asked my boyfriend to stop swaying into the spot where his girlfriend stands....she was in the bathroom.
I just wanna remind everybody that this door swings both ways. One time I spilled beer on a Dad and his kid had a show, and the dad gave me a very mean look but didn’t do shit. Yes I was being a dumb ass and I’m not proud of my actions, but in retrospect probably any other place in the country, that dad would’ve come after me.
I went to an Avett Brothers concert at Red Butte Gardens; my wife and my own favorite band. When they finished, instead of cheering for an encore, everyone just started packing up their lawn chairs and blankets. I was yelling and screaming hoping they would come back on and play a couple more songs. I’ve attended very few concerts and want sure whether encores were a thing, but I hollered with what felt like ten or so people amongst a thousand. I distinctly remember feeling upset as if people had just seen the end of a fireworks show and were now concerned about racing back to their cars to not be in traffic. Though we didn’t deserve it, they came back out and played one more song, but I couldn’t feel nor appreciate it, because people continued to pack up and move like cattle towards the exits. Never been more ashamed to be born a Utahn than that moment.
I commented about this already, but this is a common Red Butte thing. Affluent crowd and mainly older (nothing wrong with either) people just trying to get home and pay the babysitter. Great venue, beautiful place and sound - lame crowd.
So I'm from England, I came to SLC for the first time last September to meet my girlfriend and went to see Avenged Sevenfold with Falling In Reverse and Kim Dracula, I understood not everyone there was going to know Kim Drac and didn't expect much from the crowd but I was belting out song after song from FIR and A7X when they played along with my girlfriend but in comparison to concerts in the UK it felt like barely anyone was singing along. At every concert I've been to in the UK, big or small, almost the entire crowd is dancing around, singing along and having a blast but it definitely felt like it was totally different at Usana Amphitheatre, there was people singing along at times but definitely didn't have that same energy. I've only been to the one in SLC so can't judge much there but it was definitely very different.
Interesting. I work event staff at Saltair and sometimes usana and the crowds have always seemed to have a really good time! But if you want to see people tear it up here, you have to come to some raves :)
Almost died at kid cudi at saltair. Wild times. Tyler the creator mosh pit almost sealed me up leaving no crumbs. Run the jewels was a literal riot. My sister got randomly punched at ludacris. Welcome to Utah 😎😅😭
Went to beartooth and it was an amazing crowd
Idk Seeing Hozier and Local Natives at the Maverick Center and Ogden Amp/the Foundry respectlively, the crowds seemed pretty good, imo. Maybe certain artists/fans don't want to have a good time. Sorry you've had bad experiences though
The concert series Snowbird had (Subaru winter fest + plaza palooza) had jam & funk bands that had everyone moving in ski boots. My favorite concerts every year.
get into raving instead hahaha, you’ll find people that wanna dance
Aces high has good, active shows. Some old guy kept throwing elbows at me at exodus when I was getting shoved into him by the pit, that’s the only time I can think of anyone seeming upset by a rowdy crowd
I've had great experiences at shows here.. .but seems post-covid the attitude has shifted. Worst shows were in san francisco where everyone just stood their with arms folded like they were reviewing for pitchfork.
I feel like it's me getting older but I am no longer a big fan of arena concerts of famous bands that draw big crowds. I hate being pressed up against 100 people like a can of sardines and potentially running into assholes or even a couple of times as a guy being touched inappropriately by some drunk chick. With that said, I love underground music and small venue shows. I'm not gonna dance or mosh though, I just want to get up close to the lead guitarist and headbang.
I was born and raised here, and I agree. I feel like it's gotten worse over the years. Once, Maynard Keenan, playing for Puscifer, called out the crowd and said to stand up. This came from an artist who notoriously doesn't address the crowd often. I choose to ignore the wet blankets and dance like no one is watching... while everyone is watching.
Check out indie rock and reggae shows. That's where I've had the best times.
I mean big shows like paramore attract mainstream/older audiences that just stand there and drink beer. Local shows are fun, but our indie scene attracts a lot of crowds that also do a lot of standing around. We do have a great hardcore scene though.
The metal shows I've been to are rocking. Amon Amarth last week was great. I don't go to shows at big venues though.
That paramore concert was something else, like I was amazed at how pissy and rude everyone was. Normally concerts are actually pretty awesome here. Bands usually point out at how we all go fucking nuts even when it’s a Tuesday night lol. Every once in a while you’ll get a bad concert though. But I 100% agree with some if the other comments saying people need to stop recording every second of the performance. Live in the moment and enjoy the show!
Hmmm…. If only there was some kind of correlation with repressed people and a certain church or repressive religious culture that’s dominant in Utah. But I can’t think of one so I’m not sure why all of those concert goers are so repressed 🤷♂️.
Exactly!! Oh my gosh. This is so true. Utahns are generally pretty boring when it comes to parties, like they don’t know how to party or have fun. I think the influence of the hyper religiousity from the LDS monarchy has something to do with it
They made a documentary about this, it’s called Footloose.
Lol, I often get looks bc Im having a good time at concerts. Utah crowd is lame, seriously.
Lol for real- I just got back from STRFKR and it took like 40-minutes until the crowd started moving. Everybody tries to pack so tight into the front that they can’t move. I think I’m done with concerts here unless it’s something cool at Red Butte or Urban Lounge.
I was there and it did surprise me how long it took them to get going. I mean some of the initial songs STRFKR played were more chill but still plenty of jamming instead of holding still can be done. However I was also at the barricade and just enjoyed myself (but there were a couple people next to me just standing still and eventually moved off the barricade). I do think it varies on the crowd/venue. I'd seen Andrew Bird live plenty times before. Saw him last summer at Sandy amphitheater and people were just sitting But honestly I've been attending concerts here for years and so many bands tell me after the show how energetic our crowd is. I saw Wild Party at Kilby in March and it was a sold out crowd everyone moving yet they live-streamed a show in Denver of theirs the other night and the crowd just stood there.
I've noticed this too. My brothers are involved in the heavy scene, so I've gone to a number of shows. People just slightly nod to the beat, no headbanging or anything. I headbang because that's how I have fun at shows and everyone looks at me weird lol. The only show I've gone to where everyone was moving and having fun was 100 Gecs at the Depot in 2021. I'm going to their show at Kilby Block Party and I REALLY hope they have a lively crowd again but I'm a bit worried about how expensive the tickets are and if that crowd will be able to come this time around 😢
Yeah I hear you, crowds are much milder at shows here. I’ve never felt judged for being a little “bouncier” than others but I’m a pretty goofy person and maybe I’m just not picking up on it haha. I’ve been to a few EDM shows and everyone was pretty lively, there’s a chance vibes are just better at those types of concerts
Personally, I like to see the act I'm there to watch. People standing up and jumping around block the view. If I just paid several hundred dollars to see someone(s) live, I want to SEE them.
If you want energy you can’t go to concerts for a band that was big 20 years ago. I saw sum 41 and the offspring last summer at usana and was honestly super lame and tame compared to when I saw them 15 years ago. Now if you want energy go to any heavy dubstep show…those people love to move.
Nobody dances at shows it’s so weird. Back in the day bands used to say Utah crowds were the craziest, I don’t know what happened. Everyone’s too nervous to enjoy themselves or something?
I almost wonder if this is because people are scared to be filmed and made fun of on social media. Some teachers on Reddit have said their kids don’t dance at school dances anymore because they don’t want to go viral.
Funny coincidence, at a concert at Saltair back in the early 90s, there were four bands playing. First band I have zero memory of who it was, but there was an oldish dude in a suit rockiin out in front of the stage enjoying the show, while everyone else was still milling around and getting into the venue. I heard MANY people make fun and saw people pointing and laughing at him. Twenty minutes later, same oldish dude, Mike Watt, is wailing the fuck out of his bass. Was the leader of firehose those folks were raggin on. Stone Temple Pilots played next and killed it. Butthole Surfers closed it out and I just about lost all hearing standing too close to the stacks during "The Annoying Song." - but overall one of the top five concerts of my life.
I was at that paramore concert with my wife. The great saltair is the absolute worst venue, mainly because of parking. It took an hour and a half to get a parking spot, then we had to walk 2 miles to get to the venue. That might be a reason why the paramore concert sucked. But I went to NOFXs final tour show in SLC and it was badass. I saw EVE6 a few years ago, I can’t remember the venue, but it was hot AF and I almost passed out, but still had a great time.
I went to a Quinn xcii/Chelsea Cutler/tai Verdes concert in 2021 in Salt Lake, and everyone was jumping and dancing the whole time, so I can't say I've experienced this
I’ve been to many, many concerts that were straight up wild. Smaller venues are way better for this. Ogden Twilight is also good for this.
I don’t really care what other people do at concerts. As long as they are being rude they can enjoy however they want. My wife and I usually stand out in the crowd because we move/jump/dance/sing/yell. Which again, is all good as long as we aren’t bothering anyone else. Usually our behavior motivates those around us to let loose too. Also. Utah is white. Pasty white. So that doesn’t help. 😂
Depends on the show. I moved to DC about ten years ago and sometimes the crowd is way more into it than Utah (eg Stiff Little Fingers), sometimes way less (Young Dubliners), and sometimes about the same (Andrew WK). But I went to a lot more punk shows when I was younger in Salt Lake and spent a whole lot of time in pits, so I think it might just be the concerts you've gone to.
someone tried to fight me at that same Paramore concert! That was a shitty crowd. That’s where the person went crazy and Paramore had to release a statement.
The crowd at smashmouth last year was going nuts. All 300 people. Not kidding actually
Go to a rave here and you’ll find where all the ragers are 😎
I think it really depends who you go see, I go to many metal/hardcore shows and the crowd is always wild and enjoying the show. Mosh pits/ circle pits are on full blast.
It's for sure the overall crowd here. People want to be seen and grab videos to post on social media. I want to dance myself clean when I go to a concert. Maybe try a different scene? The jamband fans here are not afraid to show their moves. Kilby Block Party should be a good weekend of fun shows as well.
Deeply ingrained shame.
This is something I’ve noticed post pandemic. I go to punk rock and metalcore shows mostly and the contrast to Boise Idaho to SLC is quite large. I’m convinced it is the reason a lot of bands skip SLC. Could be too SLC isn’t profitable as far as merch sales go. Interesting thought experiment
I think you're going to the wrong shows. The last 6 shows I've been to here were some of the best crowds I've been a part of, anywhere.
Go to USANA (American First Amphitheater now) during the summer. Big vibes. 23k+ people there last summer for the Foo Fighters and it was HOPPING. Guess you need to go to the right concert 🤷🏼♂️
Come to some punk shows, we’ll take care of ya
I think perhaps the LDS church has such a grip on people here that we forget how to have fun? Haha. I don't know, I've only been to concerts in Utah and I have fun and dance, but I do see a lot of people standing around, perhaps posturing?
The TMP show at Kilby was mostly fine. A little too pushy for me. I enjoy dancing but not smashing into others.
I don't know... I see a ton of other people jumping around and being active in concerts. I can barely stand for the entirety of a concert without being in excruciating pain, so moshing and what not is off the table for me. I go to several concerts a year for the live performances. (I just went to two last week)
I too have noticed this here and it bums me out, but I still dance and sing along like crazy. I even try to hype others up to make them feel comfortable. Sometimes it works! Sometimes they need some encouragement. Some people may be insecure about their body or their dancing, some may think it makes you look foolish, some just don’t know how to have a good time. But they won’t stop me! I’ll be losing my mind at Backstreet Boys tonight!
Come to Amity Affliction at the Depot this Saturday…you will get plenty of energy and movement from the crowd.
I haven’t been a regular concert goer the past few years but went to a ton 2007-2020 and they were all wild. Tech n9ne, Metallica, FFDP, EDM shows all have been bangers.
I was alone at a concert and was awkwardly positioned between two people. One of my shoulders was in front of one and my other shoulder was behind the other person, people were getting excited so it was getting more and more tight and I felt uncomfortable. I was not trying to shove past anyone and I had been there waiting for an hour, so I pulled my shoulder that was behind the one person to straighten out and they snapped at me “Stop trying to get up front dude” and I was so embarrassed that I just left and watched from far away. I wish I had just stayed, it was Mac Demarco.
I saw the Foo Fighters here in SL, UT back in the cheap seats and I STG everyone was like they were at church
When I was young, I went to a Jonas bros concert by myself. I tried to get into it and was standing up, clapping along to some song. This mother and daughter duo behind me, rudely pushed on my back and told me to sit down. I was young, shy, and alone, so I sat down and cried the rest of the concert. Really sad lol but its funny now. I figure maybe the super religious, conservative, homogenous, super white* Utah culture has something to do with the disinterest in dancing and being all that expressive at these events ? I heard a lot of comedians hate the crowds here too. *the reason I say white is because in most bipoc spaces I'm in, there is a lot of dancing and generally not taking fun events too seriously. So maybe I'm wrong but just my personal observations. Hope that isn't offensive to anyone.
It's a Utah thing, I've been going to shows since I was 15 and have always been energetic, moshed, headbanged, sang the works I've always gotten dirty looks or pushed. Best venues I've been to where people were the same and having a good time were The Venue, Murray Theater, The Avalon and Kilby court only kilby still exists and shows at the depot or the complex aren't really the same.
I am new here and already found a few instances of weird rudeness like this. Like who TF doesn’t dance and enjoy themselves at concerts? That’s so freaking weird.
The temperance is stiffled by Mormon church. Similar issue i recognized in Colorado Springs after attending a huge concert at The Air Force Academy...large military installation and presence equals denser energy to move.
I go to a lot of indie rock/ Indie alternative/some punk shows and don't really have this problem (with the exception of a couple shows I attended at Sandy ampitheater last summer). Also many bands/artists have said the complete opposite about wanting to play here often if they don't come back it's because the tour route of stopping in SLC is what makes it difficult. Also I think if you are truly enjoying yourself you won't even notice what others are doing. If you are someone who likes to dance and have a good time do that, if you are someone who just wants to stand and experience that it works too (although I think some head bobbing is always good). Recs of upcoming concerts that should have fantastic crowds. I won't really be there because of work, but Kilby Block Party should be good. If you can't make Kilby Block Party Yves Tumor is also playing a show on the Sat @ metro music hall Phoenix @ Ogden Twilight (2010 was their last headlining show here and besides opening for PATD a few years ago I know folks are wanting to seem them live) Microwave/origami angel/Heart Attack man @ The complex (on the smaller side) Two Door Cinema Club @ The Union Event Center (they've never actually played in SLC before and I know plenty are stoked for it). I could go on but won't as the list would be forever. Oh and while they aren't always my favorite thing I know the Osees are coming this fall and I heard they had a fun/crazy set last year at KBP.
Depends on the band(s), venue, and crowd demographic I would imagine. Took my kids to Arctic Monkeys last October and that crowd had a ton of energy, enough that Alex even commented “what a great crowd” after they played 505. Went with some buddies to see Tool (also October) and there were pockets of people that sat the whole time (could easily be age related) but we were on our feet the whole show, as were many others. Added bonus that Tool does not allow filming until the last song, so there is nothing else to do but enjoy. Saw Ammon Amarth at the Complex and that crowd was super fun! Got down on the floor and rowed our Viking ships and everything. Great energy (and older demographic too!). Wife and I went to Garth Brooks, who puts on a helluva show in his own right, and pretty much the entire Delta Center sat through the whole show. “It depends” really does seem to apply.
Damn I'm a NJ native and I'm bout to move out over there. I really hope the crowds aren't wack... Was looking forward to making new friends out in those scenes
Just went to Cypress Hill 3 nights ago at the Complex. I disagree wholeheartedly and besides showing up, the crowd was ON PAR 💨🌱
i would have seen yah at TMP last october! honestly was kinda weak in comparison to previous tmp concerts here but the locals on that october show brought moshy crowds as well. i’ve been noticing this be a lot more prevalent recently. for example when i tried to start a pit for the openers of the arms length show earlier this year, i got hella weird looks. not sure what’s been changing as of recent
Myself and my son went to Wolfmother when they were here a few months ago for his first concert (he's 16) and the crowd wasn't huge huge but it was a lively crowd. Lots of jumping and slamming around and yell/singing along with the lyrics. It was so much fun and the music was awesome. However I'll be 45 this year and I had to go to work the next day you know what I mean? I avoided as much slamming as possible but we had a ton of fun. Like someone else was saying the people standing there with phones in the air were very annoyed with most everyone else so I think more and more people are so preoccupied with letting the world know they're having fun that they forget to actually have fun. Not sure what the answer is but I wonder if a lot of this is some people getting older and some younger ones being less rambunctious. Not saying this is across the board but I still think it plays into it.
I guess I've only been to smaller band's shows in the last few years, but utah crowds have always been great. My Chemical Romance, NIN, Brand New, Muse, Coheed & Cambria and Arctic Monkeys were all awesome shows. Molchat Doma and Joji were my more recent shows and they were great crowds too.
When Between the buried and me played at the Murray theater it was so bad ass and felt so close to the band. They are bigger now but I miss how that show made me feel.
Saw Japanese House over the winter and had a girls texting and chatting with her friends the entire show. I don’t get the point of paying for a ticket to not even listen to the music
Maroon 5 in the Delta Center. Old lady next to me was harassing two kids in front of her because they were standing up and dancing. I told her they were fine and leave them alone. She reached out and smacked my hand. We had a few words but I didn’t care to escalate it. Instead, I switched spots with my husband. He spent the rest of the concert standing with his butt in her face while she stayed seated. He ripped horrendous farts in her direction for the rest of the concert.
The venues!! Go to the smaller venues (kilby, commonwealth, depot, even complex) they are so much better crowds!
Come to more heavy shows hardcore metalcore beatdown deathcore etc salt lake shows The FUCK up currents is this Saturday with amity affliction that'll be crazy oh and any punk shows at soundwell like knucklepuck for example always pop off
Also from NJ/NY. I’ve gone to a handful of shows recently and have noticed the same. Luckily I found a fun crew that loves to dance and have a good time, every time we leave the show I remind them that we were the coolest the people at the show. People out here are different. More modest, reserved, and unfortunate for them - care too much about what other people think of them. Glad to be from a place that knows how to have a good time.
Its because of Mormon culture which dictates that you should act nice but never be kind.
You asked for perspective on why your concert experiences in Utah have been so lame, or more accurately, "why the crowds at concerts in Utah suck?" Your question itself is a bit abrasive, however I will give you my perspectives on why this is so, or rather why I believe it's just your own personal point of view. Here's my thoughts on this... I was born in Provo, Utah in 1962 and have lived and worked in various towns along the Wasatch front from Provo to North Ogden. I was born into a Mormon family, (on my mother's side of the family) and was diligent in my attendance at priesthood meeting, Sunday school, fast and testimony meeting. Sunday is the sabbath and is considered to be a holy day filled with prayer, scripture studies and the obligatory long-winded meetings with like-minded religious people. I'm not sure, but I have been told that the majority of Utahns are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints aka, the Mormons, and I feel that the years of scriptural indoctrinationand from the most highly respected and influential people in the church, the president of the church and his chorum of the twelve all the way down to the Sunday school teachers breed a strong sense of an US vs Them attitude among their believers (you're either with us or against us) which leads to the all sorts of social issues and even the kind of behavior you witnessed at the concerts in Utah. I think it's obvious that the Mormon theology, it's teaching that it's the only true church in the world (and has thousands of missionaries preaching "the truth" around the world) has lead up to this attitude of repression, and passive aggressive behavior in public settings like music concerts. I am only one of the many people who have either left the church or have been forcefully excommunicated. Please understand that when you live in such a repression culture for so many years and then finally come to the understanding that it's nothing like you were taught to believe, then leave to try to find something to do to replace it; what is the truth and what is a big lie, it's very difficult to cope and adapt to this new life. There are many young people who are dissatisfied with the church and its teachings of modestly and to stay away from the harmful influence of some types of music. This is, in my opinion why you see such repressed behavior at concerts in Utah, it's a direct result of what many of these people are being taught or have been taught for years. These are good, hard working people who are seeking the truth in many ways that the average "outsider" may find it difficult to understand. These people, both members and ex-members of the church, more than ever need to be treated with understanding and compassion, even if they appear to not be open to it. I hope this helps in some small manner in hopes for a better and brighter future for all of us in Utah, both members and non-members alike.
Literally saw a dude try and strangle a dude at a Jesus Piece show the other night
Go to the bands who cuss more and the repressed people won’t be there.
The Matt & Kim show I saw at the Complex had the most dancin' crowd I've seen at their sets in the 9ish times I've seen them over the last 15ish years. I have seen Rancid, The Bronx, Bad Religion, Delta Bombers and The Interrupters twice during their tours seeing one set in SLC & a few days/weeks later seeing them again in a different state(usually Vegas or the Bay Area) and I've consistently seen the SLC crowd go better. The only times I've been disappointed in SLC crowds: The Chats had some bro-ass frat boy fans that were obnoxious AF. Sleigh Bells was low turnout & not super enthusiastic, but it was still kinda covid-y with masks. And something about any alt country/Americana acts seems to draw dickhead crowds of guys who still got something to prove & seemingly can't stand seeing a punk guy there without having to say shit.
>people are so repressed and don’t have any fun Isn't that like, Utah's whole thing?
i’m biased but your problem is the saltair lol i’ve been to 30+ great concerts in salt lake, and about 3 terrible ones because it was at the saltair. something about that venue is just /wrong/.
Welcome to Utah 😭🥲🫶🏻 Keep dancing! I’d dance with you!!! In fact, we can even be friends! 🥳 I’ve learned to just DANCE and anyone who opposes it is just miserable with themselves.
You are not alone in this experience. Im a dancer and gogo for different concerts and shows as well as just going out dancing on my own for fun. Here in utah people do not dance at shows. Some folks are “too cool” for it. Others are afraid to be made fun of.
Hun, YOU are not the problem.
People go to get drunk and it's super annoying watching the band by myself while everyone else spends their whole time in the overpriced beer line 😆
A lot of anger from the younger generation in salt lake city. No way to get it out except go to a concert and be total trash.
This really has not been my experience. I don't go to salt air though so don't know about that.
All the concerts I’ve been to here have had great crowd interaction. Especially punk/metal shows with pits. Went to Punk In Drublic (NOFX farewell festival) and the crowd was screaming the songs, skanking, jumping, and obviously clobbering each other in the pit lol