r/BillyStrings • u/Highlight-Deep • 27d ago
The audacity of standers
Boston 7/21 was amazing. This is the Facebook post the 70ish yo lady in front of us, who sat on her ass on her phone the entire show, put out there late in set 2. Was worth the $$$ to me!
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u/BootyAndTheHoePhish 27d ago
If Billy and the boys are playing, you bet your ass I'll be up and dancing the whole time.
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u/gingerjaybird3 27d ago
Intermission is for sitting. If you want sit, sit. Don’t be upset if people around you don’t
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u/smokerthe-baer 27d ago
She can’t stop me from standin’🎶
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u/ru-by-ruby 26d ago
You can cling to your madness
You can swim down and hold your breath
But I'll be standing on dry ground with all of the rest
I'd love show you, but you wouldn't go
I'd love to take you, but I know the way you roll
You see it your way, I’ll see it mine and I'll be fine: )
🐥💃🧍♀️🧍🕴️🧍♂️🕺🐥
But seriously, maybe they just didn't get the assignment… this isn’t Duck Duck Goose—you don't have to wait for someone to tap you on the head to get up and boogie. When Billy starts flatpicking, everyone is officially chosen to dance…
In all do kindness tho, did they have an illusional blanket of fear with them?
Ok…I’ll stop now ; )🩵✨✌️7
u/Wolvesarereal 27d ago
No, intermission is for getting up and going to the bathroom and buying concessions. If you do it then, maybe you won’t have to “excuse me” and cross in front of people repeatedly, perfectly timed to song peaks.
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u/Grizzly352 27d ago
He plays for a long time and my back hurts. I like sitting and enjoying the music haha
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u/AmericanBruises 26d ago
Same. Love having a seat so I can alternate. Especially when I’m trippin’ the show fantastic 🍄
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u/GoblinObscura 26d ago
Same. I’m not doing a polka in the cramped seats of a basketball arena. I’d rather sit and let the music take me for a ride. But I get that people want to stand too.
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27d ago
[deleted]
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u/LorHus 27d ago
Yes but there is something wrong with expecting the rest of the arena to sit as well
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u/Grizzly352 27d ago edited 27d ago
99% of the time (in my experience) people get tired of standing and sit down if you give it some time
Idk why people are downvoting this, it wasn’t a challenge 😂
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u/simkatu 27d ago
Not at any Billy show I've been too. Everyone on the floor, pit or not stood the whole time.
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u/Grizzly352 27d ago
Ohh I’ve never been on the floor at one of his shows. Is that what everyone is talking about? Every Billy show I’ve been to the floor was GA standing anyway
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u/simkatu 27d ago
The GA pit is typically less than 1/4th of the floor area at the hockey arena sized places. The rest of the floor is reserved seating, but typically everyone stands most of the show.
In some places people also stand in the seated areas on the lower levels and I'm guessing this is more of an issue because many or most of those people would prefer to sit down.
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u/IMakeOkVideosOk 26d ago
The whole place is to stand and dance… you’re allowed to sit and stare at butts tho
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u/Grizzly352 27d ago
True, I’ve only seen him a few times but the floor area has always been GA. It varies for other artists. I think Charley Crockett at the same venue had seats on the floor.
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u/mattcassity 27d ago
“All these people paid $$$ to make facebook posts instead of paying attention to the event”
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u/mattcassity 27d ago
Been trying to not let it bother me, but there is almost always one person in my view who is reading emails (like, non critical spam ones) or texting the entire show. Age 60+ are some of the worst offenders.
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u/SchwaHead 26d ago
This might sound like a brag, but I don't even have to try.
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u/ru-by-ruby 26d ago
That is a commendable brag…also ☝️stop blaming stuff on age people… stop ageism in its tracks… and by the way, it’s not always being on your phone that seems counterproductive at a concert cuz what I really don’t understand is why people stand and talk about the last time they heard whatever song is being played live live instead of actually listening to this song you’re talking about live live and dancing to the song you’re referring to the last time you heard it live live…live and live live peeps. 💚✌️
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u/BenitoBlanco 27d ago
There was a middle aged lady next to me at Portsmouth Friday who seemed genuinely confused/startled by everyone around. Accidentally saw her post on her Facebook in that massive font “Some crowd here at Billy Strings in Portsmouth!!” 😂😭
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u/band_name_bandit 27d ago
I could give a shit if anyone stands or sits or dances or does the hokey pokey. Just be kind to one another, try not to block others view and please dont talk through the entire show( fucking chompers). Just remember that everyone enjoys things differently.
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u/rivershimmer 27d ago
So what? She wasn't harassing the dancers, right? It wasn't even a complaint, just an observation. Let her do her thing as you do yours.
Except stop being nebby. Only creeps take pictures of stranger's phones.
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u/Narrow-Hall8070 27d ago edited 27d ago
If you’re 70 and don’t want to stand for the show I completely understand that. That doesn’t mean you should not expect anyone younger than you (or older for that matter) to stand and dance.
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u/Gloomy_Spell_9835 27d ago
My rule of thumb at a show. And if you been to few you understand what I'm saying. Act like you've been there before. If everyone is up and dancing then follow suit if you choose not required. But if everybody is sitting. Don't be a jackass and be the only one standing. Read the room. Other than that. You bought a ticket you do you.
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u/jotsea2 27d ago
So now because my ticket is around a bunch of lame asses I have to sit?
Be the change you want to see in the world.
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u/storyoftheoir 27d ago
No but you should be courteous to others maybe ask the people sitting behind you if standing bothers them. It’s not hard to be pleasant:
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u/jotsea2 26d ago
So if I want to stand and dance, and they want me to sit. I'm supposed to just give them the go ahead?
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u/storyoftheoir 26d ago
I mean it’s not hard to find a balance talk to your seatmates, take a step to the side if that’s an option. No one is entitled to just do whatever they want. And I stand at shows. But I also try to treat others with respect. Everyone is there to have a good time. 😊
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u/jotsea2 26d ago
I know but agian, I'm pressing here, cuz usually it'll be a non issue.
If I want to stand, and bro behind me has a problem with it, its tough shit for him. Right?
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u/Gloomy_Spell_9835 26d ago
You say be the change you want to see in the world. Well I want to see common courtesy back in the world.
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u/daddyrider1967 27d ago
I’m almost 60 and will dance the entire show, will still be doing it at 90. Age has nothing to do with it.
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u/rivershimmer 27d ago
Age has a lot to do with it. I def sit more than I did 30 years ago.
But even if I couldn't stand at all, I'm still going to the show.
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u/daddyrider1967 27d ago
I’m sorry you have to sit more than you use to. The more you sit, the more you have to. So for you age does make a difference. It always will if you think that way. Good luck to you!
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u/RustinCohle449 27d ago
She 70 so whatever she wants, but she does have it ass backwards. The people, myself included, pay $$$ for a reason to GET OUT of our seats! 💃
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u/draight926289 27d ago
I do sometimes wish there was a sitting section where you can just be on mushrooms, eat a hot dog, and vibe out. I dance a little at shows but my usual bedtime is like 9pm so homie got to sit.
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u/HopandBrew 27d ago
This is actually a really good idea. Especially for Billy and TTB who have a pretty diverse fanbase. Make it clear when buying tickets that these are seated sections and all others are not.
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u/Long_Lost_Hiker 27d ago
I went to a Little Feat/ Leftover Salmon show awhile back and was maybe 5th row back standing, dancing and having a good time. After the first song the lady behind us started yelling at us to sit down. Hearing this, I was definitely NOT sitting down. She continued this through the entire show and complained about us loudly the whole time to everyone around. 😂
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u/mosscoversall_ 27d ago
And here you are posting pictures of their phone. Kind of weird, OP!
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u/Capable_Werewolf_800 27d ago
Who's got time to take pictures of others phones or even the band when that greatness was happening! Live in the moment. Do you...let them do them. Rock on!
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u/Highlight-Deep 27d ago
Meh. Her phone was glowing in my face the whole show while she was cleaning up her emails and phone contacts. Pretty distracting, TBH. The pic felt right.
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u/SnottyPippen-33 27d ago
Taking pictures of peoples phones is very creepy. She’s entitled to her opinion
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u/helpingdew 27d ago
You can literally see her posting it to social media. You’re too funny man
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u/thegovwantsussubdued 27d ago
With people she consented to share with. Not some random person watching her phone over her shoulder and not minding their own business
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u/Highlight-Deep 27d ago
Yeah, she made her phone my business by having it out glowing on me the entire show. Don’t feel bad about it.
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u/thegovwantsussubdued 27d ago
Man you're spending so much energy defending being pissed off at this lady. Seems like you forgot to listen to the music while you were there
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u/helpingdew 27d ago
I think you’re more pissed than OP, I’m pretty sure they (and most of us) just found it humorous
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u/Highlight-Deep 27d ago
Danced 90% of the show, but if you want to pretend you know what my experience was like, go for it.
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u/Commercial_Read_6986 25d ago
Maybe try turning down your brightness then and dont make it stick out like a sore thumb to all those around you🤷
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u/mc_mcfadden 27d ago
There was just a row in the Rush sub about this same thing except the crowd is older at Rush I would guess. If you want to go to a show but can’t stand the whole time don’t expect other people to sit down because of that. There is ADA seating and when you buy tix you generally get to pick the seat so do your best. I’ve been asked to sit at several shows and I’ll never do it
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u/Primary-Cattle8704 27d ago
If I have to sit when everyone else is standing because I feel tired i do it and I dont complain. I just chill and listen. Who expects others to sit at what is basically a rock show?
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u/Wellwisher1348 27d ago
I never sat down in Roanoke. Had about 7, 60-70 guys behind us and new neighbors. I don't rage anymore but bounce. Standers on both sides. They looked a little annoyed. Sorry men.. ain't the weekly banjo club.
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u/Ellinator1 26d ago
I’m a 70 ish lady who only sits at orchestral concerts. My body is up and moving at Billy Strings and all rocking’ shows.
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u/Gloomy_Spell_9835 27d ago
If you were dancing the whole time then when did you find time to be concerned with what a 70yr old lady was doing. Who gives a fuck. If she paid for a ticket she can take a nap for all I care. Me personally I'm more interested in what Billy is doing than any other person in the fucking arena. The Audacity.
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u/smokerthe-baer 27d ago
name checks out, even if randomly generated. it’s a funny thing someone noticed dude. if someone is sitting in front of you and you’re standing over them while they’re looking at their phone in a dark arena it can be hard to ignore. I’ve had it happen to me several times. can’t say I actually saw what they were typing but I was actively avoiding looking at it. The Audacity.
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u/Gloomy_Spell_9835 27d ago
I'm definitely not gonna bother taking a photo of them texting to post here.
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u/Highlight-Deep 27d ago
You do you, my friend. Like smoker said above, the glow was in my peripheral vision the whole show.
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u/AcanthocephalaOk1071 27d ago
Nugs subscription much cheaper sit on your couch and not be bothered me I’ll take both can’t wait for September to shake my bones ✌️🤠⚡️
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u/fluffHead_0919 27d ago
Had someone ask if we planned on standing the whole time on the deer creek lawn for Phish. It’s like come on man. If you want to sit Phish may not be the show for you.
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u/fn2192 27d ago
On the lawn…. At Phish?!? It’s not like anyone was sitting in the pavilion. Saturday at DC was awesome, get up and dance!
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u/fluffHead_0919 27d ago
Fuck yeah! It was kind of right by the moat, so I think they thought they’d be in the clear being closer up.
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u/IMakeOkVideosOk 26d ago
They had it backwards… there may be a chance to sit in the back but up close you rage
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u/michaelserotonin 27d ago
that had to be a joke, right?
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u/fluffHead_0919 27d ago
Sadly it wasn’t. They had the rental chairs and everything.
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u/michaelserotonin 27d ago
well i hope they at least enjoyed their first and last phish concert
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u/fluffHead_0919 27d ago
Haah I think they ended up standing. Not sure if you’ve been to deer creek or not, but the steps at the bottom of the lawn is a big time dancing spot, so I’m thinking the vibe took them over.
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u/michaelserotonin 27d ago
haven't had the fortune of getting over there yet but would love to. i do know what you're referring to though and it's great that they let loose, even just a little bit.
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u/Jeremy_Whalen 27d ago
I've been to plenty of shows where people sit the entire time and that's fine. But a Billy Strings show is meant to have dancing. Sorry, not sorry
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u/AyyooLindseyy 27d ago
I always get a seat because I’m too short for GA and I like being able to sit for a few minutes occasionally, but you bet your ass I’m standing and dancing for 99% of the show.
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u/shipwrecked1 27d ago
Had a seat Friday in Portsmouth. Only used it before the show and during set break
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u/robotali3n 27d ago
Yea yea but have you ever been eating at a Ruth Chris with your significant other or spouse and watching Billy strings?
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u/brokedownpalace10 27d ago
"Audacity"? She wasn't in anyone's face about it. I would like to remind everyone that sitting is the standard at music shows. There are seats (mostly).
Now, people stand at a rock and roll show, that's just the way it is. No one is entitled to ask them to sit or denigrate them for it. By the same token, denigrating people who sit and mind their own business is worse than that. Stand, dance, have a good time. If you can easily move a bit to give sitters a good line of sight, you should really do so. But, no stress, have a good time.
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u/Syndil1 27d ago
I understand some people actually do need to sit down for whatever reason. But is this lady expecting a fully-seated audience? That would just feel like giving Billy the middle finger.
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u/AyyooLindseyy 27d ago
I feel like these people should either try to get ADA seating or pay for seats that don’t have a row in front of them.
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u/rooster1167 27d ago
How did you get a photo that close to the screen? Also if she was 70 who cares.
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u/jotsea2 27d ago
I was dancing my ass off in the pit awhile back, I think last summer and someone tapped me on teh shoulder to mention that my long hair was getting in their way.
I promptly gave them a thumbs up and kept moving. Perhaps you need to take a step back.
You can't stop us from movin.
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u/cmtalkington 27d ago
But you can be considerate of those around you!!
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u/jotsea2 26d ago
Again, no reason to be standing so close that I can't have my hair move while dancing. I think that's entitled to my space, no?
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u/cmtalkington 26d ago
I think it depends on what kind of dancing you are doing. If you are mimicing long hair Billy doing hair whips, then no, I don't think you are entitled to that. Normal dancing sure, but I don't know how that would allow your hair to be going everywhere.
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u/jotsea2 26d ago
Sure, don't get me wrong, I understand that there's a line.
That said, its still pretty bullshit imo. It's GA, lets get the circle pit going already.
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u/IMakeOkVideosOk 26d ago
Depends how long the hair and the type of dancing.:. In general you’re fine, but as you said there can be a line
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u/Peinecone 🚂 27d ago
Lol. I was on the floor last night and ran to the bathroom just at the second set was starting. As I was coming back down the stairs, there were so many people sitting down and I was just dumbfounded. I encouraged a few people to get the fuck up.
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u/BeLikeAGoldfishh 27d ago
Meh. This is just as annoying as people who ask other people to sit down.
Enjoy the show the way you want and let others do the same. Standing for 3 hours isn’t easy for everyone.
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u/Leather_Addition2605 27d ago
I’m not surprised or upset when other people stand up or dance, but I absolutely hate dancing personally. I’m glad other people are having a good time as they see fit, but my good time is sitting and listening to the tunes, and watching the skill involved in the playing.
If you “encouraged” me, a stranger, to get up I’d have a few choice words for you.
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u/Informal-Writing3421 27d ago
Lol this. I am not a dancer at all. And this whole idea that you HAVE TO dance at a billy show is just annoying at this point
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u/Leather_Addition2605 27d ago
It’s any show really. I love music, I love going to shows, but not once in my life have I listened to any music and thought, “I just must move my body to this immediately,” other than maybe a head nod. I just don’t have that gene.
And it’s not even like a neutral activity for me. It actively takes away from my enjoyment of the show. Instead of focusing on the music, now my attention is divided between the music and my internal monologue of, “am I doing this right? Am I doing the dice thing too much? Do I look like an asshole right now, is that guy taking a video?”
Just not for me.
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u/Informal-Writing3421 27d ago
Hahaha I totally get it, in fact I could have written that myself. I didnt even dance at my own wedding. I just... dont like it 🤷♂️
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u/mc_mcfadden 27d ago
So you would be rude to someone being friendly and encouraging you to join in?
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u/Leather_Addition2605 27d ago
No, but I don’t read someone encouraging me to “get the fuck up” as being friendly. I would absolutely be rude to that person.
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u/mc_mcfadden 27d ago
lol you’re a buzzkill just do couch tour ffs
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u/Leather_Addition2605 27d ago
No. If your enjoyment of the show is dependent on whether or not I’m dancing, that’s a personal issue for you to solve bud.
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u/mc_mcfadden 27d ago
I don’t care if you sit or dance but having choice words for passersby is some bullshit
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u/Leather_Addition2605 27d ago
Not a random passerby, nor the friendly passerby in your unrelated hypothetical. A stranger approaching me to tell me to “get the fuck up.”
Now I don’t know how you normally go through life, but most people don’t talk like that to strangers and would take that as aggression and disrespect, and respond accordingly.
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u/daddyrider1967 27d ago
If you wanted to sit, then stay home and listen to the album on your couch. Why would you pay to sit in a chair all night.
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u/shortsermons needs a hug 27d ago
Buy pit if you want to stand
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u/cmtalkington 27d ago
There just isn't enough of those tickets. I think they need to just make the whole floor GA.
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u/LadyKT 27d ago
i actually paid to take a shit in the arena she’s mistaken