bibli0phil-deactivated20120121 asked: I'm going to my first MCR concert next month. Actually it's my first concert EVER. Any advice or stuff? I'm pretty close to the stage, but not in the pit.

First: Congratulations! Every time I hear about someone attending their first show, I think back to mine and what an amazing time that was. I hope you have as amazing a time as I did.

Second: Be prepared. That means dress comfortably (even if you’re not in the pit), make a list of the things you want/need to have on you, and don’t take anything you don’t really need. If you can carry it in your pockets, even better. If you’re someone who likes to carry a bag, limit yourself to a small purse or clutch. Leave your backpacks at home. You’re not going camping. XD Ideally, what you should have is:

• Your ticket.
• A wallet, which should contain your ID and cash. The merch booths do take cards, but the lines at the merch booth are always ridiculous. They can get as cramped and as heated as the pit itself. Having cash means your transaction goes a lot faster because you cut out having to wait for your card to clear and for the receipt to sign.
• If you’re wearing makeup, then I could recommend just taking the lipstick and a mirror and a compact if you use it. Don’t pack your whole makeup case. It’s going to be dark most of the time and everybody’s going to be focused on the stage.

Third: Respect is the word of the day. Respect your fellow fans, respect security, and respect the opening bands. While I’m going to assume that you’re seeing MCR on the current Honda Civic Tour, I still think it’s important to toss this one out there because it’s so, so, so important. Opening bands are already aware that you’re there to see the main act, but they’re still putting out their all to entertain you. Don’t start chants for MCR in the middle of their set, and be respectful to those who are actually there to see the openers.

I’ve heard reports of a handful of Blink fans (because it sure as hell isn’t everybody, just like not all of the MCR fandom is composed of stalkery hateful assholes) being complete assholes to MCR fans, to the point of even sending one kid to the hospital. If people behave that way in your presence, do your very best to ignore it. Defending your band against people like that is not worth a trip to the hospital.

Also, be respectful to security. If they tell you to do something reasonable, do it. I know sometimes it feels like the security guards are only there to hassle and harass you, but they have a job to do—and that job is to keep you and your fellow attendees safe. That said, there are some bad apples in the bunch. If you feel like you’re being legitimately singled-out and threatened, don’t feel intimidated to lodge a complaint to their manager. If the venue doesn’t know there’s a problem, they can’t fix it for the future.

Fourth: Make sure you eat well and stay hydrated. I know it seems kind of silly, but you’re going to be running on excited, apprehensive energy. The last thing you want is to let that get the best of you and make you sick. Having a good, solid meal in your stomach and keeping hydrated means you’ll be ready to stop/dance/scream along that night.

Fifth: If you’re the eyeshadow-wearing type (and this doesn’t just apply to girls), primer potion will be your very best friend. XD There’s a tendency for high-levels of emotion at MCR shows/during their sets. I cried my way through parts of the Houston show in May and the makeup I applied at 11am that day managed to survive through it—well into 1am! I personally use Urban Decay, but you can use whatever brand you like. Concealer is also a good, quick substitute (as I learned during San Japan).

Umm…oh… Is there anything else I’m forgetting? Help me out in the comments, guys!

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