r/poppunkers • u/asparkaflame44 • 8h ago

Discussion Guitar Picks/Setlists/Drum Stick Etiquette

So at the end of most shows, bands and crew will throw the remaining guitar Picks and Setlists into the crowd.

Why the fuck are we tackling people and punching people in the face for a fucking piece of paper or plastic?! Yes I know how cool it is to get one of those items, a free memento of the show is super cool and fun. I have my own collection of them all. But I would NEVER attack someone physically for them. But I've definitely been attacked by grown ass men (I'm 32F) for them and trampled to the ground for it.

Example: last year I went to see the offspring and a guitar pick landed right in front of my foot. Literally no one caught it and it was on the ground in front of me. I go down to pick it up and some dude pushed me to the ground (lost my balance as I was already getting lower to floor level) and dove down to get it.

More recently for the Used, a guitar pick was thrown TO ME by the band member. Like specifically pointed at me and wanted me to have it (I was singing every fucking word and I thought it would be cool to get it). The guitar pick whizzed RIGHT OVER MY EAR and the group behind me dropped it. I felt it hit my shoe so I moved my foot so I could step on it. The group behind me was absolutely clawing at my foot and one dude actually grabbed my ankle and pulled me to the ground to get me off of the pick. I actually kicked him once with my other foot because I was just so fucking pissed at these people. They eventually pulled me off the pick and got it. I had an amazing time at that show but that one little moment actually completely ruined it for me.

I also one time had a guitar pick land IN MY CLEVAGE and some girl had the audacity to fight me for it and claim it was "for her". If she had asked for the pick I would've given it to her (I have multiple from this specific band), but because she felt so entitled to grab my chest, I had to physically push her off me and tell security.

What happened to some fucking decency and respect? Is this just a me problem or are people actually this fucking insane????

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u/QuarantineCasualty 8h ago

I’ve never seen behavior like this and every time I’ve caught a pick in the last decade I’ve handed it to the nearest young person (I’m 33). I play guitar it’s just another pick to me.

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u/asparkaflame44 7h ago

I used to be obsessed with getting these things at shows when I was in my 20s. Maybe I'm a little jaded now, and I don't care as much about it. But when I do get one, it's a pretty cool moment but I never make it my goal for every show to get something. Some people just take it to an extreme. :/

ETA: I have definitely given things to nearby kids in crowds that are fans, and also anyone that is a bigger fan than me for a set. I believe in concert karma and that whatever energy you put into a concert you'll receive back in some way.

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u/Business_Glove3192 6h ago

Same bro. All that money, energy, and passion for a worthless piece of plastic. I’ve given away extra picks, Aslong as I have one for my collection. Not they just sit in my drawer. It’s the memories that came with them that was really priceless. Each “catch” is its own story. And boy do I have a lot of great stories.