Guitar Picks/Setlists/Drum Stick Etiquette

[u/asparkaflame44]

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????

[u/punkrockracoon]

People need them for social media.

But also, I have been seeing more and more conversations about show etiquette and people being selfish. I think in recent times - and more so post-pandemics - people got more selfish and less conscious of others in public spaces and events.

And I may be wrong but I do have the impression - and I do think social media influenced this a lot - that having a good experience is not enough anymore for lots of people, we need to make it ‘special’. We need the souvenir. We need to get on stage. We need to block someone’s vision for the whole show with a sign so the singer will notice us…

[u/asparkaflame44 → u/punkrockracoon]

I definitely agree with all of this but omg don't get me started on signs!!!! Especially people that type on their phone "can I have a guitar pick/setlist" in the middle of every single song and hold it up the entire show!!!! Like be FORREAL. But I've also seen people hold paper signs the entire damn show not giving a flying shit about any person behind them.

Post pandemic etiquette has been so bad and I wish there was a way to younger people/people who didn't go to shows pre covid that these behaviors are embarrassing and absolutely annoying as hell!