Can People Please Chill on the Talking During Concerts?

At least for quieter main acts

Photo by author.

I’m not a very confrontational person. If someone cuts in line or talks during a movie, I usually just debate whether to say something until the opportunity has already passed.

But after a particularly rude instance of a lady cutting my friend and me in line a few months ago, I vowed to be less of a pushover. My friend had been wondering whether to say something, too; if you’re bothered by a grown adult’s behavior, you’re most likely not alone.

So I felt proud of finally speaking up for myself last month. I said something to the distracting, constant conversationalists sitting in the next box over at the Khruangbin concert at the Hollywood Bowl. (Thank you, Dad, for nicer seats than I could afford myself).

The first half of the show featured the entirety of their most recent album, A LA SALA, which was even more atmospheric than their previous albums.

Beautiful, skillful music with quiet intricacies — not exactly music for head-banging or dancing, minus a couple of songs. The softer sounds were particularly vulnerable to outside noise.

My first time speaking up for myself to strangers could have gone better. I said, “You guys are so loud,” while making eye contact… but I…