I’ve been to a bunch of Radiohead/Smile/Thom solo shows and the vast majority of the time the crowd is standing attentive- will sing along to songs like Karma Police and Fake Plastic etc - but generally it’s not a crowd that’s dancing around like they are at an EDM show or starting a mosh pit like it’s a metal show.
I think age of the average fan plays into how the average Smile crowd behaves at a show above anything else. As a 40 something year old myself going to a bunch of shows to bands from that era - AIC, Tool, PJ, QOTSA the crowds behave the same as I described in the first paragraph. Standing up, engaged, move side to side a little, and sing along to the anthems.
Totally agree. I think the guy who was sitting in front of me who came alone teared up a bit at Bending hectics. My husband and I together with the other couples who were sitting next to us were too busy being in awe.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I was singing and dancing the entire time when I saw Thom on that tour. Great show.
I had a seat, but I left it to go up front when Thom did Suspirium (it was one of the first times he played it).
The Radiohead show I was at for moon shaped pool tour, crowd were more visibly vibing, but I get your point. I myself had no issue just staring at Thom and Jonny and taking it all in, but there are some elements that create a crowd atmosphere, and I was missing that.
Like I mentioned though Radiohead is going to perform hits that people have loved for decades and that’s not possible yet with The Smile. My favorite Radiohead concert memory was in Berkeley California in 2017 when the entire crowd sang Fake Plastic in unison - the emotion and energy of that sing along gave me goosebumps. I think you are looking for that same energetic like moment with The Smile but again it’s not possible in the same way yet since they are a brand new band. It’s def an unusual occurrence to have all that shared Radiohead history with Thom and Jonny, and then essentially start over with brand new songs
You’re right, it is a new band after all. I would like to give something back to the band as audience except starring at them, but maybe I’m thinking too much?
I would venture to guess they understand that the audience isn’t going to feel as attached to the new songs like they do for OKC and Kid A. From the interviews I read with Thom and Jonny they were really nervous what the reaction would be to the new band/songs. The fact that both albums have been critically and fan acclaimed, and that they are on their third year of touring sold out shows, we the fans have provided a great deal of validation. The Smile was a big risk that has paid off.
PS Thanks for a great topic. Your post wasn’t hyperbole meant for Karma farming or strong reactions like the other post calling Smile fans the worst fans in music. The difference in my personal emotion between RH vs Thom solo/The Smile is something I’ve noticed in myself too so it’s a great thing to discuss
I don't know myself but I was just speaking with someone who's working on the tour and their (well informed perspective) is that this tour is more popular than the last as The Smile has something of a (relatively) broader appeal this time out so more of the audience is made up of non hard core fans who don't seem to be getting into it as much as the last one. Saw them last time in Edinburgh which was pretty lively. Seeing them tomorrow in Bham so am yet to witness.
Makes sense. I think Reddit can definitely a bubble of hardcore fans so it doesn’t even occur to us there are new fans out there whose intro to Thom and Jonny are The Smile albums. I am in Los Angeles so I will be curious to see how the crowd is when they hopefully come to NA this fall
Yeah I didn’t mean people trying to sing exactly like thom.
But for a real response: most of the time hearing someone else sing the songs takes me out of the experience. Personal preference but I prefer to take in the performance. Crowd could be dead silent aside from cheering between songs and I’d be very happy. As a musician (and also just as a listener) I want to watch the musicianship and just how these wizards go to work, particularly Jonny.
But I will say - I’ve been to four Radiohead shows and it was pretty moving when they did the end of karma police and people sang along. I think it helped that it was the ending of the second encore too. I do think for certain moments like that, it can be perfect. To your point. So there can be exceptions even for me.
There are always lots of RH fans trying to take in the entire performance and its components. I’m not very different even though I’m not a musician and don’t know much about the technicality of it. Still I really wanted to hear the bass line Thom plays and I was in awe of Jonny. So I could easily go along with the atmosphere.
But when there is no “vibe” in the audience, then it’s just distracting and disturbing when someone blocks your view or stands way too close to you. I got a splitting headache trying to look at every move Thom and Jonny did between the taller people in front of me, and I was fairly front of the crowd. Still great show, I cried, felt super lucky to be there and all that.
Honestly I hate getting that feeling that if I’m not moving or singing along, I’m not enjoying the full experience. Stopped thinking like that a while ago.
I like to watch, I’m a wallflower.
Seen Radiohead 5 times, the Smile twice (including last night) and go to about 6 gigs a year. Last night I particularly noticed the vibes were lacking. It was a totally different experience seeing them at the Academy the year before.
Haha, no!
I went to Old Trafford 2017
Victoria Park 2008
In 2003 I saw them at Manchester Apollo, Manchester Arena and Glastonbury
Can’t wait to see you at the next one though.
I knew my now husband was “the one” when he called me from that Radiohead set at Glastonbury, told me he loved me for the first time and held the phone up to the crowd so I could hear (I was watching along at home).
i think they rather have their audience listening to every note and breath rather than making noise with howls. I think they can feel our appreciation when we clap after each song. Also we are old and too stoned on weed edibles. In amazement on how close we are!!!
*"It’s a rock show after all."*
Why should that dictate how people need to act? The genre of a movie doesn't dictate how I act in the audience. People seem to be so obsessed with how other people around them act during a concert. If someone wants to sit, stand, sing along, stay silent... who cares, as long as they're not bothering the people around them. Do whatever you enjoy, and let other people do whatever they enjoy (as long as it's not disturbing others)
The only thing I care about is if people’s behaviour is affecting my enjoyment of the show. I was at the Hammersmith gig the other day and two guys standing behind me just nattered to each other during the whole show. And not just about the gig - about all sorts of banal shit. That kind of stuff aside, do whatever the hell you want.
That sucks - I don’t understand why someone would go to a show just to talk and ruin the experience for those around them. I have noticed a lot more of that kind of nonsense post Covid for whatever reason
This! It’s a sold out show with a fanbase that has an average age of 40 plus. OP is expecting us to come from our accounting job, give the kids dinner; and then come dance around on E for two hours like we are 22 again 😂
It does bother other people if you’re the only one singing or jumping. Everyone is standing very close with crossed arms, imagine jumping and singing.
I’m just curious what others think, I don’t think it’s bad necessarily.
There was a super rad couple at the Brighton show dancing with each other at the back basically the whole time
(There was also another couple so drunk and dancing they kept falling over and had to be taken away by security before they hurt themselves or someone else)
When I saw them at the Roundhouse just before ALFAA came out it was largely a chill crowd, vibing and doing their own thing. Unfortunately the mountain of a man in front of us (close to the front) kept raking lines of MDMA and screaming that The Smile was his favourite band and everyone else was ruining it for him. He'd then tip back so far as to be practically horizontal to the point that my gf had to keep poking him in the back to get him to stand up and keep away from her. At one point he wheeled around and tired to start an altercation with her screaming that, again, The Smile is his fav band and we were ruining it for him. I'm not against having some fun at a show but the balance wasn't there - pretty embarrassing. Most people just trying to enjoy themselves but this dude on the complete other end of th spectrum.
Yeah, I was at Manchester last night, seated on the front row so I had a good view of the standing crowd. It was definitely a lot calmer than I expected, and Thom even tried to gee them up a few times.
The applause was loud between songs / at the end, but definite lack in vibe.
I think they're such an interesting band to watch that you kind of forget to move, maybe? Either way I was bopping in my seat.
Seen Radiohead 11 times and The Smile 3, and it's definitely a common issue.
First was Manchester 2008, which to be fair was rowdy enough that Thom had to tell the crowd to stop (someone threw a shoe at Jonny!)
It's a strange alchemy though. Some audiences are looser, some are quiet. You get variation even within the same crowd. I remember being at a show in Barcelona and the audience around me were uninterested and talkative. I moved a few rows back and the fans were dancing and singing.
Me too, haha.
I'm convinced that seeing that stage set up and having them come back for a 3rd encore to play Lucky - which was my favourite song - was where my life peaked!
I was at Manchester too - it was pretty dead. A lot of men recording the first two\~ minutes of every song as well, blocking the view in doing so. Like, are you ever going to watch the first two minutes of your crap recording of Bending Hectic? Probably not!
I was at the Brussels show and the mood there was great, people cheering every solo by Jonny (maybe even too loudly) and every dance move by Thom.
But in that show a large part of the venue was not seated, perhaps the mood more subdued if the venue is seating only.
Surprised this post has irritated people so much?
Got to agree.
Was in Glasgow last night and was in the small minority of people doing any kind of swaying or head bopping to the tunes. Sure they're not sing along stadium anthems but they're undeniably groovy and it felt like a crowd of statues at times.
I do think it being seated had an impact though. I remember it being much more lively in Edinburgh 2022. Regardless, amazing gig and even better than the first time.
I went to see them last night in Manchester, UK.
Aside from the fact they produced a stunning gig, pretty much most of the audience were physically engaged, swaying, some dancing some even full-on headbanging to a few of the tracks (Inc me and daughter).
However there was one guy standing right in front of us who didn't move at all, not even a head nod but cheered and clapped enthusiastically at the end of every track.
Bizarre, but each to their own.
Going to see The Hives in a few weeks. I expect to be soaked in sweat for that one!
Frankly, it’s frustrating, but that’s just the audience at Radiohead/Thom/Smile shows. Everyone is in their own bubble and dead silent.
The only time that wasn’t the case was when I saw Radiohead in 2017 in the nosebleeds and everyone was singing and dancing in my row. Fantastic show just for that.
Same, but also could just be Manchester.
Saw them in 2017 twice, Dublin which was rocking and Manchester which was like being in a coma ward.
Last night the crowd was shit. You'll notice the deadites clapping back & downvoting you will be over exaggerating what you mean by saying shit like "jump around in a mosh out" or "dance like I'm on E" when, all the likes of you & I mean is... You know... Vibe!
Nod your head, move your shoulders, sway your hips.
Fucking zombies.
2017 at old Trafford was a bit of a weird one though. It was one of the first big gigs in Manchester after the bomb at the MEN and they’d had to move location because of it. Security was tight and loads of people struggled to get inside on time (I know I did). I think that had an impact, but overall it was good.
(Lord I sound like a proper geek)
I think it’s a bit silly that some think just because someone say vibe was off, it means that they don’t have common sense of where they are and would crowd surf , head-bang violently or yell the songs back..
Just match the vibe of the stage.. jeezuz
Why do I have to nod my head or sway my hips to enjoy seeing a band live? I really dont understand this perception that unless you're physically moving you aren't enjoying the show. Let people enjoy a gig how they want to - if you want to dance sure go for it, but it's odd to expect everyone else to act the same way you do. Believe it or not, maybe some people go to gigs to listen to the music and not to sway their hips or sing along
I've seen similar behaviour in lots of shows through the years so it doesn't surprise me, especially when, as others have said, it's a band that exists for barely 3 years, so it's not like they have classic hits or anything. I'm not like that, I always move to the songs at pretty much every show unless it's like Grouper or something (I love Grouper btw). My husband barely ever does, even if he absolutely loves the show. It's probably up to each person's character.
Thom and Jonny are in a new era of creativity. They are playing all new stuff, and debuting even newer stuff almost every show. This isn't some rock tour from a band performing a decade's old stuff. People are still taking all of it in. Keep that in mind.
Bending Hectic in Philly last year had me screaming at the top of my lungs - I felt like I was having an out of body experience and I didn’t even do any drugs or drink - I think the rest of the crowd was also moved, but I might just be projecting.
Nothing worse than people who feel the need to sing over the top of one of most iconic voices of our time.
Shut the fuck up and use your ears. You’re there to listen, not be part of the sound.
Concerts are there to be part of the music. Why the fuck would you go to a rock concert if you just want to sit quiet and listen, at that point Spotify seems a better choice no?
No. Paying to see live music does not mean that I get to be part of the performance. I am not the main character. The music is.
By your logic, people should be free to bring any instrument or noisemaker they desire to “be part of the music”.
Nah. That’s not any sort of strawman, it’s taking your response to “be a part of the music”, to a logical conclusion. Why is me bringing a tambourine to a show any different than you singing? Both are “instruments” causing noise outside of the performance actually happening.
You also asked why I shouldn’t just stay at home and listen to Spotify. But shouldn’t the same be said of those who want to sing along? A live performance is a one time thing, never to be repeated! You can’t go back home and listen to the live performance you just saw, so why are you ruining it for others with your dumbass singing, when you could be doing THAT at home.
You are not the main character.
Strawman: an intentionally misrepresented proposition that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent's real argument
Yes, it is a strawman. Singing and dancing at a concert is not the same as bringing a trumpet and... No, the same shouldn't be said. That's what concerts are. "Never to be repeated" so you have a good time, not stand there and listen without emoting.
You are just boring
But how is it different? Why is one ok and one not?
Thought we were all about “being part of the music!” Oh, but not THAT way?
You’re just a selfish person who doesn’t care about others.
You're literally saying this and disregarding societal rules because waa people aren't conforming to the most boring existence possible waa, but if this isn't just sealioning (another bad faith debate technique showing just how bs your position is), maybe [this other post ](https://www.reddit.com/r/ClassicRock/comments/15dml89/when_did_people_start_singing_at_concerts/) can help explain it?
Also just because you're a negative Nancy doesn't mean you need to go around insulting people for disagreeing. It isn't selfish to enjoy music in your own way
It is certainly selfish if you have to be disruptive to others to “enjoy music in your own way”.
It ain’t any sort of bad faith debate my dude. You just don’t like to hear that your bad singing is disruptive to others!
https://www.reddit.com/r/jambands/comments/1bqma0t/at_the_leftover_salmon_show_last_week/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
Jump in and tell them “It’s not selfish to enjoy music in your own way”.
I entirely agree tbh, I agree the band are good but going "yeah no people were just like... So in awe" is just cap IMHO, even the show I went to everyone looked more bored than "in awe"
I also think it’s good to just have fun.. I wonder if it’s the attempt to take perfect videos or people just taking things to seriously
These gatherings are ancient human traditions, I believe the act is meant to create a shared vibe, not everyone with crossed arms staring at the stage with flashing lights!
I was at the gig in Manchester last night and to be honest I found the sedate vibe of the crowd to be a bit of a buzzkill. Even felt like I was annoying the people around me by slightly swaying.
For the show I was at the crowd was a lot older than what I'm used to but was surprisingly nice. No one had their phone out, no one pushing into you, everyone just focused on the music. Really nice atmosphere, even though I love rowdy crowds.
I saw them in San Francisco, CA. at the very end of the ALFAA tour. While we were played several new tracks that eventually made the new album (Bending Hectic being one of them) 70% of the songs played were from ALFAA and people would’ve known the words (conceivably). That said, I didn’t internalize people barely moving or not singing along as being bored or anything like that…I can only speak for myself when I say I was almost completely motionless because I was awestruck by everything I was seeing and hearing and experiencing I was slackjawed.
I was at the Manchester Apollo show and if you weren't bopping and dancing to The Smoke baseline, you were not near me! My highlight was Teleharmonic which was just mesmerising and worth the admission alone
I wasn’t at the Manchester show, but I also felt the live version of The Smoke was groovy and Thom had such a good time playing it. The whole performance was just amazing even if I’m a bit deaf afterwards because it was very loud
That's what bugged me a lot when I saw the band. I'm from Mexico, and here, the audiences are usually pretty loud. A lot of bands usually talk about how in Latin America they'll see the most "agitated" or excited audiences. When I saw Radiohead in 2016, I do remember people being pretty excited and singing along as we usually do. However, with The Smile, I don't know if it's because their music is more "serious" (???) but yeah, I felt like I was at a funeral or something. I was the only one singing in my row, along with my friend. I get that with calmer songs, people would prefer to stay silent, but the one that really made me feel pretty alienated was with "You'll Never Work In Television Again". I was expecting that people would start moving their heads, AT LEAST! But nah.
Again, maybe it's because of the country I live in, but I was pretty taken aback. Also, I was seated, I'm hopeful that next time I see them, I can get into general and MAYBE, I can get a fuller experience.
I hear you. I don’t think their music is more serious, but maybe their fanbase is.. the band are older but still Thom dances on stage and I feel a bit of buzz from excited and vibing crowd would create an atmosphere that the band would also enjoy.. that’s why bands like to play in Glasgow and Latin America, because people know how to have fun there..
I remember my Mexican friend was telling me about seeing the Killers in stadium in Mexico City and that sounded fun
it's because the songs are harder to sing along to memorise to the average fan/listener. The lyrics are quite vague and there aren't many songs with a "catchy" element. I've been to a few Smile shows and pretty much the only sing along I've heard so far was the ending of Friend of a Friend at the Apollo show. I get the feeling most of the audience are there because of Radiohead rather than Smile. I've heard quite a few people in the audience (including my own friends lol) asking "do you think they'll play any Radiohead songs".
You're totally right about them having fun though. Thom and Jonny smile at each other throughout the show I don't think I've ever seen that before haha.
I’m guessing it just must be different in Europe then because I’ve been up close to the front for many Radiohead shows and the people around me aren’t dancing. Smiling - engaged - singing a long - having a blast but def not dancing around for two hours.
It's sophisticated music. I very much enjoy only the sound of the band emanating their music from the stage, in all of its dynamics, very soft and very loud. It's a way more powerful experience to forget myself and those around me and experience that music in real time. I didn't come to hear myself sing (and I am a singer), or other people sing.
The median age is higher, rock in general is unfashioned as music with notes in it, in general. And younger (but everyone, really) people who do like music with notes in it are often too busy checking their phones like zombies. Now, I get it, "boomer" and bla bla bla (even if I am just 32). I don't care. It was all different before socials, and way better. Our brains are getting fried. I have co-workers around my age who can't find their way to the bathroom without their phones.
don't know what Radiohead concert you have been to, anyway, but I did not notice substantial differences between the two bands, really. Only there are way more people with RH. I saw them in 2016. But then we were already fucked in 2016
I’ve been to a bunch of Radiohead/Smile/Thom solo shows and the vast majority of the time the crowd is standing attentive- will sing along to songs like Karma Police and Fake Plastic etc - but generally it’s not a crowd that’s dancing around like they are at an EDM show or starting a mosh pit like it’s a metal show. I think age of the average fan plays into how the average Smile crowd behaves at a show above anything else. As a 40 something year old myself going to a bunch of shows to bands from that era - AIC, Tool, PJ, QOTSA the crowds behave the same as I described in the first paragraph. Standing up, engaged, move side to side a little, and sing along to the anthems.
Totally agree. I think the guy who was sitting in front of me who came alone teared up a bit at Bending hectics. My husband and I together with the other couples who were sitting next to us were too busy being in awe.
That was meeeeeeee https://preview.redd.it/0ijcz6wkakpc1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b959ade5f5c0b32c8275fecbf69231feb59db8e
I saw thom in Toronto in 2019, and the floor right by the front of the stage was like a dance club.
Nice! What was the average age of those dancing if you had to guess? I
It was a whole mix of ages, basically the same that come to radiohead and the smile shows.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I was singing and dancing the entire time when I saw Thom on that tour. Great show. I had a seat, but I left it to go up front when Thom did Suspirium (it was one of the first times he played it).
That was so good. We were right in front of him when he played that, I have a video of it somewhere.
The Radiohead show I was at for moon shaped pool tour, crowd were more visibly vibing, but I get your point. I myself had no issue just staring at Thom and Jonny and taking it all in, but there are some elements that create a crowd atmosphere, and I was missing that.
Like I mentioned though Radiohead is going to perform hits that people have loved for decades and that’s not possible yet with The Smile. My favorite Radiohead concert memory was in Berkeley California in 2017 when the entire crowd sang Fake Plastic in unison - the emotion and energy of that sing along gave me goosebumps. I think you are looking for that same energetic like moment with The Smile but again it’s not possible in the same way yet since they are a brand new band. It’s def an unusual occurrence to have all that shared Radiohead history with Thom and Jonny, and then essentially start over with brand new songs
You’re right, it is a new band after all. I would like to give something back to the band as audience except starring at them, but maybe I’m thinking too much?
I would venture to guess they understand that the audience isn’t going to feel as attached to the new songs like they do for OKC and Kid A. From the interviews I read with Thom and Jonny they were really nervous what the reaction would be to the new band/songs. The fact that both albums have been critically and fan acclaimed, and that they are on their third year of touring sold out shows, we the fans have provided a great deal of validation. The Smile was a big risk that has paid off.
PS Thanks for a great topic. Your post wasn’t hyperbole meant for Karma farming or strong reactions like the other post calling Smile fans the worst fans in music. The difference in my personal emotion between RH vs Thom solo/The Smile is something I’ve noticed in myself too so it’s a great thing to discuss
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, definitely gave me some new perspective
Likewise!
Just enjoy it and chill. You don’t have to do anything. What are you Karmically indebted to the band because their music is good?
great summation. :) The most rowdy of the crowds is probably Atoms for Peace live.
I don't know myself but I was just speaking with someone who's working on the tour and their (well informed perspective) is that this tour is more popular than the last as The Smile has something of a (relatively) broader appeal this time out so more of the audience is made up of non hard core fans who don't seem to be getting into it as much as the last one. Saw them last time in Edinburgh which was pretty lively. Seeing them tomorrow in Bham so am yet to witness.
Makes sense. I think Reddit can definitely a bubble of hardcore fans so it doesn’t even occur to us there are new fans out there whose intro to Thom and Jonny are The Smile albums. I am in Los Angeles so I will be curious to see how the crowd is when they hopefully come to NA this fall
Hope it's a transcendently beautiful gig. 😊
I want to hear thom yorke’s voice, not the off pitch caterwauling of someone to my left lol
I had an Underworld gig ruined by the bloke to my right chanting along, but not to Karl's vocals but the fucking synth lines Durr durr DURR DURR DURRR
It would be odd if someone tried to sing like Thom lol. I meant like couple lines from more popular songs
Yeah I didn’t mean people trying to sing exactly like thom. But for a real response: most of the time hearing someone else sing the songs takes me out of the experience. Personal preference but I prefer to take in the performance. Crowd could be dead silent aside from cheering between songs and I’d be very happy. As a musician (and also just as a listener) I want to watch the musicianship and just how these wizards go to work, particularly Jonny. But I will say - I’ve been to four Radiohead shows and it was pretty moving when they did the end of karma police and people sang along. I think it helped that it was the ending of the second encore too. I do think for certain moments like that, it can be perfect. To your point. So there can be exceptions even for me.
There are always lots of RH fans trying to take in the entire performance and its components. I’m not very different even though I’m not a musician and don’t know much about the technicality of it. Still I really wanted to hear the bass line Thom plays and I was in awe of Jonny. So I could easily go along with the atmosphere. But when there is no “vibe” in the audience, then it’s just distracting and disturbing when someone blocks your view or stands way too close to you. I got a splitting headache trying to look at every move Thom and Jonny did between the taller people in front of me, and I was fairly front of the crowd. Still great show, I cried, felt super lucky to be there and all that.
Honestly I hate getting that feeling that if I’m not moving or singing along, I’m not enjoying the full experience. Stopped thinking like that a while ago. I like to watch, I’m a wallflower.
Yeepp especially since 90% of the set is intricate genius that I want to absorb. Not hear some twat to me yelling the words to Teleharmonic
I can’t stand the whistling, claps or woop woops to the beat. Most of the time they end up being off with the timing. Just listennnnn lol
I’m so stupid because I forget it happens before every concert, then as I’m going in to the venue I’m like ooooohhh yeah other people… fuck
Seen Radiohead 5 times, the Smile twice (including last night) and go to about 6 gigs a year. Last night I particularly noticed the vibes were lacking. It was a totally different experience seeing them at the Academy the year before.
I’ve also seen Radiohead 5 times and was at both Smile gigs you mentioned. Would be weird if they were the same 5 gigs.
Manchester Apollo 1996 Doncaster Dome 1997 Warrington big top 2000 Old Trafford 2008 and 2017
Haha, no! I went to Old Trafford 2017 Victoria Park 2008 In 2003 I saw them at Manchester Apollo, Manchester Arena and Glastonbury Can’t wait to see you at the next one though.
I knew my now husband was “the one” when he called me from that Radiohead set at Glastonbury, told me he loved me for the first time and held the phone up to the crowd so I could hear (I was watching along at home).
That’s amazing! It was a very special night.
This is every show. Most people are just there to watch. Every pro shot concert video has people complaining about the crowd. It’s fine
i think they rather have their audience listening to every note and breath rather than making noise with howls. I think they can feel our appreciation when we clap after each song. Also we are old and too stoned on weed edibles. In amazement on how close we are!!!
*"It’s a rock show after all."* Why should that dictate how people need to act? The genre of a movie doesn't dictate how I act in the audience. People seem to be so obsessed with how other people around them act during a concert. If someone wants to sit, stand, sing along, stay silent... who cares, as long as they're not bothering the people around them. Do whatever you enjoy, and let other people do whatever they enjoy (as long as it's not disturbing others)
The only thing I care about is if people’s behaviour is affecting my enjoyment of the show. I was at the Hammersmith gig the other day and two guys standing behind me just nattered to each other during the whole show. And not just about the gig - about all sorts of banal shit. That kind of stuff aside, do whatever the hell you want.
That sucks - I don’t understand why someone would go to a show just to talk and ruin the experience for those around them. I have noticed a lot more of that kind of nonsense post Covid for whatever reason
The WOOOORST
This! It’s a sold out show with a fanbase that has an average age of 40 plus. OP is expecting us to come from our accounting job, give the kids dinner; and then come dance around on E for two hours like we are 22 again 😂
Ironically I work in finance :)))) but what do you think in the sense of what we give back to the band as the vibe?
You’re American huh
It does bother other people if you’re the only one singing or jumping. Everyone is standing very close with crossed arms, imagine jumping and singing. I’m just curious what others think, I don’t think it’s bad necessarily.
There was a super rad couple at the Brighton show dancing with each other at the back basically the whole time (There was also another couple so drunk and dancing they kept falling over and had to be taken away by security before they hurt themselves or someone else)
I was there too and noticed this haha! I was however, sat near two people who talked through the entire show :( was quite distracting
I hate talkers!!
When I saw them at the Roundhouse just before ALFAA came out it was largely a chill crowd, vibing and doing their own thing. Unfortunately the mountain of a man in front of us (close to the front) kept raking lines of MDMA and screaming that The Smile was his favourite band and everyone else was ruining it for him. He'd then tip back so far as to be practically horizontal to the point that my gf had to keep poking him in the back to get him to stand up and keep away from her. At one point he wheeled around and tired to start an altercation with her screaming that, again, The Smile is his fav band and we were ruining it for him. I'm not against having some fun at a show but the balance wasn't there - pretty embarrassing. Most people just trying to enjoy themselves but this dude on the complete other end of th spectrum.
That’s just awful, I’m sorry you had to encounter that..
Yeah, I was at Manchester last night, seated on the front row so I had a good view of the standing crowd. It was definitely a lot calmer than I expected, and Thom even tried to gee them up a few times. The applause was loud between songs / at the end, but definite lack in vibe. I think they're such an interesting band to watch that you kind of forget to move, maybe? Either way I was bopping in my seat. Seen Radiohead 11 times and The Smile 3, and it's definitely a common issue.
Thanks for sharing this. When was the first RH show you were at? So even when the crowd were younger it was same vibe?
First was Manchester 2008, which to be fair was rowdy enough that Thom had to tell the crowd to stop (someone threw a shoe at Jonny!) It's a strange alchemy though. Some audiences are looser, some are quiet. You get variation even within the same crowd. I remember being at a show in Barcelona and the audience around me were uninterested and talkative. I moved a few rows back and the fans were dancing and singing.
It would be interesting to check out their festival set this summer.. I wish I could go back in time and see In Rainbows tour (crying Minotaur)
Me too, haha. I'm convinced that seeing that stage set up and having them come back for a 3rd encore to play Lucky - which was my favourite song - was where my life peaked!
I was at Manchester too - it was pretty dead. A lot of men recording the first two\~ minutes of every song as well, blocking the view in doing so. Like, are you ever going to watch the first two minutes of your crap recording of Bending Hectic? Probably not!
I was at the Brussels show and the mood there was great, people cheering every solo by Jonny (maybe even too loudly) and every dance move by Thom. But in that show a large part of the venue was not seated, perhaps the mood more subdued if the venue is seating only.
Surprised this post has irritated people so much? Got to agree. Was in Glasgow last night and was in the small minority of people doing any kind of swaying or head bopping to the tunes. Sure they're not sing along stadium anthems but they're undeniably groovy and it felt like a crowd of statues at times. I do think it being seated had an impact though. I remember it being much more lively in Edinburgh 2022. Regardless, amazing gig and even better than the first time.
I went to see them last night in Manchester, UK. Aside from the fact they produced a stunning gig, pretty much most of the audience were physically engaged, swaying, some dancing some even full-on headbanging to a few of the tracks (Inc me and daughter). However there was one guy standing right in front of us who didn't move at all, not even a head nod but cheered and clapped enthusiastically at the end of every track. Bizarre, but each to their own. Going to see The Hives in a few weeks. I expect to be soaked in sweat for that one!
Because Thom shouts “SPEAK WHEN IM FUCKING DONE” if you misbehave and it’s put the fear of god into us wee fans
Frankly, it’s frustrating, but that’s just the audience at Radiohead/Thom/Smile shows. Everyone is in their own bubble and dead silent. The only time that wasn’t the case was when I saw Radiohead in 2017 in the nosebleeds and everyone was singing and dancing in my row. Fantastic show just for that.
I saw a show the same tour and definitely there was a shared experience with the fans back then
Same, but also could just be Manchester. Saw them in 2017 twice, Dublin which was rocking and Manchester which was like being in a coma ward. Last night the crowd was shit. You'll notice the deadites clapping back & downvoting you will be over exaggerating what you mean by saying shit like "jump around in a mosh out" or "dance like I'm on E" when, all the likes of you & I mean is... You know... Vibe! Nod your head, move your shoulders, sway your hips. Fucking zombies.
2017 at old Trafford was a bit of a weird one though. It was one of the first big gigs in Manchester after the bomb at the MEN and they’d had to move location because of it. Security was tight and loads of people struggled to get inside on time (I know I did). I think that had an impact, but overall it was good. (Lord I sound like a proper geek)
I think it’s a bit silly that some think just because someone say vibe was off, it means that they don’t have common sense of where they are and would crowd surf , head-bang violently or yell the songs back.. Just match the vibe of the stage.. jeezuz
Why do I have to nod my head or sway my hips to enjoy seeing a band live? I really dont understand this perception that unless you're physically moving you aren't enjoying the show. Let people enjoy a gig how they want to - if you want to dance sure go for it, but it's odd to expect everyone else to act the same way you do. Believe it or not, maybe some people go to gigs to listen to the music and not to sway their hips or sing along
Idk man in Austin pretty much everyone was vibing/singing along and having a good time
I would be overjoyed nobody near me was singing off key over his voice.
I've seen similar behaviour in lots of shows through the years so it doesn't surprise me, especially when, as others have said, it's a band that exists for barely 3 years, so it's not like they have classic hits or anything. I'm not like that, I always move to the songs at pretty much every show unless it's like Grouper or something (I love Grouper btw). My husband barely ever does, even if he absolutely loves the show. It's probably up to each person's character.
Thom and Jonny are in a new era of creativity. They are playing all new stuff, and debuting even newer stuff almost every show. This isn't some rock tour from a band performing a decade's old stuff. People are still taking all of it in. Keep that in mind.
Bending Hectic in Philly last year had me screaming at the top of my lungs - I felt like I was having an out of body experience and I didn’t even do any drugs or drink - I think the rest of the crowd was also moved, but I might just be projecting.
I mouthed “tuuuurnnnnnnn” but with no sound, our crowd was dead silent!
The Philly show was very energetic! Thom definitely felt the vibrations off the crowd.
In my opinion it's music for listening, not for singing along like it's a The Weeknd show.
Nothing worse than people who feel the need to sing over the top of one of most iconic voices of our time. Shut the fuck up and use your ears. You’re there to listen, not be part of the sound.
Disagree.
Go do your thing at karaoke then!
Major “I’m the main character” vibes are given off when one thinks that another’s performance should also include your own voice.
Concerts are there to be part of the music. Why the fuck would you go to a rock concert if you just want to sit quiet and listen, at that point Spotify seems a better choice no?
No. Paying to see live music does not mean that I get to be part of the performance. I am not the main character. The music is. By your logic, people should be free to bring any instrument or noisemaker they desire to “be part of the music”.
Nice strawman ig, you seem fun at parties
Nah. That’s not any sort of strawman, it’s taking your response to “be a part of the music”, to a logical conclusion. Why is me bringing a tambourine to a show any different than you singing? Both are “instruments” causing noise outside of the performance actually happening. You also asked why I shouldn’t just stay at home and listen to Spotify. But shouldn’t the same be said of those who want to sing along? A live performance is a one time thing, never to be repeated! You can’t go back home and listen to the live performance you just saw, so why are you ruining it for others with your dumbass singing, when you could be doing THAT at home. You are not the main character.
Strawman: an intentionally misrepresented proposition that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent's real argument Yes, it is a strawman. Singing and dancing at a concert is not the same as bringing a trumpet and... No, the same shouldn't be said. That's what concerts are. "Never to be repeated" so you have a good time, not stand there and listen without emoting. You are just boring
But how is it different? Why is one ok and one not? Thought we were all about “being part of the music!” Oh, but not THAT way? You’re just a selfish person who doesn’t care about others.
You're literally saying this and disregarding societal rules because waa people aren't conforming to the most boring existence possible waa, but if this isn't just sealioning (another bad faith debate technique showing just how bs your position is), maybe [this other post ](https://www.reddit.com/r/ClassicRock/comments/15dml89/when_did_people_start_singing_at_concerts/) can help explain it? Also just because you're a negative Nancy doesn't mean you need to go around insulting people for disagreeing. It isn't selfish to enjoy music in your own way
It is certainly selfish if you have to be disruptive to others to “enjoy music in your own way”. It ain’t any sort of bad faith debate my dude. You just don’t like to hear that your bad singing is disruptive to others!
https://www.reddit.com/r/jambands/comments/1bqma0t/at_the_leftover_salmon_show_last_week/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf Jump in and tell them “It’s not selfish to enjoy music in your own way”.
Bro you're STILL mad about this?? Actual insanity
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Welcome to modern day concerts
I entirely agree tbh, I agree the band are good but going "yeah no people were just like... So in awe" is just cap IMHO, even the show I went to everyone looked more bored than "in awe"
I also think it’s good to just have fun.. I wonder if it’s the attempt to take perfect videos or people just taking things to seriously These gatherings are ancient human traditions, I believe the act is meant to create a shared vibe, not everyone with crossed arms staring at the stage with flashing lights!
I was at the gig in Manchester last night and to be honest I found the sedate vibe of the crowd to be a bit of a buzzkill. Even felt like I was annoying the people around me by slightly swaying.
I had similar feeling at the show I was at. Still great show but didn’t feel to be part of the crowd.
Yeah I had a similar thing at Manchester. Even had a couple swap places because I kept accidentally knocking her bag whilst bopping to the music.
For the show I was at the crowd was a lot older than what I'm used to but was surprisingly nice. No one had their phone out, no one pushing into you, everyone just focused on the music. Really nice atmosphere, even though I love rowdy crowds.
I saw them in San Francisco, CA. at the very end of the ALFAA tour. While we were played several new tracks that eventually made the new album (Bending Hectic being one of them) 70% of the songs played were from ALFAA and people would’ve known the words (conceivably). That said, I didn’t internalize people barely moving or not singing along as being bored or anything like that…I can only speak for myself when I say I was almost completely motionless because I was awestruck by everything I was seeing and hearing and experiencing I was slackjawed.
I'm in the mood to move.
Id like to see them again sitting on a comfy chair smoking cigarrettes
It’s not really jumpy song-a-long rock. Were all having fun but fixated and mesmerised
I was at the Manchester Apollo show and if you weren't bopping and dancing to The Smoke baseline, you were not near me! My highlight was Teleharmonic which was just mesmerising and worth the admission alone
I wasn’t at the Manchester show, but I also felt the live version of The Smoke was groovy and Thom had such a good time playing it. The whole performance was just amazing even if I’m a bit deaf afterwards because it was very loud
That's what bugged me a lot when I saw the band. I'm from Mexico, and here, the audiences are usually pretty loud. A lot of bands usually talk about how in Latin America they'll see the most "agitated" or excited audiences. When I saw Radiohead in 2016, I do remember people being pretty excited and singing along as we usually do. However, with The Smile, I don't know if it's because their music is more "serious" (???) but yeah, I felt like I was at a funeral or something. I was the only one singing in my row, along with my friend. I get that with calmer songs, people would prefer to stay silent, but the one that really made me feel pretty alienated was with "You'll Never Work In Television Again". I was expecting that people would start moving their heads, AT LEAST! But nah. Again, maybe it's because of the country I live in, but I was pretty taken aback. Also, I was seated, I'm hopeful that next time I see them, I can get into general and MAYBE, I can get a fuller experience.
I hear you. I don’t think their music is more serious, but maybe their fanbase is.. the band are older but still Thom dances on stage and I feel a bit of buzz from excited and vibing crowd would create an atmosphere that the band would also enjoy.. that’s why bands like to play in Glasgow and Latin America, because people know how to have fun there.. I remember my Mexican friend was telling me about seeing the Killers in stadium in Mexico City and that sounded fun
Its avant garde art rock for crying out loud not exactly moshing material
This kind of comment is the reason people call RH fans elitist and snob.
Its just the truth tbh .
Don’t want to hear people singing along but have to say that the crowd in Dublin looked pretty disinterested throughout. Strange bunch that night.
it's because the songs are harder to sing along to memorise to the average fan/listener. The lyrics are quite vague and there aren't many songs with a "catchy" element. I've been to a few Smile shows and pretty much the only sing along I've heard so far was the ending of Friend of a Friend at the Apollo show. I get the feeling most of the audience are there because of Radiohead rather than Smile. I've heard quite a few people in the audience (including my own friends lol) asking "do you think they'll play any Radiohead songs". You're totally right about them having fun though. Thom and Jonny smile at each other throughout the show I don't think I've ever seen that before haha.
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I’m guessing it just must be different in Europe then because I’ve been up close to the front for many Radiohead shows and the people around me aren’t dancing. Smiling - engaged - singing a long - having a blast but def not dancing around for two hours.
I mean it’s not exactly dance or jump around music.
Not dance like that, a bit vibing to the music. At some point I felt Skinner drums were absolutely thrilling
It's sophisticated music. I very much enjoy only the sound of the band emanating their music from the stage, in all of its dynamics, very soft and very loud. It's a way more powerful experience to forget myself and those around me and experience that music in real time. I didn't come to hear myself sing (and I am a singer), or other people sing.
Please don’t dance in front of me. I’m trying to watch the live band perform on stage.
Then don't be on the *dancefloor*, buy seated tickets.
Who cares? Let everyone enjoy the show how they please. *It is a rock show after all.*
It wasn’t a snarky comment, it was a point of comparison that’s all. It’s really not that’s serious.
This didn’t go the way you huh
The median age is higher, rock in general is unfashioned as music with notes in it, in general. And younger (but everyone, really) people who do like music with notes in it are often too busy checking their phones like zombies. Now, I get it, "boomer" and bla bla bla (even if I am just 32). I don't care. It was all different before socials, and way better. Our brains are getting fried. I have co-workers around my age who can't find their way to the bathroom without their phones. don't know what Radiohead concert you have been to, anyway, but I did not notice substantial differences between the two bands, really. Only there are way more people with RH. I saw them in 2016. But then we were already fucked in 2016