Your First Show...

NOFX Fat Wreck Anniverary Tour 2015

This one is for all you newly punked out kids of the world. You've made the right choice in becoming a punk, you've met a bad ass group of mates, now it's time for your first show... Nervous? You should be. Ha. 
In all honesty, true punk has no etiquette & your first show is going to be a memorable one. Mine was Dead Kennedy's (without Jello Biafra which is sacreligious in itself, but that's for another blog post) and I was utterly overwhelmed with the excitement, blood, sweat, and stench... I was also totally clueless as to the inner working's of a punk show... So, here are some tips to help you out. 

• Choose [Your Clothes] Wisely: Avoid looking like a poser by wearing a freshly minted t-shirt (you probably bought online, I hope. If you said Hot Topic, you're on the wrong blog, you can go now.) of the band whose show you're at. Trust me. Everyone knows you like the band, or you probably wouldn't be there. Want a shirt? Buy one at the show and support the scene. And avoid the "Nice Fucking Costume" look. If a punk is wearing a vest, it's because he/she earned it, over time, shows and a shit-ton of hard work and dedication to the scene. They didn't just buy that shit. Don't be an insult by wearing some a vest that you just threw together over the weekend once your patches & studs arrived. 
• Don't be a Dick- Seriously. This one should go without saying. Walking into a show with an arrogant, prick attitude is only going to be grounds for a brawl. Most of the punk show goers have some roots in the scene. This more than likely isn't their first rodeo, and if they haven't seen your face, and you walk in like you own the place is just not a good cocktail. Being confident and being a cunt are two totally different things. 
• Help Out in the Pit- Again, for the vast majority of punks at the show, this likely isn't their first show... or circle pit... If you feel like jumping in (and you should!) enjoying the music and getting/giving some kicks and fists, again, don't be a dick. Obnoxious punching and douchebag flailing is only going to annoy and likely piss off others in the pit. So just don't. Also, be sure to watch out for those that may not be able to handle the pit. Offer up a hand and help them either up or out. You won't look like a dumb-ass. Punk is a brotherhood, and looking out is part of the code. 
• TURN OFF YOUR FUCKING PHONE- Period.

Masked Intruder 2015

That being said: have fun and don't be stupid. 

Got a cool "first show memory"? Share it in the comments... 

I might send you something cool.