I have heard some people lampoon Catholics for constantly changing their posture during worship–sitting one minute, standing the next, then kneeling.  It can seem a bit bizarre to observers, and perhaps even to some Catholics!  For many who participate in Catholic worship, however, the position of the body during particular moments of the Mass  holds great meaning.

What are the norms of bodily posture for rock shows?  Can we speak of “show etiquette” at a rock venue?  Or, to put it more bluntly, is it ever okay to sit down at a rock show, or is that “sacreligious?” 

I would like to share a story with R&T readers about a show I attended in Sioux City, IA in 1994 featuring the classic 70′s rock band Bachman Turner Overdrive.  My roommate Mark was from Sioux City–we were both living in Ames, IA and attending Iowa State–and he invited me to spend the weekend with his family.  This particular weekend happened to coincide with the annual Sioux City summer festival—BTO was (is?) a regular on the classic rock summer festival circuit. 

Mark’s mom was a rabid classic rock fan, and she arrived at the festival grounds at 9AM to secure front row seats for us–nearly 12 hours before anyone stepped onto the stage!  Mark and I sauntered in at 8PM, just before BTO went on, and we happily occupied the 2 spots in front of the stage that his mom had saved for us.

The show started and it was immediately better than I had expected–lots of energy and incredibly loud!  The 3 of us were jumping around, dancing, singing along and having a wonderful time.  Several people behind us yelled for us to sit down–we ignored them.  Then came the half-filled plastic cups of beer, tossed by the angry spectators behind us, drenching us, but not quelling our rock ethic–we continued to stand.  An usher approached us and said that he would not be responsible if the angry mob he claimed we were creating decided to, “kick our asses.”  We did not care–Mark’s mom had waited 12 hours in the hot sun so we could rock out.

Just as the usher returned to warn us once again, BTO’s drummer stopped playing and yelled to his band mates to do the same.  He called for a microphone and, standing on his drum riser for the entire audience to see, he berated them for picking on us.  “This is a rock show,” he exclaimed.  “These folks have been waiting here all day–leave them alone and let them enjoy the show!”  Mark and I looked at each other in amazement and then let out a raucous howl.  The rock spirit had prevailed–the old folks in their alumnium folding chairs would just have to deal with it!

In retrospect, I wonder if we were a bit over zealous.  But I love standing throughout a rock show–I love dancing, screaming, playing air guitar and singing along.  It is one of the few times in my life when most inhibitions cease–I truly do not care what others think of my bizarre behavior!  Those behind me may view this as being selfish and distracting them from the show.  I disagree.  When the rock spirit is burning and aching to be released, we must obey!

Let’s take some advice from the late, great rock vocalist, Ronnie James Dio:

You’ve got desire, so let it out.  You’ve got the power, STAND UP AND SHOUT!

David Nantais

Detroit, MI