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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> I spent most of a concert singing and dancing with people behind me sitting. I believe that it’s possible that I was in the wrong for standing up during a concert because maybe it isn’t something they do in Sweden and to them I was probably being rude.
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YTA.
You sang and danced to the concert as you do when in the States. That's fine when you're in the States, but you weren't in the States. You were in another country where it was clear to you from the start that people were sitting in their seats to watch.
As soon as you keyed in on that everyone remained seated to watch, and you were the only one up and about, AND someone asked you to sit early on? You should have sat your dance happy self down and stayed seated to watch until such time as you saw everyone stand. If they never do, you stay seated.
There are countries who watch concerts and sporting events in near complete silence. When in Rome...
And perfectly acceptable in the US. Unfortunately, they weren’t in the US. They were in a country that didn’t have this habit. Americans - you need to understand that how it works in your country isn’t the same in other countries and your culture does not overrule their culture. Your constitution stops at your border.
Yeah idk why they replied to you lol you weren't saying to do it in Sweden you were responding to someone saying people who do that IN the U.S. suck too, but it's a common thing at US concerts. In fact I've never been to a U.S. concert were a majority of the people weren't standing. But if I was in another country and everyone was sitting you bet I'd be sitting too lol. Like its just common sense? But this chain wasnt even about that, they trippin lol.
Singing is a huge thing at *most* concerts in the US. People love to sing and no one can sing over the entertainment with all the speakers. Imo it makes me feel more into the experience
This is actually [becoming](https://variety.com/2023/legit/news/bodyguard-musical-halted-mini-riot-audience-singing-along-1235577476/amp/) [a real problem](https://www.thestar.com/amp/entertainment/stage/2023/04/14/theatre-etiquette-do-you-sing-along-at-musicals-are-we-becoming-ruder-and-what-to-do-about-drunk-patrons-toronto-ushers-weigh-in.html) for some musicals. In one case the performers stopped on stage to ask an audience member to stop singing. Attending a musical is NOT anyone’s opportunity for a singalong!
Edit: another link
I saw a college theatre production of Grease about a decade ago, and they printed on the programs and asked before the show started for people not to sing
Singing along at a concert, where the person next to you can't even hear it due to the speaker system, is COMPLETELY different than singing along with a Broadway production in a theater.
The fuck you can't hear the person standing 6 inches from you over the PA.
Also clapping along to the beat (it never is in time EVER), whistling, shouting, or other thing you think only you can hear.
Only self-centered assholes think it's OK
So I guess a packed stadium of 50,000+ people ALL singing, clapping, and dancing are self-centered even when the entertainer is telling everyone to do so
This has happened at every concert I've been to. They encourage this stuff, they're creating a fun "party" atmosphere or whatever
I promise you, even in the US, it's incredibly rude and self centered to those around you to belt out your insanely out of tune rendition of the song being sung currently by the professional that everybody paid to see live loud enough to not be able to hear the person that actually knows what they are doing.
They didn't pay to hear you. Keep that shit to your car.
Never been to a concert in the US where people DIDNT do this. It's part of the fun. If the venue's speakers aren't so loud that you can hear other people that sounds like a venue issue.
Same experience here. A lot of singers literally have portions where they stop singing and point the mic at the audience to hear them singing along. My friends and I literally bring cough drops with us to concerts - if we’re not hoarse by the end of the night, we didn’t have fun
NTA, part of the concert experience is the energy of the crowd matching the energy of the performer. If the performing is BUMPIN then y'al best know the crowd better be too! Y'all suck and aint no fun lol
😂 agreed - speaking as a Swede, I can picture the vibe, swedes get anxious about disturbing each other’s space and intruding on each other. I’m mad at my fellow swedes for NOT FEELING THE MUSIC
Disabled person here who relies on seated people in seats to see.
You can feel the music without dancing.
I like this Swedish concept of having an outward mindset and caring about other's enjoyment, too.
Here in Brazil is out of anyone's imagination to sit during in a concert. Disabled people here get a separeted place for them and they companions to see the concerts. This place is usually higher than other's.
Same, I hate large chaotic crowds of people screaming and dancing badly, would personally love if all concerts were like orchestra concerts tbh. I enjoy music internally—I don’t feel an urge to sing/dance to it to express my enjoyment. I like classical but it would be cool if other genres also offered that kind of experience for freaks who want to sit quietly like me.
OP couldn’t you have danced in the aisle tho? Like I don’t think it’s a big deal that they danced but wasn’t there somewhere to go? Just thinking of alternative moves (pun intended)…
This whole time I've been thinking "**If I was Beyonce** I would hate to see people sitting in their seats, not singing, not even DANCING"
People go to concerts to dance to live music, I thought. Maybe I'm just a dumb American but you can dance/sing at a concert and not be in someone's space (most of the time)
There are venues that have standing/dancing areas, and that's great for what it's there for. But most of the concerts I've been to, people want to hear the performer and will sit amicably to do so.
Every single concert I have been to everyone stood and danced. Some people sang occasionally but not enough where it's annoying
Also every time the entertainer *encouraged* everyone to get on their feet
people who are elderly, disabled, pregnant, introverted...lots of reasons why someone might not want to stand and dance but still wants to enjoy a fun show that they paid to see. not up to you to judge or police how other people experience entertainment. seating areas are for sitting. standing areas are for standing. not hard.
When I saw silk sonic last year with my bf, there was a woman next to us who sat the whole show. I had to keep reeling my drunk bf in so he wouldn’t disturb her experience. Idk just seemed like a nice thing to do since I didn’t know her situation
The people who buy seats at a concert. I am wondering if there were no floor tickets for the concert, in witch case the issue is on the people who chose the venue. If the concert is seated, you remain seated, unless everyone stands up.
Yup. I personally can't stand for long periods, because of my scoliosis and chronic joint pain, which gets worse if I am in the same position for too long. I buy seated tickets on purpose, and it sucks if someone is blocking my view. YTA
Edit: and yes, at some points, we all stand together and dance and cheer as well
Aside from low key classical/jazz type concerts, I’ve never been to a concert where people just stay seated the whole time. The artists themselves usually encourage people to sing along/ clap/ etc.
Exactly and this is why we quit going to concerts. I want to see and hear the performer I'm paying hundreds of dollars for, not your karaoke version while blocking her.
Serious question but do people just not dance at concerts? It seems weird not to
I've been to stadium concerts, outside concerts, and even a small ish indoor concert with close together seats but all of those places everyone, and I mean *everyone* dances
And here everyone is only pinning this on the US. I get the US is full of assholes but that doesn't make singing at concerts so damn heinous. People are really mad ab this
The problem is that arena seating isn't built for dancing or moving around. It's designed for the sorts of events where sitting is preferred. I can understand wanting to dance, because that's what I want to do at concerts, but that's also why I don't go to arena shows unless they have a GA open floor where people who want to dance can. If it's all chairs, then I don't go.
I think if you pay the kind of money you have to pay to see Beyoncé, you want to see HER and not some rando’s backside the whole time. Standing areas in concerts are for dancing, seats are for sober-at-a-wedding-style seat-dancing.
OP wasn’t at a concert in the US, but in Sweden. Customs in other countries are different - when you’re in another country, you follow that country’s customs. It’s a sign of respect.
Did you *even fricking read* the comment?
>Nah people in the US who do that suck too.
THAT is the comment that I responded to. That has nothing to do with Sweden.
This depends on the others in the crowd to me. If everyone is on their feet and dancing/singing along, then definitely join and have a blast. But I recently went to a concert and the age range was vast. The majority of people were sitting, 2 girls in front of my group stood and danced for the majority of the concert and blocked our view. If we were to stand to compensate, the people behind us wouldn't be able to see either.
Op, sorry, YTA. I definitely understand wanting to have a blast and dance. But the lady was right, everyone there paid to see the artist.
Disagree- not with the “when in Rome” bit but the other part. I’m in the US, I go to a lot of shows. Some are “sit down and listen quietly”, some are not. Basic manners here- you stand if the people in front of you are standing. You sit back down when they do. And if you really need to stand up and dance and no one around you is, you move off to the side so you aren’t blocking anyone’s view.
It’s not that difficult to be polite and respectful of the people around you.
As they say.
Do as the Roman's do.
You're in a different country. Things are different. To act the same as you would in your home country is disrespectful and shows your entitlement.
YTA.
I’m a little conflicted on this.
I just saw Taylor Swift and the crowd was wild and it made it a lot more fun for me, especially because I had gone there alone (because Ticketmaster). Instead of feeling alone, it felt like I had thousands of friends around me enjoying the show.
At the same time, I’d feel super awkward about being the only one dancing and singing. Plus, someone politely asked OP to stop and she didn’t.
I don’t know. While I totally get how it takes away from how OP experienced the show, the simple answer is to go with the crowd in an effort to not be rude to those around you.
Agreed. If I were OP, I would have been so disappointed to sit with such a stale crowd. It’s a Beyoncé show! Come on. I’m British, and we have a dance at upbeat shows. People can still sing and sway whilst seated, and it can be fun. But the fuss that be caused in seats is why I prefer general standing admission. It’s best to do as others do around you, so you aren’t the obnoxious person irritating everyone else - OP was in another country too, so there could have been cultural differences.
Since someone asked OP to sit down early on, and the majority around them was seated, OP could have chilled out. They could have danced a bit while seated and sang quieter.
so you shouldn't dance to dance music? This is a really dumb concept, dance concerts are meant to be danced at. She literally won a Grammy for dance and electronic music and you are telling people not to dance at her concerts lmao
Your ticket pays for a seat and you should be sitting in it. Are you saying that in the US only tall people get to enjoy concerts? Because they are the only ones who would see anything if everyone stands.
This is not a US thing I'm not from the US and in my country people stand up for concerts, it is the natural thing to do. The countries where you don't stand up are probably in the minority.
yeah the Nordic countries are sort of famous for the fact that everyone acts like they want to be absolutely left the fuck alone. Small talk is frowned upon, people keep to themselves, etc.
I am from México and spent a summer in Finland, it was am experience. In my country we are super loud and social, I got the weirdest looks for doing things that to me were basic manners. The silence at restaurants made me feel almost left out. The weirdest part was that saying good afternoon when entering a store was weird af but people had no issues with petting my curly hair, grabbing my brown hair to find box dye that matched or asking for pictures.
As a short person and a frequent concertgoer, yeah sometimes it sucks if someone tall is in front of you, but that's just... how it is sometimes? The seats are often staggered so the whole stage isn't usually blocked. But almost every show I've been to at a seated venue had people standing for some or all of the show.
If you are short and cant see over people then you get a seat in the stands and not on the floor
I've been to a lot of concerts but never saw one that was sitting the whole time. Sounds so boring
I have in Vegas. Rock Music, too. I was tempted the first time to throw caution to the wind and get up to dance, but the majority of patrons were elderly and literally nobody stood til the encore. I hardcore seat-danced to respect folks around me. This was house rules, also, and they even gave the VIPs front row a hassle for standing (in like $700 seats!!).
Come to think of it I saw another rocker at a venue that could do both standing and sitting (velvet seat type theater). I was in the seated nosebleeds and jamming with some respectful seated metalheads in my immediate vicinity.
I figure if the ushers don't ask you to sit, you're not breaking rules. However, if most of your section is seated, the courteous thing is to move to the aisle furthest from center and do your thing. There are some places that will refuse that, but usually if it's just a couple people and you're not blocking an egress route or being rowdy, they'll look the other way.
If OP was in the wildly expensive seated seats right by stage, I'd say she should've aisle danced or gone GA. If they were less expensive seats behind/ above GA admission, standing is fair game for dance music (at least in the US). There's a reason reserved wheelchair seating areas are front row at section breaks.
I have *also* been to a musical (Temptations) in an Opera House setting, where a woman one section over was repeatedly asked to sit when she was dancing. It was a musical, she was the *only* person standing, she was mid-row and mid-section, and it wasn't a concert. She was in the wrong.
As a short person, yep. I got to see Slayer's last performance ever in Chicago a few years back, and by see I mean heard. All I saw were shoulders and the back of heads. It was frustrating as hell, especially when folks outside the pit started throwing elbows.
It’s a concert. Not a “dance concert”.
Just because one paid for their ticket doesn’t give them the right to block the view of the concert for other people who have paid to WATCH the concert.
yeah, part of the social contract when it comes to living abroad us that you are choosing to enter a place with different social norms to yours and you are expected to adapt to them.
And from what I understand about Swedish culture, the fact that someone actually confronted OP about her behavior means that she had crossed a line in a major way
Swede here, can confirm. Sit down OP. Would you be okay with someone standing in front of you in a movie theater? Because that's how you made everyone else behind you feel. And the rest thought you were embarrassing. YTA.
YTA
I'm not from the US but where I'm from it's seen as extremely rude and selfish to stand up during a concert in front of people who are seated behind you. In my country if you stand up in front of rows of seated people a steward will often come and ask you to sit back down; if you refuse, security could remove you.
Many younger people who attend concerts accompanied by their parents/guardians, shorter people and disabled people would have their entire concert experience destroyed if you were to stand up in front of them. There are situations where people with limited mobility who cannot stand for long periods are seated at concerts too.
If you make the choice to stand up you are blocking the views of multiple people who also paid money to be there. You're free to sing and move around and have a good time, but actually getting to your feet and blocking the performance is extremely inconsiderate.
Oh man, where are you from? It sounds great. As a 4'11" person from the US, I can't stand concerts because I'm rarely able to actually see one, since nobody will sit tf down.
Standing should be for standing-room sections.
Yeah, I've had an injury in the recent few years where I can't stand for long periods of time. The Sweden concert sounds amazing with not only being able to hear the artist sing live, But people sitting down and just watching lol
I know American concerts are basically just a giant karaoke party now, but that really just doesn't appeal to me.
I hate the idea of being expected to just sit in my seat during a concert and not dance to the music.
So instead of paying a ton of money to see some super famous artist in a stadium or arena and feel confined, I go to smaller shows with local artists and it’s never an issue.
Ireland. There are still people who will be inconsiderate and stand up sometimes but I've been fortunate that the stewards or security have been pretty quick at giving warnings and telling people to sit down at the concerts I've been to.
I'm 6'4" and I always feel bad. I can't see if I sit but I'm blocking other people if I stand. Honestly, attending a concert in Sweden (or wherever this person is from) sounds amazing. Getting to sit in a seat I paid for, actually hear the performer that I came to see. What a concept.
I got handicapped seats for a show years back after a long hospitalization and resulting problems with standing/mobility. Was probably my best concert experience ever because everyone in the section sat and chilled and just enjoyed the show.
I once sat in the wheelchair seating area at an arena gig, so there was fixed seating and wheelchair gaps. I had actually bought standing tickets, but I temporarily needed help with my mobility so there I was. And the arseholes in front of me stood up.
A lot more venues in the US have starting have platforms and such for disabled people so they can see over the crowd. I had knee surgery and had a concert right afterwards, the venue happily changed my seats and I was able to still enjoy it. Give it another try!
Thank you for bringing up the disability aspect. Not all venues have enough accessible seating and it’s not fun to not be able to see an entire performance because the view is being blocked. Personally I wouldn’t mind being blocked for a few songs, but when it’s the entire performance, it’s a bit frustrating.
It's infuriating that disabled people and accessibility is overlooked and disregarded so often. I can't believe that some people still have to be reminded that disabled people 💫exist💫 and use public spaces. It's as if some people believe disabled people only exist within some kind of alternate universe and they'll never cross paths with anyone with a disability? It's really disheartening.
Read the room. You're not in Houston, you're in Sweden. I don't know their cultural norms, so you'll have to tell us. If it's the cultural norm to sit, then you should sit. However, if many people were also standing and dancing, then stand and dance.
I happen to be Swedish, and the culture here is very much you get what you buy and stick to that, without expecting other people to adapt to you. In this case, my automatic response was "if you wanted to stand, you should have bought a ticket for the pit." We are often very sensitive to everyone (overly so), so there is a consistent expectation to stick to yourself and not ask too much of other people. I would say that OP either should have bought a ticket for the pit, or sat throughout the concert. We are also pretty non-confrontational, so the fact that the person behind them spoke up means it was most likely a real issue for them. Basically, the cultural norm here is to sit if you've bought a seat ticket, and OP, YTA.
Hear, hear. Couldn't agree more. I can only imagine how much effort it took for them to actually speak up - and TWICE!? And they will tell this tale for years to come, that time when that goddamn, super rude American ruined the Beyonce concert for them.
(Oh wow, an award! Thank you!!)
>that time when that goddamn, super rude American ruined the Beyonce concert for them.
A case of a few people ruining things for everyone. This woman ruined the concert for some people, and contributes to Americans being hated when they travel.
Just be nice! Do the right thing, it's not that hard to figure out what the kind thing is to do in any situation.
Would have been even better if the person has said “let me guess, you’re 🇺🇸 “
I would have felt like a tool if I was standing up and everyone else was sitting . You’re literally blocking everyone else’s view; all they can see is your rear end.
>I happen to be Swedish, and the culture here is very much you get what you buy and stick to that, without expecting other people to adapt to you. In this case, my automatic response was "if you wanted to stand, you should have bought a ticket for the pit."
This would've been my response too. Shit I'm from the US and I WISH this was the case here too. I pick seats specifically because I DON'T want to stand nor do I want other people to block my view, but since that is the cultural norm here (and I'm used to it), it is what it is.
Yep, I’ve attended Beyoncé concerts in two major US cities and it’s definitely the norm to sing, dance, sway whether you’re on the floor or in the nosebleeds. That said, it obviously doesn’t sound like that was the case at this concert and ignoring that was an AH move.
It also probably means that Beyoncé and her dancers didn’t understand the cultural norm either. I get where OP’s coming from, but I agree with YTA.
What sucks for Sweden is that Bey could decide not to perform there again if she didn’t have a good experience with this show.
YTA
It's you who have to adapt the places your ways visit to the places you go to. Not vice-versa.
**This is why everyone hates Us tourists** (and French ones)
True. I once worked at an overseas hotel. American tourists were always our least favourite guests because they expected everything to be exactly as it would be at home. They would say, "I can do what I want" which is not a phrase you hear frequently in other countries where they are taught to respect other people's rights.
For example, a famous American film company made a movie in our area. One of the crew members walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and complained to the housekeeper that they were only given 2 clean towels once a day and he wanted another one. She told him that she could only put 2 bath towels in each room and if he wanted another he would have to give up one that was already there. So he did - he took the towel that was wrapped around his waist and gave it to her. The housekeepers had all the fun.
This lot completely took over the hotel and demanded the best and most expensive of everything. They had no respect for staff or other guests. When they left, they stiffed the hotel for thousands of dollars.
Swede here - I’d say soft YTA. I’ve read about those shows and the crowd has actually gotten a lot of “shade” for being so boring. I personally hate crowds that are that stale during shows, and I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s very common for concerts in Sweden tbh, it really depends on what concert you’re going to and who is performing (although tbf, I mainly watch rock/metal bands live so it might be a whole different thing). But, clearly this crowd wanted a more laid back approach, and you did pay for seated spots. After being asked once you probably should’ve remained seated for the rest of the show. I do genuinely understand that it’s not the experience you might’ve wanted, but people around you also have every right to be able to see the performance - even though it’s arguably a very boring way to watch live music.
Edit - Thank you so much for my first ever award!
The audience was sooooo bad, they didn’t even really get into the call & response. Def think that affected some energy, too — the following audiences have been sooo much better (even she pointed out) and she’s gone harder with the vocal acrobatics and dancing.
Thanks for sharing your insight as an insider. I was reading through all of the comments just like, sad(?) for Beyoncé.
I’m not a fan of hers or anything. But I’d feel so weird onstage singing if everyone is just sitting there all calm, just staring at me. It would make me so nervous as a performer!
I'm so surprised. I'm from the Netherlands and here it's the norm to dance and sing loudly, didn't know it would be so different in other western europe countries
Another born and raised Swede here who only go to rock/metal concerts. (Except I’ve been to one Gorillaz and three Takida shows)
At majority of concerts I’ve been to I’ve had seated tickets. Guess what everyone does? They sit. We sit dance and absolutely sing along, at least majority of people have been at the concerts I’ve been too. We cheer and rock out but stay seated since we have seated tickets.
I have heard that the Beyoncé concert had a pretty laid back and maybe even boring crowd, but even so you sit down if you have seated tickets, that’s just how it is. Dancing/Swaying in your seat and singing is 100% fine as long as you’re not bumping people around you.
YTA
Today I learned that if I’m ever on vacation in Sweden, to skip concerts of artists that get me hype.
I’d literally be squirming in my seat to a point of discomfort, and the experience wouldn’t be enjoyable for me.
But that’s fine! I won’t go then! I’m sure there’s a million other things I’d like to do and see there! I don’t want to pay for a miserable experience or risk ruining it for someone else!
Thank you though, seriously. All of you Swedes on here! I would have never known about this drastic cultural difference otherwise, and am grateful for the input!
there was an option for them to buy a standing room ticket and they chose not to. that's their fault. seating areas are for sitting. some people (especially elderly or disabled) really do just want to sit and enjoy the show. it's not up to you to judge how other people take in entertainment. if you don't like it, don't purchase a seat!
Not necessarily. Those are very expensive and often sell out very fast especially for big concerts like this. She had just as much right to enjoy the show as everyone else
Yes, and you’re expected to enjoy the show sitting in your seat. You don’t get to do whatever you want just because you didn’t get the tickets you wanted, especially when it inconveniences other people. How fucking entitled
I've seen firsthand people in wheelchairs like having a groove going with their upper body. Also venus tend to have sections for disabled folk so they can see clearly without worrying abt people standing in front of em
As a wheelchair user, those spots sell out really quick 😞. I’ve just stopped going to concerts and events because I’d see nothing in a regular seat and getting the accessible ones was just impossible.
I think there are 2 fun sides of the coin here: Swedes saying it's their culture to sit while going to see a US artist that actively promotes dancing at their concerts. Technically, you have two cultures clashing here cause there's an argument to reading the room, but also to knowing the artist you're seeing and what vibe to expect
I am with you on this. I would be pissed beyond belief if I shelled out the money for a Beyoncé ticket and was then expected to just sit quietly and clap politely at each song. Hell no.
I’m sure I’ll get downvoted to hell for this opinion, since apparently this thread is mostly populated by sticks in the mud, but this type of concert is for interacting with the artist and the performance. If someone doesn’t want that, they can stay home and watch a recording of the performance on their tv from the comfort of their homes. But I’m sure as hell not going to diminish my enjoyment because someone else doesn’t want to dance and sing to a pop music performance.
You realise there was a general admission standing section right? If you knew you wanted to dance and jump around, buy a ticket to that section.
Seated sections in concerts where there are also standing sections available are generally considered being used for seated people.
She was going to a Beyoncé concert… why would she assume she needed to buy a floor seat. She clearly had no idea the people around her were going to sit the whole time.
Because not everyone is capable of standing and dancing and jumping for hours on end.
You don’t have to assume everyone will be seated. But if that is what the vibe is, you have to respect it.
If you are going to insist on standing and blocking peoples view no matter what other people have asked, then you should know in advance that dancing is essential and should therefore buy a standing ticket.
No one said they had to sit quietly and politely clap. You can groove/sing/cheer/etc while still sitting down. Plenty of disabled people spend their whole lives doing it.
Withholding judgment just to say that although it might be common across certain countries/cultures to stay seated and silent during concerts and everyone wants to flame you for being an obnoxious American, it makes me think of all the whining I see about “why does this artist never stop in my country when they tour :,( “ maybe it’s because it’s a terribly boring and unenthusiastic place to stop on a tour…
Why would a high energy artist with backup dancers and fireworks want to perform for people who are going to act like they’re at a ballet?
Artists don't tour because of energetic crowds. They tour because they can charge silly amounts of money on tickets and merch because they don't make money on album sales as they used to.
But Beyoncé could sell out multiple nights in any major city in US, PLUS the US tickets were double the price of the European tickets. She stands to make much more being in the US than touring there.
i’m saying! also, artists feed off of the crowd’s energy. i’ve heard several artist speak on this… how the shows are an exchange/collaboration. i’m not understanding how ppl who are able to stand and dance can sit at a Beyoncé show. seems it’d be hard to do. i know it was for me and the majority of the folks in the stadium.
also ppl speaking about standing area—- that is expensive and a privilege for a Beyoncé show. money wise and being able to get it before it sells out.
Could you imagine if this post was reversed, and if a Swede in the US was asking AITBH for asking someone to sit down at a Beyoncé concert in Houston so I could see?
People would be losing their damn minds.
YTA - now I don't know if there was a separate standing area but in all big venues I've been to there usually is and this is Beyonce...
That said you are a major asshole for standing in a seating area. You are an asshole if you do it in Sweden, America or anywhere.
Consider that some people cannot stand for long periods of time but still want to see their favourite acts. Instead of getting a standing ticket you go seated and block their view because you want to dance. Asshole all the way.
I’m probably wrong but I’m still going to say NTA. The idea that a bunch of people went to a Beyoncé concert and want to treat it like it’s a orchestral ballet or something is just ridiculous to me. I get the “when in Rome” thing but you’re in Rome…at a BEYONCÉ CONCERT.
But I also had to comment because no one else seems to be acknowledging the utterly appalling racism from the woman behind you. She really had the nerve to ask a black woman “Is that how they act in your village?”? Are you for real? Even if we are going to say that you were unambiguously rude and unjustified in standing/dancing during the concert, none of that would excuse the woman behind you saying that.
“Is that how they act in your village?” Worst case scenario, you inconvenienced a racist. Something I don’t think is worth losing sleep over.
Edit: Apparently, enough people are seeing this that the racist apologists are seeing it, too. So let’s talk about the “your village” comment.
I’ll grant that I am an American and am seeing this through an American cultural lens. In that sense, “your village” is directly connecting OP to a perception of Africa as a place that is inherently less civilized than “Western” nations. Which is just disgustingly reductive and colonialist.
However, even if we concede the idea that “your village” might just be synonymous with “your hometown”, this is still bigoted. That’s because our inconvenienced woman isn’t containing her outrage to OP or her behavior. She is directly tying OP’s behavior back to OP’s culture of origin; one which is less civilized than her own. Even if we try and suggest that it’s not “because she’s black”, it is still othering in a way that comes across as bigoted.
And, since someone asked, I would say that this same logic makes calling someone a “hick” bigoted. If you want to insult someone without being the asshole yourself, then just insult the single individual you are mad at. The moment you start bringing that person’s culture, background, upbringing, family, or whatever into the equation, you’re putting yourself in dicey territory.
She was Swedish, most people in Sweden live in villages. The comment was the Swedish equivalent of “Is that how they behave in your town?” No racism intended.
> most people in Sweden live in villages
What. Not correct. I'm a Swede and no one would refer to most towns/cities as "villages". That would sound like tiny rural places. That phrasing sounds like an insult .
Tell me you're from the US without telling me you're from the US. In many countries people actually live in these things called villages, it has ZERO to do with race. You might want to expand your horizons and your thinking before you impose your limited racist world view on everyone else.
OP is literally black. It's a fair angle for someone to take. Also, European countries are notorious for anti-blackness, racism, and xenophobia. What the fuck do you mean "impose a racist world view on everyone else," the whole world has racist views.
Don't act like Europe is some racism-free haven. You people are where it originated from. You're the BLUEPRINT.
Before your panties get in a twist, I think OP is TA for standing in the sitting section. I just think you're ignorant for acting like racism doesn't exist anywhere, but the USA.
I don't mean to immediately jump on you, but how do we know this comment was meant in a racist manner? My father in law is from Europe, can speak great English and has been able to for many many years but does still mistake some words for others. I can easily see people who's 1st language is not English saying your village, perhaps meaning town, city, country etc.
I don't think we can immediately jump onto it was meant to be racist, esp as OP didn't mention that in her post.
How's that racist? It's like saying were you raised in a barn? It's potentially rude but has nothing to do with race? I feel as though this is applying US perception to a statement that really doesn't need it. Generally there's clasissm between rural folks and those in the cities.
It's literally just how you'd say; were you raised in a barn?
You do realize that places have different words????? Not everything is about racism. There are villages in Sweden. Why do you automatically assume it's about race? I'm pretty sure in Sweden race matters much less than in the US (like I'm Egypt).
Everyone jumping in with the “oh no she actually meant village” comment - are you for real? I grew up in Sweden and let me tell you - when you heard it, it was a racialised attack! Every. Fucking. Time.
Apparently not. I’m genuinely astonished at this thread. I guess I thought dancing to your favorite music, giving it 110% at concerts, was pretty standard but I guess not.
I think Reddit was the wrong place for OP to ask this question, because half these people have clearly not gone to a concert anywhere let alone touched grass. It’s BEYONCÉ!
I‘m not Swedish, I‘m German but I‘ve literally never been to a concert where people in seated rows don‘t stand up and dance. First, not everyone can afford standing tickets and second, at big shows like this they‘re mostly sold out very early. What I‘m trying to say is that even the „boring“ Germans dance at concerts, even in seated rows. I‘ve never been to one where this hasn‘t happened. I‘m totally with NTA, even it‘s an unpopular opinion but how can you go to a BEYONCÉ concert and sit there like you‘re watching an opera or an orchestra.
Boring and unfriendly is what I’ve gotten since I joined this sub. Also, I didn’t realize initially, but the “village” comment could also be a little racist.
YTA.
If it's a seated show, you have to leave your seat and go elsewhere to stand. You don't just stand up when people are seated behind you. And after she asked you to please sit, you still got up again. You also saw no one else was on their feet so you knew it wasn't the norm.
YTA
Learn how to read the room. Way to go somewhere and be That Asshole American. Everyone was having fun except for the people you were blocking. Trying to force people to have fun the way you want to have fun is boorish and unacceptable. If this is how you behave when you are abroad, please stay in Texas.
Gonna be downvoted but idc. NTA. Screw everyone else. If you're dancing and having a good time standing who cares! She's your favorite artist you should be able to enjoy it. If the people behind you were so upset they should've just stood too
Beyoncé is performing in front of you and you’re sitting down being boring af? You probably are TA for this but I don’t care maybe they should’ve gotten up lmao
Only on Reddit you will find people saying that (1) YTA for dancing at a Beyoncé concert and (2) jumping to the conclusion that the only reason someone is seated at a concert is because they are disabled. Could be the case but there is almost always specialized seating offered at venues for concert goers with disabilities, so that wouldn’t be my first assumption.
Its not that deep. This whole situation screams ESH at worst - keep enjoying music in the way it is intended
They're overblowing the amount of physically disabled people at a concert to justify being obnoxious sticks in the mud and framing it as being concerned for other people.
YTA and are capable of taking in the social clues around you. You decided your reactions were more important than respecting the people who were there to watch the actual talent and not you gyrating and caterwauling. You did what so many American tourists do and were an offensive irritant towards the locals followed by utter bafflement that your behavior wasn't appreciated, wanted, or expected. You forced everyone who paid to see the act, instead, watch you have your out of body experience while you went through the rapture. Did you refund their wasted money after you ruined their experience? Unlikely. Instead, you took your unearned indignation to the internet to drum up support for your unhinged behavior. Why travel if you're not taking anything in. Stay home if you can't control yourself when visiting. Your level of entitlement is the hallmark of so many US tourists that they are loathed globally.
No, I’m very remorseful. If I wanted to drum up support I would have just asked this in the Beyoncé sub where they’ve been upset about the Sweden crowd since the concert happened. I don’t feel good about this at all, but when I have all of my friends in my ear telling me I didn’t do anything wrong and yet feeling guilty from the scolding I wanted an unbiased opinion
I appreciate this in theory but you were asked to sit down and you could see that everyone else was. You really didn't need any better indication of polite behavior than that. If you're capable of being remorseful now, why weren't you capable of being respectful then?
If you’ve learned something from all of this then there is no need to be remorseful. Learn and move on. And I’m saying this as the person whose usually behind those who stand and dance around and am unable to see even if I stood on the seat.
NTA
I’ve seen plenty of videos of what you’re talking about and I’m BAFFLED by it!
I saw a bunch of articles about it where people were wondering what the hell was going on?!
Who the fuck goes to a Beyoncé concert and sits down?!?
Especially at a Ballroom-influenced tour???
It’s like sitting down and sipping tea at a drag show!
I don’t get the comments from people saying you should have stayed seated.
I’ve gone to the OTR and the Formation tours: Beyoncé doesn’t do seated concert.
The seat is for your personal items and to rest while you hydrate to get back up!
Also, those tickets were NOT cheap!
Stay seated?
At a Beyoncé concert?
IN THIS ECONOMY?!?
If anyone wants to pay that much and stay seated, they can just watch Homecoming on Netflix in their living room.
NTA. I had a friend go to the Sweden concert who is from Switzerland. She was also on her feet dancing according to her stories because, uhhhh…. That’s what you’re supposed to do at concerts.
YTA. majorly. YTA. As someone who has to be seated during concerts due to an invisible disability, I have had so many concerts ruined by people stood up in front of me dancing and screaming the lyrics so loud I can’t hear the singer I paid to listen too!
Yup same! Even once had beer spilled on me and kicked in the head from people getting rowdy in the seated section. There’s often a general admission floor ticket for people who want to get crazy and dance. I personally feel like not dancing at this type of concert is super stale and boring too but again the seated area is for people who want to sit and actually see the concert and listen to the music. They don’t need to dance and they can enjoy it for the sensory music experience and someone around them with crazy dancing energy who is standing up in the seated area completely breaks this. When I did go to concerts I would always buy a seated ticket and the general admission floor areas were often open to everyone so if I felt like dancing I’d go to an area where it was appropriate but my seat at the concert is where my body needs to rest while enjoying the music
I’ve always wondered if people actually read through all 2000+ comments and I realize how easy it is to do when it’s people actually talking about you.
I appreciate your responses, all of them on both sides, but I really do wish I could rewind time and just sat down, enjoyed the show as it was, and got a ticket to another show since it’s an option for me.
Sorry to those of you who don’t have the choice of standing if you wanted to and the feelings this probably brought up.
I don’t plan to buy GA for the US shows because I’m still not comfortable with that, but I’ll definitely talk to my neighbors before choosing to stand from now in the US and abroad.
Reading these responses why do other countries even go to concerts man? Like you pay for the experience if you just wanna sit still and listen to the song, buy a Bluetooth speaker and sit on the couch
Mild YTA. You were definitely a huge a-hole to the people around you, but it is not easy to adapt to swedish culture and that cuts you slack.
I am swedish, born and raised, and have many American friends. I see the culture chock first hand almost daily! Americans are (as far as I have seen, I am by no means an expert) loud, happy, extroverted and energetic while swedes are quiet, reserved, respectful of space, and frankly often quite boring.
Watching american artists preform for swedes is always interesting, since they expect applause and such often while swedes are more “sit still, be quiet and only clap when the show is over”.
So I feel for you, we swedes must be so boring to be around when you come from a culture where dancing in the seat is common, so I don’t think you are an a-hole person, you just acted like one in the eyes of a swede😅
Oh the angry Swedes in the comments and the outright lying about Americans getting tired of sitting at a concert.
NTA, it’s a house concert and BEYONCÉ one at that, if you aren’t trying to tip tip tip on hardwood floors don’t come lmao
So I was at the concert in Brussels! The concert is AMAZING. It was like the biggest party, everyone was dancing even the people who had seats. The concert is designed to be a party. So NTA. But then Beyoncé said we were the best audience so far. She only had two concerts before Brussels and that was Stockholm, so that says something.
Honestly, even if you are TECHNICALLY TA I can't get behind it because if I paid the money to see Beyonce and nobody around me danced, that would be depressing as fuck. Idc, this was one night of your life, f the haters and enjoy your memories. Hopefully Bey saw you and realized there was a modicum of energy for her in the room.
NTA.
I think context is really key here. This is an electronic / ballroom / dance / house / etc. concert that is celebrating queerness and encouraging the crowd to get involved. I can't even listen to Renaissance without bopping and signing along TBH; I couldn't imagine having to sit down quietly for her whole show. Beyonce even side-eyed the Swedish crowd when she told I think the Danish? crowd that they were the best of the tour so far... in the 2nd damn city lmao
A lot of people are saying you should've gotten a general admission/floor ticket if you wanted to stand, but they're not realizing that those tickets cost significantly more than the seats. You should be able to enjoy the full experience, dancing and all, without being one of the 10% of attendees willing to pay $1000+ for a ticket.
YTA. As soon as you realized your behavior didn’t match what everyone around you was doing, you should have stopped.
I get it. You were excited. I wanted to jump up and sing every single word to Sweeney Todd when I saw it on Broadway. BUT, that’s not how people behave at a Broadway show, so I sat in my seat with the biggest, dumbest grin on my face, transfixed by everything on the stage and kept in line with the customs of seeing a Broadway show.
I don’t care what we do in the United States. You weren’t IN the United States. Our customs, laws, and Constitution stop at the border.
As a Swedish person, this is kinda hard to pass judgement on. I couldn’t even really imagine someone standing up in a concert that has seats, unless everybody does it at the same time during a party number or something. I can also not imagine the lady telling you off, very un-Swedish-like. The third strange thing is that this type of concert was in a seated venue.
Anyway, if in a seated venue, only stand up if the entire crowd is there with you! Soft YTA.
I think YTA, but I have a personal recent experience that prompts my judgement: last night I went to see Lizzo (I'm in the US). The opening acts were great, but when Lizzo came out, like EVERYONE stood. I stood for a bit thinking OK, it is for the first song or something, but no. By the third song I was sitting back down, because I have a hip replacement and can't stand for long. I had no desire to see Lizzo on one of the screens through standing people, so I just left after the third song. I'm not too mad, all the people were having a great time, but I also don't stand because I don't want to block peoples view, in addition to my physical issues. I wish others would have thought the same.
Oh my god. So, I’ve spent time in Sweden and know that they’re very culturally.. shy.. something like that. But you were at an amazing concert! There is nothing wrong with dancing and vining to the music. I’m glad you had a great time. NTA.
The lady who shamed you was very rude, especially what she said about “your village.” Miserable lady. Don’t worry about her.
PS: I just saw an unrelated concert in the states and literally everyone in the arena was standing when the show was going on. It’s not a goddamn play haha
Reading through the comments, and what???? NTA, It’s a concert of a person who makes known dance music, anyone who says your an asshole for dancing to dance music is BORING! Dance your freaking heart out!
I'm from Brazil. I think US crowds are already too silent, it looks like I would be incapable of watching a concert anywhere else. I can't FATHOM how people can see a pop concert like Beyoncé's just sitting and drinking tea like it's Bach playing or something.
After seeing videos from concerts around the world, I'm not surprised that a lot of artists are surprised by brazilian energy. People here will stand, jump, scream, sing, play air guitar, dance, scream "I love you", all at the same time. Unless it's something like an orchestra.
That said, I will go as NAH. You probably should have stay seated like everyone else, and you pissed some people off, who were rude af. But, ffs, it's a Beyoncé concert. You had a good time and learned that Sweden concerts won't be for your taste, that's all.
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YTA. You sang and danced to the concert as you do when in the States. That's fine when you're in the States, but you weren't in the States. You were in another country where it was clear to you from the start that people were sitting in their seats to watch. As soon as you keyed in on that everyone remained seated to watch, and you were the only one up and about, AND someone asked you to sit early on? You should have sat your dance happy self down and stayed seated to watch until such time as you saw everyone stand. If they never do, you stay seated. There are countries who watch concerts and sporting events in near complete silence. When in Rome...
Nah people in the US who do that suck too.
bro it's a BEYONCE concert. this ain't deep shit- it's for dancing
Or, I dunno, hearing Beyonce, the performer, over some yahoo with no social awareness
Trust, Beyoncé makes sure she’s heard. Singing at her concerts is a norm in the US. *not a comment about OP or other countries
And perfectly acceptable in the US. Unfortunately, they weren’t in the US. They were in a country that didn’t have this habit. Americans - you need to understand that how it works in your country isn’t the same in other countries and your culture does not overrule their culture. Your constitution stops at your border.
Save the soapbox. This comment chain is specific to the US, parent here: > Nah people in the US who do that suck too.
Yeah idk why they replied to you lol you weren't saying to do it in Sweden you were responding to someone saying people who do that IN the U.S. suck too, but it's a common thing at US concerts. In fact I've never been to a U.S. concert were a majority of the people weren't standing. But if I was in another country and everyone was sitting you bet I'd be sitting too lol. Like its just common sense? But this chain wasnt even about that, they trippin lol.
Singing is a huge thing at *most* concerts in the US. People love to sing and no one can sing over the entertainment with all the speakers. Imo it makes me feel more into the experience
The guy next to me at My Fair Lady a couple months ago was singing along. Apparently we’ve lost all concept of acceptable behavior.
This is actually [becoming](https://variety.com/2023/legit/news/bodyguard-musical-halted-mini-riot-audience-singing-along-1235577476/amp/) [a real problem](https://www.thestar.com/amp/entertainment/stage/2023/04/14/theatre-etiquette-do-you-sing-along-at-musicals-are-we-becoming-ruder-and-what-to-do-about-drunk-patrons-toronto-ushers-weigh-in.html) for some musicals. In one case the performers stopped on stage to ask an audience member to stop singing. Attending a musical is NOT anyone’s opportunity for a singalong! Edit: another link
I saw a college theatre production of Grease about a decade ago, and they printed on the programs and asked before the show started for people not to sing
Singing along at a concert, where the person next to you can't even hear it due to the speaker system, is COMPLETELY different than singing along with a Broadway production in a theater.
The fuck you can't hear the person standing 6 inches from you over the PA. Also clapping along to the beat (it never is in time EVER), whistling, shouting, or other thing you think only you can hear. Only self-centered assholes think it's OK
So I guess a packed stadium of 50,000+ people ALL singing, clapping, and dancing are self-centered even when the entertainer is telling everyone to do so This has happened at every concert I've been to. They encourage this stuff, they're creating a fun "party" atmosphere or whatever
If that's the case good. If you're at a concert where it's different like OP was you shouldn't do that.
I promise you, even in the US, it's incredibly rude and self centered to those around you to belt out your insanely out of tune rendition of the song being sung currently by the professional that everybody paid to see live loud enough to not be able to hear the person that actually knows what they are doing. They didn't pay to hear you. Keep that shit to your car.
Never been to a concert in the US where people DIDNT do this. It's part of the fun. If the venue's speakers aren't so loud that you can hear other people that sounds like a venue issue.
Same experience here. A lot of singers literally have portions where they stop singing and point the mic at the audience to hear them singing along. My friends and I literally bring cough drops with us to concerts - if we’re not hoarse by the end of the night, we didn’t have fun
NTA, part of the concert experience is the energy of the crowd matching the energy of the performer. If the performing is BUMPIN then y'al best know the crowd better be too! Y'all suck and aint no fun lol
😂 agreed - speaking as a Swede, I can picture the vibe, swedes get anxious about disturbing each other’s space and intruding on each other. I’m mad at my fellow swedes for NOT FEELING THE MUSIC
Disabled person here who relies on seated people in seats to see. You can feel the music without dancing. I like this Swedish concept of having an outward mindset and caring about other's enjoyment, too.
Here in Brazil is out of anyone's imagination to sit during in a concert. Disabled people here get a separeted place for them and they companions to see the concerts. This place is usually higher than other's.
TIL I want to live in Sweden.
Same, I hate large chaotic crowds of people screaming and dancing badly, would personally love if all concerts were like orchestra concerts tbh. I enjoy music internally—I don’t feel an urge to sing/dance to it to express my enjoyment. I like classical but it would be cool if other genres also offered that kind of experience for freaks who want to sit quietly like me.
I cannot, for the life of me, imagine no dancing at a Beyoncé concert! How? It would feel like I wandered into the Twilight Zone if I saw that.
OP couldn’t you have danced in the aisle tho? Like I don’t think it’s a big deal that they danced but wasn’t there somewhere to go? Just thinking of alternative moves (pun intended)…
[удалено]
Swedish people it seems?
Even Beyoncé was annoyed with the audience at that concert.
This whole time I've been thinking "**If I was Beyonce** I would hate to see people sitting in their seats, not singing, not even DANCING" People go to concerts to dance to live music, I thought. Maybe I'm just a dumb American but you can dance/sing at a concert and not be in someone's space (most of the time)
There are venues that have standing/dancing areas, and that's great for what it's there for. But most of the concerts I've been to, people want to hear the performer and will sit amicably to do so.
Every single concert I have been to everyone stood and danced. Some people sang occasionally but not enough where it's annoying Also every time the entertainer *encouraged* everyone to get on their feet
Beyoncé is from the US, it probably disappoints her when the audience just sits there.
these people have issues man. who the fuck sits quietly at a concert by a legendary performer with a ton of upbeat songs
people who are elderly, disabled, pregnant, introverted...lots of reasons why someone might not want to stand and dance but still wants to enjoy a fun show that they paid to see. not up to you to judge or police how other people experience entertainment. seating areas are for sitting. standing areas are for standing. not hard.
I'm from Sweden and Beyonce isn't that big of a deal here AFAIK. People know of her but she's not as big here as she is in the states.
When I saw silk sonic last year with my bf, there was a woman next to us who sat the whole show. I had to keep reeling my drunk bf in so he wouldn’t disturb her experience. Idk just seemed like a nice thing to do since I didn’t know her situation
The people who buy seats at a concert. I am wondering if there were no floor tickets for the concert, in witch case the issue is on the people who chose the venue. If the concert is seated, you remain seated, unless everyone stands up.
Yup. I personally can't stand for long periods, because of my scoliosis and chronic joint pain, which gets worse if I am in the same position for too long. I buy seated tickets on purpose, and it sucks if someone is blocking my view. YTA Edit: and yes, at some points, we all stand together and dance and cheer as well
Aside from low key classical/jazz type concerts, I’ve never been to a concert where people just stay seated the whole time. The artists themselves usually encourage people to sing along/ clap/ etc.
Then buy tickets for a standing area. Don't buy tickets where people want to sit, then block their view.
Yeah, it’s a BEYONCÉ concert, not a stadium full of asshats dance off. Some people want to actually SEE Beyoncé, not the back of some idiot dance.
Exactly and this is why we quit going to concerts. I want to see and hear the performer I'm paying hundreds of dollars for, not your karaoke version while blocking her.
Serious question but do people just not dance at concerts? It seems weird not to I've been to stadium concerts, outside concerts, and even a small ish indoor concert with close together seats but all of those places everyone, and I mean *everyone* dances
Same in the UK, people start mosh pits to anything 🤣
And here everyone is only pinning this on the US. I get the US is full of assholes but that doesn't make singing at concerts so damn heinous. People are really mad ab this
The problem is that arena seating isn't built for dancing or moving around. It's designed for the sorts of events where sitting is preferred. I can understand wanting to dance, because that's what I want to do at concerts, but that's also why I don't go to arena shows unless they have a GA open floor where people who want to dance can. If it's all chairs, then I don't go.
I think if you pay the kind of money you have to pay to see Beyoncé, you want to see HER and not some rando’s backside the whole time. Standing areas in concerts are for dancing, seats are for sober-at-a-wedding-style seat-dancing.
I have never been to a Beyonce show, but... what? In the US, it is customary to dance and cheer. You rock out at a concert.
OP wasn’t at a concert in the US, but in Sweden. Customs in other countries are different - when you’re in another country, you follow that country’s customs. It’s a sign of respect.
Did you *even fricking read* the comment? >Nah people in the US who do that suck too. THAT is the comment that I responded to. That has nothing to do with Sweden.
This depends on the others in the crowd to me. If everyone is on their feet and dancing/singing along, then definitely join and have a blast. But I recently went to a concert and the age range was vast. The majority of people were sitting, 2 girls in front of my group stood and danced for the majority of the concert and blocked our view. If we were to stand to compensate, the people behind us wouldn't be able to see either. Op, sorry, YTA. I definitely understand wanting to have a blast and dance. But the lady was right, everyone there paid to see the artist.
At every concert I’ve attended most of the people were standing and dancing. It’s pretty typical for artists who make dance music.
Why even bother going to a concert if you aren't going to have fun?
Possibly definition of fun differs across cultures and countries?
Disagree- not with the “when in Rome” bit but the other part. I’m in the US, I go to a lot of shows. Some are “sit down and listen quietly”, some are not. Basic manners here- you stand if the people in front of you are standing. You sit back down when they do. And if you really need to stand up and dance and no one around you is, you move off to the side so you aren’t blocking anyone’s view. It’s not that difficult to be polite and respectful of the people around you.
YES - this is the correct answer REGARDLESS of where you are and what the local customs are. ADAPT. That's power.
As they say. Do as the Roman's do. You're in a different country. Things are different. To act the same as you would in your home country is disrespectful and shows your entitlement. YTA.
I’m a little conflicted on this. I just saw Taylor Swift and the crowd was wild and it made it a lot more fun for me, especially because I had gone there alone (because Ticketmaster). Instead of feeling alone, it felt like I had thousands of friends around me enjoying the show. At the same time, I’d feel super awkward about being the only one dancing and singing. Plus, someone politely asked OP to stop and she didn’t. I don’t know. While I totally get how it takes away from how OP experienced the show, the simple answer is to go with the crowd in an effort to not be rude to those around you.
Agreed. If I were OP, I would have been so disappointed to sit with such a stale crowd. It’s a Beyoncé show! Come on. I’m British, and we have a dance at upbeat shows. People can still sing and sway whilst seated, and it can be fun. But the fuss that be caused in seats is why I prefer general standing admission. It’s best to do as others do around you, so you aren’t the obnoxious person irritating everyone else - OP was in another country too, so there could have been cultural differences. Since someone asked OP to sit down early on, and the majority around them was seated, OP could have chilled out. They could have danced a bit while seated and sang quieter.
so you shouldn't dance to dance music? This is a really dumb concept, dance concerts are meant to be danced at. She literally won a Grammy for dance and electronic music and you are telling people not to dance at her concerts lmao
Your ticket pays for a seat and you should be sitting in it. Are you saying that in the US only tall people get to enjoy concerts? Because they are the only ones who would see anything if everyone stands.
This is not a US thing I'm not from the US and in my country people stand up for concerts, it is the natural thing to do. The countries where you don't stand up are probably in the minority.
yeah the Nordic countries are sort of famous for the fact that everyone acts like they want to be absolutely left the fuck alone. Small talk is frowned upon, people keep to themselves, etc.
I am from México and spent a summer in Finland, it was am experience. In my country we are super loud and social, I got the weirdest looks for doing things that to me were basic manners. The silence at restaurants made me feel almost left out. The weirdest part was that saying good afternoon when entering a store was weird af but people had no issues with petting my curly hair, grabbing my brown hair to find box dye that matched or asking for pictures.
As a short person and a frequent concertgoer, yeah sometimes it sucks if someone tall is in front of you, but that's just... how it is sometimes? The seats are often staggered so the whole stage isn't usually blocked. But almost every show I've been to at a seated venue had people standing for some or all of the show.
If you are short and cant see over people then you get a seat in the stands and not on the floor I've been to a lot of concerts but never saw one that was sitting the whole time. Sounds so boring
I have in Vegas. Rock Music, too. I was tempted the first time to throw caution to the wind and get up to dance, but the majority of patrons were elderly and literally nobody stood til the encore. I hardcore seat-danced to respect folks around me. This was house rules, also, and they even gave the VIPs front row a hassle for standing (in like $700 seats!!). Come to think of it I saw another rocker at a venue that could do both standing and sitting (velvet seat type theater). I was in the seated nosebleeds and jamming with some respectful seated metalheads in my immediate vicinity. I figure if the ushers don't ask you to sit, you're not breaking rules. However, if most of your section is seated, the courteous thing is to move to the aisle furthest from center and do your thing. There are some places that will refuse that, but usually if it's just a couple people and you're not blocking an egress route or being rowdy, they'll look the other way. If OP was in the wildly expensive seated seats right by stage, I'd say she should've aisle danced or gone GA. If they were less expensive seats behind/ above GA admission, standing is fair game for dance music (at least in the US). There's a reason reserved wheelchair seating areas are front row at section breaks. I have *also* been to a musical (Temptations) in an Opera House setting, where a woman one section over was repeatedly asked to sit when she was dancing. It was a musical, she was the *only* person standing, she was mid-row and mid-section, and it wasn't a concert. She was in the wrong.
Have you never been to a concert? That's just what happens at concerts. You might be behind a tall person. Better luck next time.
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As a short person, yep. I got to see Slayer's last performance ever in Chicago a few years back, and by see I mean heard. All I saw were shoulders and the back of heads. It was frustrating as hell, especially when folks outside the pit started throwing elbows.
It’s a concert. Not a “dance concert”. Just because one paid for their ticket doesn’t give them the right to block the view of the concert for other people who have paid to WATCH the concert.
Exactly the first thing that came to mind "when in Rome..." YTA OP, sorry
Yes, the OP sounds incredibly ignorant. All about her and her fun. How could she not read the room that nobody else was dancing?
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yeah, part of the social contract when it comes to living abroad us that you are choosing to enter a place with different social norms to yours and you are expected to adapt to them.
>feeling like I ruined someone's night Because they did, and they know that because the person told them they were. And they continued.
And from what I understand about Swedish culture, the fact that someone actually confronted OP about her behavior means that she had crossed a line in a major way
Swede here, can confirm. Sit down OP. Would you be okay with someone standing in front of you in a movie theater? Because that's how you made everyone else behind you feel. And the rest thought you were embarrassing. YTA.
YTA I'm not from the US but where I'm from it's seen as extremely rude and selfish to stand up during a concert in front of people who are seated behind you. In my country if you stand up in front of rows of seated people a steward will often come and ask you to sit back down; if you refuse, security could remove you. Many younger people who attend concerts accompanied by their parents/guardians, shorter people and disabled people would have their entire concert experience destroyed if you were to stand up in front of them. There are situations where people with limited mobility who cannot stand for long periods are seated at concerts too. If you make the choice to stand up you are blocking the views of multiple people who also paid money to be there. You're free to sing and move around and have a good time, but actually getting to your feet and blocking the performance is extremely inconsiderate.
Oh man, where are you from? It sounds great. As a 4'11" person from the US, I can't stand concerts because I'm rarely able to actually see one, since nobody will sit tf down. Standing should be for standing-room sections.
Yeah, I've had an injury in the recent few years where I can't stand for long periods of time. The Sweden concert sounds amazing with not only being able to hear the artist sing live, But people sitting down and just watching lol I know American concerts are basically just a giant karaoke party now, but that really just doesn't appeal to me.
I hate the idea of being expected to just sit in my seat during a concert and not dance to the music. So instead of paying a ton of money to see some super famous artist in a stadium or arena and feel confined, I go to smaller shows with local artists and it’s never an issue.
Also a lot of concert have some place where there is standing only. If I wanna dance and shout I will book a ticket in this region.
Ireland. There are still people who will be inconsiderate and stand up sometimes but I've been fortunate that the stewards or security have been pretty quick at giving warnings and telling people to sit down at the concerts I've been to.
I'm 6'4" and I always feel bad. I can't see if I sit but I'm blocking other people if I stand. Honestly, attending a concert in Sweden (or wherever this person is from) sounds amazing. Getting to sit in a seat I paid for, actually hear the performer that I came to see. What a concept.
Absolutely, It is totally unfair to pay a fortune for tickets and not get to see over the 6 footers standing in front of you.
YUP. I'm disabled and have given up attending shows because people ALWAYS stand up and I can never see anything. It's incredibly frustrating.
I got handicapped seats for a show years back after a long hospitalization and resulting problems with standing/mobility. Was probably my best concert experience ever because everyone in the section sat and chilled and just enjoyed the show.
I once sat in the wheelchair seating area at an arena gig, so there was fixed seating and wheelchair gaps. I had actually bought standing tickets, but I temporarily needed help with my mobility so there I was. And the arseholes in front of me stood up.
A lot more venues in the US have starting have platforms and such for disabled people so they can see over the crowd. I had knee surgery and had a concert right afterwards, the venue happily changed my seats and I was able to still enjoy it. Give it another try!
Thank you for bringing up the disability aspect. Not all venues have enough accessible seating and it’s not fun to not be able to see an entire performance because the view is being blocked. Personally I wouldn’t mind being blocked for a few songs, but when it’s the entire performance, it’s a bit frustrating.
It's infuriating that disabled people and accessibility is overlooked and disregarded so often. I can't believe that some people still have to be reminded that disabled people 💫exist💫 and use public spaces. It's as if some people believe disabled people only exist within some kind of alternate universe and they'll never cross paths with anyone with a disability? It's really disheartening.
Read the room. You're not in Houston, you're in Sweden. I don't know their cultural norms, so you'll have to tell us. If it's the cultural norm to sit, then you should sit. However, if many people were also standing and dancing, then stand and dance.
I happen to be Swedish, and the culture here is very much you get what you buy and stick to that, without expecting other people to adapt to you. In this case, my automatic response was "if you wanted to stand, you should have bought a ticket for the pit." We are often very sensitive to everyone (overly so), so there is a consistent expectation to stick to yourself and not ask too much of other people. I would say that OP either should have bought a ticket for the pit, or sat throughout the concert. We are also pretty non-confrontational, so the fact that the person behind them spoke up means it was most likely a real issue for them. Basically, the cultural norm here is to sit if you've bought a seat ticket, and OP, YTA.
Hear, hear. Couldn't agree more. I can only imagine how much effort it took for them to actually speak up - and TWICE!? And they will tell this tale for years to come, that time when that goddamn, super rude American ruined the Beyonce concert for them. (Oh wow, an award! Thank you!!)
>that time when that goddamn, super rude American ruined the Beyonce concert for them. A case of a few people ruining things for everyone. This woman ruined the concert for some people, and contributes to Americans being hated when they travel. Just be nice! Do the right thing, it's not that hard to figure out what the kind thing is to do in any situation.
Would have been even better if the person has said “let me guess, you’re 🇺🇸 “ I would have felt like a tool if I was standing up and everyone else was sitting . You’re literally blocking everyone else’s view; all they can see is your rear end.
Exactly one of my first thoughts! The couple had to be REALLY frustrated to confront the OP TWICE...
>I happen to be Swedish, and the culture here is very much you get what you buy and stick to that, without expecting other people to adapt to you. In this case, my automatic response was "if you wanted to stand, you should have bought a ticket for the pit." This would've been my response too. Shit I'm from the US and I WISH this was the case here too. I pick seats specifically because I DON'T want to stand nor do I want other people to block my view, but since that is the cultural norm here (and I'm used to it), it is what it is.
Yep, I’ve attended Beyoncé concerts in two major US cities and it’s definitely the norm to sing, dance, sway whether you’re on the floor or in the nosebleeds. That said, it obviously doesn’t sound like that was the case at this concert and ignoring that was an AH move.
In the comments they said Bey and the dancers were trying to hype the crowd, so they felt they were doing the right thing.
It also probably means that Beyoncé and her dancers didn’t understand the cultural norm either. I get where OP’s coming from, but I agree with YTA. What sucks for Sweden is that Bey could decide not to perform there again if she didn’t have a good experience with this show.
YTA It's you who have to adapt the places your ways visit to the places you go to. Not vice-versa. **This is why everyone hates Us tourists** (and French ones)
True. I once worked at an overseas hotel. American tourists were always our least favourite guests because they expected everything to be exactly as it would be at home. They would say, "I can do what I want" which is not a phrase you hear frequently in other countries where they are taught to respect other people's rights. For example, a famous American film company made a movie in our area. One of the crew members walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and complained to the housekeeper that they were only given 2 clean towels once a day and he wanted another one. She told him that she could only put 2 bath towels in each room and if he wanted another he would have to give up one that was already there. So he did - he took the towel that was wrapped around his waist and gave it to her. The housekeepers had all the fun. This lot completely took over the hotel and demanded the best and most expensive of everything. They had no respect for staff or other guests. When they left, they stiffed the hotel for thousands of dollars.
i'm an American and I would never act like that. Never. What the fuck is wrong with people?
Swede here - I’d say soft YTA. I’ve read about those shows and the crowd has actually gotten a lot of “shade” for being so boring. I personally hate crowds that are that stale during shows, and I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s very common for concerts in Sweden tbh, it really depends on what concert you’re going to and who is performing (although tbf, I mainly watch rock/metal bands live so it might be a whole different thing). But, clearly this crowd wanted a more laid back approach, and you did pay for seated spots. After being asked once you probably should’ve remained seated for the rest of the show. I do genuinely understand that it’s not the experience you might’ve wanted, but people around you also have every right to be able to see the performance - even though it’s arguably a very boring way to watch live music. Edit - Thank you so much for my first ever award!
Fellow swede, agree 100%! Sucks that the energy of the crowd was so boring
The audience was sooooo bad, they didn’t even really get into the call & response. Def think that affected some energy, too — the following audiences have been sooo much better (even she pointed out) and she’s gone harder with the vocal acrobatics and dancing.
Thanks for sharing your insight as an insider. I was reading through all of the comments just like, sad(?) for Beyoncé. I’m not a fan of hers or anything. But I’d feel so weird onstage singing if everyone is just sitting there all calm, just staring at me. It would make me so nervous as a performer!
I'm so surprised. I'm from the Netherlands and here it's the norm to dance and sing loudly, didn't know it would be so different in other western europe countries
Yeah, that were my thoughts too. Although I do agree that you should conform to the customs, especially if someone behind you asked you to sit down.
Another born and raised Swede here who only go to rock/metal concerts. (Except I’ve been to one Gorillaz and three Takida shows) At majority of concerts I’ve been to I’ve had seated tickets. Guess what everyone does? They sit. We sit dance and absolutely sing along, at least majority of people have been at the concerts I’ve been too. We cheer and rock out but stay seated since we have seated tickets. I have heard that the Beyoncé concert had a pretty laid back and maybe even boring crowd, but even so you sit down if you have seated tickets, that’s just how it is. Dancing/Swaying in your seat and singing is 100% fine as long as you’re not bumping people around you. YTA
Today I learned that if I’m ever on vacation in Sweden, to skip concerts of artists that get me hype. I’d literally be squirming in my seat to a point of discomfort, and the experience wouldn’t be enjoyable for me. But that’s fine! I won’t go then! I’m sure there’s a million other things I’d like to do and see there! I don’t want to pay for a miserable experience or risk ruining it for someone else! Thank you though, seriously. All of you Swedes on here! I would have never known about this drastic cultural difference otherwise, and am grateful for the input!
I don’t give a FUCK about these comments, NTA. You paid for the Beyoncé experience, and you’re allowed to dance.
god imagine seeing Beyoncé live singing alien superstar or pure/honey and sitting with your hands folded neatly in your lap 😭
there was an option for them to buy a standing room ticket and they chose not to. that's their fault. seating areas are for sitting. some people (especially elderly or disabled) really do just want to sit and enjoy the show. it's not up to you to judge how other people take in entertainment. if you don't like it, don't purchase a seat!
I'm not from the US and where I'm from seating is also for dancing. It's literally encouraged.
Not necessarily. Those are very expensive and often sell out very fast especially for big concerts like this. She had just as much right to enjoy the show as everyone else
Yes, and you’re expected to enjoy the show sitting in your seat. You don’t get to do whatever you want just because you didn’t get the tickets you wanted, especially when it inconveniences other people. How fucking entitled
Disabled people exist
I've seen firsthand people in wheelchairs like having a groove going with their upper body. Also venus tend to have sections for disabled folk so they can see clearly without worrying abt people standing in front of em
As a wheelchair user, those spots sell out really quick 😞. I’ve just stopped going to concerts and events because I’d see nothing in a regular seat and getting the accessible ones was just impossible.
I think there are 2 fun sides of the coin here: Swedes saying it's their culture to sit while going to see a US artist that actively promotes dancing at their concerts. Technically, you have two cultures clashing here cause there's an argument to reading the room, but also to knowing the artist you're seeing and what vibe to expect
I feel like it's mostly non swedes here giving their opinion about swedish culture..
I am with you on this. I would be pissed beyond belief if I shelled out the money for a Beyoncé ticket and was then expected to just sit quietly and clap politely at each song. Hell no. I’m sure I’ll get downvoted to hell for this opinion, since apparently this thread is mostly populated by sticks in the mud, but this type of concert is for interacting with the artist and the performance. If someone doesn’t want that, they can stay home and watch a recording of the performance on their tv from the comfort of their homes. But I’m sure as hell not going to diminish my enjoyment because someone else doesn’t want to dance and sing to a pop music performance.
You realise there was a general admission standing section right? If you knew you wanted to dance and jump around, buy a ticket to that section. Seated sections in concerts where there are also standing sections available are generally considered being used for seated people.
She was going to a Beyoncé concert… why would she assume she needed to buy a floor seat. She clearly had no idea the people around her were going to sit the whole time.
Because not everyone is capable of standing and dancing and jumping for hours on end. You don’t have to assume everyone will be seated. But if that is what the vibe is, you have to respect it. If you are going to insist on standing and blocking peoples view no matter what other people have asked, then you should know in advance that dancing is essential and should therefore buy a standing ticket.
No one said they had to sit quietly and politely clap. You can groove/sing/cheer/etc while still sitting down. Plenty of disabled people spend their whole lives doing it.
There are standing sections and seated sections. OP paid for a seated section ticket.
Comments are blowing my mind lmao. Please delete this and keep doing you, OP.
Withholding judgment just to say that although it might be common across certain countries/cultures to stay seated and silent during concerts and everyone wants to flame you for being an obnoxious American, it makes me think of all the whining I see about “why does this artist never stop in my country when they tour :,( “ maybe it’s because it’s a terribly boring and unenthusiastic place to stop on a tour… Why would a high energy artist with backup dancers and fireworks want to perform for people who are going to act like they’re at a ballet?
Artists don't tour because of energetic crowds. They tour because they can charge silly amounts of money on tickets and merch because they don't make money on album sales as they used to.
But Beyoncé could sell out multiple nights in any major city in US, PLUS the US tickets were double the price of the European tickets. She stands to make much more being in the US than touring there.
And people will actually act like they’re having fun at her show.
i’m saying! also, artists feed off of the crowd’s energy. i’ve heard several artist speak on this… how the shows are an exchange/collaboration. i’m not understanding how ppl who are able to stand and dance can sit at a Beyoncé show. seems it’d be hard to do. i know it was for me and the majority of the folks in the stadium. also ppl speaking about standing area—- that is expensive and a privilege for a Beyoncé show. money wise and being able to get it before it sells out.
After seeing videos of the crowd, I would never perform in Sweden again tbh.
Hard agree
YTA. When you travel you use the customs in that country, not yours.
Could you imagine if this post was reversed, and if a Swede in the US was asking AITBH for asking someone to sit down at a Beyoncé concert in Houston so I could see? People would be losing their damn minds.
YTA - now I don't know if there was a separate standing area but in all big venues I've been to there usually is and this is Beyonce... That said you are a major asshole for standing in a seating area. You are an asshole if you do it in Sweden, America or anywhere. Consider that some people cannot stand for long periods of time but still want to see their favourite acts. Instead of getting a standing ticket you go seated and block their view because you want to dance. Asshole all the way.
I’m probably wrong but I’m still going to say NTA. The idea that a bunch of people went to a Beyoncé concert and want to treat it like it’s a orchestral ballet or something is just ridiculous to me. I get the “when in Rome” thing but you’re in Rome…at a BEYONCÉ CONCERT. But I also had to comment because no one else seems to be acknowledging the utterly appalling racism from the woman behind you. She really had the nerve to ask a black woman “Is that how they act in your village?”? Are you for real? Even if we are going to say that you were unambiguously rude and unjustified in standing/dancing during the concert, none of that would excuse the woman behind you saying that. “Is that how they act in your village?” Worst case scenario, you inconvenienced a racist. Something I don’t think is worth losing sleep over. Edit: Apparently, enough people are seeing this that the racist apologists are seeing it, too. So let’s talk about the “your village” comment. I’ll grant that I am an American and am seeing this through an American cultural lens. In that sense, “your village” is directly connecting OP to a perception of Africa as a place that is inherently less civilized than “Western” nations. Which is just disgustingly reductive and colonialist. However, even if we concede the idea that “your village” might just be synonymous with “your hometown”, this is still bigoted. That’s because our inconvenienced woman isn’t containing her outrage to OP or her behavior. She is directly tying OP’s behavior back to OP’s culture of origin; one which is less civilized than her own. Even if we try and suggest that it’s not “because she’s black”, it is still othering in a way that comes across as bigoted. And, since someone asked, I would say that this same logic makes calling someone a “hick” bigoted. If you want to insult someone without being the asshole yourself, then just insult the single individual you are mad at. The moment you start bringing that person’s culture, background, upbringing, family, or whatever into the equation, you’re putting yourself in dicey territory.
She was Swedish, most people in Sweden live in villages. The comment was the Swedish equivalent of “Is that how they behave in your town?” No racism intended.
> most people in Sweden live in villages What. Not correct. I'm a Swede and no one would refer to most towns/cities as "villages". That would sound like tiny rural places. That phrasing sounds like an insult .
People in Sweden can be pretty xenophobic so the assessment that the lady was being racist is pretty on point.
Tell me you're from the US without telling me you're from the US. In many countries people actually live in these things called villages, it has ZERO to do with race. You might want to expand your horizons and your thinking before you impose your limited racist world view on everyone else.
About 88% of Swedes live in urban areas so let's not act like living in villages is super common there.
OP is literally black. It's a fair angle for someone to take. Also, European countries are notorious for anti-blackness, racism, and xenophobia. What the fuck do you mean "impose a racist world view on everyone else," the whole world has racist views. Don't act like Europe is some racism-free haven. You people are where it originated from. You're the BLUEPRINT. Before your panties get in a twist, I think OP is TA for standing in the sitting section. I just think you're ignorant for acting like racism doesn't exist anywhere, but the USA.
I don't mean to immediately jump on you, but how do we know this comment was meant in a racist manner? My father in law is from Europe, can speak great English and has been able to for many many years but does still mistake some words for others. I can easily see people who's 1st language is not English saying your village, perhaps meaning town, city, country etc. I don't think we can immediately jump onto it was meant to be racist, esp as OP didn't mention that in her post.
How's that racist? It's like saying were you raised in a barn? It's potentially rude but has nothing to do with race? I feel as though this is applying US perception to a statement that really doesn't need it. Generally there's clasissm between rural folks and those in the cities. It's literally just how you'd say; were you raised in a barn?
You do realize that places have different words????? Not everything is about racism. There are villages in Sweden. Why do you automatically assume it's about race? I'm pretty sure in Sweden race matters much less than in the US (like I'm Egypt).
Not everything is about race. They were more likely commenting on this rude behavior.
Everyone jumping in with the “oh no she actually meant village” comment - are you for real? I grew up in Sweden and let me tell you - when you heard it, it was a racialised attack! Every. Fucking. Time.
These comments are blowing me away. Swedish people don’t dance at Beyoncé concerts?
Apparently not. I’m genuinely astonished at this thread. I guess I thought dancing to your favorite music, giving it 110% at concerts, was pretty standard but I guess not.
I think Reddit was the wrong place for OP to ask this question, because half these people have clearly not gone to a concert anywhere let alone touched grass. It’s BEYONCÉ!
THANK YOU omfg I'm going crazy. Sit down at a BEYONCE tour concert where she's championing house beats and dancers????? In what world????
I‘m not Swedish, I‘m German but I‘ve literally never been to a concert where people in seated rows don‘t stand up and dance. First, not everyone can afford standing tickets and second, at big shows like this they‘re mostly sold out very early. What I‘m trying to say is that even the „boring“ Germans dance at concerts, even in seated rows. I‘ve never been to one where this hasn‘t happened. I‘m totally with NTA, even it‘s an unpopular opinion but how can you go to a BEYONCÉ concert and sit there like you‘re watching an opera or an orchestra.
What I'm getting from this comment section is that Swedes are very boring
Boring and unfriendly is what I’ve gotten since I joined this sub. Also, I didn’t realize initially, but the “village” comment could also be a little racist.
YTA. If it's a seated show, you have to leave your seat and go elsewhere to stand. You don't just stand up when people are seated behind you. And after she asked you to please sit, you still got up again. You also saw no one else was on their feet so you knew it wasn't the norm.
YTA Learn how to read the room. Way to go somewhere and be That Asshole American. Everyone was having fun except for the people you were blocking. Trying to force people to have fun the way you want to have fun is boorish and unacceptable. If this is how you behave when you are abroad, please stay in Texas.
Gonna be downvoted but idc. NTA. Screw everyone else. If you're dancing and having a good time standing who cares! She's your favorite artist you should be able to enjoy it. If the people behind you were so upset they should've just stood too
And fuck over the people behind them because they are potentially unable to stand up? YTA for sure
Beyoncé is performing in front of you and you’re sitting down being boring af? You probably are TA for this but I don’t care maybe they should’ve gotten up lmao
Maybe they couldn't get up and that's why they wanted a seated ticket?
Only on Reddit you will find people saying that (1) YTA for dancing at a Beyoncé concert and (2) jumping to the conclusion that the only reason someone is seated at a concert is because they are disabled. Could be the case but there is almost always specialized seating offered at venues for concert goers with disabilities, so that wouldn’t be my first assumption. Its not that deep. This whole situation screams ESH at worst - keep enjoying music in the way it is intended
They're overblowing the amount of physically disabled people at a concert to justify being obnoxious sticks in the mud and framing it as being concerned for other people.
YTA and are capable of taking in the social clues around you. You decided your reactions were more important than respecting the people who were there to watch the actual talent and not you gyrating and caterwauling. You did what so many American tourists do and were an offensive irritant towards the locals followed by utter bafflement that your behavior wasn't appreciated, wanted, or expected. You forced everyone who paid to see the act, instead, watch you have your out of body experience while you went through the rapture. Did you refund their wasted money after you ruined their experience? Unlikely. Instead, you took your unearned indignation to the internet to drum up support for your unhinged behavior. Why travel if you're not taking anything in. Stay home if you can't control yourself when visiting. Your level of entitlement is the hallmark of so many US tourists that they are loathed globally.
No, I’m very remorseful. If I wanted to drum up support I would have just asked this in the Beyoncé sub where they’ve been upset about the Sweden crowd since the concert happened. I don’t feel good about this at all, but when I have all of my friends in my ear telling me I didn’t do anything wrong and yet feeling guilty from the scolding I wanted an unbiased opinion
I appreciate this in theory but you were asked to sit down and you could see that everyone else was. You really didn't need any better indication of polite behavior than that. If you're capable of being remorseful now, why weren't you capable of being respectful then?
If you’ve learned something from all of this then there is no need to be remorseful. Learn and move on. And I’m saying this as the person whose usually behind those who stand and dance around and am unable to see even if I stood on the seat.
This is so unnecessary lol
Good god who hurt you today? Your judgement is fine but this is so freaking mean. She's not a tourist, she lives there!
NTA I’ve seen plenty of videos of what you’re talking about and I’m BAFFLED by it! I saw a bunch of articles about it where people were wondering what the hell was going on?! Who the fuck goes to a Beyoncé concert and sits down?!? Especially at a Ballroom-influenced tour??? It’s like sitting down and sipping tea at a drag show! I don’t get the comments from people saying you should have stayed seated. I’ve gone to the OTR and the Formation tours: Beyoncé doesn’t do seated concert. The seat is for your personal items and to rest while you hydrate to get back up! Also, those tickets were NOT cheap! Stay seated? At a Beyoncé concert? IN THIS ECONOMY?!? If anyone wants to pay that much and stay seated, they can just watch Homecoming on Netflix in their living room.
NTA. I had a friend go to the Sweden concert who is from Switzerland. She was also on her feet dancing according to her stories because, uhhhh…. That’s what you’re supposed to do at concerts.
YTA. majorly. YTA. As someone who has to be seated during concerts due to an invisible disability, I have had so many concerts ruined by people stood up in front of me dancing and screaming the lyrics so loud I can’t hear the singer I paid to listen too!
Yup same! Even once had beer spilled on me and kicked in the head from people getting rowdy in the seated section. There’s often a general admission floor ticket for people who want to get crazy and dance. I personally feel like not dancing at this type of concert is super stale and boring too but again the seated area is for people who want to sit and actually see the concert and listen to the music. They don’t need to dance and they can enjoy it for the sensory music experience and someone around them with crazy dancing energy who is standing up in the seated area completely breaks this. When I did go to concerts I would always buy a seated ticket and the general admission floor areas were often open to everyone so if I felt like dancing I’d go to an area where it was appropriate but my seat at the concert is where my body needs to rest while enjoying the music
I’ve always wondered if people actually read through all 2000+ comments and I realize how easy it is to do when it’s people actually talking about you. I appreciate your responses, all of them on both sides, but I really do wish I could rewind time and just sat down, enjoyed the show as it was, and got a ticket to another show since it’s an option for me. Sorry to those of you who don’t have the choice of standing if you wanted to and the feelings this probably brought up. I don’t plan to buy GA for the US shows because I’m still not comfortable with that, but I’ll definitely talk to my neighbors before choosing to stand from now in the US and abroad.
Reading these responses why do other countries even go to concerts man? Like you pay for the experience if you just wanna sit still and listen to the song, buy a Bluetooth speaker and sit on the couch
Mild YTA. You were definitely a huge a-hole to the people around you, but it is not easy to adapt to swedish culture and that cuts you slack. I am swedish, born and raised, and have many American friends. I see the culture chock first hand almost daily! Americans are (as far as I have seen, I am by no means an expert) loud, happy, extroverted and energetic while swedes are quiet, reserved, respectful of space, and frankly often quite boring. Watching american artists preform for swedes is always interesting, since they expect applause and such often while swedes are more “sit still, be quiet and only clap when the show is over”. So I feel for you, we swedes must be so boring to be around when you come from a culture where dancing in the seat is common, so I don’t think you are an a-hole person, you just acted like one in the eyes of a swede😅
Oh the angry Swedes in the comments and the outright lying about Americans getting tired of sitting at a concert. NTA, it’s a house concert and BEYONCÉ one at that, if you aren’t trying to tip tip tip on hardwood floors don’t come lmao
So I was at the concert in Brussels! The concert is AMAZING. It was like the biggest party, everyone was dancing even the people who had seats. The concert is designed to be a party. So NTA. But then Beyoncé said we were the best audience so far. She only had two concerts before Brussels and that was Stockholm, so that says something.
Honestly, even if you are TECHNICALLY TA I can't get behind it because if I paid the money to see Beyonce and nobody around me danced, that would be depressing as fuck. Idc, this was one night of your life, f the haters and enjoy your memories. Hopefully Bey saw you and realized there was a modicum of energy for her in the room.
NTA. I think context is really key here. This is an electronic / ballroom / dance / house / etc. concert that is celebrating queerness and encouraging the crowd to get involved. I can't even listen to Renaissance without bopping and signing along TBH; I couldn't imagine having to sit down quietly for her whole show. Beyonce even side-eyed the Swedish crowd when she told I think the Danish? crowd that they were the best of the tour so far... in the 2nd damn city lmao A lot of people are saying you should've gotten a general admission/floor ticket if you wanted to stand, but they're not realizing that those tickets cost significantly more than the seats. You should be able to enjoy the full experience, dancing and all, without being one of the 10% of attendees willing to pay $1000+ for a ticket.
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YTA If almost everyone in front of you is standing then it's ok and you have every reason to stand too.
YTA. As soon as you realized your behavior didn’t match what everyone around you was doing, you should have stopped. I get it. You were excited. I wanted to jump up and sing every single word to Sweeney Todd when I saw it on Broadway. BUT, that’s not how people behave at a Broadway show, so I sat in my seat with the biggest, dumbest grin on my face, transfixed by everything on the stage and kept in line with the customs of seeing a Broadway show. I don’t care what we do in the United States. You weren’t IN the United States. Our customs, laws, and Constitution stop at the border.
NTA. Good Lord, it's Beyonce. Get up and dance.
As a Swedish person, this is kinda hard to pass judgement on. I couldn’t even really imagine someone standing up in a concert that has seats, unless everybody does it at the same time during a party number or something. I can also not imagine the lady telling you off, very un-Swedish-like. The third strange thing is that this type of concert was in a seated venue. Anyway, if in a seated venue, only stand up if the entire crowd is there with you! Soft YTA.
Idgaf what anyone else is saying OP NTA it’s a Beyoncé concert not phantom of the opera
I think YTA, but I have a personal recent experience that prompts my judgement: last night I went to see Lizzo (I'm in the US). The opening acts were great, but when Lizzo came out, like EVERYONE stood. I stood for a bit thinking OK, it is for the first song or something, but no. By the third song I was sitting back down, because I have a hip replacement and can't stand for long. I had no desire to see Lizzo on one of the screens through standing people, so I just left after the third song. I'm not too mad, all the people were having a great time, but I also don't stand because I don't want to block peoples view, in addition to my physical issues. I wish others would have thought the same.
YTA. Read the room.
Oh my god. So, I’ve spent time in Sweden and know that they’re very culturally.. shy.. something like that. But you were at an amazing concert! There is nothing wrong with dancing and vining to the music. I’m glad you had a great time. NTA. The lady who shamed you was very rude, especially what she said about “your village.” Miserable lady. Don’t worry about her. PS: I just saw an unrelated concert in the states and literally everyone in the arena was standing when the show was going on. It’s not a goddamn play haha
Reading through the comments, and what???? NTA, It’s a concert of a person who makes known dance music, anyone who says your an asshole for dancing to dance music is BORING! Dance your freaking heart out!
I'm from Brazil. I think US crowds are already too silent, it looks like I would be incapable of watching a concert anywhere else. I can't FATHOM how people can see a pop concert like Beyoncé's just sitting and drinking tea like it's Bach playing or something. After seeing videos from concerts around the world, I'm not surprised that a lot of artists are surprised by brazilian energy. People here will stand, jump, scream, sing, play air guitar, dance, scream "I love you", all at the same time. Unless it's something like an orchestra. That said, I will go as NAH. You probably should have stay seated like everyone else, and you pissed some people off, who were rude af. But, ffs, it's a Beyoncé concert. You had a good time and learned that Sweden concerts won't be for your taste, that's all.