Olivia Hannant dives into the topic a lot of fandoms pride themselves on, almost as a measure of how much one supports the artist. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the health and safety of this practice, especially as its prevalence rises in the era of social media.
Swaddled in blankets and sleeping bags along Kingston high street is where supposedly dedicated fans of Louis Tomlinson found themselves on the evening of December 11th, despite being explicitly told that it was not safe to camp out on the streets in below-freezing temperatures by both the venue, Banquet Records, the artist and the local ambulance services. The whole operation then went viral the next day when the organiser sent those who camped to the back of the queue, but why did it have to result in this what some say extreme measure?
Those who are frequent attendees at concerts will be aware of the issues that venues and fans are currently divided over. In previous years maybe ten would gather around the doors several hours earlier to try and acquire the concert-goer's prized spot at the barricade. In recent years I have seen these numbers increase to hundreds who insist on camping out, sometimes several days before abandoning trails of tents and blankets that they are unable to enter venues with. Resulting in the mess that either venue staff have to clear or piles of rubbish that get left, poses the question as to whether the environmental impacts of this culture, the disruption it causes, extra expenses it creates are worth it for a front spot in a, most of the time, unofficial queue?
Unofficial is what these fan-made lines are: the venue security is under no obligation to honour these lines which can cause much disruption, and arguments and whilst common courtesy suggests not cutting lines. It begs the question of who mediates when problems do inevitably arise. Whilst I acknowledge fan camping can create a sense of community and be a bonding experience surely it would be more pleasant for all if this was to occur not on the freezing pavements. I will never forget the utter confusion of security guards when I saw Phoebe Bridgers on her recent tour at O2 Academy Brixton when hundreds of teenagers had arrived at the venue hours before their shifts had even started. Further problems appear when you consider these people have been outside for the last possibly 36 hours without adequate sleep food or drink and unsurprisingly pass out and require being carried out of crowds.
Hopes of a spot at the barricade have become particularly popular, especially through social media (specifically amongst Harry Styles’ fan base as he did residencies at both Madison Square Garden and The Forum). Pictures and videos emerge of fans in the front row just watching the show through their phones in hopes of the perfect Instagram picture or TikTok video. This causes questions as to how we consume live music now: it is no strange thing to look out at a sea of phones during concerts. Are we diluting our live music experiences and is this just the reality for post-covid gigs?
"There is nothing better than showing up for a gig when doors open and happening to get a front row spot, but with camping culture increasing and fans constantly trying to one-up each other the frequency of this is rapidly decreasing."
Among the disruption, the problematic nature of camping on the streets in areas with high crime or homelessness rates and now the risk of being sent to the back of the queue when not following venue regulations. Is camping out for concerts being actively discouraged? Personally, there is nothing better than showing up for a gig when doors open and happening to get a front row spot, but with camping culture increasing and fans constantly trying to one-up each other the frequency of this is rapidly decreasing. The move made by Banquet Records was ultimately one with safeguarding at the forefront, freezing temperatures and posing an inequality between gig attendees who may have to attend work or school; this was a step in the right direction. Although some may view it as extreme it was necessary to prioritise safety and although it is a topic that creates much division, most fans want better and more consistent queue regulation on the day of events.
Olivia Hannant
Edited by Roxann Yus
In-article and cover image courtesy of The Guardian.
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