An earlier version of this article falsely claimed that rapper Oh Boy Prince was injured by a brake pad during an on-stage incident. However, Prince clarified that he was actually hit by the brake pad while driving. We apologize for the error and have made the necessary correction.
Imagine being handed a bag of ashes by a stranger. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Pink at a recent concert. During a performance at the BST Hyde Park music festival in London, a fan threw a plastic bag filled with dark powder onto the stage. Curious, Pink bent down to inspect the bag and asked the fan if it contained their mother. The fan confirmed her suspicion, leaving Pink feeling unsure about how to react. This strange encounter is just one example of the bizarre and sometimes unruly behavior exhibited by fans towards their favorite artists.
The live events industry claims that audience behavior has become increasingly rude, less rule-bound, and more aggressive. While this may be true to some extent, it is important to look beyond superficial news stories to get a better understanding of the situation. Recent incidents involving celebrities being hit by objects thrown by fans, such as Bebe Rexha being struck in the face by a cellphone, Kelsea Ballerini being hit by a bracelet, and Ava Max being slapped, seem to support this narrative. However, it is unclear whether these incidents were intentional or staged.
These incidents are not isolated. In the past, artists like Ice Spice, Bad Bunny, Kid Cudi, and Steve Lacy have also faced similar encounters with unruly fans. However, according to John Drury, a professor of social psychology, these incidents are not indicative of a significant change in concert behavior. Drury’s research, which is funded by Live Nation, suggests that there is a mix of old and new factors contributing to this phenomenon. On one hand, there is the impulse to throw objects at idols using modern technology like iPhones. On the other hand, there is the traditional fan behavior associated with fandom.
According to Drury, concerts haven’t changed much since the rise of rock-and-roll in the 1950s and 1960s. The idea of fans displaying unruly behavior has always been a part of the concert experience. Paul Wertheimer, a crowd safety consultant, agrees with this perspective and believes that recent incidents are not a cause for alarm. He argues that concerts have returned to normalcy after a decline in attendance during the pandemic.
Unruly behavior among fans has deep roots in the desire for an intimate connection with artists. Fans want to be acknowledged and demonstrate their devotion to their favorite musicians. These acts of unruly behavior can be seen as performances of fan identity, showcasing their knowledge and passion for the artist.
So, while recent incidents may seem alarming, they are ultimately a reflection of the ongoing dynamic between fans and artists. Concerts have always been a space where fans express their adoration and create unforgettable moments, even if they sometimes cross the line.
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