Concert abuse in the 2020s
{{Short description|Phenomenon at musical concerts}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
Concert abuse is a phenomenon attributed to the loss of concert etiquette between the audience and the performer. It has a long history, but experienced a resurgence in the 2020s decade after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns were lifted and audiences began to return and attend live concerts again. After social distancing began to dissipate in 2021, multiple performing artists became the victims of fan misbehaviour.
Incidents include the cancellation of a concert and loss of ten lives in two separate events in October and November 2021 at the NRG Arena. Bad fan behaviour has interfered with the performances of artists such as Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, the Killers, Miley Cyrus, Rubén Albarrán, Gerard Way, Maroon 5, Mac DeMarco, and Rosalía, among others. Artists have criticised fans for their lack of concert etiquette which endangers performers. Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, Kelly Hansen, Tim McGraw, Chappell Roan, and John Mayer have all condemned the behaviour.
The occupational hazards of performing on stage have been known since at least the 1760s, with historical spikes increasing in the 1950s. The post-pandemic decline in concert etiquette and rise in concert abuse in the 2020s is variously attributed to the effects of lockdowns, social media, misogyny, status symbolification, and artists' own on-stage behaviour.
Background
{{main|Bottling (concert abuse)}}
Concert audiences have a long history of abuse beginning in at least 1763, when an Artaxerxes audience revolted at the withdrawal of half-price tickets for those who came to the theatre after the main play to see the after-piece.{{Citation |last=Boitard |first=L |title=Print |date=1763 |url=https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O139520/print-boitard-l/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |publisher=Victoria and Albert Museum |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819112113/https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O139520/print-boitard-l/ |url-status=live }} In the 1840s, fans of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt engaged in outrageous behavior known as Lisztomania, which was considered a real contagious medical condition at the time.{{cite news|last=McKenry|first=Timothy|date=2023-08-10|title=Throwing things on stage is bad concert etiquette – but it's also not a new trend|url=https://theconversation.com/throwing-things-on-stage-is-bad-concert-etiquette-but-its-also-not-a-new-trend-210717|work=The Conversation|access-date=2023-08-25|url-status=live|archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816034514/https://theconversation.com/throwing-things-on-stage-is-bad-concert-etiquette-but-its-also-not-a-new-trend-210717}} Audience misbehaviour increased sharply in the 1950s. After George Harrison said that his favourite sweet was jelly babies, audiences threw jelly beans at his band the Beatles;{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |title=This Might Be Why People Are Throwing Things At Performers At Concerts |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-people-are-throwing-things-performers-concerts_l_64ca89c1e4b03d9b515f3cbb |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819140151/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-people-are-throwing-things-performers-concerts_l_64ca89c1e4b03d9b515f3cbb |url-status=live }} similarly, from 1968 onwards, Tom Jones' audiences threw underwear at him on stage.{{Cite news |last=McGrath |first=Nick |date=2021-04-03 |title=Sir Tom Jones: 'The knicker throwing started in the Copacabana in New York in 1968' |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/03/this-much-i-know-sir-tom-jones-the-knicker-throwing-started-in-new-york-in-1968 |access-date=2023-08-19 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819112111/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/03/this-much-i-know-sir-tom-jones-the-knicker-throwing-started-in-new-york-in-1968 |url-status=live }} In 1982, a fan threw a live bat at Ozzy Osbourne on stage, which he, believing it to be made out of rubber, bit the head off of.{{Cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=2022-01-20 |title=Ozzy Osbourne Bit the Head Off a Live Bat 40 Years Ago Today |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbourne-bites-head-off-bat-anniversary-1287867/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730135111/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbourne-bites-head-off-bat-anniversary-1287867/ |url-status=live }}
Many artists have suffered injury while performing. In 2004, David Bowie had to pause a show after a projectile lollipop hit his eye,{{Cite web |date=2023-02-07 |title=When David Bowie was assaulted by a lollipop |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/david-bowie-assaulted-by-a-lollipop/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk |language=en-US |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730135111/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/david-bowie-assaulted-by-a-lollipop/ |url-status=live }} and in a separate incident, Dimebag Darrell was killed on-stage by an armed fan. In 2005, Pierre Bouvier was hospitalized after receiving a bottle to the eye at an Ovation Music Festival concert, prompting his band Simple Plan to cancel an appearance at ReAct Now: Music & Relief,{{Cite web |title=Simple Plan's Homecoming Welcome: A Bottle To The Face |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/xn3ovh/simple-plans-homecoming-welcome-a-bottle-to-the-face |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=MTV |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829100420/https://www.mtv.com/news/xn3ovh/simple-plans-homecoming-welcome-a-bottle-to-the-face |url-status=dead }} and the following year, Brendon Urie was bruised and knocked out by a bottle at Reading Festival, resuming "The Only Difference Between Suicide and Martyrdom Is Press Coverage" after regaining consciousness.{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-08-25 |title=Panic! At The Disco speak after bottling |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/panic-at-the-disco-73-1358453 |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829094917/https://www.nme.com/news/music/panic-at-the-disco-73-1358453 |url-status=live }} In 2010, Tila Tequila received a cut to the face that drew blood while performing at Gathering of the Juggalos, and later had the windows of her SUV smashed by an angry mob.{{Cite web |title=Tila Tequila suffers cuts, but escapes juggalos attack - CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/08/15/tila.tequila.attacked/index.html |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=www.cnn.com |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829094919/http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/08/15/tila.tequila.attacked/index.html |url-status=live }} In May 2013, Toots Hibbert commenced a three-year break after developing anxiety, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, enochlophobia, and stage fright after a bottle hit him in the head at an American festival performance,{{Cite news |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |date=2020-09-12 |title=Toots Hibbert, pioneering reggae star, dies aged 77 |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/12/toots-hibbert-pioneering-reggae-star-dies-aged-77 |access-date=2023-08-29 |issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829094917/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/12/toots-hibbert-pioneering-reggae-star-dies-aged-77 |url-status=live }} for which the thrower was imprisoned for six months;{{Cite web |date=2013-12-12 |title=Despite singer's request, 'Toots' bottle-thrower sentenced to jail |url=https://www.wtvr.com/2013/12/12/toots-hibbert-bottle-trial |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829094919/https://www.wtvr.com/2013/12/12/toots-hibbert-bottle-trial |url-status=live }} and in 2016, Christina Grimmie was killed after a concert.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=August |date=2023-07-06 |title=What's behind the epidemic of concertgoers throwing stuff at artists? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-07-06/drake-bebe-rexha-pink-ava-max-fans-concerts-throwing-phones |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730135111/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-07-06/drake-bebe-rexha-pink-ava-max-fans-concerts-throwing-phones |url-status=live }}
Some artists made interacting with projectiles part of their act. Harry Styles, who had previously had tampons thrown at him while a member of One Direction,{{Cite web |date=2022-11-22 |title=The long, strange history of people throwing stuff at Harry Styles |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/harry-styles-fans-throwing-skittles |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=British GQ |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705031044/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/harry-styles-fans-throwing-skittles |url-status=live }} and who slipped on a splattered kiwifruit at a November 2017 Hammersmith Apollo concert (which caused a branch of Asda in Hulme to ban sales of kiwifruit to under 25s),{{Cite web |date=2017-11-06 |title=Asda bans under-25s from buying kiwis to protect Harry Styles |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/asda-kiwis-ban-harry-styles-under-25s-protect-1d-singer-concert-manchester-one-direction-a8035131.html |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826140753/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/asda-kiwis-ban-harry-styles-under-25s-protect-1d-singer-concert-manchester-one-direction-a8035131.html |url-status=live }} would wear feather boas and cowboy hats and wave pride flags thrown by audience members. Meanwhile, artists such as Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish would take fans' phones mid-concert and film themselves.
Incidents
= 2021 =
After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, live music attendance increased, including some first-time attendees.{{Cite magazine |last=Brooks |first=Dave |date=2021-07-15 |title=New Concertgoers Fueling Live Music Comeback, Data Shows |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/touring-live-concerts-midyear-2021-analysis/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819155657/https://www.billboard.com/pro/touring-live-concerts-midyear-2021-analysis/ |url-status=live }} In October 2021, fans breaching security barriers outside NRG Arena caused a Playboi Carti concert to be cancelled,{{Cite news |title=Playboi Carti concert canceled after chaos outside NRG Arena |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Playboi-Carti-houston-concert-canceled-after-chaos-16558719.php |access-date=19 August 2023 |website=Houston Chronicle |date=24 October 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819183301/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Playboi-Carti-houston-concert-canceled-after-chaos-16558719.php |url-status=live |last1=Downen |first1=Robert }} and on 5 November, at the same venue, fans surged toward the stage during Travis Scott's set, squeezing people so tightly together that they could not breathe or move their arms, resulting in ten deaths.{{Cite news |title=What to Know About the Houston Astroworld Tragedy |work=The New York Times |date=15 November 2021 |language=en |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/astroworld-festival-what-to-know.html |access-date=2023-08-19 |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219043013/https://www.nytimes.com/article/astroworld-festival-what-to-know.html |url-status=live |last1=Patel |first1=Vimal |last2=Kasakove |first2=Sophie }}File:Farmacias Similares, Mazatlán.jpg
In November 2021, a concertgoer at that year's Corona Capital festival passed a Dr. Simi doll through the crowd after seeing Aurora accept a bouquet of flowers and a card from a fan, a common custom amongst Mexican concertgoers. After she hugged the doll, the exchange went viral, prompting others to follow suit. Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, the Killers, Miley Cyrus, Rubén Albarrán, Gerard Way, Maroon 5, Mac DeMarco, and Rosalía had dolls thrown at them over the following fifteen months. Most were grateful, with Rosalía specifically requesting them, although Albarrán responded by biting its head off,{{Cite web |last=Janowitz |first=Nathaniel |date=2023-02-10 |title=Why Do People Keep Throwing This Bald Doll at Celebrities? |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/dr-simi-dolls-mexico-harry-styles-celebrities/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819140153/https://www.vice.com/en/article/akex74/dr-simi-dolls-mexico-harry-styles-celebrities |url-status=live }} and Gaga's fan base responded to a doll hitting her in the head with criticism for the launcher.{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=2022-08-11 |title=Lady Gaga hit in the face by Dr Simi doll thrown from audience |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lady-gaga-hit-in-the-face-by-dr-simi-doll-thrown-from-audience-3287888 |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819112112/https://www.nme.com/news/music/lady-gaga-hit-in-the-face-by-dr-simi-doll-thrown-from-audience-3287888 |url-status=live }}
= 2022 =
In March 2022, videos of concertgoers sexually harassing Clairo during her performances of "Blouse" were posted online. The song's lyrics detail her experience being sexualized in the music industry. Shortly after the incident, she acquired a sinus infection and took the opportunity to take a break from performing in general, necessitating the rescheduling of several dates of her Sling Tour.{{Cite web |last=Jacob |first=Lola |date=2022-03-10 |title=Live show etiquette... is this why we can't have nice things? |url=https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/clairo/18299 |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Coup De Main Magazine |language=en |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820041744/https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/clairo/18299 |url-status=live }} In July, Kid Cudi ended a Rolling Loud Miami concert early after being bottled.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-23 |title=Rolling Loud: Kid Cudi Walks Offstage As Crowd Won't Stop Throwing Bottles |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2194071/rolling-loud-kid-cudi-walks-offstage-kanye-west-lil-durk/news/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Stereogum |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826125255/https://www.stereogum.com/2194071/rolling-loud-kid-cudi-walks-offstage-kanye-west-lil-durk/news/ |url-status=live }} In August, Harry Styles, a vegetarian, was hit by a flying chicken nugget at Madison Square Garden, prompting him to ask who threw it.{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=2022-08-29 |title=Harry Styles Stops MSG Show to Ask Audience, 'Who Threw That Chicken Nugget?' |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/harry-styles-msg-chicken-nuggets-hit-stage-1235353332/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826140753/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/harry-styles-msg-chicken-nuggets-hit-stage-1235353332/ |url-status=live }} He would later be hit in the testicles by a flying object in October 2022,{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=2022-10-17 |title=Harry Styles Shakes Off 'Unfortunate' Concert Moment When an Object Hits Him Where It Hurts: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/harry-styles-hit-in-groin-flying-object-during-concert-1235156926/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} attacked with Skittles the following month,{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=2022-11-17 |title=Skittles Reminds Fans to Keep Their Candy to Themselves After Harry Styles Injured by Flying Skittle |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/skittles-responds-harry-styles-injured-1234632207/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} and attacked with a rose in July 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-11 |title=Fans keep throwing objects at musicians. This list of incidents is proof of the trend |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/fans-throwing-objects-concerts-trend-2023-rcna93631 |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}} In October 2022, Rosalía was hit in the face by a flying bouquet of roses,{{Cite web |last=Robledo |first=Anthony |title=Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses will stop throwing mic into crowd after fan was allegedly injured |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/12/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-ends-mic-tradition-fan-injury/10833186002/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} and later that month,{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-01-04 |title=There is a serious problem with live music audiences right now |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/57874/1/live-music-audiences-problem-bad-bunny-steve-lacy-azealia-banks-kehlani |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=Dazed |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731153559/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/57874/1/live-music-audiences-problem-bad-bunny-steve-lacy-azealia-banks-kehlani |url-status=live }} Steve Lacy smashed an iPhone thrown at him.{{Cite news |last=Demopoulos |first=Alaina |date=2023-06-22 |title=From Bebe Rexha to Steve Lacy: why are fans throwing phones at musicians? |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/22/music-concerts-fans-throwing-phones |url-status=live |access-date=2023-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731133814/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/22/music-concerts-fans-throwing-phones |archive-date=31 July 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} The following month, Piri & Tommy, who decorated their Froge.tour set with their signature frog decorations,{{Cite web |date=2022-11-10 |title='Mutations Festival' – Day Two Report (Friday) |url=https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2022/11/10/mutations-festival-day-two-report-friday/ |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=Brighton and Hove News |language=en-US}} had them stolen after a Leeds gig.{{Cite web |title=Gig Review: piri & tommy at The Bodega - Leftlion - Nottingham Culture |url=https://leftlion.co.uk/features/2022/11/gig-review-piri-and-tommy-at-bodega/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=leftlion.co.uk |language=en}}
In December, Azealia Banks refused to play further concerts in Australia after having a bottle thrown at her,{{Cite news |last=Cain |first=Sian |date=2022-12-14 |title='This place makes me utterly miserable': Azealia Banks refuses to tour Australia again |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/14/this-place-makes-me-utterly-miserable-azealia-banks-refuses-to-tour-australia-again |access-date=2023-08-19 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803203427/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/14/this-place-makes-me-utterly-miserable-azealia-banks-refuses-to-tour-australia-again |url-status=live }} and Kehlani reported that a fan had sexually assaulted her as she left a concert.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-15 |title=Kehlani 'Sick To Their Stomach' After Being Sexually Assaulted By Fan |url=https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/kehlani-sick-to-their-stomach-after-being-sexually-assaulted/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=Essence |language=en-US |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819140151/https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/kehlani-sick-to-their-stomach-after-being-sexually-assaulted/ |url-status=live }} A crowd crush at an Asake concert at Brixton Academy caused the death of two concertgoers.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-26 |title=Brixton Academy faces indefinite closure after fatal crush |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/brixton-academy-faces-indefinite-closure/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk |language=en-US |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901153634/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/brixton-academy-faces-indefinite-closure/ |url-status=live }} Initially blamed on a ticketless mob, the crush was determined to be the result of security failures. In response, Lambeth London Borough Council closed the site, causing 44 acts to have to find alternative sites for their concerts.{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=James |date=2023-01-25 |title=What Brixton's Asake crush means for the future of crowd safety – and live music |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/concerts/brixtons-horror-crush-future-crowd-safety/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901163459/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/concerts/brixtons-horror-crush-future-crowd-safety/ |url-status=live }}
= 2023 =
In April 2023, Kane Brown was hit in the testicles by an expensive projectile cowboy boot at an Intrust Bank Arena concert, shortly after he sung the line "I was in the wrong place at the wrong time" from his feature on Marshmello's "One Thing Right". Brown signed the boot and returned it to the audience member.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-14 |title=Kane Brown Hit In The Balls By Thrown Boot In Wichita |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2220368/kane-brown-hit-in-the-balls-by-thrown-boot-in-wichita/news/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Stereogum |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826125258/https://www.stereogum.com/2220368/kane-brown-hit-in-the-balls-by-thrown-boot-in-wichita/news/ |url-status=live }}
On 17 June 2023, an active Joint Base Lewis–McChord member killed two people after taking mushrooms at that year's Beyond Wonderland festival.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=2023-06-23 |title=Beyond Wonderland shooting suspect blames act on bad mushroom trip |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/beyond-wonderland-shooting-suspect-blames-act-on-bad-mushroom-trip-3460036 |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820035100/https://www.nme.com/news/music/beyond-wonderland-shooting-suspect-blames-act-on-bad-mushroom-trip-3460036 |url-status=live }} The following day, a New Jersey man threw his cell phone at Bebe Rexha while she was performing her Best F*n Night of my Life Tour at Pier 17 in South Street Seaport, giving her a black eye and laceration. The assailant was arrested, charged, and arraigned for the attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/06/19/bebe-rexha-assault-man-charged-throwsphone-at-star-onstage/70335320007/|title=New Jersey man charged with assault after throwing phone at Bebe Rexha during show|work=USA Today|last=Ashford|first=Joy|date=19 June 2023|access-date=20 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619202423/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/06/19/bebe-rexha-assault-man-charged-throwsphone-at-star-onstage/70335320007/|url-status=live}} Two days later, a man jumped on stage and slapped Ava Max at a Fonda Theatre "On Tour (Finally)" concert,{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ava-max-says-was-slapped-stage-los-angeles-performance-rcna90469|title=Ava Max says she was slapped onstage during Los Angeles performance|date=21 June 2023 |publisher=NBC News|accessdate=11 July 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114627/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ava-max-says-was-slapped-stage-los-angeles-performance-rcna90469|url-status=live}} prompting the show's planned meet and greet to be delayed by an hour.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/ava-max-slapped-in-face-and-scratched-in-the-eye-by-man-who-runs-on-stage-during-her-la-show-12907430|title=Ava Max slapped in face and scratched in the eye by man who runs on stage during her LA show|publisher=Sky News|accessdate=11 July 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114623/https://news.sky.com/story/ava-max-slapped-in-face-and-scratched-in-the-eye-by-man-who-runs-on-stage-during-her-la-show-12907430|url-status=live}} She later revealed that the inside of her eye was scratched, and that the perpetrator would not be allowed at any of her other shows.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65975556|title=Ava Max says stage invader scratched her eye during LA concert|last=McIntosh|first=Steven|publisher=BBC News|date=21 June 2023|access-date=3 July 2023|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703094056/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65975556|url-status=live}} On 24 June, Sexyy Red ended her performance at that year's Summer Smash festival early after having objects thrown at her; six days later, she would chastise an audience at Detroit's Wild Mustang Gentleman's Club for throwing money at her.{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Natalee |date=2023-07-03 |title=Sexyy Red Goes Off After Getting Money Thrown at Her During Performance – Watch |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/sexyy-red-goes-off-money-thrown-performance/ |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=XXL Mag |language=en |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812153517/https://www.xxlmag.com/sexyy-red-goes-off-money-thrown-performance/ |url-status=live }}
On 27 June 2023, on the first day of a two-day leg at BST Hyde Park, P!nk received a wheel of Brie, and the day after received the ashes of a fan's dead mother.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-06-28/pink-singer-weird-fan-gifts-onstage-ashes-brie-cheese-cremated-human-remains|title=Pink gets given cheese onstage a day after she was given ashes|work=Los Angeles Times|date=28 June 2023 |accessdate=11 July 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114627/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-06-28/pink-singer-weird-fan-gifts-onstage-ashes-brie-cheese-cremated-human-remains|url-status=live}} Also on 28 June 2023, during the Idaho Botanical Garden leg of her Heartfelt tour, Kelsea Ballerini had a bracelet thrown at her during her, triggering her PTSD, and prompting her to go off stage and chastise the audience on her return.{{cite web|url=https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/a44387039/kelsea-ballerini-hit-with-an-object-during-her-concert/|title=Kelsea Ballerini Hit With an Object During Her Idaho Concert|date=29 June 2023 |publisher=Seventeen Magazine|accessdate=11 July 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114627/https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/a44387039/kelsea-ballerini-hit-with-an-object-during-her-concert/|url-status=live}}
On 1 July 2023, while performing at Lollapalooza in Sweden, a fan threw a fleshlight at Lil Nas X, leading him to quip "Who threw they pussy on stage?" and change his Twitter name to "Pussy" for the whole of 3 July.{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/lil_nas_x_dodges_projectile_sex_toy_who_threw_they_pussy_on_stage|title=Lil Nas X Dodges Projectile Sex Toy: "Who Threw They Pussy on Stage?"|publisher=Exclaim.ca|accessdate=11 July 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114627/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/lil_nas_x_dodges_projectile_sex_toy_who_threw_they_pussy_on_stage|url-status=live}}
On 5 July 2023, Drake had a phone thrown at him during his performance of Ginuwine's "So Anxious", during the United Center leg of his It's All a Blur Tour;{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fan-throws-phone-drake-during-tour-kickoff-chicago-its-all-a-blur-21-savage-3466160|title=Fan throws phone at Drake on stage during tour kickoff|date=7 July 2023 |publisher=NME|accessdate=11 July 2023|archive-date=11 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114623/https://www.nme.com/news/music/fan-throws-phone-drake-during-tour-kickoff-chicago-its-all-a-blur-21-savage-3466160|url-status=live}} throughout the tour, videos of Drake getting pelted with bras, and occasionally shoes and hats, surfaced on social media, prompting him to express deep disappointment at not having them thrown at a Montreal concert.{{Cite web |title=Drake Was Disappointed to Have No Bras Thrown at Him During Montreal Concert |url=https://people.com/drake-disappointed-to-have-no-bras-thrown-at-him-during-montreal-concert-7562400 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Peoplemag |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826125254/https://people.com/drake-disappointed-to-have-no-bras-thrown-at-him-during-montreal-concert-7562400 |url-status=live }} A 36G bra thrown at him by a TikTok
On 7 and 8 July 2023, Taylor Swift performed at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City as part of her Eras Tour.{{Cite magazine |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=2023-07-09 |title=Taylor Swift Proves Third Time's the Charm With 'Last Kiss' Performance |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-last-kiss-performance-eras-tour-watch-1234785300/ |access-date=2023-09-13 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} Concertgoers making and exchanging themed friendship bracelets were a trend at the tour due to the lyrics of Swift's song "You're on Your Own, Kid".{{cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=May 19, 2023 |title=Sweetest Friendship Bracelet Moments at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-friendship-bracelets/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529122934/https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-friendship-bracelets/ |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=May 29, 2023}} While Swift was leaving the stadium after the show, some fans threw friendship bracelets at her, with one of them almost hitting Swift in the face, prompting her to duck, and for her security guards to scold the audiencegoer responsible.{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Sammi |date=2023-07-13 |title=Taylor Swift Dodges Objects Being Thrown at Her by Fans |url=https://parade.com/news/taylor-swift-dodges-friendship-bracelets-thrown-fans-eras-tour-concert-video |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Parade |language=en |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906140921/https://parade.com/news/taylor-swift-dodges-friendship-bracelets-thrown-fans-eras-tour-concert-video |url-status=live }} On 9 July, Latto had an object thrown at her, prompting her to threaten the concertgoer responsible with having their "ass beat",{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Vernon |date=2023-07-13 |title=Latto Threatens to Fight Fan Who Threw Item on Stage All While Continuing to Perform |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/latto-threatens-fight-fan-while-performing/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=XXL Mag |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821094214/https://www.xxlmag.com/latto-threatens-fight-fan-while-performing/ |url-status=live }} and on 29 July 2023, Roméo Elvis – who had taken a break from performing after being accused of unwanted touching – was pelted with stones at an {{Ill|Ecaussystème|fr}} festival concert, prompting him to call his audience "junkyard dogs" and tell them to "aim better".{{Cite web |date=31 July 2023 |title=Stones thrown at Roméo Elvis during concert |url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/625190/stones-thrown-at-romeo-elvis-during-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826125258/https://www.brusselstimes.com/625190/stones-thrown-at-romeo-elvis-during-concert |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=The Brussels Times |language=en}}
Also on 29 July 2023, in an incident caught on camera from multiple angles by several fans, Cardi B had water thrown at her face. Both she and her DJ had earlier requested that the audience "splash her pussy". She reacted to having water thrown at her by launching her microphone at the audience, prompting security to surround the perpetrator and retrieve it. The fact that her voice could still be heard caused her to face allegations of lip synching; in addition, a concertgoer later reported her for battery,{{Cite news |date=2023-07-31 |title=Cardi B throws microphone into crowd at gig after being hit by drink |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66358971 |access-date=2023-07-31 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731133814/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66358971 |url-status=live }} a claim assessed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department but dropped for lack of evidence.{{Cite news |date=2023-08-04 |title=Cardi B: US police drop battery investigation over thrown microphone |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66403783 |access-date=2023-08-04 |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804132343/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66403783 |url-status=live }} The microphone was later auctioned by the owner of an audio equipment hire company, raising $99,900.{{Cite news |date=2023-08-09 |title=Microphone thrown by Cardi B makes $100k for charity |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66449146 |access-date=2023-08-09 |archive-date=9 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809133655/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66449146 |url-status=live }}
On 13 August, a fan threw her bra at Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers at a Yankee Stadium Jonas Brothers Five Albums. One Night. The World Tour concert.{{Cite web |title=Nick Jonas keeps cool as fan throws undergarment onstage during concert |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/504882-nick-jonas-keeps-cool-as-fan-throws-undergarment-onstage-during-concert |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819140152/https://www.geo.tv/latest/504882-nick-jonas-keeps-cool-as-fan-throws-undergarment-onstage-during-concert |url-status=live }} He would later have a wristband thrown at him at a Toronto concert on 19 August,{{Cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=2023-08-21 |title=Jonas Brothers Dedicate 'Little Bird' to Valentina, a Fan's Late Child, in Toronto |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jonas-brothers-little-bird-valentina-1235396318/ |access-date=2023-09-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} prompting him to warn the thrower not to do that again,{{Cite web |date=2023-08-20 |title=Nick Jonas reacts angrily after someone from crowd throws object at him on stage during concert. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/nick-jonas-reacts-angrily-video-fans-throws-object-concert-101692521050393.html |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826130624/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/nick-jonas-reacts-angrily-video-fans-throws-object-concert-101692521050393.html |url-status=live }} and several bracelets thrown at him on 11 September, prompting him to plead the audience to stop.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title=Nick Jonas asks fans to stop throwing objects on stage during live shows |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/nick-jonas-fans-throwing-items-on-stage-b2410514.html |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}} On 31 August, at a Don Juan World Tour concert at Sacramento, California, Maluma caught a fan's projectile crutch{{Cite web |title=Maluma Caught a Crutch Thrown at Him on Stage During His Don Juan World Tour Opener |url=https://people.com/maluma-caught-crutch-thrown-at-him-on-stage-don-juan-world-tour-7968346 |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} and grinded on it,{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=2023-09-11 |title=Maluma Catches a Crutch (and Dances With It) After Fan Throws It Onstage |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/maluma-catches-crutch-thrown-onstage-1234822490/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} and on 21 September, a fan threw a phone at him, prompting him to break off from his performance to chastise the perpetrator.{{Cite news |last=Kiest |first=Jim |date=2023-09-25 |title=Fan reportedly hit Maluma with a phone during San Antonio concert |url=https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/article/maluma-hit-by-phone-18388102.php |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=San Antonio Express-News |language=en-US}}
On 12 November, at an Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Taylor Swift asked fans to not throw objects on stage after one landed next to her piano.{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-throw-objects-stage-buenos-aires-eras-tour-1235789033/ |title=Taylor Swift Asks Fans Not to Throw Objects on Stage at Buenos Aires Concert: 'It Really Freaks Me Out' |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |website=Variety |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023}}
=2024=
On 20 April, as rapper Nicki Minaj was performing in Detroit as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, an object was thrown at her; Minaj blocked the object with her hand, then picked it up and threw it back into the audience.{{cite magazine |url=https://people.com/nicki-minaj-throws-item-back-into-crowd-after-nearly-getting-hit-by-object-onstage-8636718 |title=Nicki Minaj Throws Item Back into Crowd After Nearly Getting Hit by Object Onstage |last=Rockson |first=Gabrielle |magazine=People |date=April 22, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2024}}
In November, Zach Bryan paused his concert at Tacoma, Washington when an object thrown onto the stage hit a guest, while in Pattaya, Thailand, Wiz Khalifa scolded a fan who threw money onto the stage.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/zach-bryan-wiz-khalifa-stop-concerts-objects-thrown-on-stage-1235839037/ |title=Zach Bryan and Wiz Khalifa Pause Shows After Objects Thrown On Stage |last=Lynch |first=Jessica |magazine=Billboard |date=November 26, 2024 |access-date=December 12, 2024}} On November 29, Kacey Musgraves was nearly grabbed and pulled into the crowd by a fan.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/kacey-musgraves-calls-out-tampa-fan-grabbed-her-ruined-show-1235841667/ |title=Kacey Musgraves Calls Out Handsy Tampa Fan Who 'Ruined' Show By Grabbing Her |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |magazine=Billboard |date=December 2, 2024 |access-date=December 12, 2024}}
On December 13, Billie Eilish was struck in the face mid-performance by an object thrown onto the stage.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-hit-face-necklace-arizona-concert-video-1235857152/ |title=Billie Eilish Struck in Face by Necklace While Performing 'What Was I Made For?' in Arizona |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |magazine=Billboard |date=December 14, 2024 |access-date=December 15, 2024}}
Causes
The abuse has been attributed to various causes. Writing in December 2022, Rachel Soloff of The Pitt News suggested that, having engaged with them via social media and Instagram Q&As, "fans may see these musicians as a peer rather than an artist who they don’t actually know", which led them to "believe that because they support an artist, they have to do exactly what the fans want and indulge their stupidity". She also blamed the status symbolification of attending concerts caused by "the exorbitant pricing of concert tickets", and singled out Ticketmaster and Bruce Springsteen for criticism.{{Cite web |last=Soloff |first=Rachel |date=2022-12-02 |title=Opinion {{!}} COVID-19 ruined concert culture |url=https://pittnews.com/article/177654/opinions/opinion-covid-19-ruined-concert-culture/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=The Pitt News |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820101033/https://pittnews.com/article/177654/opinions/opinion-covid-19-ruined-concert-culture/ |url-status=live }} Writing in January 2023, Serena Smith of Dazed argued that new concert attendees did not know how to behave, and asserted that some fans had main character syndrome, while Cardiff University lecturer Dr. Lucy Bennett put forward the idea that fans might be forming parasocial relationships with their favourite artists, which could explain part of the problem.
Writing in February 2023, Madison Heydari of The Daily Reveille noted that the abuse was part of a decline in the general concert experience. The rise of the popularity of TikTok during the pandemic meant, Heydari explained, that some fans retained their "desire to video everything in hopes of capturing the perfect moment". Heydari argues that this fear of missing out (FOMO) made every aspect of attending concerts a competitive space, from purchasing tickets to finding the right clothing to wear. She also observed that at some concerts, fans would camp out for days and even weeks before the show. Once the concert began, the first five rows of concertgoers were often motionless to facilitate filming for posting on social media.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-20 |title=Opinion: Post-pandemic concerts are worse, and concert-goers are to blame {{!}} Opinion {{!}} lsureveille.com |url=https://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/opinion-post-pandemic-concerts-are-worse-and-concert-goers-are-to-blame/article_214f276a-a4dd-11ed-b782-43925fca47ff.html |access-date=2023-08-23 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820101036/https://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/opinion-post-pandemic-concerts-are-worse-and-concert-goers-are-to-blame/article_214f276a-a4dd-11ed-b782-43925fca47ff.html |url-status=live }}
Some fans attributed the behavior to artists taking fans' phones mid-performance and filming themselves, with impatient fans wanting to be part of the action. Others blamed artists for throwing objects into the crowd; writing in June 2023, Alaina Demopoulous of The Guardian cited the examples of Axl Rose, who for decades was known for throwing his microphone into the crowd, only stopping in 2022 after an Australian fan received a black eye and broken nose; Chris Brown, who threw a fan's phone into the audience in March 2023 after objecting to being filmed while administering a lap dance; and Beyoncé, who had thrown her sunglasses into the crowd on 30 May 2023.{{Cite web |last=Duran |first=Anagricel |date=2023-06-02 |title=Beyoncé gives her sunglasses back to a fan after a security scuffle |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/beyonce-gives-her-sunglasses-back-to-a-fan-after-a-security-scuffle-3451153 |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} Demopoulous also used her article to note that security concerns were focused more on crowd crushes following the Astroworld and the Seoul Halloween crowd crush incidents. Bob Brecht of live event production company TSE Entertainment proposed seating the crowd far enough away from the artist so that they could not reach them, but believed artists "would never stand for that, because they get a lot of their enthusiasm and excitement from a crowd".
Writing in July 2023, Joel Golby of The Guardian suggested it was a combination of three trends. One, "the elastic back-and-forth of fan and artist closeness that boomed during the peak of social media (and led to the current ferocious energy of stan culture)" beginning to regain "its controlled distance again" meant that fans were struggling to accept that their favourite artists were "letting someone from 'their team' do all their tweets and grid posts again". Two, with TikTok filled with comprehensive footage of prior gigs, Golby said fans needed another way of getting a unique experience. And three, Golby blamed fans for wanting to enter fans' lore books and for wanting to become a meme. Golby also pointed out that some artists were encouraging the latter, citing Charli XCX signing poppers and a douche during various 2019 meet-and-greets and Phoebe Bridgers commemorating being handed a sword by getting a tattoo of the event.{{cite news |title=Choosing to throw a full wheel of brie at Pink is not a normal decision – but these are not normal times |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/05/throw-wheel-of-brie-at-pink-fans-extreme-gigs |accessdate=11 July 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=5 July 2023 |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711060805/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/05/throw-wheel-of-brie-at-pink-fans-extreme-gigs |url-status=live |last1=Golby |first1=Joel }}
Writing in July 2023, crowd safety manager Paul Wertheimer argued that the abuse should be seen as part of a wider pattern that had cost Christina Grimmie and Dimebag Darrell their lives, and criticised "the industry" for not learning lessons from their deaths; Wertheimer also blamed post-lockdown aggression for the post-pandemic increase in threats against performers, and suggested that security could stand in the crowd instead of close to the stage to better address the problem. Carla Penna, psychoanalyst and crowd researcher, also blamed social media for eroding the borders between fans and artists. She noted misogyny as one possible cause, and suggested that "2½ years of lockdown and social distance" meant that "people changed their behavior, and many still feel uneasy in crowded or confined spaces".
Responses
The assault on Harry Styles with Skittles prompted venues to stop allowing fans to bring gifts. Bebe Rexha started wearing protective eyewear during performances following her assault.{{Cite web |last= |date=3 July 2023 |title=Eye protection, but make it chic: Bebe Rexha's shades shield her face after phone fiasco |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-07-03/bebe-rexha-wears-safety-glasses-phone-attack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716104131/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-07-03/bebe-rexha-wears-safety-glasses-phone-attack |archive-date=16 July 2023 |access-date=16 July 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Taylor Swift's fans created a concert etiquette guide.
DJ Zane Lowe asked fans to stop throwing things at artists. During a July 2023 show for her Weekends with Adele residency, Adele called on fans to "stop throwing things at the artist", and joked that she will "fucking kill" anyone who threw anything at her.{{cite web |title=Adele calls on fans to "stop throwing" things at artists on stage |date=4 July 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/adele-calls-on-fans-to-stop-throwing-things-at-artists-on-stage-3464740 |accessdate=11 July 2023 |publisher=NME |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114627/https://www.nme.com/news/music/adele-calls-on-fans-to-stop-throwing-things-at-artists-on-stage-3464740 |url-status=live }} Alicia Keys responded by installing her eight-year old son as a security guard,{{Cite web |date=1 August 2023 |title=Alicia Keys' 8-year-old son stands guard at concert after 'object throwing' incidents |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2023-08-01/alicia-keys-son-stands-guard-at-concert-after-object-throwing-incidents |website=ITV |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802113507/https://www.itv.com/news/2023-08-01/alicia-keys-son-stands-guard-at-concert-after-object-throwing-incidents |url-status=live }} while Kelly Clarkson requested that concertgoers throwing objects at her throw diamonds; she later had a teddy bear thrown at her.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Surej |date=2023-08-01 |title=Kelly Clarkson warns fans against throwing things onstage at Las Vegas residency |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kelly-clarkson-warns-fans-against-throwing-things-onstage-at-las-vegas-residency-3476190 |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802113507/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kelly-clarkson-warns-fans-against-throwing-things-onstage-at-las-vegas-residency-3476190 |url-status=live }} Her diamonds remark was later praised by Kelsea Ballerini.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-11 |title=Kelsea Ballerini applauds Kelly Clarkson's response to fans throwing objects on stage |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kelsea-ballerini-kelly-clarkson-concert-object-thrown-b2391630.html |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901154941/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kelsea-ballerini-kelly-clarkson-concert-object-thrown-b2391630.html |url-status=live }} Tyler, the Creator begged fans to "stop throwing [their] shit on stage",{{Cite news |last=Khomami |first=Nadia |date=2023-08-04 |title=Bad behaviour at concerts is becoming normalised, experts say |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/04/bad-behaviour-at-concerts-normalised-experts-say |access-date=2023-08-04 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804140335/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/04/bad-behaviour-at-concerts-normalised-experts-say |url-status=live }} John Mayer requested that fans "please be kind",{{Cite magazine |date=2023-07-07 |title=Taylor Swift Fans React to John Mayer's 'Please Be Kind' Message Amid 'Dear John (Taylor's Version)' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-fans-john-mayer-please-be-kind-dear-john-taylors-version-1235368379/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Charlie Puth responded by begging fans to "just enjoy the music",{{cite web |title=Charlie Puth Raises Alarm About Dangerous Concert Trend |date=3 July 2023 |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/charlie-puth-people-throwing-things-singers_n_64a2dccbe4b0035bc5c839d4 |accessdate=11 July 2023 |publisher=Huffington Post |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711114623/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/charlie-puth-people-throwing-things-singers_n_64a2dccbe4b0035bc5c839d4 |url-status=live }} and Kelly Hansen chastised the "very, very dangerous" trend.{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2023-07-24 |title=FOREIGNER's KELLY HANSEN Blasts 'Very, Very Dangerous' Concert Trend Of Throwing Objects At Artists |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/foreigners-kelly-hansen-blasts-very-very-dangerous-concert-trend-of-throwing-objects-at-artists |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826125254/https://blabbermouth.net/news/foreigners-kelly-hansen-blasts-very-very-dangerous-concert-trend-of-throwing-objects-at-artists |url-status=live }}
Jason Derulo responded by stating that the assaults "disrespect the artist",{{cite web |title=Jason Derulo Gives Advice to Artists Thrown Things During Concerts: 'It's Getting Dangerous Out Here' |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/94050/20230703/jason-derulo-gives-advice-to-artists-thrown-things-during-concerts-its-getting-dangerous-out-here.htm |accessdate=11 July 2023 |publisher=Music Times |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825235316/https://www.musictimes.com/articles/94050/20230703/jason-derulo-gives-advice-to-artists-thrown-things-during-concerts-its-getting-dangerous-out-here.htm |url-status=live }} while Billie Eilish noted that people had been throwing things at her for six years and that it was "infuriating". Finneas O'Connell said that he understood fans' urges but pleaded them not to act on them.{{Cite web |last=Chuba |first=Kirsten |date=2023-07-10 |title=Billie Eilish, Finneas Weigh in on Trend of Fans Throwing Objects at Artists Onstage: "We Get It, but Don't Do It" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/billie-eilish-finneas-fans-throwing-objects-artists-onstage-1235531852/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730135111/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/billie-eilish-finneas-fans-throwing-objects-artists-onstage-1235531852/ |url-status=live }} Tim McGraw said he was "used to soft goods being thrown at" him, but asked fans not to "throw anything that’s got any heft to it", as a premature concert ending due to injury "ruins the show for everybody".{{Cite web |last=Melas |first=Chloe |date=2023-07-31 |title=Tim McGraw speaks out on concertgoers throwing things at shows: 'It's terrible' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/31/entertainment/tim-mcgraw-tour-and-new-album/index.html |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826125254/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/31/entertainment/tim-mcgraw-tour-and-new-album/index.html |url-status=live }} Corey Taylor found it dehumanising and blamed social media.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Damian |date=2023-08-07 |title=Corey Taylor on fans throwing things at performers: "Artists aren't regarded as people anymore" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/corey-taylor-on-fans-throwing-things-at-performers-artists-arent-regarded-as-people-anymore-3479191 |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} Dave Mustaine, on the other hand, was unsympathetic, arguing that if the artists gave a good enough show, audiences would not feel the need to express disapproval.{{Cite web |last=Nyheter |first=S. V. T. |date=2023-07-31 |title=Megadeth redo för svenska fansen: "Ätit mycket fett" |url=https://www.svt.se/kultur/megadeth-redo-for-svenska-fansen-atit-mycket-fett |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=SVT Nyheter |language=sv |archive-date=19 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819140153/https://www.svt.se/kultur/megadeth-redo-for-svenska-fansen-atit-mycket-fett |url-status=live }}