You know who is/was familiar with having things tossed at them on stage? The superstars of their day — Tom Jones, Elvis Presley and Engelbert Humperdinck to name three.
But in those cases it was ladies’ underwear, bras and flowers. It was not phones, water bottles or things that might actually cause injury.
The current trend of people throwing things at the performer is disturbing.
As a recap, in recent weeks, Bebe Rexha was hit in the eye with a flying cellphone and required stitches. (Who is so rich they can afford to throw their cellphone?) She showed up at a later show wearing protective goggles. That likely wasn’t entirely a joke.
Kelsey Ballerini left the stage for a few moments after being struck in the face by a thrown bracelet.
Harry Styles got nailed in the face by some Skittles and in the groin by a water bottle.
It may not even be the extent of the injury, but also just the shock of it all.
The musician may look relaxed, but they are likely deeply in thought and concentrating on their performance. Clearly, they are not expecting to be walloped by flying objects.
Remember, with the bright stage lights, the artist usually can’t see past the first couple of rows, so any projectile would literally be coming out of nowhere.
Nowadays, how does anyone know if it's fireworks, anthrax or any variety of toxic substance?
As seems to be the trend of the day, people try to cut some slack to the aggressors and understand them.
Morgan Milardo, from the Berklee College of Music, told NBC News: “I don’t think fans are acting out of malice, (but) rather trying to give tokens of their adoration.”
Baloney! Anyone who would do such a thing is not a fan. They are not admirers of the artist or the music. They are jerks. That’s a psychological term.
Dr. Sam Whiting at the University of Australia, suggests “many young adults have not experienced live shows. They may have not learned concert etiquette before now.”
Concert etiquette? Nobody taught me that, either. I was just smart enough to know you don’t throw stuff at anyone, anywhere, anytime. It’s not hard!
More likely, the rubes are either drunk drugged or entitled idiots who get too rowdy.
Perhaps, in the times we are in, it is less about the star and more about the person attempting to go viral with a shocking video on a social media platform. They have to seek attention and get those clicks to be relevant.
As spectators, we just always knew that the stage was a sacred space to a performer. It is not only their creative spot, it is their workspace and comfort zone.
As is usually the case, a few losers will ruin it for everybody else. Can we expect rules prohibiting food or drink in the venue?
As much as I love to document live shows with video and photographs, I can see a time where they ban cellphones. The only possible plus to come from that would be to force us to actually be in the moment and enjoy the music.
Just another violent trend I do not understand and one I hopes fades out quickly.
I would, however, love for those responsible to get the book thrown at them.
