You’ve survived the pre sale, your tickets been scanned, one final restroom visit is checked off the list. Already glanced at the merch booth to scoop out the tour merch. Suddenly the venue doors open and the question presents itself: Where are you going to stand? This is a serious business to a Hanson fan. With serious consequences, it can affect your entire Hanson show experience; this is our (THE FANS) way of life.
Front Row
You’ve been at the venue since dawn’s early light. A single digit number placed on the back of your hand with a sharpie is worn like a battle flag. You stare around feeling pity for the undisciplined fans having to spend the evening staring at the back of your head. Always prepared for the moment between the opener and Hanson by standing with your legs apart arms locked with your friends ready for the uneasy shift that takes place between the opener and Hanson stepping foot on the stage. You like using the barricade to place your jacket or purse over it like it’s your personal coat check. You earned this spot, and you belong here. You’re Hanson’s real number one fan and the most sincere; you’re going to make sure everyone knows how great your spot was when you upload your uber close show footage shot with your smartphone on social media later.
Second Row
You’re close but not uncomfortably close to Hanson, which the thought is almost terrifying, so you feel you must maintain a buffer zone between you, Hanson and the stage. Not that you think you’ll be spontaneously called up on stage, or Taylor’s going to stage dive, you just don’t mind keeping a little distance while having slightly more elbow room. Besides you’re in the perfect spot to catch flying GTR pics Isaac throws anyways. You don’t have anywhere to put your empty Mmmhops bottle so after you peel off the label for your scrapbook you drop it, where you stand and look around acting you have know idea where the sudden rush of wet came from when the front row complains.
The Middle
You’re perfectly happy with the anonymity the middle offers. You can go to the restroom and not worry about having to fight for your spot back. You’re an arms crossing, head bobbing, checking your phone to see if you have any messages, but have no clue what the opener name is kind of person. You don’t mind that the beer spillage has made the floor sticky because you can appreciate the wicked acoustics the venue has to offer from your location. You pat yourself on the back for taking an extra 10 mins driving around the block to score free parking. Someone steps on your foot you apologize, your in the middle after all, where everyone is polite .
By The Bar
You’re older now and the thought of being smashed into a barricade is less appealing than it use to be. You have a seat and know that by the end of the night you wont be one of the fans leaving a sweaty hot mess. But, let’s be real: You being at the bar isn’t a result of getting to the show early. You took your time getting ready and even went and had dinner at a local restaurant before the show. Paying for over priced adult beverages and sitting on a stool is so routine you have no idea how you enjoyed a Hanson show any other way. By the encore you find your self slowly drifting into the pit and might even shout HANSON! HANSON! While waiting for the encore.
Along The Outer Venue Wall
You’re in safety. Leaning against the wall is your refuge: away from the pushing and shoving of the crowd, away from the fans singing off key, away from the pressure of having to look interested. You just showed up because your friend scored an extra ticket. Should you clap? Do the round and round arm gesture during ‘Where’s the love?’ maybe, you’re definitely not jumping during if only. You hold your one drink and sip it so you don’t have to worry about what to do with your hands.
The Balcony
You watch reruns of The Golden Girls.
Back of The Venue
So you just paid money to watch people go in and out of the restroom all night, no big deal, you’ve worked hard on your imagine of indifference. You always look bored and keep your car keys in your hand like you’re on the verge of leaving this random show you wandered into at all times. Your not impressed with the excitement anymore and hope the screams stops so you don’t have to keep yelling to continue the more interesting conversation your having with the person next to you about your new fuel efficient vehicle you just purchased.
Verdict:
Never underestimate a girl’s love for her favorite band. Never think even for a minute, that she won’t defend them to her death. Because it’s not just the music that makes that band her favorite. It’s the guys, the gals. It’s the fans. People whom of which she has interacted with thanks to the band. That band might of saved her life, or just made her smile everyday. That band has never broke her heart and has yet to leave her. No wonder she finds such joy in her music.-Alex Gaskarth
