Country music star Jelly Roll headlined two shows at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena this week (28 and 29 October), where he was joined by fellow country heavy hitters Shaboozey and Drew Baldridge.

What should have been two fun nights for everyone also ended up controversial, when a punter got up from his seat and threw something—which looked like a plastic cup—at a fan standing up and dancing two rows ahead of him.

Others in the same row also stood up and started yelling and pointing to the person standing in front of them, who continued to stand and dance.

Footage of the incident was posted on TikTok this week, with poster Dylan Jones captioning the clip: “If you actually [read] comments from people that were there to witness this, you'll understand this isn’t just someone having a [boogie].... sit down... if you wanna stand up and dance, get floor tickets.”

@wisdominthewild

Edit. if you actually ready comments from people that were there to witness this, you'll understand this isnt just someone having a bogge.... sit down... if you wanna stand up and dance, get floor tickets #countrymusic #jellyroll #shaboozy #melbourne #sitdown

♬ original sound - Dylan Jones

Punters in the comment section were divided on their thoughts. Some were in agreement with the original poster, while many others stated that there was nothing wrong with standing, dancing, and actively interacting with the live music.

“Who goes to a concert to sit?” wrote a commenter, who was backed by others who shared, “Listen on Spotify if you wanna sit down,” and “Disagree, if I’m going to a concert, you best believe I’m standing, dancing and singing. That’s the vibes. The performer doesn’t want you to sit and do nothing. Lol.”

Another punter brought up Jelly Roll’s on-stage banter with fans, which revolved around being kind to one another, having a good time, and looking after each other.

Concertgoers are especially on the fence when it comes to gigs in the social media age. From throwing things at artists in an attempt to get their attention, to using phones at concerts, to chatting while an artist is performing, to standing versus sitting, to using doof sticks at EDM festivals, there are plenty of arguments about gig etiquette.

Last year, the Central Coast’s Lost Paradise and Victoria’s Beyond The Valley festivals announced size restrictions on doof sticks to prevent punters’ views at the events from being obstructed.

In another example of someone reacting to punter etiquette, Sabrina Carpenter recently explained that she agrees with Jack White, Tool, Placebo, Silk Sonic, Bob Dylan, and Australia’s own Ian Moss when it comes to banning phones at concerts.

Earlier this year, the Cold Chisel guitarist enforced a no-phone policy, revealing that fans shooting photos and videos on his upcoming tour would not be permitted.

“In the past, we’ve taken a relaxed approach, but following feedback about disruptions, we’ve changed our policy,” Moss wrote. “Venue staff have been briefed and will help us enforce this policy. There will be no exceptions.

“We kindly ask you to respect the performers, fellow concertgoers, and the atmosphere by switching off phones and other devices for the duration of the show.”

He concluded, “Be present and enjoy the performance with your eyes. Team Moss.”

In July 2023, in an op-ed for The Music, Melissa Griffin pondered: Have we reached the end of concert etiquette? In 2019, The Music also touched on concert etiquette, publishing the “definitive rules” of attending gigs. Check out those rules here.