As Part Of The Crowd You're Also Part Of The Show

Crowd interaction and participation are important at gigs. Whether a band member is speaking to you directly or you're all doing a mexican wave, it all matters. This week I've chosen to write about how the fans in the crowd can play a big part in the show.

Harrison Koisser talking to the crowd in Newcastle

1. Making A Band Do Something
I saw Peace a few weeks back in Newcastle and the crowd were crazy. Harrison Koisser took time to talk to the fans at the barrier (these fans happened to be myself and my friends) and listen to everyone shouting at him; one lad stood in the middle of the crowd threw Harrison a denim jacket and Harrison offered him a trade for it - I don't think anyone knows what happened with that trade or whether it took place. Throughout the show the crowd chanted "Last Christmas!" and even more between songs to try and convince the quartet to play their latest Christmas cover and so they did in the encore between California Daze and Bloodshake.

2. Glow Sticks and Neon Paint

Glow sticks and neon paint are mainly taken to larger shows such as arena and stadium concerts and festivals. Neon paint is often seen to be worn by ravers and festival goers with an interest in seeing dance or electro artists. Glow sticks are held high and often during emotional songs - take Robbie Williams' song 'Angels', I've seen it performed twice and both times fans held up either glow sticks or lighters.

3. Xylobands

Xylobands are a more recent invention by Jason Regler, they're radio signal powered bracelets that flash to the beat of a song and light up the venue. Coldplay were the first to use them on their Mylo Xyloto world tour. They have been described as a progression from lighters held up in concerts and are now used regularly in huge shows.

Xylobands being used during a Coldplay concert in 2012

-Laura (@FloatForev3r)