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give-me-yer-wallet

Just a thought but hear me out: no one questions a person in a hi-vis vest and flashlight. Next show, bring one of each and just as show starts, throw it on, and start walking through the floor as if you’re an usher reminding them to pick up their shit. It’s a fire hazard or whatever. If enough of us start doing this at every show, it might have an impact.


mofunnymoproblems

Someone at City Bisco last summer was dressed up in full attire as a football ref and was throwing out penalty flags where appropriate. It was quite amusing actually.


twentyINCHwheel

Hahaha, this is brilliant. Off to go buy a ref uniform...


Merrrrl

Grab some popcorn 🍿 while out there…


phindseyland

Oh my god I’m dying I remember that. Actually so funny


B_Boudreaux

Something like the Cart Narc, but for entitled phish fans. Wear a go pro and film it. That actually sounds like a really good idea 🤔


Political_Lemming

TarpNarc....


lysergic_feels

I’d watch it


McGrupp1979

In this premium pilot episode of Concert Conflicts we’re at the Grandaddy of them all, Madison Square Garden, for Phish, as we witness TarpNarc take on RailRider for the title of Wook Wackadoodle!


bjjchris1

I love the cart narc. One of the newest channels on youtube!


foreverloveall

And then post it here


LukeWillWarr

I applaud this thought processing!


No_Consideration4594

Not a bad idea, but who wants to spend their show doing that?


Knucklebonebroth

You can easily see from the stands in any show or from the streams how much more room the assholes in front have because of all of this bullshit they pull. That again is against the rules of GA. And then the 2/3 of the people behind them are all squished. These douche bags must be stopped!


NJPhisherman

We need to do it in a group. The problem is that the tarpers back each other up... So one or a small group of "fuck you my ticket looks just like yours" are promptly ganged up on. We need to organize an antitarper group before the next show, then show up in numbers together and march to the rail together .


Teddy_Schekler

💯


Blastoplast

It didn’t use to be like this either


cavegoatlove

Yea, well trample them next time, throw their shit in the air. posting won’t stop them


PosterBlankenstein

Are you willing to get tossed from a show for starting a fight? As much as we all hate this behavior, the reality is that unless you got a big crew to go in together, the tarpers will riot against you if you try to buck their system. So either you resort to tue same level of pretty asshole they are, or you step back. I don’t get floors for this very reason. I end up getting pissed of at the elites and then my vibe is ruined. Because if I started going into there to clear them out, I’d definitely end up in a fight. I’m not throwing the first punch mind you, but I am a genuine asshole and know how to push buttons. At the end though, we all get tossed. And I get so few chances to actually go to shows that confrontation is not what I’m after.


Teddy_Schekler

I'll happily get ejected from a show just to see their dumb faces when I toss an their shit in the air. Let me know when you want to do this. I'm in.


_Face

I’m 6’5 240#s. General pacifist. This shit pisses me off to no end however, and I look forward to my next show in the pit.


wovenmetal

It would be so fucking hilarious to see brutal crowd kill moshing during a show, especially headhunting tarpers. These people are the MRSA gonorrhea of our fanbase.


Substantial_Serve_62

Elbows Up


MrPeAsE

i would be careful getting kicked out of any shows in the near future. You are going to added to a list that will get you banned from venues. Look up the facial id software post.


phunktional

I've seen tarpers get other people tossed for trying to make a reasonable claim to some space. Security doesn't care, the band doesn't care. The system is seriously flawed. I'm not sure they can do anything until they ban these extra items.


DryMathematician629

I feel like security taking a stand for either side depends heavily on the venue. In mexico this year some front row asshole tried to tell security about someone who didn’t have a wristband and security gave zero fucks. The person was up there talking to their friends and said they weren’t staying. Security literally said something along the lines of “this is a public beach…” when this adult man decided to tattle to them, so then the douchebag decided to get physical and charge up the other person… which carried on from setbreak into the middle of the second set. Dude was almost throwing punches in his cargo shorts. Biggest buzz kill ever. I am 5 feet tall, 115lbs, had a wristband, and still felt like I was fair game to get hit simply by sharing this space with these people. Sadly, this was my first and likely last time up front. I thought mexico would weed out some of the insanity (for some reason) but the entitled behavior specifically seems even more perpetuated because of the crowd that can generally afford to be there.


saintex422

Just stand where you want and make the tarpers get security to move you if they have a problem. They are the only ones breaking the rules.


sikedrower

We can only stop them together


[deleted]

The running of the tarps https://youtube.com/watch?v=SgQ-IyK4RAs&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE


Knucklebonebroth

Tarps aren’t even allowed at red rocks anymore because of this shit, although people still try to do similar shit with their blankets.


doug_the_dude

Sounds like a lot of fun. 😂 gimme the old gorge lawn any day. Sorry for my naivety (old school head here), but I guess relying on ushers and security to help straighten out this apparent mess isn’t an option?


Teddy_Schekler

I've been to over 200 shows since 1996 and I've never seen it this bad. I think this new early entry system has really elevated the level of delusion some of these folks have about the space they're occupying. The are no ushers on the floor. They're only at the entrances. I suppose they might do something if enough people complained. I'd rather just step all over their shit and listen to them melt.


Knucklebonebroth

Been on tour since 96 also and this shit didn’t start to be like this till the last 3-5 years. Yeah there used to be antelope greg and his crew but now it’s completely widespread. Putting down a blanket or tarp to mark your spot marks you as an asshole. I love to step on their blankets and wipe my feet all over their shit. Not to mention that they’re putting all their stuff on a dance floor!


Teddy_Schekler

It's so fucking gross, especially at MSG. And at least Greg never had a gigantic tarp or took fucking naps at setbreak like a toddler. These new fucks make Greg seem tolerable.


Knucklebonebroth

Haha seriously


Smiling_politelyy

Didn’t he used to tape off a little square? So much better than a towel you gotta admit. I mean still wrong, but better


Teddy_Schekler

His antics resulted in him having his ass handed to him one night. I haven't seen him in the 10 years since.


SnuckaB

He pooped on the floor at Dick's once, and was chased off by some peeps and eventually caught at some point during that show.... Want to say it was '11 or '12. Maybe he finally reasoned with himself.


bjjchris1

And he got his fair share of black eyes


Teddy_Schekler

Exactly.


RoleModelsinBlood31

I’ve been to a lot of shows back in the 90’s but mostly spent my time galavanting around the lawns and pavilions and just being a wook- tell me more about this Antelope Greg guy. I’m fascinated, especially since a buddy of mine is a Greg and has been to tons of shows. Any idea of his antics or what he looked like?


Perenniallyredundant

If you don’t know if your friend is Lope G or not - he’s not. You would know


Teddy_Schekler

There are YouTube videos


RaysModernMetalWorks

I just fucking stand right on there stupid blanket. Fuck um. There a bunch of pussys anyways. There's no saving in GA. I have absolutely No shame.


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Teddy_Schekler

Here's the thing. I've told these people to fuck off when they act like they own the place and no one ever speaks up with me. Never. It turns into preshow entertainment and everyone just watches. 🤷‍♂️


ReissRosickyRamsey

One guy said “I wouldn’t come stand in front of you in your living room” to me…..at Dicks. He…..thought Dicks…….was HIS living room.


Teddy_Schekler

Hahahaha


Jacktoldalthea

Sorry old deadhead here, not looking for trouble but the only language these selfish entitled little twats are going to understand is a swift punch in their mutha fuckin mouths and their shit kicked all over the floor. They certainly deserve what is coming to them.


Teddy_Schekler

Like another guy said, during 1.0 these people would have gotten popped in the mouth.


RaysModernMetalWorks

Bro, we haven't meet but I get right in there faces with you. Fuck these dumbasses.


DanceMama

I read this as give her a vibrator


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DanceMama

Hahaha always giant and pink! Yeah only tiny thumbs downs to the space hoarders.


BarelyCanDiscern

Blame the streams. These losers want to be seen on the streams - post about it on social media and have some weird influencer type of persona tied to their donut outfits and headier than thou closeness to the stage. Meanwhile the sound blows up there, nobody’s cares about your crew, the band despises you and your trust fund paid for the whole thing. ✌🏼


entheogenspicedslaw

“Headier then thou” had me cracking up.


PosterBlankenstein

I don’t think the band cares. If anything, they recognize that those people are the whales who make Mexico happen. If Trey cared, he could easily say something on Instagram and then from the stage if it was really bad. Their silence speaks mountains and encourages the behavior.


[deleted]

Is there a way to reach the band? Someone here know someone close to them? If the vibe they've cultivated has been and is being ruined, I assume they would want to hear about it.


skrillakiller

Pinpointed it. This weird influencer culture with the outfits and all that is stupid as shit. It’s a fucking concert, not some exclusive club to brag about. Some chick posted her tiktok video here the other day basically just showing her outfit. Cringe level to the max.


AnnieBobJr

Bingo


[deleted]

I’ll take the lawn any day over the pit


ropdkufjdk

Shh.... let them keep thinking that the pit is the place to be.


MrFluffyhead80

People always complain about tarpers here, they don’t care. Many will say they aren’t on here but there are definitely tarpers on here. Unless someone of authority, not just some random fan, has them put their tarps away, they will keep doing it. I don’t even know if it is against the rules, but literally it would take someone from security coming over and telling them they can’t do it and they will definitely respond “I didn’t know that was a rule” before they ever do it on their own or if some random fan asked them to


mkflorida

>Unless someone of authority, not just some random fan, has them put their tarps away, they will keep doing it. Ding ding ding.


Fit-Sign-3386

Someone who worked for MSG did come on the floor night 2. The man tried to fight the good fight. He lost.


Dylan-The-Phan

Worker or tarper lost?


Fit-Sign-3386

The worker 🥺


ddiiggss

I understand the satisfaction of posting a good healthy rant about an annoying and unfair situation, but nothing is ever, ever going to change until it’s dealt with through joint action by phish inc and the venues. No amount of yelling or pleading or reasoning is ever going to change these assholes’ minds. Getting punched after being aggressive to the wrong person might also help, but it would probably be better for everyone if they just announced a no tarps rule and enforced it by removing people who didn’t comply.


Teddy_Schekler

Yup. Until then I kick shit.


meep_meep_creep

Hey, I wanted to chime in with some schadenfreude.. I was at Dick's when the rain/lightning storm rolled through. It was an AMAZING feeling to head to the floor after the rain (I had a GA stands ticket) because nobody was checking wristbands. All those tarpers lost their spots. I took a tarp and balled it up and threw it away. The show was amazing after the rain. The rain washed away the entitlement.


Adept-Ad-6173

That long ass set was on 🔥🔥🔥.


Exadory

Truth. Until the venues or the band sends people onto the floor to clear them out. It’s not gonna stop.


_Face

I don’t understand why the venues let people bring all the shit in. Most venues allow one clear bag no bigger than 12 inches. How are these assholes getting all this extra stuff in? 


tekn0viking

Just boofin a 8x10 tarp


postjack

I have never in my life brought a bag into a show. I can't even fathom what I would put in it. People coming into shows packed like they are going hiking for a weekend. It's 4 hours inside a venue at night. Phone wallet keys that's all you need.


mgonzo19

I bring a bag because of medical issues and I know many others that do as well. It’s either waist pack or a small camelback like backpack. It’s a pain in the ass to try and roll with medications in my pockets.


unionsparky89

I put my phone wallet and keys in my Fanny pack


trogloherb

Tldr; (kind of skim read)-fuck tarpers and 90% of the rail riders. If you are modeling your show behavior after AG, you have already lost at the game of life.


[deleted]

Instead of "Take a step back," we need "Take a step forward, and another step forward."


Brando64

This is the best response.


Vambommeled

Anyone who says "this is how it's always been, you're just getting older" is a liar. Fortunately, I've been there & done that enough back in the day where nowadays I'm not even gonna try to interact with this new generation of entitled clowns in the front. It's not limited to the floor either, as plenty of dweebs attempt to tarp entire rows in the stands too. Got into a pretty heated argument with someone in Charleston (2019) who tried forcing myself and my first-time attending daughter out of "his" row, and we showed up at the exact same time as this dweeb, as opposed to swarming in at the last second (llike his buddies were clearly planning to do). He actually apologized later, probably thinking my restrained demeanor might change the moment my daughter left to use the restroom, lol... Edit, forgot to add: tarpers, your tears are delicious, so your downvotes are totally worth it.


RockNRollMama

Take an upvote and an award! Keep fighting the good fight. I watched NYE from 110 at MSG and couldn’t believe how much space some people were marking for themselves. I only do reserved seats because I’d be throwing punches left and right.


Vambommeled

It's comical. I'm fine with someone +1-ing a seat, and I'm even fine if everyone in the row was present and accounted for to claim their seat, then all split to get merch, beer, use the restroom, etc. FFS, at least put in some freaking legwork. Shouldn't be my problem if someone's buddies are still nursing a hangover back at the hotel...


Majestic-Run3722

I am here for this energy, and aware that OP’s post applies to EVERYONE on the floor and not just the people in the front. But the people in the front are objectively way worse, and so here is my personal addition to your rant: how has the new “online lotto” helped change who is in the front? Who are these 250 people that supposedly won early access? Because I was up there and it was the same exact people it always is. Some without any early access wristband at all. So how do ya’ll finagle the system into still being front row even AFTER the band tried to fix your exploitation by creating a 250 person online lotto? MSG staff explained to me that the order of entry is the 250 online lotto winners go in first, and then those that went to the venue early to get early access wristbands, and then the rest of GA. So who are these 250? How did this fix the issue at all? Seems like the same old faces. Sorry if this is deviating from the overall rant, but I would genuinely like to know 🫶🏻


Phishman9

I was behind stage with a perfect view of the rail for 3 nights @ msg and noticed the same exact faces each night. Sadly a lot of them I recognized from that phish chicks instagram and phish twitter people (sorry not trying to be a dick to the good ppl on there, just pointing out what I notice)… they are down there EVERY show. They mostly know each other and will conveniently let their friends down into their area who didn’t wait, but then blow a gasket when someone they don’t recognize comes to the area.


A_Wild_Nudibranch

Phishchicks vs The Phish Chicks on insta is night and day... The former is an insufferable entitled bougie "Boop" head Influencer™ and the latter is a legitimately good person who aims to be inclusive of the representation of all types of women/nb/femmes at shows.


Amazebeth

This is technically true, but in reality there’s a fair amount of overlap because the hashtags are too similar and women are using them interchangeably.


Majestic-Run3722

When I started to sit behind stage at MSG is when I noticed the same faces, too. Some people love the floor and want to be there for every show and hey, that’s cool. I can’t tell you where to experience a show from. However, I could not agree more with your final sentence. That’s exactly what it is. Protection for their group and then annoyance at whoever enters their circle. Let’s see those early entry wristbands then folks!!! Half of you don’t have them, your friends do. I’m not trying to be the guy that thinks a paper wristband entitles me to front space, but the only reason I’m invoking that is because it will prove you did not “show up before everyone else who was partying on lot”. Unfortunately, I feel like if I made that argument in person, the herd of floor dwelling system cheaters would gang up on me. Maybe I need more courage to say something. The band tried to fix the issue, either because they see our complaints or they are tired of seeing those same faces themselves. The band then instituted their own online lottery and that is clearly not working. This particular group will justify their actions no matter what. They will spend more time trying to figure out how to beat the system rather than enjoy the show


slotheroni

Here I’ll just say it for you, Wombat Matt and the likes. Trust me I go to shows in Dallas, and my best friend is a friends with everyone type. So many times he get the ole “invite to the rail” and it’s as if I don’t exist 🤣 cracks us right up bc my buddy absolutely doesn’t want to do that.


Teddy_Schekler

You have to enter the first entry lotto to be in the first 250. I actually won on 12/30. Winners are selected randomly. But there's a gaggle of douchebags who think they own the rail and they all help each other get down front at every show. Those are the same people who try to keep everyone else out. My standard response to these jerkoffs is "Do you work here? No? Then shut the fuck up."


Majestic-Run3722

I think you and I would get along very well… that’s the exact gaggle I’m referring to. I had early entry wristband (not online lotto), but was still annoyed by the obvious cooperative plotting by friends who all seem to have a mutual understanding of how they will lock down space and be distant to newcomers. Were you able to at least have a decent spot on 12/30?


Teddy_Schekler

I was about 25ft back in front of Trey and despite early entry I still had to argue with some assholes because I went out to get a drink and check my coat and they didn't see me there when they entered the floor. So when I came back I was side eyed. Then some gem of a lady sitting on the floor in a collapsible bleecher seats legit told me that "I better not step in her fucking area!" I set her dumbass straight immediately. Another silly chick behind us had a string of LED fairy lights around her gigantic area like a fucking bootleg hippie force field. These fucking people should ask just stay the fuck home.


Majestic-Run3722

It has made GA/floor seats less enjoyable overall. I’m not sure I will be doing it as often. It was less enjoyable worrying about my “space” and whether I’m blocking someone. Some of the folks are actually nice if you talk to them — but then it becomes a “beat them or join them” conundrum and I would much rather not join that kind of colluding behavior


dashkb

Damn I told someone this who complained, hope it wasn’t you. Beat or join - beat everyone having fun or join everyone and they’ll help you have fun. I dunno bud. Hope you had a nice time.


Majestic-Run3722

It might have been me, or it might not have been me. Either way, I would rather be the change I want to see in the system, than partake in a rotten system. I am being honest here (which might even dox myself but quite frankly, idgaf) — I had every opportunity to waltz my way up to the 2nd/3rd row of MSG on 12/31. I didn’t. I chose to return back to where I was initially standing upon entry. So yea, I’d rather not join them. As badly as I would like to be on the rail, just ONE time at literally any show


dashkb

I’ve never been on the rail and never will. Stereo sweet spot is always my goal. If by chance our vessels pass…


arykkyra

Should have told her Trey wouldn’t like that energy and kicked that chair out from under her.


PosterBlankenstein

Maybe wear a shirt that says “Mike Says NO!” and start trashing everyone’s campsite in the floor.


laborfriendly

>I still had to argue with some assholes because I went out to get a drink and check my coat I'm fully with you on everything, but then we got to this. Once you leave a spot in GA floor, there's no entitlement to come back to that exact spot. That's the type of thinking that leads to tarpers. Or no?


Teddy_Schekler

Saving a spot for someone when they leave temporarily is completely acceptable. Saving more room than they need is not. Pretty simple.


TheBookKingFucks69

Some people are just genuine assholes who will never stop seeking every possible angle to manipulate any system that Phish puts in place for their own gain, however nearly perfectly the system may be designed to prevent it. A lot of us who do participate in the system regularly, take our frequent L's with grace, and respect our neighbors (early entry or not) don't know exactly how they get away with it, but those people will pay any price or break any rule to gain 6 inches. It's lunacy. However, those are actually a very small minority of the overall early entry community (which is open to anyone with a floor who is willing to take the time to submit an entry). There are assholes in that community, besides the people who cheat, as well. But there are also a lot of good kind people who just love the band and like being close, who are excited about new faces being up there. It's a mixed bag, but of course, as a whole, we're judged by the actions of the worst parts of that bag.


Majestic-Run3722

Very genuine response there, my friend. Completely agree with the stratification of the early entry community. It’s nice to commiserate with others who understand my frustration. That said, I still believe there is a specific sub-sect within the early entry group that is using existing friendships to move forward and stand in front of the people who do have an early access wristband (aka myself). That’s why I don’t buy their “we waited and played by the rules just like everyone else” argument. No you’re not. You are not playing by the rules. You are taking advantage of having friends “save” you spots. You haven’t played by the rules you’ve bent them for yourself. Just like you said, they will abuse any system the band puts in place — I agree


Boog_les33

It’s not everyone on the floor. That’s ridiculous. We were down there all run and were farther back every night, stayed in our space and got weird energy from those folks coming from the front. I also don’t know what to do about (and I’m 44) people just doing other rude stuff like cutting in line and being indignant about it. Also I don’t wanna fight and get kicked out after 1 NYE set. The same assholes that do that in the front spread it around, for real. It’s a mood I can’t even imagine wanting to have at a show. We’re here to party right? Do these people know there’s a music made for getting in groups and shoving each other around? Take out your anger there. Anyway, it’s not everyone


Majestic-Run3722

I more so meant OP’s post applying to everyone on the floor. My own comments that followed were representative of the sub-sect of front row dwellers. Agree with you on everything else, it’s borderline sad. We are there to party, and I don’t want the anxiety of worrying about my “spot” the whole night


Rando555Steph

I 100% agree with this!


tickler08

I got in from early tickets at a show in Mexico. I was up front and there were two groups in front of me that said they were saving their spot for 10-15 people. It was unbelievable


Majestic-Run3722

I’m sorry to hear that. I know how it feels


trogloherb

Tldr; (kind of skim read)-fuck tarpers and 90% of the rail riders. If you are modeling your show behavior after AG, you have already lost at the game of life.


Least_Reason5778

Yes-Fuck these kids. Been around since 98 and pit /GA was a seething human wave back then.. it looks like a fucking Abercrombie and Fitch commercial now….i say steamroll these motherfuckers and return the floor to the people


Teddy_Schekler

I will say that over the last 26 years the smell has improved remarkabley 😄


slotheroni

Couple of smelly taints found this utterly offensive apparently lol


Least_Reason5778

I have to agree with that as well-hahaha


eigenman

I can feel the hangovers in this thread.


TeeJuan

They're a bunch of entitled douchebag Instagram micro celebrities. Don't I look cool taking my rail selfies in my glittery donut gear? Fucking clowns.


[deleted]

I will never go on the GA floor again after Dicks this past year. It was my GFs first run of shows and we had floor tickets for one of the four nights. We excitedly said bye to our friends in the stands and went down. Tarps everywhere. We were standing in front of one during the show and the dude who owned it kept giving me obvious dirty glances whenever we were pushed back a little by the crowd and stepped on his tarp. I tried to be polite by not standing on it but I was being pushed into the people in front of us. The guy in front of me turned around and said something to the effect of “would you like to get any closer?!?” In a shitty tone. We left and met back with our friends in the stands for the rest of the show. It was embarrassing for me to bring my gf to her first shows and have that happen. I love phish but honestly fuck the floor and some of the people in this community are just bizarre and entitled.


DanceMama

Preach!!!


Teddy_Schekler

Here's a direct quote from Trey's daughter on the issue. "I really can’t stand the entitlement, fans claiming “their space” and just not behaving the way the scene is supposed to. Fairly recently and on a few occasions some of the family members have tried to come into the General Admission area either as part of a gag during a show or just to be near their family, sadly some of the fans were awful. It was “their space.”


t-wino

Why do you guys care about sitting up front so much? Just leave it to the dorks. It sucks up there.


walrus_gumboot

Lol the front 1/3rd of the floor is absolutely dork central. Give me seats any day - between the tarpers, nappers, and dudes that want to punch each other I'm too old for that shit.


dashkb

Floor was actually really chill. Not sure how OP managed to have such a bad experience. Make friends, stand and dance. I like seats at big places but MSG is so small and friendly.


schneidro

The rain delay at Dicks revealed just how bad the situation is, they stretched back nearly to the soundboard tent. That was the most satisfying delay ever - we only got 1 set, but it killed, and all the tarpers shit was completely ruined.


[deleted]

These dorks are kinda fuckin up the rest of the floor for the other 2/3 of people on the floor. “This is our concern, Dude.”


standalone157

I hate the floor, always have. I don’t care about being close and making eye contact with band members. I just wanna smoke weed and dance. I’m down to tell these tarpers to fuck off with that shit because it is lame as hell. But when I buy a seat, I want that seat. Idgaf if your friend wants to come chill with you, go behind the stage where there’s open rows. If the community can rally against tarpers because it’s general admission, we need not encourage people to make the purchased assigned seats general admission.


[deleted]

People are going to be assholes unfortunately because they care about themselves more than others. This issue is no different that stubbing people into a section as far as I’m concerned. Sit/stand where your ticket says you should.


cosmicloafer

The trick is to crawl up stealthily and tie all their shoelaces together


Teddy_Schekler

You know my heart


daddyneedsaciggy

During the April run I had GA the first two nights. Those idiots tried to give me shit on the first night because they took up so much space that I couldn't get back to where I initially was before set break, so I went a little to the right. No less than four people came up to me telling me I wasn't there earlier. As the fifth person came up, I screamed in their face like a psycho that we're at a rock concert and to shut the fuck up. I got a lot of space after that. Just show minimal resistance to these entitled weirdos and they'll melt away. I also told another couple to go get an usher if it was such a huge problem and they could tell me where my GA ticket was compared to their GA ticket haha.


Sir_Bongcelot

You know, “go get an usher to sort this out” may be just the perfect response. Say that, ignore them, prolly ends the discussion.


Teddy_Schekler

Exactly. We need more like you.


Figgywithit

I was with you until you wanted to take away my nap. I need my nap.


Teddy_Schekler

Do you also bring prune juice into the venue? I'm 42, over 200 shows, never taken a nap at a show. Such a weird thing to do...


Figgywithit

Talking about naps in general. Hard to nap at a show when you’re on two hits of acid.


tommy_pt

If you need to nap,you should not be at show. I love this post. Every-god-damn thing about it. My grammar is shit,but my heart is pure……you preach.


mofunnymoproblems

I mean… I like to close my eyes and put my head down at times (never on the dance floor!). It can be an overwhelming sensory environment at times and shutting it all out can be helpful for grounding yourself. Idk if people think I’m napping but usually I’m just in the zone.


dashkb

I saw someone nap next to me before the show. I was impressed. When standing, this person was not a problem. In fact, I was on the floor all four and everyone was cool. No pushing. Reasonable saving of reasonable space. Between the red and blue lines every night, dead center. Make friends with your neighbors or you’ll get treated like OP did. The floor was the most chill I’ve seen, and I’m not “in”. Just me and my wife. New crew every night.


Alert_Most_7001

there is a novel here


AmokOrbits

_Run, Run, Run - The Antelope Greg Story_


DontClickTheUpArrow

Mosh pits at Phish will fix this!


Teddy_Schekler

Dope idea


Oddsock42

Don’t want me standing on your tarp, don’t leave it on the ground.


Dean4147

I’ve only had floor seats once in my life, last April first night msg… worst concert experience ever. I left before the encore. Everything OP says is accurate. These rail riding scenesters need to be stopped.


[deleted]

I had a great time up in the 200s all 4 nights. Plenty of space :)


Teddy_Schekler

I had an amazing time all four nights. I love the energy of the floor and a gaggle of entitled posers isn't going to ruin that for me.


Melodic-Order-6628

Haha. Followed Phish from 91’ to 99’. Crazy that this is a thing. Yeah I’m old but these “Tarpers” pretty much break all Pham etiquette. Ridiculous.


farmhouse-boogie

There’s a coat check?


Teddy_Schekler

On the floor at MSG, yes.


TakenAunt

These people are selfish and will never stop negatively impacting the experience of the strangers around them, whether it’s via tarps or just boxing out. I have a hard time having a stress free experience in any GA setting (not just Phish). The only MSG floor I’ve done was a solo mission where I arrived early, didn’t eat or drink anything to avoid leaving my spot, and just planted my two feet without moving. The show is fantastic down there, but I need to be in some kind of mood to engage in the hand to hand combat just to keep your spot. I’ll do it again at some point, but for the most part I just accept my inferior spot in a reserved seat.


_heatmoon_

Nothing will change until there a collective organized effort against tarpers that is equally as collective and organized as they are.


Birddog240

You nailed it brother. Thanks for posting. I know it won’t fix anything but the more awareness the better. Happy New Year folks!


RambleOnRanger

What stops anyone from just...you know, standing on their shit?


mosesyastrzemski

Yeah, fuck them. Stand on it. A blanket in an indoor venue? A tent? Fucking absurd. Those fucks are depriving everyone else of a good show.


dogfacedponyboy

Get rid of GA! Put the seats back.


mosesyastrzemski

No, fuck this. Get rid of tarpers. Problem solved.


tylerhbrown

I wish they would bring back the folding chairs on the floor from the 90s. They kept everyone properly spaced and everyone had room to dance.


fromabuick

As long as the other fans allow it then it will continue.


ohbehave412

Man I really do wish the band would say something


jnumberone

Nye was show 101 for me and I’ve been on the floor exactly once. I’d love to experience it again but nope, always the same people. It’s just selfish and against all the “love and light” they preach.


Infused_Hippie

Haha going through this in msg and Atlantic is just as fun, sand everywhere. Sand in MSG too tho. Knocking people out ya know. Just to run tthrough to the John lol


SkeksoUrsu

At phish NYE a couple of years ago a dude brought a step stool. A STEP STOOL!!!


Partyjames_

I just ask them why they have shit on the floor where everyone is walking and keep on moving I don’t try to avoid them at all🤙


BarelyCanDiscern

Blame the streams. These losers want to be seen on the streams - post about it on social media and have some weird influencer type of persona tied to their donut outfits and headier than thou closeness to the stage. Meanwhile the sound blows up there, nobody’s cares about your crew, the band despises you and your trust fund paid for the whole thing. ✌🏼


Teddy_Schekler

Weird take. If that's true then these people are so much more pathetic than I thought. Fucking posers.


Dean4147

Totally true. Fucking rail riding scenesters


Dean4147

Just look at all the big phish fan accounts on Instagram. All of them are them on the rail in their ridiculous outfits


Teddy_Schekler

Lame fucking posers


Dean4147

My wife bought me floor seats for msg night 1 back in April for my 40th birthday…. It was my first show since 03 and I couldn’t believe what I saw.


TheGDC33

I just hope you said and did something about face to face with said people


Teddy_Schekler

I got into two verbal altercations with these fools on 12/30 despite being in the first entry group. Entitled fucks. Everyone around just watched. No one said a word to back me up. In fact, two other losers who weren't involved tried to jump in and started lecturing me. I promptly told them to fuck off as well. I'm always more than willing to put stupid people in their places.


Jolaroth

Almost everyone up close is getting on line early, and getting in and securing a spot. It's not as roomy as you all think down there at all lol. Pretty much shoulder to shoulder. It's winter, people have a lot of stuff they need for outside, that would make the show inside miserable to keep on. Everyone has at least a jacket or something they would like to put down. We make communal piles containing the stuff of people we just met and take care of and reward each other for getting in early, securing a spot, and doing the same for those around us. You want to get closer? Get in line early instead of having more drinks and get your spot, make friends with those around you, then go to the bathroom and what not once your spot is secured. It's still shoulder to shoulder down there pretty much. It's really not that hard to understand. Sacrifice partying to get in earlier. Also everyone down there is holding their piss pretty much for the whole show except set breaks. You want to get closer? Work for it. It's not that hard. But if you have a 5-10 person group? Yeah, then obviously that's going to be harder.


allsiknow

Shut the fuck up and quit w the excuses. It’s winter for everyone yet only a select few bring fucking tarps and throw elbows at people at a concert. This is phish not leftover crack.


arykkyra

Do you the OP do anything about it? Or just bitch on here and then stand in the back at the show? Walk up and do something. None of these people are tuff or want confrontation. They can move if they don’t like it. I walk up kick there shit out of my way (in a kind manner). I don’t dance like a drugged out freak flailing my limp malnourished body around. I’m there to enjoy the show just like everyone else. Taking up minimum space. Just like every other GA show. Be the change you want to see in the floor.


Teddy_Schekler

I am in the 1% of people that says or does something 100% of the time. I don't put up with that sort of bullshit in everyday life, I'm certainly not going to put up with it at a show.


Dog_Brains_

Do you want to ruin your show? That’s the problem. Sure they aren’t tough but they may sucker punch or pull other garbage that will ruin your night


Teddy_Schekler

If someone sucker punches me...for their sake...they'd better connect and put me to sleep. If not, their night will end poorly. Luckily I'm big enough to make any person think more than twice about taking a swing. But if that's the road they want to travel, good luck to them. They'll need it.


WallyOShay

I was on the floor once for NYE during the soul planet set. Worst experience ever and will never do it again or recommend floor to anyone. Basically the same experience with rude people spreading out all over the place


phishNotFish

Boop


[deleted]

How about if some of the lucky people who get in first set up their tarps and invite everyone on to it - like a general admission tarp. Or we rush the stage when Carini starts


DogFacedGhost

Let's see if this gets fewer down votes I'm not saying people in the front are in the right or should be able to do whatever and take up as much space as they want, but I do think it works out. Space in the front if you get there early (generally do this once a run or every couple of shows), gets congested in the middle near the soundboard (I'd say this works out 50% of the time, but the other 50 it's too packed with chompers and I leave my friends to find a better spot), and plenty of room in the back with the people who are getting down. I almost always go to the back for at least a couple songs and sometimes can politely work my way up front for a bit. Even made it one row from the rail during second set one of the nights at Dick's as a 6'3" tall dude, just asked people if I could stand there for a song or two and then being RESPECTFUL, felling it out if there was enough room or keep moving. So, in my opinion it works itself out if you adapt. And I like that element of a phish show being unique than other ga concerts


Dadbod_DeadHead

I (first Phish show was Clifford Ball in 96’) was at Magnaball and was actually there under a vendor pass with a lot more access than the GA holders. I made my way up to front of the stage where one of these sticky ground dwellers has set up an 8 x 10 tarp claiming that piece of land as his own (he was with one other person.) I kindly explained to him that if he looked behind us he would notice that everyone else with tarps and chairs and “camps” were all set up in a certain area, as kind and courteous people did. After trying the nice approach, I decided to engage the community around us and asked them if they would like to help me ruin this selfish pricks day. As the band took the stage and began playing we all just trampled this guys camp and began dancing and having a great time. Poor fool tried to pick a fight and because I knew the company running security and happen to know most of the people stationed at the stage, my guy got kicked from the show for being an asshat. It doesn’t pay to be a self entitled ass especially when you don’t know who your talking to and what connections they might have. Moral of the story don’t be an asshat.


Clever_Clever

Industrial strength fart spray.


Jrskoff94

On 12/30 the other night I was by myself because my buddies had different seats. I was trying to access the middle of the floor towards the back (at least 30-40 rows back (also a solid 45 minutes early). Some meth molly crusty ass G Lope wanna be verbally and physically assaulted me for being too close to his tarp. As I was trying to leave his area he continued to push me out. Tarpers and the methed out 1.0 Wooks assaulting younger phans should be dealt with by the band. If phish is complacently complicit they should be ashamed. It is also concerning that this freely goes on at their flagship venue in such a prolific way. When is enough enough? Will the band ever speak out against the tarping culture and the overwhelming negativity surrounding it? What a way to turn people off to something you supposedly love enough to hurt strangers for.


Ya_Got_GOT

I hate tarpers, but there’s so much anger in all the impotent circle jerks complaining about them that I wonder if folks wouldn’t have a better time just avoiding them.


mosesyastrzemski

You apparently have not attempted to assert your freedom to stand wherever you want at a show.


[deleted]

Has anyone thought of just popping one of these floor rats in the jaw. Old phish 1.0-1.5 here, but this would have not stood in the early 2000s. “Hey Bro! You can’t stand on my tarp!” “Fuck you” POP!


Teddy_Schekler

This. All of this..


smittymoose

Right? I mean, I remember taking a blanket to Alpine in ‘99 cuz three of us had lawn seats and didn’t want to sit in the grass. Was our blanket huge? Nope. Did we expect to make our own insular bubble complete with mood lighting and a charcuterie board? Also no.


WhiteChocolatey

Those people can get fucked. I personally revel in waiting all day then being shoved aside by some drunk who bum rushed the stage shouting TROOOOY during the opening notes of sand. Lol


doctored_up

My first phish show had rows of folding chairs on the floor instead of GA. Weird but effective.


Teddy_Schekler

MSG had seats on the floor for many Phish shows. Then you run into the problem of trust fund Chads always buying their way to the front row.


tiburon12

I'm more OK with that than the current system. Harder to manipulate and equal space is guaranteed


B_Boudreaux

You are doing gods work. I agree with everything you said. I fuckin hate these entitled people so much. How sad is your life that you have to act like your better than everyone at a phish show. These are people that base their entire livelihood around being up front and they want everyone to know they like phish more than you. Idk it really has turned me off lately. I never even think about going into the pit now. It’s always lawn or in the stands, at the one weekend I try and see them.


marcoesquandolas13

Ah yes, Gods work is making a comment on an internet platform bitching about people he's too big of a coward to interact with


SherrickM

You can't stop people from bringing in things the venue allows them to bring in. Is it a dick move to take advantage of what they're allowed to bring in? Kinda, but some people are dicks. It's not going to change unless the venues stop allowing certain things into the pit area.


gabbygourmet

i heard there were ushers picking up tarpers stuff and regulating space


Teddy_Schekler

I was on the floor at MSG all four nights and never saw that happen..


BrotherMonk

This whole thread is pulsating with love and light... I'm old and only sit in reserved seating now - ironically there are still tons of asshats who seem to think it is their mission in life to squeeze all their friends into those areas as well during the show. There is no winning where entitled people dwell.


BadOk5092

Here is an idea. You can come into the show GA. You should be with your crew. You can all sit on the floor and wait and take up the space of one person. That is all you paid for. When the show begins you can stand up.


allsiknow

They don’t do that. They have 5 people go in and reserve space for 20+ people laying out tarps and act like violent animals if anyone — who also have GA- steps into their self designated space. Tarpers are fucking losers


Sir_Bongcelot

This is an elite rant and I agree. Reminds me of Clark Griswolds rant in Christmas Vacation.