How to Get to the Front of a Crowd at a Concert

This updated guide explains how to Get to the Front of a Crowd at a Concert through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 2:

Arriving Well Before the Event

Get there early. Like midday (depending on the artist/band). If you're seeing someone big, do your research. Smaller artists/bands, you can show up at like 2pm.
Don't bother camping out. If you're seeing a big artist, unless someone is able to come and pick up all your things when you're going in, or you plan on leaving everything behind.
Develop Time savers.
- Do not bring a bag. This will slow you down as it will need to be inspected as you enter. Do not take a jacket that you will need to take to the cloakroom as this will also lose you time.
- Go to the toilet locally 30 minutes before the doors open, and have a friend hold your spot, then swap. This will also save time.
Don't worry if you're not first in line. Plenty of people make up the front row, plus those in front of you will be eating their time by not following the above tip.
Watch out for venue exclusives, e. g. O2 often have a priority queue in some places. Find out what you need to avoid being held back whilst others get in.
Find out ahead of time if your gender will matter. Unfortunately some venues have gendered queues, meaning queues are divided to get the same gender security to search you. If you and the person/people you're going in with are mixed genders, consider meeting at the barrier rather than waiting for each other. (Apologies for this binary explanation).

Method 2 of 2:

Arriving Shortly Before the Event

Stand somewhere in the middle/back and watch the support acts. Enjoy them, perhaps have a drink, etc. Wait for your favourite act to come on. Don't try to get to the front now, or you never will.
The second your artist comes on, go ballistic. Run as fast as you can, jumping about to get to the front. Give all your energy, jump, sing, and dance. Give 10 times the energy of everyone around you. There's a psychological trick going on here. When you make people believe that you may need to be there more than they do, they will just let you pass them. If you're getting in late and they're already performing, just follow this tip as soon as you get in, but it may not be as effective.
Use Natural movement. After following the above tip, you should be as far as you can get (which should be just a few rows from the front). This is a hard place to be. Embrace the pushing and shoving, the natural movement of the crowd, and use it to your advantage. Slip through the cracks to get closer. Know your limits though, accept water from the bouncers when it comes. If you're lucky, you'll find your way to the very front.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Get to the Front of a Crowd at a Concert?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.