At major concerts and festivals, the closest seats are the most coveted. A long time ago, organizers started dividing venues into sections and selling tickets by area. Today, the language of exclusivity is common: terms like front stage and golden circle signal premium access to a performance. These passes come with higher prices and, sometimes, invitations or special arrangements for those with large followings.
Many music festivals offer premium tickets that promise a privileged view of the show. Earlier this summer, a prominent Granada artist voiced thoughts on social media about rethinking the front-row concept in live performances. He suggested there could be other benefits for attendees beyond simply being in the first place. Fellow artists weighed in online with supportive messages, reflecting a broader conversation about how fans experience big events.
Granada-born rapper Dellafuente has been touring a festival circuit this summer after a period away from the stage. In June, he performed at a well-known festival in Barcelona, where VIP areas were present but not always the focal point of the crowd. Other major Catalan festivals, including Primavera Sound, Sónar, and Cruïlla, have adjusted their premium ticket positioning, sometimes removing front-of-stage distinctions or reinterpreting what those passes include, such as private lounges or bars.
Premium passes offer elevated viewing platforms, which can feel like a social lift for some attendees. Viewing options often place the audience at the edges of the main action or at the back of certain stages. Primavera Sound’s approach to VIP spaces shifted when it became clear that the most intense engagement was not always in the front and, in some cases, those coveted areas were sparsely used. The overall effect on sightlines and the crowd’s energy can be visually less appealing, prompting organizers to rethink spatial layout for heightened fan experience.
These shifts highlight a broader debate about festival culture. In the summer, artists have spoken out about attitudes seen at large gatherings. A member of a well-known group described experiences at the O Son Do Camiño festival in Santiago de Compostela, noting that the first rows often featured attendees who used space differently, sometimes sitting on the ground to watch the next act. Some stood, stretched, or yawned, which raised questions about how everyone can enjoy the show. Observers were reminded that the best view comes from engagement with the performance, not from monopolizing space.
The musician described the situation as disruptive and disrespectful to fans who genuinely came to listen and enjoy the music. The discussion extended beyond a single event, with many artists privately reflecting on the scheduling challenges presenters face when planning headlines for festival nights. Yet others saw opportunity in these dynamics, recognizing that a broader audience could be drawn when the overall vibe is more inclusive.
A simple suggestion emerged: fans should reclaim the best spots by choosing to attend performances they truly want to see, rather than occupying seats that block others from experiencing the artist. The Ginebras member defended the festival culture as a space for sharing, discovery, and celebration. If a specific artist is the draw, buying a dedicated ticket for that artist’s tour is sensible, but not at the expense of someone else’s experience. The point was clear: respect for fellow concertgoers preserves the value of live music for everyone.
Public voices from the scene, including prominent rappers, supported the call for more considerate behavior. They described a festival landscape that can feel out of step with younger audiences and their expectations for authentic live music experiences. Some argued that disrupting the flow of the crowd or pushing ahead with a show’s momentum can undermine the performance and alienate loyal fans who came to enjoy the full set rather than chase a moment of personal glory.
Another artist shared a candid moment about adjusting to the scale of large festivals. The sentiment echoed the call for a balance between stage presence and audience inclusion. When the room grows this big, the goal remains the same: let everyone enjoy the performance and keep the energy alive. The crowd, the stage, and the entire festival experience rely on a shared sense of respect and community, one that keeps live music vibrant and accessible to more people, not just those in the coveted front rows.
The conversation around front-row culture continues to shape how venues design spaces, sell tickets, and stage performances. It is a reminder that live music thrives on connection, not competition for the best seat in the house. Festivals across the region are increasingly mindful of sightlines, crowd movement, and inclusive viewing options, aiming to deliver memorable experiences for diverse audiences while preserving the essence of what makes a concert special.