We’ve all dreamt of meeting our favorite artists at least once in our lives. Though these priceless encounters may not happen, we can’t help but wonder when our role models will finally know we exist, more so, how much they’ve positively impacted us.
Everyone is a fan of someone who motivates and inspires us every day. Of course, it’ll feel like winning the lotto when we get their autographs, say hi to them at concerts, or even receive a response from them online after years of supporting them from the sidelines.
Photo: WhenInManila
However, as much as we make a big deal out of these monumental interactions, they shouldn’t come at the expense of celebrities’ safety and the well-being of other fans.
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Unfortunately, Australian content creator Johnson Wen, notoriously known as “Pyjama Man,” didn’t get the memo when he brazenly rushed at Ariana Grande at the yellow carpet premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore. On November 13, 2025, the 26-year-old “serial intruder” caused a ruckus at the star-studded event.
He had previously done the same to Katy Perry and The Weeknd at their respective concerts this year.
@thesun A man was arrested after rushing onstage and putting his arm around Katy Perry during a concert in Sydney, local media reported. Footage, posted by Isabella Korhonen, shows Perry backing away from the man and saying, “There’s never going to be another show like this.” The man in the footage, Johnson Wen, was released on bail and is due to appear in court on June 23, 9 News said. #KatyPerry #Concert #Stage #Arrest #Sydney
Over the years, local and international artists have diligently reminded fans to observe proper etiquette and to give them privacy in physical and online spaces—not just for the superstars they’re seeing, but also for their fellow fans in attendance.
I really hope everyone respect people’s privacy🙏🏻 yung personal time we’re trying to adjust eh kase wala ganon na talaga, pero kahit privacy na lang, we appreciate your love and support and we always try na mapagbigyan kayo sa pagpapicture but pleasee… not to the point you’ll go…
— GWEN APULI (@bini_gwen) August 14, 2024
These rules and responsibilities should be familiar to every fan by now. But as long as people like the “Pyjama Man” exist, there will always be a need to reassess how we fulfill our roles as stans and supporters.
If you’re planning to interact with your favorite artists one day—at a concert, a meet-and-greet, a red carpet premiere, or even at the airport—these fundamental fandom rules will make the experience worthwhile, especially if it’s your first time seeing your idols in the flesh.
1. Respect artists’ privacy.
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We should know better by now. However, celebrities have still endured far too many dangerous experiences at the hands of overeager fans who’ve never heard of the word “boundaries.” These often occur when people encounter artists in everyday public spaces, such as restaurants, malls, hotel lobbies, and supermarkets.
If you recognize and approach someone famous in public, you shouldn’t automatically assume that they’ll accommodate your requests. Don’t make a scene if they turn down a photo op. Don’t follow them everywhere as if it’s your duty to track them down constantly. Most importantly, don’t disclose their location online. Artists don’t owe it to their fans to always tell them where they’re staying. Ultimately, for their own safety, the most respectful thing you can do in this scenario is let them be.
2. Remember who you’re sharing the special moment with.
No matter how much concert culture and etiquette have evolved among Filipinos, one rule of thumb remains prominent amid every new reminder and guideline: live shows are a shared experience. You aren’t the only face in the crowd. The least you can do is be considerate to your fellow fans, who will rightfully enjoy the music and passionate cheers with you.
There’s nothing wrong with savoring the moment until it prevents another concert-goer from having fun. You don’t want to ruin someone’s night by recording yourself singing with your phone’s flashlight all up in your seatmate’s face, or block somebody’s view by jumping around where you’re supposed to stay seated (there are separate areas for standing, anyway).
We don’t get to attend concerts every day. A little consideration goes a long way when making lasting memories with the singers we stan.
3. Understand artists’ advocacies and goals.
Every year, local and international performers occasionally hold shows and gigs for a good cause. Perhaps it’s a charitable initiative or their involvement with a community they strongly support. Olivia Rodrigo, for instance, donated the proceeds of her first-ever concert in Manila to Jhpiego, a nonprofit organization focused on women’s health.
Suppose you encounter inconveniences at these meaningful concerts, such as the usual long lines, humid weather, and cramped waiting areas. It’s worth remembering that you’re ultimately there to support the advocacies they stand for. You can still voice out your valid concerns, but they shouldn’t overshadow the generosity and dedication that everyone poured into these shows.
4. Don’t immediately resort to “cancel culture,” especially towards newbies.
before this day ends, I just want to tell everyone behind us during the concert that I sincerely apologize also in behalf of my siblings :((
if I could go back and undo it, I would :((
the least thing that I want to happen is to take someone else’s moment during the concert…
— Maki *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (@clfrnia_maki) October 5, 2025
We’ve all gotten a little carried away at concerts at some point. The excitement and hype make us forget about the various rules that concert-goers abide by, which may even differ depending on who’s performing.
If you spot a carefree fan who isn’t observing proper concert etiquette, it’s most likely that they aren’t aware of the specific rules they should follow. This is a case-by-case basis, but if this attendee still means well—just like Maki did when ONCEs called him out for blocking fans’ view at TWICE’s This Is For concert in Bulacan—then they probably never intended to cause any commotion.
We were once first-time concert-goers like them, too. Opening the floor for conversations on the do’s and don’ts of going to live shows is more productive than immediately “cancelling” your fellow fan for an honest mistake that they can still learn from.
ALSO READ: Of Fandoms and Fangirls: 8 Etiquette Rules of Responsible Fangirling
What else can you say about concert culture and fan etiquette? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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