The age-old dilemma of whether to stand and dance or stay seated at a concert has erupted into a fresh online debate, sparked by none other than global superstar Rihanna.
The Incident That Started It All
At Mariah Carey's Here For It All Holiday Special at the Dolby Live in Las Vegas in December 2025, Rihanna was enjoying the show incognito. Wearing a baseball cap and a low-key outfit, the 'Umbrella' singer was filmed dancing enthusiastically before a fellow concertgoer asked her to sit down, leaving Rihanna looking visibly surprised.
The moment, captured on video, quickly spread online, with many labelling it a symbol of 'everything wrong with modern concert-going', where the desire for a perfect view can trump the shared experience of live music.
The UK Public Weighs In: To Dance or Not to Dance?
When the debate was put to readers, the response was overwhelmingly in favour of movement and expression. A significant 45% stated they would be 'dancing your heart out' at a gig, with a further 37% saying they would be standing. Only 18% said they would opt to remain seated.
'What’s the point of paying for a concert if all you’re going to do is sit in silence and listen to music. I can do that at home with Spotify,' argued reader Ryane Brennan, capturing a common sentiment.
The frustration was echoed by Rachel Dickey, who said: 'People are there to dance and have fun... If that’s all you want to do, stay at home and listen to the music there!' This was bluntly summarised by Tamira Bennett on Facebook with the cutting advice: 'Stay home if you’re miserable.'
The Other Side of the Aisle: A Plea for Consideration
However, the issue is far from black and white. For many, choosing a seated ticket is a necessity, not a preference. As one commenter, Lovey Bond-Samways, pointed out: 'If it’s seated, then that’s what you do, sit! I wouldn’t want to pay to watch someone standing in front of me!'
This highlights a crucial point: not all disabilities are visible. While wheelchair users are often provided raised platforms, others with chronic pain or fatigue may need to book standard seating. If everyone in front of them stands, their experience is ruined.
The debate also touches on a modern concert phenomenon: the sea of phones held aloft for filming. Some commentators suggested that younger generations, or 'Gen Z', are sometimes hesitant to engage fully for fear of looking 'cringe' online, prioritising documentation over participation.
There is no universal solution, but the core of the issue returns to mutual respect. Venues usually have contingencies, and a polite request to swap seats or sit down can often resolve a problem. The key is acknowledging that a vibrant, dancing crowd and the needs of seated attendees are not always mutually exclusive, but require awareness from all sides.
As for Rihanna, some speculated the anger may have been because she was potentially standing on her chair. Whatever the case, the consensus is clear: the icon should keep dancing—just perhaps on solid ground.
