A lively debate has erupted among Metro readers over the etiquette of standing up during concerts in seated areas, sparked by a recent column defending the practice.
The Spark: A Defence of Standing at Gigs
The discussion was ignited by a Metro column from Brooke Ivey Johnson on December 18, 2025, which argued in favour of fans standing up at live music events. Johnson's piece was prompted by criticism aimed at singer Rihanna, who was spotted standing while incognito at a Mariah Carey concert. Johnson contended that a blocked view often meant "someone directly in front of you was having the time of their life – and their joy heightened yours."
Reader Reactions: Joy vs. Frustration
This perspective has divided the MetroTalk audience. Reader Jo from London strongly disagrees, highlighting a practical concern. "As someone who is only 5ft 2in, I should be content to never be able to see anything at a gig?" she questions. Jo explains she specifically chooses seated tickets over standing areas to get a better view, and having it obstructed does not bring her joy.
In stark contrast, Gareth from North-West London fully supports Johnson's view. He describes an electrifying atmosphere at a Simply Red concert in October 2025, where everyone was up, dancing and singing. "We made so many new friends. That’s how it should be," he states, suggesting those wanting a sedentary experience should consider the theatre instead.
Beyond the Gig Debate: Other Reader Topics
The conversation also touched on other matters in the same MetroTalk edition. A reader named Fin from Manchester praised Metro for providing quirky stories for a family quiz, calling the publication the "by far and away the winner" for contributions in 2025.
Meanwhile, Michael from Chingford expressed a touch of envy while reading the Rush Hour Crush submissions, feeling descriptions like "good looking silver fox" no longer applied to him.
Another significant topic raised was the call for a William Blake museum in London. Readers Helen Elwes and Stephen Micalef of The William Blake Congregation noted that despite the poet and artist being "the patron saint of London," there is no museum dedicated to him in the capital. They highlighted that his last surviving London home at 17 South Molton Street, Mayfair, is being refurbished into a luxury apartment and appealed to Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, a known Blake fan, to help save it as a museum.
The debate remains open, with Metro inviting readers to continue sharing their views on these and other topics in the comments section.
