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Legendary Detroit Concert Venue Harpos is for Sale

If you’re a heavy metal and hard rock fan, chances are you’ve been to Harpos a few times in your day. Even if you haven’t been there, the venue has…

Image of a dark concert hall

Getty Images / rbv

Getty Images / rbv

If you're a heavy metal and hard rock fan, chances are you've been to Harpos a few times in your day. Even if you haven't been there, the venue has likely hosted some of your favorite bands. I remember going to see Sevendust at Harpos back around 2008. It was such a great show, and the sound was fantastic. I've also seen several other rock and metal shows there, but it's been a while. Well, it could all be changing soon, as Harpos is for sale.

Harpos Concert Theatre, which is located on Detroit's east side at Harper and Chalmers by I-94, is for sale. The Farbman Group website has listed the property for sale. The post describes Harpos as "a world-renowned concert venue and an iconic piece of Detroit history, which has hosted many famous acts such as: U2, Iron Maiden, Poison, Slayer, Judas Priest, Ted Nugent, Godsmack, LL Cool J, Run DMC, and many others." Moreover, the post boats that "the property is strategically located off I-94 and minutes away from I-75 and M-10 providing ample redevelopment opportunities for various uses."

Farbman broker Brad Margolis gave some extra information about the sale to Kurk Pinho of Crain's Detroit Business. He says that Harpos owner Ruzvelt Stevanovski wants to use proceeds from the potential sale to improve the venue. "The owner is looking to stay and continue running it," Margolis told Crain's. "He's looking for some money to inject into renovations and upgrades to do more shows, looking for Harpos to continue the legacy it has, remain a concert hall, and kind of revitalize it. If someone came in and wanted to change the use, he's not interested in that." So, it sounds like he really wants it to stay a music venue. I would be sad to see Harpos go.

Concerts are all about good vibes and enjoying great music. But sometimes, there's an annoying side to the experience: dealing with bad concert etiquette. While most attendees understand the need for respect and consideration, a few don't get it. From talking during quiet moments to excessive smartphone use, it's safe to say that not everyone gets the memo on how to keep the concert vibe alive.

Unruly Concert Fans

With Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour breaking records and drawing massive crowds, many concertgoers have found themselves dealing with less-than-ideal behavior from their fellow music enthusiasts. In fact, videos have surfaced showcasing artists dealing with unruly fans.

From Cardi B to Pink

Remember that incident with Cardi B? She threw a microphone into the crowd after someone chucked a drink at her during a concert. And let's not forget when Harry Styles got smacked in the eye by a piece of candy in Vienna, and Bebe Rexha needed stitches because she got hit by a mobile phone in New York. And Pink had quite the surprise when someone decided to scatter their mother's ashes on stage during her show in London. But maybe the most jaw-dropping moment was when Ava Max got slapped by a concertgoer right in the middle of her performance in Los Angeles.

Some people speculate that the extended break from live music during the pandemic might have brought in a wave of post-COVID attendees who are still learning the ropes of concert etiquette. According to the LA Times, many people link this issue to COVID-19, suggesting that the pandemic may have affected our social skills. While the pandemic did have a significant impact, the LA Times argues that it's time to stop using it as an excuse for unruly behavior, especially since by the end of 2020, COVID-19 shutdowns have ended, and restrictions have eased.

So, what are some concert no-nos that count as bad etiquette? Check out our list below.

Throwing Things at the Stage. You're Not Thor!

Never throw objects, such as drinks or debris, during a concert. This can cause harm to other concertgoers and disrupt the performance. Not to mention, it's just rude. In July, singer BeBe Rexha had to get stitches after getting hit by a cellphone during her New York show.

Holding Giant Posters & Signs. You're Not On the Picket Line!

Certain performers are open to engaging with signs displayed by fans in the audience. But oversized banners and signs can be disruptive, potentially obstructing the view for other concert attendees. Imagine dropping a bunch of cash to see your favorite artist, and all you get is a close-up of someone's giant poster. So, maybe think twice about lugging those signs along and just leave them at home. Still, it's worth noting that a massive sign isn't necessarily a concert showstopper. Take, for instance, Chris Dare and his wife Shantelle, who attended Adele's Las Vegas show in August. They held up a sign that read, "Adele, will you do our gender reveal?" To everyone's surprise, Adele invited them on stage, saying, "No one's really allowed signs in here. I'm just obsessed that you got one in. I've never done this." She then revealed the baby's gender in a viral video moment.

https://twitter.com/arianaunext/status/1678626999063965696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1678626999063965696%7Ctwgr%5E35850095b695eca8d6dc3824037df7ea6b1e7898%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insider.com%2Fconcert-fan-snatches-sign-viral-tiktok-2023-7

Excessive Phone User

Bright screens and loud notifications can be distracting. Silence your phone, and if you need to use it, step out of the concert area. This also goes for taking photos and videos. A few pics or short videos are cool, but nobody wants to watch the whole concert through your shaky camera. Plus, it can block others' views. In July, Miranda Lambert stopped her Las Vegas concert mid-song to call out fans for taking selfies.

Person holding modern smartphone on a concert.

m-gucci/ Getty Images

In & Out Concertgoer

Don't be that person who's always up and down during a concert. If you absolutely have to leave your seat, do it quietly when there's a break between songs. Think about it, every time you get up, you make a whole row stand up to let you through. So, save your bathroom breaks and drink refills for intermissions, or opt for an aisle seat if you know you'll be up and down a lot during the show. It'll help keep things smooth for everyone.

People in the auditorium watching the performance. The audience in the theater.

igoriss/ Getty Images

Loud Chit Chat

Nobody likes the person who talks loudly during the entire concert. They're the one who chats with their friends at full volume, not realizing they're annoying everyone else trying to enjoy the music. Essentially, they unintentionally disrupt the concert experience for others who just want to listen to the music without constant chatter in the background. If you want to chat, do it outside the concert area.

Cheerful crew dancing together and an outdoors festivalMario Tama/Getty Images

bernardbodo/ Getty Images

Inebriation Nation

Excessive drinking or drug use can lead to obnoxious behavior and can be a safety concern. In a way, the concertgoer who's sloppy drunk or high is like the wild card at the concert. They add an unpredictable element to the mix. While they might be having a blast, their actions can be a distraction and annoyance to others who are trying to enjoy the music in a more composed manner.

Silhouette of a woman in a crowd watching concert at open air music festival and enjoying. Crowd with raised hands.

zamrznutitonovi/ Getty Images

Space Invader

Remember to respect people's personal space and be aware of how you move around in the crowd. Most concerts are all about dancing and having a good time, so feel free to dance the night away. Just be sure to look around and make sure you're not accidentally bumping into others while you're at it. Additionally, being considerate means refraining from pushing or shoving them to get closer to the stage.

Happy crowd enjoying at music festival in nightclub

Wavebreakmedia/ Getty Images

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.